Politics & Government
Commissioners Get an Earful at Forum
In an attempt to hear the comments, concerns and questions of its more than 800,000 residents, Gwinnett's Board of Commissioners are holding four Citizens' Forums across the county. The third took place in Norcross Tuesday night.
District 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau says he is more worried about the 2012 budget than 2011's.
“We’re trying to put death to the budget by a 1,000 cuts," Beaudreau told citizens at the Feb. 8 Gwinnett County Citizen's Forum. "2012 is what I’m really concerned about.”
Beaudreau, along with two other commissioners visited Lucky Shoals Community Recreation Center Tuesday evening to listen to what constituents had to say about Gwinnett County government. It was the .
Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Gwinett County’s Deputy County Administrator and Chief Financial Officer Aaron Bovos started the evening on a positive note, but acknowledged the predicament the county faces during the ongoing economic downturn. , Gwinnett is facing an $18 million deficit.
“The challenge really is how do we provide the same level or an equal level of services to all of you the constituents without passing on those challenges that affect our revenues,” Bovos said. “For us, internally, it’s also an opportunity to learn how to work smarter.”
Find out what's happening in Daculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bovos concluded his remarks stating Gwinnett County was ready to tackle the $18 million hole.
“We’ve got a phenomenal plan to put in place,” he said. “But we’ve got a ways to go in 2012 and moving forward.”
As for citizens' comments, they were as diverse as the county itself. Some topics and concerns included: the , , development versus redevelopment, weather emergency plans, graffiti and the unenforcement and ineffectiveness of the noise ordinance.
“I have a tremendous problem in unincorporated Gwinnett County with large amounts of people driving through at all times of the day and night with all types of devices that you wouldn’t even dream about on their car,” Beth Cooper said to applause from the audience of about 100. “They have stereos that will rock your china closet..As a homeowner for more than 20 years, I think that I’m entitled to some peace in my household.”
“It’s a very valid concern to look into this ordinance,” District 1 Commissioner Shirley Lasseter said.
The last of Gwinnett County’s four Citizens’ Forums will be held Monday, March 7 at 7 p.m. at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse at 185 Crogan St. in Lawrenceville.