For Mike Korom, the decision to run for office was not based on any long-standing political aspirations. The decision, he said, was brought about by the needs of residents in Dacula and surrounding communities.
Korom, as president of the Apalachee Farms Homeowners Association, is no stranger to dealing with the concerns of a large number of residents. Earlier this year, he realized there was an even larger group of Dacula-area residents in need of strong representation after an Apalachee Farms resident approached him regarding the .
“At the time -- this was about eight months ago -- I really hadn’t made myself familiar with it,” he said.
Korom decided to investigate the matter. Though he is generally in favor of private as opposed to governmental control, Korom said the airport issue is different.
“After doing the research, I was very quick to make the judgment that privatization in this situation is not good for District 3 of Gwinnett County,” Korom said.
In addition to the financial implications for the citizens of Gwinnett, Korom is concerned about the quality of life issue for people in Dacula, Grayson, Lawrenceville and the surrounding areas.
“I don’t think anybody in our area is looking forward to 737s flying overhead,” he said.
Though the airport issue was a major factor in Korom’s decision to seek office, he has other reasons for running.
“I’ve got a vision for Gwinnett County that is one of brightness and optimism which includes essentially ethical government, decrease in taxes and responsible leadership,” he said.
As part of that responsible leadership, Korom vows he will be accessible and responsive to the people of District 3.
“I think, in general, the representation in District 3 with Mike Beaudreau has been one of not listening to his constituents,” Korom said.
If elected, Korom intends to hold town hall meetings, create a website, and take other steps to reach out to the citizens.
“I will communicate and return emails,” he said. “I know I have emailed Mr. Beaudreau on three different occasions and have yet to have a return email.”
Other priorities for Korom, if elected as District 3 commissioner, include a financial pledge to a cause that is very important to him.
“I will be donating my first three months income to the [Gwinnett] Children’s Shelter,” he said.
Korom has lived in Georgia since 1985. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baldwin-Wallace College and owns an automotive after-market equipment business. Korom is married and has two sons, ages 20 and 26. He currently resides in Dacula and has been a member of for the past 16 years.
Korom believes his family, friends and faith will serve him well if he is chosen to represent the citizens of District 3.
“My wealth doesn’t come from a dollar bill. My wealth comes from what I call my triangle of support which is God, family and friends,” he said. “I think that will inherently serve me in a good capacity in the future just as it has in the past.”
this Sunday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Apalachee Farms clubhouse, 1001 Dacula Road. The public is invited to attend. Gwinnett County’s Commission District 3 covers the eastern part of the county and includes the cities of Snellville, Loganville, Grayson, Dacula and Auburn.
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