Alpharetta Mayor, Council Members Resign From Office

ALPHARETTA, GA — The city of Alpharetta is preparing to conduct a special election to fill vacancies triggered by the resignation of three elected officials. Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle announced his resignation from the office Wednesday at the City Council's meeting, an expected move required by his bid to become Georgia's next secretary of state.

Belle Isle's decision also propelled City Council members Jim Gilvin and Chris Owen to resign from their seats. Both men previously announced their plans to seek the office of mayor.

The resignations mean that Mayor Pro Tem Donald Mitchell and Council members Jason Binder, Dan Merkel and Ben Burnett are leading the North Fulton city until the special election is held to fill the vacated seats.

“Be assured that our city, its leadership, and staff will continue to function with strength, vision, and purpose,” Mitchell said following the resignations. “You, the citizens of Alpharetta, will continue to be our number one priority and will continue to receive best in class services.”

Council members at the Feb. 21 meeting adopted an ordinance calling for the special election to be held May 22 to fill the three seats. The special election will coincide with the Democratic and Republican primaries for state offices.

“Our goal was to have the shortest possible period during which the citizens of Alpharetta would be represented by a reduced number of elected officials,” Mitchell added.

Qualifying for Alpharetta's special election will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 5-7. Anyone interested in seeking elected office must physically file his or her's qualifying documents with the city clerk during normal business hours on those days at Alpharetta City Hall. The qualifying fee for mayor is $900 and for each Council post is $450. Qualifying packets may be downloaded from www.alpharetta.ga.us/voting-elections or may be picked up at City Hall.

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