Johns Creek Election 2016: Voters Backing Parks Bond

JOHNS CREEK, GA — It appears the city of Johns Creek is on its way to approving a referendum that would expand its offering of parks and green space.

As of 11:30 p.m. and with 86 percent of the precincts reporting, the proposed parks bond referendum appears to be winning the approval of voters, with 19,872 voters casting their ballots in favor and 10,290 voters opposing the measure, unofficial election results from Georgia's Secretary of State's office show.

If those numbers hold steady, the bond would provide for an amount up to $40 million that will be specifically used for the development of new and existing parks and for acquisition of additional parks and green space.

At the county level, Fulton County voters outside Atlanta also appear to want a $.75 sales tax that would fund transportation projects. That referendum is leading 115,951 to 103,444 votes with 86 percent of the precincts reporting their results.

If the measure passes, the projected revenue will be divided up based upon the population of each Fulton city.

Unsurprisingly, Fulton County is leaning towards Democrat Hillary Clinton when it comes to the presidential race. Clinton is leading the race in the county with 265,480 votes, compared to Republican Donald Trump at 105,132 and Independent Gary Johnson at 13,741.

• Get Fulton County election results here.

Fulton voters also appear to be opposing a constitutional amendment that would create an opportunity school district for so-called failing schools. Unofficial results show the county rejecting the measure 218,380 to 165,145 votes.

Out of the 590,362 registered voters in the county, a total of 393,577 votes have been cast so far, those unofficial results show.

Mother and daughter, Pam and Lauryn Dichting, both ventured to the Bill Johnson Community Activity Building at Roswell Area Park to cast their ballots.

Lauryn Dichting said she and her mother were just "doing our due diligence" when it came to performing their civic duty. Both women also said they made sure they read up on proposed constitutional amendments before making their respective choices.

Sam Bradford said he came out to vote because of the importance of deciding our nation's next president.

He also said he had a particular interest in the proposed constitutional amendments that would create an opportunity school district and would fund child victims' services. Bradford also said he felt it was important to make a decision on the proposed $.75 sales tax that would fund transportation projects in Fulton County.

When asked to discuss what the mood is like among those closes to him, Bradford said his family and close circle of friends are simply relieved.

"The people I've been talking to are extremely glad that it's over," he said, referring to the election season.

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