How does one thank the near-infinite energy of so many supportive neighbors? I’m humbled by and grateful for all of it. As many know, I have a certain affinity for hands-on community volunteerism and have always believed that harnessing the power of neighbors working together can yield amazing results. This election only strengthens that conviction.

At the same time, I recognize that much energy and enthusiasm was invested on both sides of the District 2 race. Kyle and I have worked together on neighborhood projects before and, in a way, we were working together here as well – getting at the heart of what’s truly on people’s minds.

Those issues really surface with a healthy dose of competition, and I thank Kyle for his commitment to both the district and the race. And to his supporters, I want to make clear that my intention is now, and has always been, to take the concerns of District 2 – all of them – to city hall.

I know many of you know both candidates personally and had a difficult choice to make. For those who supported my campaign, I say thank you. And to those who chose otherwise, I hope to earn your trust and confidence in the days ahead.

My door – or phone, or email, or text, or patch of sidewalk – is always open. As I said throughout the campaign, contact me any time. Call me at 770.364.9192 or email votepattigarrett@gmail.com.

Together we can do this!

During the two discussions, some recurring themes emerged—many of them echoing the hundreds of conversations I have had with voters during the campaign over the past few months. Also, in attending City Commission meetings, budget focus groups, and the meetings of several city-appointed boards and commissions, I have gained good insight and solid factual information on these issues. I thought it would be helpful, then, to offer summaries of my positions on a few of the main specific issues that have been on my mind and on the minds of South Decatur voters. Here they are, in alphabetical order:

Annexation
As much as it might simplify the issue, one cannot be simply for or against annexation. In some instances, it can be an effective tool when working towards property tax reduction, but the devil’s in the details. Largely commercial tracts, which can be redeveloped strategically under the city’s new Mixed Use zoning designation, are a potential asset, but annexing an abundance of existing single-family homes could prove a net loss once school impacts are considered. Each proposal needs to be considered on its own merits, in close collaboration with the school system, with those who own property in the affected area, and – let me be clear – in the context of a larger, shared understanding of the city’s needs and aspirations for growth. My goal as commissioner would be to ensure that no annexation of note was ever considered outside of such a process.

And, as we do consider particular sites for annexation, selection should not be arbitrary or involve criteria not reflective of what the community wants. Decatur has been very effective in working with residents to plan for growth within our borders. The Town Center and Strategic Plans, and their subsequent success, reflect this. If elected commissioner, I would push for a similar effort as it relates to land outside our borders. That is, how do we, as a community, view adjacent parcels? What are the benefits or drawbacks associated with each? How might they impact our schools? Are they established or are there redevelopment opportunities and, if the latter, how would we control what happens on them? Finally, the community would need to work together to prioritize the various parcels so, should we ever feel the need to explore annexation, we’d know where to start the effort.

Crime
I’ve mentioned many times that I’m very focused on how the city can help neighborhoods do what they do best, but perhaps this is an instance where that works in reverse. How can neighborhoods best help our city’s very effective and reliable police force? This might involve the city providing greater resources and training to neighborhood watch groups, working with them to better identify priorities for both parties. Still, I see crime reduction as an instance where we’re looking to maximize something that’s already working pretty well, as opposed to reinventing anything. Indeed, Decatur’s Chief Booker has said it isn’t financial support that limits the number of police officers in our city, but rather the high standards we have in the department. Decatur’s expectations for qualifications and quality have paid off for the community. At any rate, it is anticipated that all five vacancies on the force will be filled by the year’s end—with a waiting list!

I’m also interested in related issues that might positively contribute. For example, how a zoning change might increase options in creating home offices, leading to more people around the neighborhood at times when burglaries are more common.

