Letter to the Editor: Council Candidate Adam Braund's Vision for Roswell

I envision a future where is regarded as one of the top ten places to live in the U.S. 

The strength and community pride inherent within the individual members of our community have positioned Roswell on the cusp of redefining what it means to live in suburbia. There is no town outside the perimeter with such a dense collection of critically acclaimed restaurants, galleries, shops and parks. Thus, in the future, I see a city government that facilitates the economic vitality and re-development desires of our great residents. Tomorrow, the rich history of our buildings will be revitalized in adaptive reuse projects, such as mixed-use developments, entertainment venues and hospitality and community centers.

As Roswell becomes more congested, we will work together to lay the grounds for strategic growth and live in a city with excellent connectivity between developments, bolstered by increased accommodations for multi-modal transportation (i.e., pedestrians, bicyclists and personal transportation vehicles).  Roswell will be the pinnacle example of how suburban neighborhoods can encourage economic vitality through forms of civic design that help citizens define a sense of place.

However, it would be a misstep for me to state how I, personally, plan to accomplish this vision. The residents and businesses of Roswell are responsible for our city’s accomplishments, both current and future.

Our government is here to facilitate the community’s own ability for innovation and preservation and neither I nor my fellow city council candidates could rightly claim responsibility for establishing Roswell’s future. Instead, in the spirit of facilitation, a more perfect model of representative democracy should be put in place, where the citizens’ ability to interact with their council is not limited to just one drop in a ballot box every four years. 

If endorsed by my community to act on their behalf, I will ensure the establishment of a more open government and increase the ability for authentic community engagement. 

Community awareness and education increases with access to detailed information about the operations of our government. More user-friendly versions of online resources will be established, including an itemized budget and content-searchable council minutes. The council will enable and encourage public comment, interaction and partnership through online and other venues. To exert leadership and address tough issues, I will decrease current government hindrances on Roswell business, and, instead, start conversations with other players, convene stakeholders, facilitate problem-solving, integrate the interests of other parties, and mobilize action.

The increase in government openness and interaction would alone set our great city apart from others and lead us on a path to becoming one of the top ten places to live in America. The increased innovation, preservation and prosperity that will follow could very well make Roswell number one.