Alpharetta Mayor To Run For Secretary of State

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Alpharetta Mayor David Belle Isle said Monday that he will run as a Republican for the office of Secretary of State.

Belle Isle is seeking the seat currently occupied by Brian Kemp, who announced plans earlier this year to run for governor in 2018.

He noted he wants to engage the office to "create an irresistible home state with unmatched opportunity," noting that beyond its direct tasks, Georgia's secretary of state stands as the role of "Keeper of the Seal, a role ideally suited to a mayor's heart."

“As mayor of Alpharetta, I helped lead our city to become the best at what we do best, technology," he said. "We re-imagined and rebuilt our downtown, created events, locations and resources to connect citizens, creating a true sense of affinity and affection for our hometown. I worked hard to create an environment of trust, opportunity and respect. The mission of secretary of state should be no different. I believe we can move past simply being ‘in’ Georgia to being ‘of’ and forever one Georgia.”

Belle Isle went on to say he will address the question of voter security, and work to initiate the latest in physical and cyber security. He also said he'd like to roll out backup reporting, closed circuit data storage and collaborative training for local election boards. Other priorities include bridging the gap for business owners and those who are working to become licensed professionals, and building on the state's unique economic strengths.

“This role requires someone who can connect people to resources and make Georgia the easiest state to start and grow a business or start and grow a licensed career,” said Belle Isle. “We can make Georgia the best at what we do best — the marketing of our crops and livestock, the moving of stuff and people, and, of course, technology. I am not looking for a job, I’m looking to get a job done, to lead and connect these industries and their communities one to another.”

Belle Isle is a graduate of Gainesville's North Hall High School and the University of Georgia. He also holds a JD and MBA from Georgia State University, has practiced corporate law and litigation, and now runs his own business as a real estate attorney at Hipes & Belle Isle, LLC.

David has served as chairman of the North Fulton Mayor’s Association and Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. He also serves as a board member of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the North Fulton Bar Association, Alpharetta Rotary Club, as well as the Alpharetta Business Association and the State Bar of Georgia.

His wife, Candice, is a former kindergarten teacher. They have two children, Colton 14, and Kayley 12, and are members of Northpoint Community Church in Alpharetta.

Image via David Belle Isle