Development, Growth, and Zoning
Because I see human-scaled community, quality of life, environmental protection, transportation and local economic development as one, big interconnected challenge, I tend to look at these things holistically. For almost 30 years, our growth has largely followed the roadmap laid out in the city’s 1982 Town Center plan and reaffirmed with 2000’s Strategic Plan. Our growth has not been arbitrary; it has been the realization of what we as a city set out to do. And, in terms of both property values and quality of life, I think most would agree that these efforts have proven successful. My focus, then, would not be on changing course but, rather, on fine-tuning to meet ever-changing community priorities or circumstances.

To these ends, one big goal of mine would be in engaging as many residents as possible when the Strategic Plan gets updated beginning early next year. Perhaps, for our citizens who are less mobile, we might bring the process and conversations to them at home, or at least closer to them by using a variety of neighborhood venues. As it was ten years ago, this will be a broadly encompassing, community-wide effort. Collaborative plans have been the source of our success and should remain the basis for how we move forward. The Strategic Plan is a clear and detailed statement of our shared vision for Decatur over the next decade. It enables us to engage tools such as zoning ordinances and overlays to see our vision through to fruition. It is important, I believe, not to expect zoning issues to determine our priorities as a community, but to reflect them.

Environment
Decatur has more environmental initiatives – public and private – in play right now than I have anywhere near time to detail and it’s safe to say I’m a proponent of all of them. Not in the sense that I’ve scrutinized every one, but in the sense that, together, they show a level of respect for our environment that resonates with me. Simply put, I believe that community decision-making removed from the realities of nature and the environment is a mistake and does not produce sound, long-term solutions. After all, concern for the environmental footprint of our city is strongly related to all kinds of issues, among them: the transportation plan and how we encourage our citizens to walk, bike or use other alternatives for transportation; how we build our buildings and homes; and the way in which we play and work. If elected, I plan on being a strong proponent of operating processes, policies, and incentives that reflect the city’s growing commitment to a better environment.

Historic Preservation
I believe in neighbors working together for mutual benefit. So, if there’s clear consensus among them, historic districts can be a valuable tool. What’s key, though, is that they first work together to develop a shared goal. I believe in letting the grass roots drive the process with city government serving largely as a resource. That means broad community outreach, engagement and collaboration first to determine what, if any, problem exists to be solved or if the wider community is content with things as they are. If there’s consensus around a particular problem, then a thoughtful consideration of solutions can begin. Such solutions might include a local historic district but could just as easily include the National Register or more style-neutral or voluntary options. What’s important to me is the will of those affected.

Pedestrian/Cycling Safety and Access
Walkability is an issue near and dear to my heart because it’s so closely linked to all my key concerns: health, safety, and productivity in our community. These things are deeply interconnected, so that efforts to address one thing often have a positive impact on others. Getting people out and walking, biking or jogging is good for the individual but can also be good for the environment. With better infrastructure and more destinations, our green factor can only go up and our blood pressure down. Many enhancements are already on or near the drawing board due to city-driven streetscape and railroad intersection initiatives, which reflect Decatur’s commitment to the idea of “Complete Streets.” My question is, what can we do now, in the interim? Measures such as cutting back sidewalk overgrowth, sidewalk repair, slow zones enforcement, traffic calming measures that call attention to “dangerous intersections”—such as crossing flags and pavement markers—are all viable short-term options that I support.

Railroad Safety
I believe we need to address pedestrian safety along the railroad tracks incrementally. In the here and now, for safety’s sake, we should cross at the designated crossings even though it is sometimes less convenient. But, at the same time, we need to get as many residents as possible involved in the city’s initiative to redesign these crossings and their respective intersections. More voices will only improve the plans we take to GA DOT and CSX. Over time, more accessible crossings in the designated areas will serve as incentives for pedestrians to cross the tracks more safely. We need to develop consensus on what would serve us best, then plan and design for it together.

Schools
There’s a reason school systems operate independently from city government, as education should never become politicized. That said, though, as each institution goes about its mission, there are times when their paths are destined to converge. Consider annexation, especially when it involves large areas of single family residential. Making solid and responsible decisions in such cases requires close collaboration between the city and our school system – in essence, it requires a partnership of shared responsibility. If elected, my focus would be on forging a healthier working relationship, so that it could be better leveraged when necessary for the greater benefit of the community. Some work has already been done on this front recently, and I would seek to build on that.

