Roswell's Post 2 Candidates Give 'Closing Statements'

UPDATED: 8:49 a.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:

Salma Ahmed - Campaign Celebration: Open to the public; , 7:30 p.m.

"The current seated council knew four years ago that the economic blight the country faced were also what Roswell must face, but have no plan in place, as of today, to address and deal with the current property revenue losses.

The choices available to us for dealing with this deficit in the short term are to reduce spending or face tax increases. Council has yet to cut spending by even 2 percent while most businesses and households have cut expenditures by 10 percent, 20 percent or more, as necessary. And, while council has refused to substantially cut spending, they have already started to increase our taxes in the form of 'utility fees.'

Long term there is no question that we have to build a stronger business base in order to maintain financial viability.

My years of service put me in an excellent position to understand the processes and procedures needed to be successful on council. Additionally the leadership roles I have held in business and government make me the right person to both advocate and implement the changes we need to keep Roswell viable and healthy.

I am here because I love Roswell and I am committed to building a future for Roswell that we can all be proud of and actually afford.

I ask that you vote and I ask that you vote for me."

Adam Braund - Campaign Celebration: Open to the public; , 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m.

"Thank you to all who made this campaign possible and thank you to the citizens of Roswell who made my decision to run an easy one. It's this shared love of our city that makes me excited about the future here in Roswell. We as a city have some tough decisions coming our way. Whether its finances, parking, education or zoning, these are issues that matter to everyone. My experience as a counselor gives me the ability to facilitate the conversations that will turn these challenges into victories.

Roswell deserves great leadership that understands how to lead in a way which leverages the talent in our great city. When I am elected, I will be committed to creating innovative and effective methods that establish clear communication between the council and local citizens and businesses. The community's interaction with their local council should not end after the election on Nov. 8. Instead, I will ensure that the needs of our citizens are clearly met through increased engagement and an easily accessible, more open, government. Together, we can make Roswell a more business friendly area, a more sustainable community and Roswell will lead the way in what it means to redefine suburban development while preserving our city's rich history.

Please join me and my supporters at INC Authentico on Canton Street tomorrow night between 4:30 p.m.-7:30 to celebrate this great day!"

Lee Fleck

"The incumbent, Becky Wynn is a classic tax and spend, bigger government advocate. Since the first of this year she has increased your taxes and fees by $2.5 million. During her first four year term she has voted to spend over $33 million more than the city took in.

So she has spent all your money and more, used up all your savings and when this election is over she will expect you to swipe your collective credit cards for another bond totaling $40 million to continue more of the same. And Mrs. Wynn also wants to build a new water plant, saddle a small portion our population with a $30 million bill, without any say on their part. That is taxation without representation!

Your choice is clear. I am in favor of smaller government and less taxes."

Michael Martin - Campaign Celebration: Open to the public; Nine Street Kitchen, 7 p.m.

"[My] platform for Roswell City Council: Improve security, improve property values, improve parks, improve education and employment opportunities. Minimize taxes, maximize City's services. Give the citizens the choice to choose those projects which will make our city safer, easier to navigate traffic through , inviting to our neighbors and enticing to future families and businesses to move in and live their 'American Dream.' Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I promise to do my best to give this and our neighboring communities a vision that will become a reality for generations to enjoy."

Becky Wynn - Campaign Celebration: Open to the public; , 7:30 p.m.

"Serving on city council is an extension of my 16 years of dedicated public service. An important responsibility of any public servant is the careful management of your tax dollars.

Some of my opponents are using scare tactics that the city will be out of money in a few years. This is not factual. In spite of the economic downturn, we have reduced the city's millage rate, have been fiscally responsible in maintaining services and maintenance and have funded capital improvements while preserving a balanced budget. Roswell continues to enjoy a triple bond rating due to sound spending practices and maintenance of healthy reserves.

On the economic development side, we are focusing on bringing in new businesses and supporting existing businesses. It is imperative to have elected official who are knowledgeable and committed to encouraging economic developments. I am that person and I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 8."

Editor's Note: Salma Ahmed did not return a statement for inclusion.