Shelton Runs for Post 1 to Implement 'Positive Change'

Thomas Shelton used to be more introverted, but a "duty" to alter a local government that he believes no longer serves those it governs has pushed him to run for the Roswell City Council Post 1 seat.

"I have felt compelled to push myself out of my comfort zone and become more involved in this community that I love," he told Roswell Patch. "And I’m hoping that my actions will encourage others to do the same."

Shelton, 43, has been a resident of Roswell since 2004, when he moved here for its "small town charm." The writer/owner of the HRToolbox software company points to the U.S. Declaration of Independence as his reason this first foray into politics.

"Our government is losing its constitutional ability to serve its people and I can no longer stand by and watch the deterioration of our country and the government regulating it. I am running for city council because I feel it’s my duty, as a citizen of this community, to make a difference by starting at the grassroots level," Shelton said.

He worries that the "vibrant community" he loves is headed for a breakdown, if not managed well.

"I have seen a lot of growth in Roswell in just the last few years. Rapid growth of this nature can have dramatic consequences if not managed properly," Shelton said. "If managed well, growth can attract new businesses and tax revenue while also maintaining housing values and making the community more vibrant."

If elected, he wants to help streamline processes for businesses to open sooner and review Roswell's building codes to make sure home owners can maintain and improve their properties, while also maintaining the personality of the city.

"It is my opinion that cities need to provide general guidelines and not specific blueprints," he said.

Shelton also believes people should stop criticizing government and start working to improve things by taking action. He looks back at development of his own company and successful navigation through two major economic downturns in the 13 years since as indicators that he can help guide Roswell toward a bright future.

"I’m not foolish enough to think I can correct the injustices over night, but I am crazy enough to think that I can bring about a positive change and it’s the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world who are usually the ones who do," he said.

Shelton's top three priorties for Roswell, if elected, are:

• Sensible regulation. The process that local residents and business have to go through for even the smallest modifications to their home or place of business is overwhelming and unnecesarily expensive.  I agree that some controls need to be in place but the current controls will slow growth and decrease property values over time.
• Parking and traffic. We need to make sure the money being spent on improvements is used in the best possible way to alleviate these probelms; and make sure all roads safely support the growing bicycle traffic.
• Revitalization. We need to address the regulation issues and then focus on getting some of the vacant storefronts filled with new businesses.

Shelton - who is in a committed relationship, but not married and has no children - enjoys the city's parks, bike trails and trying out local cuisine. He is a classic car enthusiast who also plays soccer four times a week and has recently started taking guitar lessons.

For more information on Shelton's campaign visit his website.