Tax Relief
The issue of high taxes is one I take very seriously and, since we can’t legally add any more homestead exemptions right now, I’ve offered some thoughts on my blog as to how we could address it in the near term for our low-income seniors and others in difficult circumstances. To be clear: I don’t believe we can afford to ignore any creative solutions for helping to preserve the many forms of diversity that help define our community. But beyond that, we need to consider this issue in terms of resident priorities. Decatur operates in a fiscally conservative way and, as a result, our books are in good shape. But if we want to prioritize tax cutting, we’ll need to look at reducing amenities and the level of city services as well. Good, old-fashioned belt tightening. I know from speaking with many residents that not everyone here wants to do that. Many feel they’re getting good value for dollars spent and are willing to pay the costs required for what they consider the highest quality of life available in-town, so long as the city meets its operating costs. Across the board cost cutting is always a possibility but, as of today, I have not experienced majority will to do so, given the trade-offs that would be necessary.

Transportation/Traffic
Our current transportation network reflects partial progress towards our long-term goal of balancing automobile use with other key users such as cyclists and pedestrians, with an approach generally known as Complete Streets. Many additional steps toward this goal, which I fully support, are pending and can be found in the current Transportation Plan. The results, as we can see in places such as downtown where much work has already been done, are clear. Good for transportation; good for recreation; good for commerce. They’re even quantified in our traffic studies. As I see it, we tried catering solely to the needs of our cars in the 60s and it didn’t work. We’ve now invested several decades in trying to balance out the system and, if elected, my goal would be to continue these efforts as aggressively and with as much citizen involvement as possible. All of us, after all, are the beneficiaries of increased mobility options.

For some, especially our seniors on fixed incomes, our city taxes can present a crushing burden.

This is not a new issue. In fact, Decatur currently has eight different Homestead Exemptions, five of which are age-based. Each was passed to address some aspect of our larger tax-related challenges, most recently at the August 17 City Commission meeting, where commissioners signed into effect a resolution increasing the low-income senior homestead exemption from $30,000 to $50,000.

It becomes effective with property tax bills due December 21, 2009, and applies to senior property owners who reside at the property, are 62 or older, and whose household income does not exceed $25,000.

I applaud the Commission’s actions but, by their own admission, they’re unfortunately just treading water. As many are aware, the state of Georgia recently eliminated the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant, which effectively raised property taxes on all of us, seniors included. So, this most recent action is just playing catch-up.

For some of our neighbors, oftentimes our seniors, that’s not good enough. They need more aggressive solutions now. Today.

As a candidate for City Commission, I could certainly make a public show of my commitment to this issue by supporting expanded homestead exemptions. But that approach alone is insufficient.

That’s because Decatur has already implemented the maximum number of exemptions allowed by law so, in order to provide additional tax relief, the City Commission would need to pursue an increase in our general homestead exemption. That’s something we’d have to work through the state General Assembly and it would require a voter referendum.

So, even in a best-case scenario, the earliest that seniors – or any resident – could experience tax relief through expanded exemptions would be April 2011.

A worthy long-term objective, to be sure, but what about the interim? How do we offer not just hope but results – sooner rather than later – to struggling neighbors?

I have an idea.

I propose something altogether different from the exemption approach. I call it the Assessment Ombudsman.

It works like this: The city would create a volunteer, appointed board, not unlike our other citizen boards, whose job would be to help applicable Decatur residents navigate the sometimes complex bureaucracy of the DeKalb County assessor’s office. These folks would provide expertise, advocacy and support, making it easier for seniors and others to appeal their assessments and, in turn, reduce their tax burden if warranted.

In effect, we’d be leveling the playing field for those unable or ill equipped to do so themselves. And we’d be doing it at no cost to our residents.

