Dippolito Seeks Post 1 Reelection to Continue to Improve, 'Prosper' Roswell

When Post 1 Councilman Rich Dippolito was first elected to the Roswell City Council in 2007 the millage rate was 6.087 mills; today it's 5.455 mills and he hopes another term granted to him by locals will allow him the opportunity to " continue to improve our city."

"I am dedicated to enhancing our quality of life while ensuring that we remain financially strong," he told Roswell Patch.

During the course of Dippolito's four-year-term, in addition to lowering the millage rate, he contends that the city council has also reduced expenses and ended each year with funds in reserve.

"City government is about providing city services," he said. "My fundamental belief is that every tax dollar you give the city should work for you, the taxpayer."

An architect and partner with Concordia Properties, a local real estate development firm, Dippolito - who jumped into local politics as the president of his neighborhood homeowners association, fighting a proposed higher-density zoning nearby - has previously served on the Roswell Planning Commission (2005-2007), the Roswell Redevelopment Task Force and the Holcomb Bridge East Revitalization Task Force. Those citizen-appointments have given him a deep appreciation for local residents points-of-view.

"I have come to a greater appreciation that being on city council is much more than holding office," Dippolito said. "It’s about being involved and becoming an integral part of the community. It’s about bringing people together to achieve common goals and encouraging them to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s about working side-by-side with neighbors to leave a legacy for future generations."

Dippolito says his top three objectives for the city are:

• Local Economy. Roswell’s economy is not immune to the pressures of a world-wide recession. I will continue to support our local economy by implementing the strategies outlined in our Strategic Economic Development Plan that will enable us to attract new businesses and to retain existing businesses. I support a branding and marketing strategy that will set us apart from other cities and I will continue to promote the recently approved Opportunity Zone that provides tax incentives for businesses to create jobs.
• Transportation. Roswell can benefit most by focusing on transportation projects that enhance safety, reduce congestion, increase connectivity and promote redevelopment. However, we need more than just engineering solutions. I support creative solutions like the recent roundabout at Grimes Bridge. I also support context-sensitive solutions that take into consideration the surrounding area and that provide better options for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Redevelopment. Roswell has many commercial properties and aging apartment complexes that are in need of redevelopment. To promote redevelopment, I support investment in infrastructure such as roadways and water, sewer and stormwater upgrades that provide critical access and utilities to underserved properties. I also support the creation of tools and incentives such as façade programs, tax incentives, expedited permitting and the re-creation of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). I am committed to assisting property owners and investors in realizing redevelopment potential with the support of the real estate and design professionals on my Blue Ribbon Committee.

Dippolito, his wife, Kelly, and their two daughters,  Kaitlin and Kristin, have lived in Roswell for 10 years. They love attending local events and festivals nearly every weekend, but Roswell's Youth Day Parade each October "is a family favorite."

For more information on Dippolito or his campaign, visit his website.