The published info from the local paper seemed to indicate that these absentee ballots would not be mailed until next Monday.

Probably a screw up by the paper, but mine arrived today (Wed 10-18-17), so probably they were mailed this past Monday.

No matter either way, mine is not filled out and will be back in the mail tomorrow.

Only Ward 2 and 3 were contested races and I voted for the challengers in each race (Stanton and Estes) on the basis that what is now in office should be replaced by NEW people.

I have only been in Canton 22 months but have found the elected officials AND the useless City Manager to be very uninterested in any input from citizens.

My own ignored issues were about better regulations for any firearms businesses and an intersection that needed some trees removed.

No interest from elected officials and snotty comments from the useless City Manager.

For info see: https://cantonga.blogspot.com/

For the SPLOT 1% tax continuing I voted 'NO'.

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10/15/17

MEET THE CANDIDATE - Ward 3

♦ Facebook — Nick Estes for Canton

♦ What’s the biggest problem facing Canton today, and how do you plan to address it?

Sustainable growth is the biggest problem and opportunity that we are facing as a city. As development continues to accelerate in and around Canton, we need to make sure that we have the right infrastructure to support the level of growth in residential and economic growth. I will work collaboratively with the mayor and city council to think proactively to develop plans and actions to drive the right kind of growth for our city while maintaining the charm that makes us unique.

♦ Name something Canton needs more of and less of. Why?

We need to see more action and decisions around how we support sustainable growth across our entire city. The near term focus has over indexed on economic development in the historic downtown district, which has been successful. I will work locally to ensure we boost the level of engagement for ideas and feedback.

Canton needs to see less committees and more action. I’ve heard from many residents who dedicated their time on committees to provide feedback on our plans and now they want to see their ideas in action. I support feedback from our community and will work to continue to engage locally, but want to make sure everyone’s efforts are translated into action.

♦ What has the current city council done well and what do they need to work on?

I respect the level of alignment and collaboration that most of the members have achieved as they have worked together. This year, I have had the opportunity to meet, listen and share ideas for growth with many on the council. If elected, I will use my professional experience and passion for our city to continue the momentum. As we grow, I believe that the council will need to focus on the sustainability of growth and ensuring that the right level of infrastructure (including transportation, water, sewer and schools) are well thought out to enable our city to grow but maintain the charm that makes us unique.

♦ With your direction, where do you see the city heading in the next four years and how do you plan to make that a reality?

By day, I am a solutions-oriented business leader. I will leverage my experience to drive action related to the overarching strategy and ideas that have been outlined to sustainably grow our city over the next four years.

♦ The city has seen a double homicide, several shootings, a prostitution ring and a drug deal turned armed robbery in the past few months. Many residents have said this is not the Canton they know. What do you think the city should do to address these crimes in our community?

I believe that crime prevention first starts with community policing, which is something that Chief Mitchell and the city have embraced. We have proactively seen police officers in all communities and their engagement and presence will continue to drive us back to the safe communities that we wish to see. Second, while these incidents have occurred, the speed at which our police department was able to respond and solve these crimes is something needs to continue to be recognized. Finally, our city needs to continue provide support and resources to ensure our police force can provide the level of support our city requires.

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My comment:

The current administration (mayor/Council and City Manager) do not seem responsive to suggestions from citizens. I found this to be true in bringing up a traffic issue and in asking for a few sentences to be added to current codes to mandate that any store (now or in the future) selling firearms MUST have all of them locked up during hours they are closed. Time to get some new people in City Hall who will listen and react. (Just for full disclosure I donated $200 to Estes)

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10/4/17

NOV 7th ELECTION FOR 3 CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS:

Although the City is divided up into 'Wards' these artificial boundaries are largely meaningless as this is an 'at large' election where voters can choose candidates in any of the wards, not just the one you happen to live in.

The only possible use for the dividing up of the City into Wards might be that if you had a traffic problem, overgrown lot, etc, you should take it up with the Council member of your Ward as that person will actually be living within that Ward and should be able to help you.

Otherwise the Ward designation is pretty worthless as you can vote for candidates in each Ward.

Below is the ballot FYI.

I always vote via 'absentee ballot' as I am not going to bother to drive to a polling place and show some ex-KGB Border Guard my government issued ID nor would I stand in line that might be short or long, you won't know until you get there.

So my expense for voting is one stamp to return the ballot and a few minutes registering online for it and a few more minutes filling it out.

My vote this time around will be for the challengers in Ward 2 and Ward 3. This is on the general theory that those in office should be out of office as they are likely part of the problem in screwing up the country, state and city. So get new people in and if they are as bad as the ones voted out of office then the next election dump them also.

I did meet with Mr. Nick Estes who is running in Ward 3 against incumbent John Rust, so both Estes and Ms. Stanton will get my vote.

As to the SPLOT, I will vote 'No' as we have enough taxes now and don't need to continue it again. Also if your definition of the usage of the tax is in mice type you just have to assume that the powers that be are trying to flim flam you, if they can't explain it in 50 words then they are up to no good. So I am voting 'NO' on that.

Just one final word here. While I have only been in Canton for 22 months I have brought up 3 separate issues with mayor/council and have not found any assistance there.

This lack of interest also includes the City Manager Mr. Pepper who is definitely 10 miles of bad road and should be removed by the council for someone more interested in input from residents of Canton.

See also: https://cantonga.blogspot.com/

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Some correspondence with the Canton City Manager FYI:

Just FYI and as a matter of 'full disclosure', on 9/30/17 I met with Mr. Nick Estes who is running for Canton, Ward 3, City Council, contending for the seat with the incumbent Mr. John Rust.

I donated $200 to Mr. Estes and authorized him to put up 2 campaign signs on my property.

Details at: https://www.facebook.com/estesforcanton/

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Overgrown lot ▶ Open

100 Prominence Point Parkway Canton, Georgia • Hide Map

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REPORTER

Davey

Civic Points: 890

Issue ID:

3740396

Submitted To:

City of Canton

Category:

Other

Viewed:

1 time

Neighborhood:

Canton

Reported:

less than a minute ago

Tagged:

blighted property, tree, overgrowth

DESCRIPTION

Please notify Code Enforcement of this overgrown lot next to the Dollar Tree store at the T intersection of Prominence Point Pky and Ash St Connector (old name is Gray Rd).

This is a corner lot, vision is blocked by over grown weeds and trees. Also the curb cut for a potential driveway allows rocks and gravel to roll into the street.

Owners should be required to clean it up ASAP.

REPORT ISSUES VIA: https://seeclickfix.com/canton_3

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FYI: Information on Recent Canton City Managers at: https://cantonga.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2017-09-23T20:31:00-07:00&max-results=7

CANTON GEORGIA

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

CANTON ABSENTEE BALLOTS ARE IN YOUR MAILBOX TODAY