We asked candidates running for the open mayoral and city council seats to answer questions about their vision for the future of Dunwoody.
The election is Nov. 7. For more information about early voting and casting absentee ballots, visit this link.
Lynn Deutsch – Mayor (unopposed)
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond, and what role will you play in achieving it?
I will continue to focus on quality of life for our residents and creating the most positive atmosphere for those who live, work and play in Dunwoody. We must preserve our small-town feeling with big city amenities while we create a community that serves all our residents well. By embracing a collaborative problem-solving approach, nurturing a visionary perspective for our future, and demonstrating unwavering dedication, I will lead us towards an even more vibrant, community-friendly city.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody?
It has been the greatest honor to serve our community for the last 12 years, including the previous four as mayor. I have been accessible and approachable. My education and experience have provided competencies needed to lead, but my love and belief in our community drives my service. As mayor, I have listened, communicated, and engaged. I approach every decision with an eye towards the future but also a dose of empathy for those who might disagree. I am honored to continue serving our community.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud (either personally or professionally)?
We have accomplished much over the last four years. Public safety is our number one responsibility and priority. I am pleased that we have been able to provide unprecedented support to our police officers, other public safety staff and the Dunwoody police department. We are very close to announcing a pilot program that we hope will address ambulance response time challenges. As mayor, I have worked hard to connect with local non-profit , regional and state partners.
What happens in Dunwoody impacts our neighbors and the region and vice versa. I work closely with DeKalb mayors as chair of our policy committee. I am a member of the Georgia Municipal Association’s Legislative Policy Committee and have advocated at the legislature on issues important to Dunwoody and cities across the state. I participated in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Leadership Institute and the Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta. I look forward to continued advocacy and relationship building.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
Public safety, economic development and the impact of GA Department of Transportation projects are among the biggest challenges we will fact in the near future. With a very competitive employment market, and Dunwoody’s high standards for hiring, city council must be laser-focused on remaining the top agency in the state. Since the Ashford Lane redevelopment opened already along with the upcoming openings of High Street and Campus 244, we are already seeing the positive impacts of change in Perimeter. Moving forward, we must invest appropriately to retain and attract new businesses as well as plan to implement our Edge City 2.0 plan.
As the eventual completion of the 400/285 interchange project nears, we must prepare for the potential I-285 managed lanes and rapid bus transit projects. We will emphasize public information meetings and civic engagement as the planning process is restarted. The constant I-285 construction has negatively impacted our community including being a deterrent to economic development. We must work with Georgia DOT to minimize potential negative impacts of future interstate work.
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum?
I support the bond referendum and here is why you should too. You may not realize that bonds have been an integral piece of building out our parks since the beginning of cityhood. Pernoshal Park, Brook Run’s great lawn, and Waterford Park all exist because of revenues we received from the DeKalb Parks bond approved before cityhood.
This bond provides immediate access to funding for the included projects. There is no other revenue source that will allow the improvements in a timely manner where those who fund them will actually get to use them. The included trail segments will improve walkability in Dunwoody Village, offer safe passage to schools and parks and allow access to major commercial areas. For each segment of trail, there will be meetings with neighbors and the public before design and engineering begins. (Each segment’s width can vary.)
With the completion of Wildcat and Homecoming Parks, we will gain pickleball courts, multi-purpose and free play fields, a splash pad, bathrooms, and more. Most importantly, we will build a fantastic play structure and area for special-needs adults and children. Input from citizens defined the Bond’s project list and this is how the funds will be utilized.
Her campaign website is mayorlynn.com.
Stacey Harris – Incumbent for District 4 Post At-Large
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond? And what role will you play in achieving it?
My word for the next four years is “continue” – I want to continue the work we have started. I look forward to completed transportation projects, a fully funded and staffed police department, continued increase in public art, improved parks and continued partnerships with commercial redevelopment. I look forward to being part of Dunwoody’s continued future.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody?
I have served the citizens of Dunwoody for past four years as a city councilwoman. Prior to being on council, I served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and Sustainability Commission. I have lived in Dunwoody for 19 years. I also work in Dunwoody which makes me uniquely qualified to understand different views of our city. I believe I have a better understanding of Dunwoody, both our history and our future than my opponent.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud (either personally or professionally)?
The past four years have been challenging for the city. I’m proud of our accomplishments despite worldwide pandemic. Personally, I’m most proud of the little things we have accomplished – band concerts in Brook Run, completing the Village comprehensive plan, an art commission, ribbon cuttings, picnic table project and connecting groups within our city.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
Commercial property provides the majority of city revenue, so our challenge is to keep areas like the PCID healthy and viable. The workplace is evolving after COVID and our vision needs to evolve as well.
