Dunwoody Election Day 2011

I've been mentally composing this post for a couple of weeks and when I was finally ready and able to put it down, I got a cold splash of perspective.  Found out (on Facebook, of all places) that a Phi Mu sister who I communicated with on our sorority listserv and on LinkedIn was killed in a car crash last night leaving behind her husband and children.

So everything below this line suddenly seems verrrrrrry small.  People and lives are more important than political arguments, neighborhood squables, or business negotiations.  I live my life this way but every so often you get jerked up short and reminded when you least expect it.

These are random thoughts, sometimes contradictory, that follow me to the polls this evening.  Some are about one candidate or issue, some about several, some are a "big picture" perspective.

No one running in this election is Evil Incarnate.  We're not talking Damien and The Omen here.  When choosing among friends, acquaintances, neighbors, and that guy I see while driving to school every morning, you're choosing among fellow humans.  Like every election there is rarely a candidate that every voter agrees with 100% of the time on every issue.  Best you can do is vote for the one who is not only closest to your ideals, but also the one who can be reasoned with to find middle ground when the inevitable disagreements arise.

Long-term politicians have a bad rep.  Some deserve it, some don't.  Building a career in politics does not necessarily mean that a candidate does not have local issues and people at heart.  For Dunwoody to become a city, legislative bills were introduced and passed and the state Constitution was changed so we were even permitted to vote.  That process was handled by (wait for it....) career politicians.  Dunwoody owes its existence in part to these people so they can't be all bad.

The PCID is the reason we're able to stay afloat financially.  It was a huge political football during the incorporation fight and probably the key reason there was so much opposition from the County, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce and other citizens.  (Anyone else remember the "Why you take my CID?" chants from the grassroots opposition?)  PCID is a part of Dunwoody, but a very different one with different needs than the stereotypical bedroom communities.  It would be unwise to hamstring it with ordinance and zoning restriction more suitable to a suburb full of center-hall colonials.  The new Zoning code, when it's written should take that into account and find a way to let this very unique district develop in its own way.

Leadership is leadership:  the ability to coalesce a group of people and move them to a common goal.  It is actually more difficult to do this with volunteers than with paid employees.  Paid employees are persuaded with a paycheck.  Volunteers need emotional motivation which is infinitely harder.  Don't count out the person whose experience is in working with volunteers - they've done the hardest job.

During the Chamber of Commerce forum someone (Terry Nall?) mentioned that out of the 2500 (approx) registered businesses in Dunwoody, that 500 of them are home-based.  I'd like to dig around and find out if that number is anywhere near correct.  That would mean that a full 20% of business establishments in this city are run from someone's home!  That's not just a scattered handful of residents quietly indulging a quirky hobby, unwittingly dragged in front of City Council and used as poster children for someone's utopian re-visioning of Dunwoody.  That's a significant percentage of residents who choose (or need) to conduct business in this way to make a living!  Home based work is going to have to be taken much more seriously as a significant part of this city's economic viability.

The daytime population of Dunwoody is over 100K.  The citizen count in the census is 46K.  Homeowners are 50% of that population, which is about 23K.  That means that generally, resident citizens are outnumbered 2 - 1 by students, employees, customers, and commuters.  Homeowners are outnumbered 5 - 1.  A city government will ignore the needs of that extended population at their peril.  Being involved in the DHA leadership is not "nothing" experience, but is a DHA board/exec board member going to be able to take into account the needs of non-homeowners when making city decisions?  Whether you're part of the DHA or other HOA in town, it's easy to find consensus among your membership when your needs are under attack and you're all taking cover in the same foxhole.  What happens when you become the status quo and all those annoying little differences that were previously overlooked come to the forefront?  Who is going to ensure that other populations continue to come to Dunwoody - and more, ensure that they leave some money behind?

