Peachtree Corners First Candidate Forum Well Attended

Monday night was an historic moment for Peachtree Corners folks - the citizens of this brand spanking new city had, for the first time, a chance to meet the candidates who they will be voting on to run their new city.

The idea of cityhood was but a dream a year ago when State Rep. Tom Rice (R-Dist 52) introduced H.B. 396 to create the new city of Peachtree Corners. Now the voters of Gwinnett's newest city will be heading to the polls on March 6 to elect six council members and a mayor to form their new city.

There was excitement in the air as the Post 1 candidates, Phil Sadd and Joe Sawyer took their seats along with the 10 candidates running for the at-large posts of 4, 5 and 6 in the Fellowship Hall of .

President Pat Bruschini and Gay Shook, the organization's Vice President of Programs, both were surprised at the large turnout. "We expected a smaller group than this," said Bruschini.

Jim Blum, an attorney and resident of Peachtree Corners, moderated the forum. Candidates were given three minutes to introduce themselves, then answered questions provided by the audience.

It was a nervous beginning for the candidates, many of whom are running for a public office for the first time. Each had their own explanation on why they were seeking a seat on the city council, but there was a common theme to all of their messages. They wanted the opportunity to make their community a better place to live and watch Peachtree Corners grow and prosper.

"We are now Peachtree Corners," said David Leader, who was involved with the opposition group against cityhood. "Whether you were for or against, we're one now."

There were 14 candidates invited to attend, Post 1 candidate Nneka Chukwu and Post 4 candidate Robert Indech did not respond to UPCCA's invitation to participate in the forum.

In addition to the two Post 1 candidates attending Monday night:

Post 4 candidates Jeanne Aulbach, Robert Byars, Gloria Rucks

Post 5 candidates Lorri Christopher, Brent Johnson, Gray Terry

Post 6 candidates Raymond Cobb, Weare Gratwick, David Leader, Brian Stickney

Tuesday night's candidate forum will highlight Post 2 candidates Jay Lowe and Stephen Peet. The Post 4, 5 and 6 candidates for the at-large city council seats will return.

Tonight's UPCCA sponsored forum will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Candidates will be on hand at 7 p.m. if you would like to come early and meet them before the forum begins.

Editor's note: Click here for candidate profiles, a voting district map along with additional information on the upcoming city elections.