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum?
I very much support the park bond referendum. City council and staff have spent two years designing park plans, working with a citizens’ advisory committee and finalizing the list of projects. I truly believe the bond is a great investment for the city and will propel our city forward.
Her campaign website is https://www.staceyfordunwoody.com/.
Chris Ozor – Candidate for District 4 Post At-Large
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond? And what role will you play in achieving it?
My vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond is for the educational level of its residents to improve above 71 percent, which is its current level. The role I’ll play in achieving this goal is to re-conceptualize education starting from preschool to postgraduate.
Our community must provide the required tools of learning to schools. Amongst these tools are teaching paraphernalia such as qualified and well-paid teachers, child-friendly resources, and safe environments. I would support initiatives that provide funding for education that leads to social and academic excellence.
I will ensure the city of Dunwoody is an active participant in childcare-related matters – ensuring the cost of quality childcare does not exceed the cost of housing for families, especially, low-income families.
It will benefit the city if residents have the opportunity for continuous education. Take Colorado as an example. In 2004 Colorado decided no one is too old or too poor to be educated. It established Colorado Opportunity Fund (COF). COF is a voucher-based program that finances higher education. The impetus of the program was the appropriation of huge tax dollars windfall to the citizens and residents as stipends toward cost of higher education, since majority of the tax revenue came directly from Colorado businesses and citizens. Traditionally, such tax revenues go directly to the universities—allowing the schools to spend the money according to their discretion. There were only two requirements for Colorado residents to qualify for this program:
i. Must be a resident of Colorado.
ii. Must be between ages 13 and 93.
This program still exists today. If Colorado can implement such program, Georgia should be able to implement a similar program where every resident can be educated.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody?
I like Dunwoody and would like to lend my voice to the progress and development of the city I’ve called home in the last three years. Having lived in a progressive state like Colorado and participated in its politics, I believe I can bring the ideas that transformed Colorado from a podunk to a state-of-the-art state. I have extensive knowledge in community building and being the voice of the oppressed and unheard. I was part of the team that actualized the COF program in Colorado. I’ll bring such knowledge in implementing a similar program in Dunwoody. I’ll ensure the residents of Dunwoody get the value of their taxes in the form of projects that directly benefit the residents.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I am most proud of having five great children. Chrystal is the greatest daughter any father could have. She recently became a mother. Ikenna has excelled in every activity he has been involved in. He recently got his master’s degree in Cellular and molecular biology from University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS). Ikenna was also the Commencement Speaker at Knox College Galesburg, Illinois where he got his bachelor’s in biology. Chuba is in his last year of his bachelor’s degree at Case Western Reserve University studying biomedical engineering. Chigozie is studying journalism and political science at Colorado State University. Adaure is a 10th grader at Eaglecrest High School in Colorado.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
As a young city, Dunwoody is faced with determining how to manage its resources and achieving good results for the city at large. The issue of expansion and management of projects ranks above other issues like safety and security of residents. Given the high level of evictions it could mean unemployment needs to be tended to by the city and state. There is a paucity of arts and culture in the city of Dunwoody. I’d like the city to invest more in arts and culture with emphasis on multiculturalism. According to John F. Kennedy, Art is not freedom from discipline, but disciplined freedom.
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum?
I am in favor of the bond referendum. I agree with the city that bonds make capital projects more affordable without putting stress on a city’s budget.
His campaign website is vote4chrisozor.com.
Joe Seconder – Incumbent for District 5 Post At-Large
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond, and what role will you play in achieving it?
A: Continue to promote quality of life: From ensuring our streets are safe for all, continued effective policing with commensurate budgets, to having a city where every child should be able to walk or ride their bike safely to school.
B: Continue to support a community for lifelong living: Creating an exciting, vibrant community – whether you’re raising a family, a recent college grad, empty nester, or an 80-year-old retiree wanting to gracefully age in place without having to move out of our city.
C: Continue to work on revitalizing Dunwoody Village. Activating the heart of our community for families and friends to enjoy – every day of the year.
D: Strategic investment of public dollars in infrastructure and amenities to retain and attract Fortune 500 businesses (which provide 70% of the city’s operating funds) along with their workers and families – including parks, greenspace, and trails.