The Parks "Plan" and the apartments.  Either someone is flying under my radar and really does have evil intentions toward apartment residents along PIB, or someone did some galaxy-class piss-poor communicating.  The planning process has been full of holes from jump.  From the questions asked on the initial survey, to the statistical analysis and interpretation.  (I mentioned the flaws in the latter at a DHA meeting and my point soared over everyone's head - that there was no way to tell whether people were telling the truth on the parks surveys, or if they were giving what they thought were The Correct Answers, based on what was expected.)  Then there's questions of who is influencing what on behalf of what group.  Then the amount of debt.  Then breaking down the debt to "what does each person pay".  That breakdown tactic is the same one car dealerships use to persuade a sale - get the customer to focus on the per month payment, not the total cost.  I don't go for that line of thinking when buying a car, I don't go for it for any other large financial decision either.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse another piece of the puzzle becomes the anticipated October Surprise and if pursued will result in the displacement of several hundred (thousand?) Dunwoody residents.  Whoever gets elected, make note:  I will not vote in favor of any plan for any reason that involves the confiscation of private residential property.  Unless the home is structurally unsound or the property a public health hazard,  you're not going to build your support base by removing people.  I don't buy the "reduce crime" argument either.  First, because there is more crime in the PCID than along PIB and no one is proposing turning that into a park.  Second because crime is reduced by law enforcement at all levels.  If you're not going to treat your residents as people, then why are you working in the public sector and who exactly are you working for?  If this plan does not imply removing people, then you best clarify your plans a lot better before signing off on a press release.  Make it really clear you're treating people with the same dignity you want for yourself, you'll have a much easier time selling your ideas.

Finally, I hope that after today, Chip and Rob get a room and resolve that tension in private.  I'll even donate the wine, rose petals, and leather accessories, just take it behind closed doors for a while, ok fellas?

GO VOTE!!!

Opportunity Knocking: Google+ Now Open for Business Pages

Hot off the presses as of 90 minutes ago.
In its latest effort to compete with Facebook, Google + is now allowing businesses to create pages just like (wait for it....) FB.

Full article here on Search Engine Land.

Important excerpts for those looking to try this out.  (Including yours truly, who just added it to the ever-expanding system upgrade project!)

Not everyone who goes to that page will get in (many will get a “Google+ Pages isn’t ready for everyone” message). Again, it’s a random rollout happening over the next two days. But once you gain access, you’ll be asked to create a page in one of five categories:

• Local Business or Place
• Product or Brand
• Company, Institution or Organization
• Arts, Entertainment or Sports
• Other 

Here's where it gets interesting:

Of course, many local businesses have already claimed their pages in the completely separate Google Places. Much of the information that Google+ Pages for local businesses wants — and more — are on those pages. But they remain unconnected. Google tells me: "Currently, Place pages and Google+ Pages must be managed separately. A Place page provides information about a business and makes it easy for customers to find local businesses on Google Maps and local search; while a Google+ page provides business owners with additional ways to engage, build relationships and interact directly with customers."

So if your small business is already listed on Google Places (and you should be to boost your rankings.  If you're not, then what are you waiting for???)  you have to decide if you want to put the time and effort into a second Google-based networking tool that isn't connected to the first.  AND - has fewer eyeballs than Facebook by a landslide.

Review the article at the link above for more info on how to create a page, including some interesting limitations to the obviously step-wise technical rollout.  IMHO, the desirability of a Google+ business page is going to be directly proportional to the amount of time and effort you want to put in to (a) experimenting with new outlets and (b) using social media at all.

I got the "not ready for everyone" message so I'll rely on the comments section of those who want to play with this new function for a first-hand account of its workability or lack thereof.

Dunwoody Election 2011: Lynn Deutsch

Our latest response is from Lynn Deutsch.  She is running for District 2 at large.  \

1) What one qualification do you have for elected office that exceeds those
of your opponents?

What sets me apart from my opponent is my service on the City of Dunwoody Planning Commission and my consistent and current involvement in city issues.  I have attended City Council meetings, actively participating in multiple city issues, for the last three years.  I am ready to hit the ground running as I am very familiar with the many issues and challenges facing the city.

