Willsey Enters Roswell Special Election For Vacant Council Seat

ROSWELL, GA -- Another Roswell resident has formally declared her intentions to run for the vacant Post 4 seat on the City Council.

Marie Willsey, who has lived in the city since 1993, has qualified to run in the March 21 special election to fill the seat vacated by former councilman Kent Igleheart.

“Today, the city of Roswell faces both opportunities and challenges, and it is critical that we have leadership with vision, thoughtfulness, and dedication to representing the entire community,” Willsey said in a statement. “It’s time to find solutions and move forward on actions that will protect our neighborhoods, preserve our character, quality of life, and history, and direct redevelopment to the right places."

Willsey is involved with the city of Roswell as an advocate for the community, having served as president of the Horseshoe Bend Community Association since 2013. She participated in the Roswell Leadership Focus in 2014 and 2016, has served on the Roswell Planning Commission since August 2015 and served on the 2035 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee.

The candidate is also an active board member of the Roswell Arts Fund, where she is pursuing her interest in the strengthening the arts in Roswell and is actively involved in ArtAround Roswell, a sculpture tour now in its second year. She joined the Centennial High School Governance Council as a community representative in August 2016.

As a city planning commissioner, Willsey attends council meetings, work sessions, and "is well versed in the critical issues currently facing the city," her press release states. She also said she's prepared and ready to hit the ground running as the newest elected official.

“A need for focused redevelopment on the commercial corridors, especially along Holcomb Bridge Road, from east to west, is one of the most crucial issues currently facing the city," Willsey added. "If elected, I pledge to work for redevelopment efforts that are achievable, sustainable, and fit the needs and character of the community.”

A native of Cumming, Willsey is a graduate of the University of Georgia and holds a master’s degree in business administration and a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations. She and her husband, Glen, are raising their son. They also have two adult children who live in Orlando, Florida.

Willsey is owner of a small business specializing in marketing and communications.

“Across the city, we are all looking for solutions that will protect and enhance our neighborhoods, and preserve the cultural, historical and recreational resources that we love,” said Willsey. “I will bring a new voice to the table and encourage conversation and collaboration that brings our residents together.”

More details can be found on www.marieforroswell.com.

Image via Marie Willsey