Peachtree Corners Becomes Gwinnett's Newest City

It was the moment this group had long awaited. Mike Mason, who spearheaded the Peachtree Corners Yes campaign, announced to a jubilent crowd of supporters Tuesday night (Nov. 8, 2011) that the referendum to incorporate the community of Peachtree Corners had passed.

As the reports from the precincts came in one by one, the group of supporters began hugging each other and finally it was announced after all 13 precincts had reported in that cityhood was a reality with a final 57% to 43% favorable vote.

"I tell you the Peachtree Corners people realized that "no" is not a plan for the future," said Mason, referring to the group opposing cityhood whose campaign offered a strident message of "No City" as its campaign slogan.

For the majority who had gathered at a local restaurant, there was a collective sigh of relief as they began to realize the fruits of their labors.

"It probably won't sink in until tomorrow," said Alex Wright, who had spent a good part of the campaign getting information out by blogging and responding to the questions people posted on cityhood.

State Rep. Tom Rice (R-Dist. 52), Gwinnett County Dist. 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard and the former Norcross mayor, Lillian Webb, were among those present when the news was announced.

There is plenty of work ahead Mason acknowledged but at least for one day he's got plans other than working on the campaign.

"I'm going to do nothing," he said with a smile. "We're going to get our life back to normal," chimed in his wife, Debbie Mason.

But life will probably mean a new concept of normal for Mason and those who hope to be a part of running the new City of Peachtree Corners.

In the not too distant future campaigning for a mayor and council members will begin for the county's 16th and largest city.