No single person on council – including the mayor – can get the above done on their own. My analogy in how I work is like a four-legged stool: I am one leg and can initiate items. The rest of the council and mayor is the second leg. City staff is a third leg. But the most important leg is the citizens. For each initiative, it is absolutely essential to bring in citizens – stakeholders and more – for feedback and input. As a council member, I listen and iteratively adapt. With each “leg,” there must be collaboration and compromise. Gathering relevant information and putting it all together so that at the end, the council weighs the pros and cons, and ultimately makes the decision.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody?
I’ve been fortunate to have a four-year track record serving in my first term on Dunwoody City Council, sworn into office in January 2020 right before a once-in-a-generation pandemic. And I have a history of being fully engaged in our community and getting things done for much longer than that. Just Google “Joe Seconder” and “Dunwoody” going back to 2010. Since being elected, I’ve continued to engage our citizens and work closely with my peers on council.
We’ve adopted new master plans – for Dunwoody Village, trails, and our future parks. We’re seeing public art for the first time. And I led the effort to secure funding to hire the city’s very first Safe Streets Program Manager.
I also spent 23 years in service to our country in the Army Active Duty and Reserve moving through the ranks starting as a private as a military policeman, to a major in the Infantry, with a year deployed in a combat zone for Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As you look at what our mayor and council – together – have achieved during these past four years, and believe that we are listening, are taking action and are moving forward in the right direction.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud?
Personally:
– Marrying my wife, Kathleen.
– Being the first person in my family (siblings, cousins) to graduate from college.
-Having the honor to serve the citizens of Dunwoody as an elected city councilman.
Professionally:
– Receiving a commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.
– Being selected by my Fortune-100 corporation for a multi-year international assignment to Zurich, Switzerland.
– On council, seeing our annual retreats truly become strategic planning sessions that guide the city.
Being an effective leader in an organization necessitates three key tenants: 1) Planning; 2) Executing those plans; and 3) Analyzing the implementation and modifying appropriately.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
Housing choices. Many retirees are leaving Dunwoody because we do not have what they are looking for. For example, downsizing to single-level living with a master on main. We also need to address the “missing middle,” where a first-time homeowner has few options other than a “five/four and a door” on a half-acre lot.
Public Schools. We must continue to leverage political and other means to hold DeKalb County Schools accountable.
Transportation. More businesses will mandate workers to return to the office. With that, there will be an increase in traffic. We must work with GDOT, regional and state leaders to have holistic solutions, more than adding more lanes to roads or highways, which has never solved congestion. Top-end 285 Bus Rapid Transit should be created providing critical east-west regional connections. Perimeter business district office transition. I would support offices with considerable vacancies to transition to mixed-use with owner-occupied condos.
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum?
Yes, I am in support of the parks, trails, and greenspace bond. I voted to place it on the ballot for the citizens of Dunwoody to decide. With the pay as you go model, it will take us 20 + years to see these changes. Children continue to age out in our car-oriented suburb. When Dunwoody was being built out, there was no thought of people moving about outside of their car, and sidewalks were not even built. All “parks” were private: country club, swim and tennis club, etc. with extremely limited green /public space set aside. It’s also critically important for business retention that drives 70% of our city’s revenues, we are in competition with Alpharetta, Midtown and Buckhead – all of these are investing with public dollars in parks, trails, and public greenspaces. Because that’s what their employees and their families are asking for.
The council has spent over two years setting the stage for this bond: Finalizing plans. Each with citizen engagement and feedback – including those who may not be able to show up in person on a weeknight at city hall. Vetting our projects with a citizens review committee and a myriad public meetings, all with the fullest transparency and due diligence. And at the end of the day, with our representative form of government, the council approved the project list and scope of the bond that is now on the ballot for the voters to ultimately decide.
And by the way just last year, Roswell – another nearby competitor – passed a $107M parks and trails bond with 74% approval.
His campaign website is www.joe4dunwoody.com.
Marianella López – Candidate for District 5 Post At-Large
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond, and what role will you play in achieving it?
My vision is to see a more civically engaged Dunwoody! I will do this by working closely with our amazing Dunwoody city staff and residents to help bring forth more civic engagement from younger citizens and people of different ethnicities!
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody?
I have the passion, energy, and people skills that inspire people to work together, get more engaged, and give back to their community. My awesome opponent does not have the language skills or relationships set up to inspire our bilingual people of color to become more civically active and take ownership of their community. I can speak to those who have not typically been represented in civic manners and inspire them to participate in civic discourse and enjoy all the benefits that come with living in such a great city! I also have no prior experience in government thus I am open and ready to learn from the people themselves! I do not come with any agenda other than to serve my community. I trust that an informed community knows what’s best for itself. That’s why I want to engage the citizens to become informed and take ownership of the future of our city!