Part of effective governance is following established and proven protocols, but this should never be at the expense of creative problem solving. Decatur has a rich history of innovative ideas, many of which have emerged directly from our neighborhoods.

That’s something I value and will work hard to maintain.

What do you think? Have ideas for fiscally responsible tax relief? Call me at 770.364.9192, or email me at votepattigarrett@gmail.com and let me know!

This is not to suggest that health issues such as weight and fitness aren’t ultimately defined by our own personal choices, but instead, that the ease with which we can all, as individuals, make good choices is influenced in myriad ways by local government actions – from development policies to public works to recreational programs.

“The places we live, work, study and play have a strong influence on our ability to consume healthy foods and beverages and engage in regular physical activity,” says the report. “Local governments make decisions everyday that affect these environments.”

Making healthy choices easier has obvious public health benefits but it can also pay off in other ways. For example, diverse programs – from getting local foods into our schools to fostering more recreationally friendly streetscapes – help solidify Decatur’s image as a unique and desirable community, which makes such initiatives economic development tools as well.

Personally, I see a number of opportunities floating around:

• Farm to School is a compelling, and growing, grass roots effort to connect schools to local farms with the objective of improving student health and nutrition. I’m a big supporter of these efforts and currently serve on two of its local committees.
• Good ideas come from all over. Let’s further empower neighborhood voices.
• Better integrate health and built environment issues as part of a more holistic strategic planning process that engages the community in identifying, prioritizing and effecting change.
• Seek out more workable, low-cost, fun programs focused on cleaner air, safer streets, pedestrian and bike ways, access to healthier foods, etc., seeing results in other communities, to complement our current – and admirable – safe routes to schools, sidewalk repair, active living initiates, etc.
• Foster ways to ensure healthy food choices are equally accessible to all of our residents, regardless of income or transportation options.

Collaboration and strong partnerships are key to getting things done in Decatur; a plan for a healthy, sustainable Decatur can have many outcomes, including prevention of childhood obesity.

I would be honored to spearhead some of these initiatives on behalf of Decatur residents as your District 2 city commissioner. One strength I bring to the Commission is the knowledge, ability and desire to work for a healthy, safe, productive Decatur from a holistic viewpoint.

What do you think? Have ideas for getting more value out of every tax dollar? Call me at 770.364.9192, or email me at votepattigarrett@gmail.com and let me know!

Maximizing these opportunities means more bang for the buck. That’s the kind of government action I like to see.

HGTV crews document enhancements to "The Block."

A terrific example appeared recently at the corner of Evans Drive and Greenwood Avenue, where HGTV is filming an episode of their new show, “Curb Appeal: The Block.” The general premise, like its predecessor, is improving the curb appeal of a particular home. In this go-round, though, they also explore additional projects that improve the appeal of the entire block.

That’s where the city comes in. Currently, our public works crews are on site, clearing overgrowth up and down the block and making repairs to the sidewalk along the way. Said David Junger, Asst. City Manager, Public Works, “We like to seize opportunities to jumpstart things. Seeing the results on this one block may inspire other people to manage sidewalk overgrowth in front of their own homes.”

Film crew at work

Clear, unbuckled sidewalks are a little thing that makes a big difference. As many of you know, walkability is an issue near and dear to my heart because it’s so closely linked to all my key issues: health, safety and productivity. Consider all the ways a simple city initiative like this pays dividends:

Health: Getting people out and walking, biking or jogging is good for the individual but it can also be good for the environment. The more walkable we are, the more people can choose ways of getting around besides just their cars. Over time, with better infrastructure and more destinations, our green factor can only go up (while our blood pressure goes down!).

Safety: From our kids walking and biking to school to seniors and the disabled who count on them to get around, our sidewalks are more than just infrastructure. They’re a transportation network all their own. We don’t think twice about taking swift action when there’s an object blocking the road. I’m glad to see the city looking at sidewalks the same way. Safety depends on it.