2) The City's Economic Development Department's stated purpose is "The City
of Dunwoody Economic Development Director is responsible for leading efforts
to retain, expand and attract businesses that support a broad array of
employment opportunities; strategically grow its knowledge-based economy;
and expand the City's tax base." What should be this department's next
priority task to accomplish this purpose?

I think the Economic Development Department has done a great job thus far.  They have attracted several high quality companies and retail outlets to Dunwoody.  The department must continue to market Dunwoody as well as focusing on retaining the businesses that are already here.  Exit surveys for businesses relocating out of Dunwoody must be part of the department’s strategy as well.  If we understand why businesses choose other locations, or leave Dunwoody, we can better strategize in the future.

3) What was the City's best business decision to date? (Any level or
department, since operations started.)

Dunwoody’s model of government, using some private entities to provide public services, has been very successful.  This model has allowed Dunwoody to offer high quality services for less cost than other governments.  In addition, the city is able to hire companies that specialize in specific service provision and control costs..


4) What was one business decision made by the City (at any level, since
operations started) that should not have been made? If you were given the
chance, what would you have recommended be done differently?

The Perimeter Center Improvement District needs its own overlay district.  Treating the PCID the same as Dunwoody neighborhoods is a mistake and makes extra work for everyone from landlords to the city employees.  A retail establishment that backs up to I-285 should not have the same sign requirements as a retail establishment that backs up to a neighborhood.  We want the Ashford-Dunwoody corridor to be high quality and not turn into “just another highway exit” but we must use common sense.   The overlay district for the PCID should have been a top priority.

5) As a member of City Council, you will be able to appoint or recommend
members of various commissions. Besides an interest in the subject, and a
desire to serve, what qualifications do you want to see in a potential
commission member?

I am going to cast a wide net looking for interested persons who may want to serve.  I think that the vast majority of citizens are unaware that there are opportunities for really meaningful involvement or if they are aware, they have no idea how to get involved.  My recommendations will be for people who, aside from being interested in serving, will do the work necessary, attend the meetings and have a long term view to their involvement with the city.  I would like us to use these commissions to get more citizens really involved in Dunwoody.    


6) Which City department or commission (besides the Police) is the most
critically important in developing the future of Dunwoody?

The Economic Development department is critically important to the future of Dunwoody.  What types of businesses we attract and retain has a direct impact on our commercial tax base, which impacts our ability to provide high quality services.  Empty commercial space is a huge negative for a community and lowers property values for everyone.


7) Which City department or commission do you feel is underserved and needs
more attention in terms of funding and other resources (including
personnel)?

Code Enforcement.  If we are going to take code enforcement seriously, we need more than one person serving in this department.  If we pass ordinances, then we need  to enforce them, otherwise they shouldn’t be on the books.

8) In what ways should the City and Chamber of Commerce (or any other
private entity) collaborate and in what ways should they be working
separately to grow the City's economic base?

The City can collaborate with the Chamber and the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) to promote Dunwoody to both businesses and visitors.  The City and these organizations share a mutual goal, the success of the City.   The Chamber and CVB can be more creative with initiatives because of their funding sources.

9) Elected officials are constantly contacted with requests to have specific
issues addressed by local citizens. If elected, how will you prioritize what
issues get on the Council agenda, what will get further private discussion,
and what will be tabled?

This will be one of the most challenging aspects of being a council person.  I will work with my constituents to help them solve issues that don’t require council intervention,  I will be cautious with introducing issues that really aren’t appropriate for Council meetings.  The City has to be a city, not a Homeowners’ Association and it is important to remember this as we move forward.

10) Open Mike Question: Make any statement you like on what issue or action
will be most important to you as an elected official.

When I am elected to the Dunwoody City Council, I will be accessible and available to my constituents. I am both a good listener and a good communicator. I will hold regularly scheduled town hall meetings where I will actively solicit feedback about issues. I will keep in close contact via a newsletter so that Dunwoody citizens can be regularly updated on issues that are important to them. I have friends in nearly every neighborhood in Dunwoody and am lucky that I can call on them to assist me in distributing information.