Life was simple when we were young and knew everything. Today, we are facing the most difficult economic times since the Great Depression. Families are losing their homes, jobs, pensions and benefits. Businesses are closing their doors because of the economy and government regulation.
Unemployment in our community is above 10% and more likely nearer 20%. According to our last census, Loganville has 10,458, citizens which means that at least 1,000 Loganville citizens have lost their jobs. Vacant homes and businesses are everywhere.
Prices are rising. City Water and sewer bills increased 8% in September, 2011; Homeowners insurance increased 20% in 2010 and 22% increase has been requested for 2011; gasoline is near $4.00 per gallon; churches, food banks, and charitable organizations are overwhelmed with a 100%+ increase in request for assistance. It was recently estimated that over 8,000+ people (2,000+ children) in our area go hungry each day. People around us are struggling to make ends meet.
All of us have had to cut back our spending. Just like us, the City of Loganville government has become overweight and needs to go on a diet. At the September, 2011 meetings of the City Council, a contract for nearly ONE HALF MILLION DOLLARS was approved to Design an expansion of our sewerage treatment plant. The initial payment of $150,000 is coming from our reserve fund. We have hundreds of platted lots and unfinished subdivisions. We had only 4 sewer taps in 2010. We have has virtually no growth for three years. More sewer capacity will not be needed for many years. In the meantime we will have to pay for the increase with higher water and sewer bills. Someone will benefit from this project, but not the citizens of Loganville. We will be left to pay the bills.
Last year, the City turned down a beautification grant because the Council determined that it was "not worth the paperwork required". Are we (the City) that busy?
I have signed a Contract With the Loganville Citizens to cut spending in the City and bring us in line with the economy. We don't know when this Great Recession will end. We must plan for the worst and hope for the best. America and Loganville are great places to live and with God's help and our good stewardship, we will continue to thrive.
I invite all candidates running for city Council to join me in the above pledge by singing the Contract With the Loganville Citizens. Together, we can move forward in these difficult times. We need to thank all our incumbents for their years of service and wish them well in the future. Now is the time for new ideas and tighter management of our City finances. I ask for your prayers, vote and support.
Thank you and God Bless America and the City of Loganville, Georgia.
Sincerely,
Mike Jones
- On November 8th, vote for a proven leader -
VOTE Mike Jones For City Council OF LOGANVILLE!
For more Information Call 770-466-4237
