Roswell Resident Qualifies To Run For Mayor

ROSWELL, GA -- Another candidate has formally qualified to become the third person to fourth person to run for mayor of Roswell.

Sandra Sidhom has entered the race, joining fellow candidates Michael Litten and Lori Henry, who have qualified to see the seat held by incumbent Jere Wood. Don Horton, who sits on the Council with Henry, has also indicated he will run for the office.

Sidhom said her campaign slogan, Renew Roswell, is part of her belief that "with fresh leadership and truly dedicated public servants like myself, we will be able to change the world starting in our own backyard."

Sidhom, who describes herself as an activist, notes she has a track record of holding the powerful accountable. During the closely watched race for Georgia's 6th Congressional District, the candidate said she "successfully petitioned" Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and Republican candidate Karen Handel to take part in public debates with Democrat Jon Ossoff (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

At the local level, Sidhom said she seeks to jump start Roswell's economy by attracting job creators to help promote sustainable economic growth in the city. Specifically, the candidate said she will use her extensive project management experience in the real estate and construction industries and recruiting experience with companies such as Target, HP and LG to bring quality, high-paying jobs to the city.

"It’s my firm belief that government working with private businesses can create and preserve a prosperous, and robust economy," she said in a news release. "I will also promote a tax policy that encourages economic growth, and responsible budgeting to ensure our city remains in good economic shape."

She also seeks to promote transparency and public safety, improvement in property values, reduction in blight, improve traffic congestion and prioritize green space and parks initiatives.

"We can and must do more to preserve our city's character while promoting sensible growth in our city," she added. "As mayor, I’ll work with our community and business leaders to bring forth a unified vision for growth in our city that promotes economic development while preserving our community's small town feel. We also must ensure our city has the administrative resources in place to properly take part in the development process."

She also said she wants to build partnerships with local schools and organizations to support families with various after-school programs.

"Too many of our children are not getting the support they need outside of the classroom, and it’s time that our city step up and lead the way in supporting stronger families with programs tailored towards the needs of our youth," she added.

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SEE ALSO:

• Council Member Qualifies To Run For Roswell Mayor
• Small Business Owner Runs For Roswell Council
• Roswell Councilman To Run For Mayor
• Court Ruling Ousts Jere Wood From Office; Mayor To Appeal Decision

Sidhom was born in New Jersey, but grew up in Roswell. She graduated from Roswell High School in 2010 and from the University of North Georgia with a bachelor's degree in international affairs in 2014.

Her parents immigrated to the United States from Egypt to "escape religious persecution for their Christian faith," Sidhom added, noting she's a member of St. Mary's Coptic Orthodox Church in Roswell.

Qualifying for Roswell's municipal election will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 25 at Roswell City Hall, which is at 38 Hill Street. Along with the office of mayor, City Council Posts 4, 5, and 6 are all up for re-election. The qualifying fee for the Council seats are $540 and $1,200 for the mayor.

Image via Sandra Sidhom