Dear Friends and Citizens:

I hope you and your families are doing well. I am seeking re-election to the Milton City Council (District 6, At-Large).

My first term in office has been marked by preparedness, honesty, integrity, and commitment. I have learned a tremendous amount about community planning and zoning, parks and recreation, public works, transportation, municipal law, budgeting, and council and city staff relationships.

Most of all, I am effective and respectful in a political environment where the views of my fellow elected officials may not be the same as mine or in sync with one another. That experience will be needed as the city continues to move forward from where we began just five years ago.

Four years ago, I committed to the citizens of Milton that I would do the following:

• Preserve Milton's unique, rural equestrian character
• Support smart growth and development that adheres to our land use plan, zoning ordinance, and design standards
• Support fully staffed, equipped, and trained fire and police departments
• Be fiscally conservative with your tax dollars and cut waste
• Take steps to improve the look and character of the Highway 9 area
• Support adoption of a new comprehensive plan that charts our vision for the next 20 years
• Support efforts to strengthen preservation of our trees, waterways, and historic structures
• Vote against extension of sewer to areas of Milton not already on sewer
• Support the creation of a city-wide crime prevention network
• Expand recreation opportunities, acquire additional parkland, and begin the development of parks we already have
• Provide for a local government that is accessible to and inclusive of everyone

The collective efforts of many hardworking volunteers, highly talented and dedicated city staff members, and elected officials have brought us far in our five year history as a city. I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge that the accomplishments listed below were a collective effort, and I am proud to have had a vital role. During my first term in office, among other decisions and accomplishments, I am very proud to have: 

• Voted to approve development that meets our land use plan, zoning ordinance, and design standards
• Voted to deny development that did not meet our land use plan, zoning ordinance, or design standards or that threatened our environment or our citizens’ quality of life or safety 
• Voted to approve a fiscally viable City of Milton 20-year Comprehensive Plan
• Assisted in the development of (and voted to approve) the City of Milton 2012-2015 strategic plan that provides city staff with a roadmap for executing the community's agreed-upon long-term priorities and vision
• Co-sponsored a resolution to create a Highway 9 Design Guidelines Committee which later led to the adoption of enhanced design standards for future development in the Highway 9/Deerfield area. These will ultimately improve the look and feel of the area and make it more pedestrian-friendly.
• Voted to approve height restrictions and enhanced buffer requirements along Highway 9 to ensure harmony between commercial and residential development
• Voted to approve a joint Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) grant with Alpharetta for improving the character, look, and feel of the Windward/Highway 9 corridors
• Voted twice to deny extension of sewer into areas of Milton not currently on sewer
• Voted to approve a Transportation Master Plan that lays the foundation for needed intersection and road improvements and vehicular patterns in and around our city
• Voted to terminate the services of CH2M Hill and transition most city services to a more traditional style of government – a move that saved the city $1.25 million in 2010 and will save another ~$1 million in 2011
• Worked with staff to stand up the Milton’s Police and Citizens Together (MPACT) program designed to support neighborhood crime watch programs and serve as a reporting and information distribution system for crime
• Voted to approve the acquisition of land at Webb Rd. and Deerfield Pkwy. that will ultimately be made into a pocket park
• Voted to form a Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, make capital improvements to Bell Memorial Park, renovate the Bethwell Community Center, and complete a parks and recreation citizens’ needs assessment survey that will serve as the basis for our first parks and recreation master planning process to begin this year
• Approved numerous operating agreements with surrounding municipalities, schools, and youth associations and a summer day camp program, all of which greatly expanded our citizens’ recreation opportunities
• Voted for the adoption of a new Tree Preservation Ordinance that applies to both homeowners and developers and is designed to not only protect existing trees, but to encourage the planting of more native tree species as well
• Voted to approve the adoption of a Historical Preservation Ordinance, the creation of a Historic Preservation Commission, and the purchase of the historic Hopewell House (built between 1805 and 1830) which will ultimately generate revenue for the city
• Voted to approve a resolution creating the Milton Disability Awareness Committee (MDAC) to promote inclusion of persons of all abilities in every aspect of Milton's community life
• Appointed the most diverse, professionally talented group of volunteers the city has to offer
• Voted to accept the Crabapple Visioning Plan prepared by Lew Oliver, Inc. that will lay the foundation for traffic and infrastructure improvements, an enhanced "village" feel, and other pedestrian-friendly enhancements in the Crabapple area
• Voted to approve FOUR balanced fiscal years budgets that -
  • Enhanced services and the quality of life of our citizens and businesses
  • Retained a professional, highly competent city staff
  • Funded additional police and firefighters, as well as essential equipment and training
  • Repaired bridges
  • Paved roads and maintained gravel roads
  • Provided for multi-year funding needed to make intersection improvements
  • Has resulted in a $7.8 million fund balance (i.e. reserves) as of FY ‘11 

As you can see, I did exactly what I said I would do four years ago, which I hope serves as proof that I am a man of my word. An elected official who does what he says he will do is refreshing in American politics today. If for any reason I cannot keep my promise to you, i.e. new information or data requires me to take a different course, I will tell you why. That’s why I am asking for your support in my re-election bid. There is more to accomplish, and my unique combination of energy, commitment, experience, and proven leadership abilities will be vital to getting it done.

I want to put my proven leadership and experience to work for you in my next term. Make no mistake about it…this is an extremely important election for Milton. I ask for your support in my re-election bid and your vote on November 8. Please let me know how you can help.

I welcome your comments and suggestions. Please don't hesitate to contact me via email or by phone at (678) 464-8550. Please remember to sign up to receive updates.

Sincerely,

Alan M. Tart

Council Member (District 6, At-Large)

Milton, GA