Mayor Paul Discusses Transportation With President Trump

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul and his counterparts around the state and country were invited to the White House this week to discuss issues such as attempts to address the nation's crumbling infrastructure, the economy and the opioid epidemic sweeping the country.

Paul told Patch he wanted to use the opportunity to focus on infrastructure, "though the other topics are also vital subjects for those of us living in cities."

"I was a bit surprised to be invited, but felt Sandy Springs should be part of this type of discussion," he said.

In a video posted Wednesday evening on the city's Facebook page, the mayor said the city received some "good news" from the U.S. Department of Transportation. That agency, Paul said, is working on a plan that would reduce the approval period for road and other infrastructure projects from 10 to two years, "which will be a huge savings to taxpayers and allow us to get projects moving much more quickly."

This would allow the city to make a dent in congestion, improve mobility and the quality of life for citizens in Sandy Springs, he added.

"So, it was a very good meeting today," he said. "I was really excited about what I heard and I felt like it was a good dialogue between the mayors who came and the senior officials within the administration to talk about some key issues that face those of us in local government."

Other Georgia mayors in attendance include Keisha Lance-Bottoms of Atlanta, Mike Bodker of Johns Creek, Hardie Davis, Jr. of Augusta, Boyd Austin Jr. of Dallas, Phil Best of Dublin, Nancy Denson of Athens, Steven Edwards of Sugar Hill, Dorothy Hubbard of Albany, Reynaldo Martinez of Loganville, Kay Pippin of Jackson, Robert Reichert of Macon, Vanessa Rogers-Fleisch of Peachtree City, James Thornton of LaGrange, Vince Williams of Union City and William Yearta of Sylvester.

Image via city of Sandy Springs