Two New Faces Seek Election to Austell City Council

The 2011 election season began on Monday with the qualifying period for Austell City Council's two open seats and mayor position.

All incumbents– Mayor Joe Jerkins, Ward 2 Councilman Scott Thomas, Ward 4 City Councilwoman Virginia Reagan and At-Large Post 2 Randy Green turned in their applications on Monday, along with two new faces.

Suzanne Thomason, a 30-year Austell resident, is seeking the position of At-Large Post 2 councilwoman. Thomason worked for 10 years at Austell Elementary. Learn more about her in her

Lance Lamberton, the head of the Cobb Taxpayers Association, is also seeking a seat on the city council. If Lamberton's name sounds familiar it's because his organization, CTA, was the main organization opposing the recent countywide SPLOST, and because he engaged in a televised debate with Rose Wing of the pro-SPLOST group, Citizens for Cobb's Future, earlier this year. 

Lamberton, who is seeking the Ward 4 seat currently held by Virginia Reagan, has lived in Austell for 10 years and has about 40 years of experience as a political activist who insists that government officials be held accountable when it comes to tax and spending issues. He also worked in the Reagan White House. Check back today with South Cobb Patch to read more about him in his "Meet the Candidates" profile.

South Cobb Patch will continue to provide coverage of the 2011 election qualifying period which continues until 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 31. The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Correction: Rose Wing was incorrectly identified as Debra Wing and the Ward 4 city council seat is currently held by Virginia Reagan, not Randy Green.