City work crews get started

Productivity: If even a few people start paying closer attention to keeping their sidewalks clear as a result of the city’s efforts today, it’ll be time well spent. But I’m also impressed by the city’s proactivity in taking advantage of a good public relations opportunity. After all, we Decaturites may know how great our city is but, getting word out beyond our borders – across Atlanta, regionally and nationally – helps bolster our local economy, build the desirability of our neighborhoods, and increase the value of our individual properties.

Decatur has long been home to this kind of creative, fiscally-conscientious thinking. As your Commissioner, I’ll make such approaches a priority, encouraging them whenever and wherever they make sense. What do you think? Have ideas for getting more value out of every tax dollar? Call me at 770.364.9192, or email me at votepattigarrett@gmail.com and let me know!

Students crossing College Ave. at S. McDonough with the help of a crossing guard

Now that kids are back to school and activity on and around our roadways has picked up, a number of District 2 folks have expressed concerns about pedestrian safety along College Avenue.

That’s something that concerns me, too, and I’ve studied it long enough to know that the issue’s complicated. Not only do we have some challenging intersections to contend with, we also have a challenging intersection of multiple, competing authorities—the city, the county, the state DOT, and CSX Railroad.

I wanted to get a clearer sense of how we can improve the situation, both individually and as a city, so I met with Amanda Thompson, Decatur’s planning director, to learn who controls what, what’s currently being done, and how we can fast track some progress.

Walking up College Ave. to Renfroe Middle School

As many of you know, pedestrian safety improvements are a part of the bond supported transportation plan. This fall we should see the design process begin with a series of public input meetings. The completed design will include details that were not a part of the original conceptual plan, and as citizens, we all have a chance to be a part of this process. That’s an important way to make an impact, but do so knowing it’s just one step in a longer-term process.

Both the McDonough/College/Howard intersection and the Candler/College/Trinity intersection designs that emerge will then be sent to CSX and, because College Avenue is designated a state route, the GDOT. The needed improvements and renovations will most certainly be substantial, making it even more difficult to predict how long it will take to receive their response or approvals.

This is not ideal, but it’s our obstacle nonetheless. We need to play the hand we’re dealt.

But that doesn’t mean we should simply resign ourselves to the current situation until further notice. This is a creative town, so my question is: What can we do now?

Cut back sidewalk overgrowth. Sounds like a no-brainer, but if you’ve ever seen kids veering dangerously close to College Avenue traffic to avoid intruding bushes, you know the importance.

Crossing the railroad tracks and College Ave at S. McDonough

Slow zones enforcement. If you walk or drive down College Avenue on a typical school morning, the picture speaks for itself. Youngsters on bicycles, walking, in a caravan with other bicyclists, pedestrians on their way to the train station downtown, and cars (lots of cars). I’ve seen a lot of police presence since school started, which pleases me. Can we step up these efforts, making them permanent?

Creative, low-cost band-aids. Certainly there are interim measures that can help calm the traffic, increase the alertness of pedestrians, walkers and bikers, and increase awareness of everyone involved that they all have a role to play in making this work.

• Is there a way to call attention to the intersections that alerts pedestrians, bicyclers, drivers that those marked are “dangerous intersections”? Mark the pavement? Use crossing flags? Place pedestrian markers in street similar to those used at intersections without a light? Other traffic calming measures that increase pedestrian safety?
  

  Flattened safety sign at crosswalk on College Ave

Leverage Georgia Tech or other resources. Can we enlist the support and assistance of Georgia Tech’s master’s degree program in city planning to, perhaps, develop a case study of the unique characteristics and challenges, along with potential solutions—say through a design competition—for the College Avenue Corridor?

These are just some initial thoughts, which will clearly benefit from the addition of yours. What do you think? How can we, as a community, take on the safety of our roads while larger efforts unfold?

Stop me on the street, call me at 770.364.9192, or email me at votepattigarrett@gmail.com and let me know!