You Ask the Candidates: Brad Sullivan

Recently, Lawrenceville Patch reached out to the community for questions they wanted to ask the . All this week, we will be featuring the candidates' responses to your inquiries.

Brad Sullivan has been a homeowner in the Lawrenceville Square for the past two years and has lived in Gwinnett County for 25 years. Sullivan is the owner of a publishing company and recording studio and works with major television networks.

How important do you think the  is to the overall prosperity and quality of life in Lawrenceville?

Sullivan: I honestly believe it is the most important part of Lawrenceville's
growth. If we can bring in more small businesses and tourism to the square, it will help boost Lawrenceville's economy and will spread to the outer areas. This is a beautiful city and most people try to recreate what we already have. We just need to make it live up to its fullest potential.

Would you change anything about Lawrenceville's current ? If so, what would you change? If not, why?

Sullivan: This ordinance doesn't affect me personally, but from a business perspective I do believe that people will get their alcohol one way or another. Allowing businesses like the wine shop and others to sell will only boost
profits for the businesses and will then in return make more money for
the city. It will also open up the door for other businesses and clubs
to move in. Alcohol is where most of their profits come from.

Do you think ? Why or why not?

Sullivan: Absolutely not... I don't want to hear a UPS, FedEx, or Delta jumbo
plane flying over my house, so why would I want that for yours? It will make the city a less pleasant place to live. Trains are peaceful and a sign of a more simple time; planes just cause pollution and noise. Other cities in the county will benefit from this, but not us. My goal is to keep Lawrenceville clean and a place people want to visit and live. 

What, if anything, would you do to develop the economy within the city limits of Lawrenceville to continue the revitalization efforts?

Sullivan:  I would try to work with property owners and get businesses in these store fronts. They aren't doing any good by remaining empty. No one wants to invest in a city if it looks like it's falling apart and no one wants to invest if the people of the city aren't willing to invest and take a risk also.

Are  important within a city and specifically within a downtown district? Why or why not.

Sullivan: Yes, they are. Look at Piedmont Park and the area around it. There is a whole new life there and people are spending money to live near it. People like having the option of walking to a park to enjoy an afternoon with their family, see a concert, or watch a movie. The addition of more parks and family-friendly places will lead to more families and businesses moving in nearby.