Roswell's Post 1 Candidates Give 'Closing Statements'

UPDATED: 5:50 p.m.

Whether you plan to be right in the thick of all the political action tomorrow, or you're still not sure which candidate you support, there are a few more hours left to decide.

To help, Roswell Patch asked all 10 Roswell City Council candidates to share a brief "closing statement" with voters. We also asked if they planned to host a campaign celebration.

Here's what they had to say:

Rich Dippolito - Campaign Celebration: Open to the public; , 7:30 p.m.

"It is an honor serving you as your city councilman. While serving my first term, I have come to a greater appreciation that being on city council is much more than holding office. It’s about enhancing our quality of life while ensuring that the city remains financially strong. It’s also about being involved and becoming an integral part of the community. During my first term in office, my colleagues and I have lowered the millage rate, reduced expenses and ended each year with a surplus.

As the city continues to grow, we need to ensure that we maintain our vision of being a family-oriented, safe and attractive community. Over the next four years I am committed to strengthening the local economy, improving transportation and promoting redevelopment.

I would appreciate your continued support and your vote on Tuesday, November 8."

Mike Nyden

"Tuesday’s election is a clear choice for Roswell's future. The incumbent, Rich Dippolito, a developer, has voted to pull down the city's reserves to a dangerous level. I believe the current out-of-control spending needs to stop now! Mr. Dippolito’s claim to be a fiscal conservative who only supports balanced budgets is disingenuous, at best. Pulling money out of savings is not balancing a budget. Voters who support Mike Nyden are voting for discipline with our budgets.

I believe Roswell needs a businessman, not the incumbent-developer whose plans will destroy our city's budget if implemented. There is no magic pot of money for every project. Developers should not build massive shopping centers on the east side and soon after sell them as distressed properties. This does not attract quality businesses.

The hundreds of citizens I have met all want our city to remain stable and demand sustainable budgets.

A vote for Mike Nyden will put accountability back in our city government."

Thomas Shelton

"This is my first time getting involved in government of any sort and it has definitely been an educational experience.

We should all honor the people that step up to try and make our community better. We all have our reasons for getting involved, but getting involved does take a lot of emotion, energy and support from family and friends so thanks to all the candidates running and the current council.

My platform is simple: more sensible government and seeking to enable local small business owners instead of hindering them. During tough economic times, we all have to cut back and focus our energies on what truly matter and that should include the local government. My Facebook page and campaign website started a lot of conversations that need to be continued and with your help, I can continue to have those conversations from a seat on the council and work to keep Roswell headed in the right direction.

I ask first that you vote and second that you vote for me. Making your voice heard is the most important thing."