Alpharetta Councilman Announces Reelection Campaign

ALPHARETTA, Ga. — Alpharetta councilman John Hipes announced Wednesday he plans to seek re-election for a full term for Post 4. Hipes was elected in 2018 to fill the vacant seat of Jim Gilvin who now serves as mayor.

Hipes said the city has addressed many important issues over the last year and looks forward to continuing to deliver results for the citizens of Alpharetta.

“Over the last year, we’ve delivered positive results for our residents” Hipes said in a release. “Our council has worked well together and accomplished a great deal. We’ve worked together as a team to move Alpharetta forward.”

One of Hipes’ campaign platforms was the need to balance growth in Alpharetta. In the last year, he said the number of zoning applications has declined and the city council has carefully scrutinized the zoning cases that have come before it. During this time frame, the city has invested heavily in road, sidewalk and storm water infrastructure projects.

“A frequent request I heard from our residents was to make sure the city's infrastructure catches up with the growth. The city has done a good job of budgeting and implementing projects to follow through on those concerns.”

Hipes also pointed to targeted re-development projects like the North Point Mall corridor that will benefit all of Alpharetta.

“Alpharetta has seen tremendous progress in many areas of the city, but the North Point area lagged behind and risked going into decline.”

Earlier this year, the city council approved the first phase of North Point Mall’s redevelopment.

“I’m proud of the action we’ve taken to point North Point Mall in the right direction," he said. "We received a lot of input from residents on what they wanted to see as part of the redevelopment, and then we implemented public input into North Point's first phase.”

Hipes said he wants to bring a thoughtful approach to development if re-elected. Hipes has also been working to solve transportation issues. New transportation projects are underway with even more projects scheduled in the future. Hipes said one of the biggest concerns he’s heard from residents is making sense of the size, scope and timing of new projects.

“The city currently has numerous projects in place with funding from the TSPLOST and city bond," he said. "Additionally, the Georgia Department of Transportation is exploring ways to add express lanes and exits to Ga. 400. It’s essential Alpharetta residents have a clear understanding of where and when these projects will take place and know that their tax dollars are being used effectively and efficiently.”

Hipes said he is working on transportation projects and involving residents in the process by making information about infrastructure improvements transparent and easily attainable.

Hipes also said he voted for the additional homestead exemptions that will be voted on in November.

“I fully support this tax relief for Alpharetta’s homeowners” Hipes said. “Our city and especially our talented finance department have done a terrific job of finding ways to make this tax relief possible.”

If passed by the voters, Alpharetta’s homestead exemption will increase for all homeowners with an additional increase for seniors.

“I’m proud that we were able to keep our millage rate neutral while maintaining a high level of service for our residents and still provide additional tax relief.”

Hipes serves as the council’s liaison to Alpharetta’s Public Safety Department which protects the one of the safest city in the United States. Hipes said he has supported and will continue to support infrastructure improvements such as road milling and resurfacing, parks improvements such as the Wills Park redesign, continued expansion of the AlphaLoop and Greenway, and pedestrian and bicycle safety projects.

“Serving your interests on council in the last year has been a great privilege and a humbling experience," he said. "If re-elected, our residents can expect the same level of work ethic and dedication I’ve always given.”

Hipes has been active in the Alpharetta Community for three decades. He is a member of
Alpharetta First United Methodist Church and a member and past president of the Alpharetta Rotary Club. He serves on the boards of North Fulton Community Charities and the Alpharetta Public Safety Foundation. Hipes is an attorney and his law office is located in downtown Alpharetta. He and his wife Karen live in the Academy Park neighborhood. They have four children and four grandchildren.

“We live in one of the greatest cities in the United States," Hipes said. "I’m proud to serve as your councilman and would be honored to serve you for the next four years.”