Meet the Candidates: Garry Osborne

Smyrna’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 and a record 19 candidates are on the ballot. In their words, candidates will be introducing themselves here at Patch. Today, we have Ward 7 city council candidate Garry Osborne, who is running against Ron Fennel, Ziad Salameh and Vic Yankouski.

I have lived in the City of Smyrna for more than thirty years in the Patricia Place neighborhood off Concord Road. My wife and I raised our three children in Smyrna, sent them to the local schools, carpooled and worked concession stands for basketball, baseball, softball, soccer and band. I have served as a PTSA and booster club president.

I have a Bachelor Degree from Berry College and a Masters Degree from the State University of West Georgia. I had a career in sales and marketing at the corporate level before deciding to change careers to become a high school teacher.

I have taught Economics and U.S. Government at Campbell High School for the last thirteen years where I am a certified Advancement Placement and International Baccalaureate teacher. Coming from a business background I bring a unique perspective to the classroom.

Through the years I have enjoyed the many benefits of our great city. I would like to have the opportunity to give back by serving on the City Council to specifically represent the citizens of Ward 7 and the citizens of Smyrna in general.

I am particularly interested in zoning, planning and development. Revenue and budgeting is also of interest.

One of my goals if elected will be to focus on improving South Cobb Drive both aesthetically and commercially. I would like to develop a program of targeted incentives to get businesses to open in Smyrna and fill the vacant buildings along South Cobb Drive. This will increase our business tax base, create local jobs and attract more businesses looking for a vibrant place to open and grow.

If elected to the Smyrna City Council, I will work tirelessly to represent your interests. Smyrna is a great place to live and work but we can make it better.

My platform:

• No property tax increase
• Work with the Cobb County School Board to improve the Smyrna area schools
• Improve and revitalize the South Cobb Drive corridor
• Develop a new marketing plan to fill the shops at the Village Green and attract more visitors and shoppers
• Improve traffic management in Ward 7 and City wide
• Increase police patrols in Ward 7 neighborhoods
• Work with Planning and Development to preserve the integrity of our neighborhoods and protect the investment of home owners

You can reach me:

Website: http://www.garryosborne.com/

Email: gwosborne@bellsouth.net

Phone: 770-712-4101

Mail: 1675 Rose Moss Court, Smyrna, GA 30082