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud?
I am most proud of my work with Corners Music Academy. I started the music and arts department with Larry Campbell at Corners Outreach. Through our hard work, community support, and the hard work of students and their parents, we have grown exponentially since launching in 2020 during the pandemic! The relationships that I have built with my students, parents, and community are what I am most proud of.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
I think that we have to really focus on bringing businesses that provide staple experiences for Dunwoody into the perimeter! We have far too many empty shopping/business parks that could be transformed into revenue-bringing entities for our city and experience giving spaces for our residents. If we aren’t fast to capitalize on the amazing commercial spaces we have, we will be counting on property taxes or debt… But I trust that our city will be better than ever with voices like mine working with our great team!
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum?
I am opposed to this bond because I would have liked to see the bond be split between parks and trails. I think parks are a fabulous addition to our city– however I am opposed to widening sidewalks and cutting down more trees for trails in areas that do not need them.
Note: López said she is relying on word of mouth and grassroots support in lieu of having a campaign website or Facebook page.
John Heneghan – District 6 At-Large (unopposed)
What is your vision for Dunwoody for the next four years and beyond, and what role will you play in achieving it?
Every year, I repost the city of Dunwoody vision, mission, and values on my public blog (Heneghan’s Dunwoody Blog) to remind myself (and anyone else who might read it) of the ideals in which the city was founded and in which I strive to serve. The original vision for the city of Dunwoody was modified in 2022 and shortened to state that we will “foster a thriving, vibrant, and inclusive community with exceptional neighborhoods and an innovative, responsible business environment.” As much as I agree with that statement, I will continue to fulfill that vision by governing under the more detailed, original version under which we were founded. “The City of Dunwoody will provide quality service to its citizens and support the largest economic engine in the Southeast by planning in a careful and thoughtful manner. The City of Dunwoody will be inventive, transparent, and embrace responsible progress, tempered by the city’s rich history and strong desire to maintain a close and vibrant community atmosphere that values family life and the entrepreneurial spirit. The City of Dunwoody will continue to support and nurture a community dedicated to the preservation of family, education, religious institutions, and the environment.” I have strived and will continue to meet these ideals.
What makes you qualified to represent the citizens of Dunwoody? If you are running opposed, what strengths do you have that your opponent does not?
I am proud to say that I have had a hand in setting all policies from start-up to current-day operations. With a degree in public administration, I have dedicated myself to public service, where I hope to fulfill two ideals. The first is that when I have the ability to make a difference, I have a responsibility to do so and second, transparency in government breeds self-corrective behavior. Fifteen years ago, I made transparency and open government a keystone of my governance policy; therefore, I have personally published every agenda, every public document and even live-streamed meetings to my blog documenting actions taken by the city. My motivation to continue serving is that I believe I have the ability to continue making a difference in making Dunwoody a better community for all who live and work here.
What are the accomplishments of which you are most proud (either personally or professionally)?
Looking back on a wide variety of work, civic, and personal accomplishments, my proudest and most far-reaching decision was that I stepped outside my comfort zone, went for something way outside my league, I kissed the girl.
What do you think are the biggest challenges that Dunwoody will face in the next four years?
Our biggest challenge in the next four years is financial planning and fiscal control, as I foresee a possible downturn in office valuation in the coming years because of lower occupancy rates when leases are not renewed or sublet. When office buildings have high vacancy rates, it lowers building valuation, which decreases tax revenue for the city. Our homeowner tax rate is already capped and frozen, with valuation increases only coming from recent sales or rental properties. Our operational expenses are rising faster than the city general operation revenue, yet we cannot utilize capital funds for operating expenses. This general fund shortfall issue is just starting as salaries will continue to rise, new facilities will need to be maintained, the big problem will be the fact that our governmental administrative service contracts will need to be renegotiated as they all expire in a few years. Revenue streams tied to property taxes are frozen, with Dunwoody having the lowest tax rate in DeKalb County. Today, this is a minor issue as we have reserves to cover the downturn. In 2025, I see us in a similar, slightly worse situation; then in 2026, the City of Dunwoody will have contract renewals, which I anticipate will have substantial inflationary increases – even after rebidding them.
The second major challenge for the City of Dunwoody is ensuring that Perimeter Center remains vibrant, strong and safe. High Street development will be coming onboard soon, which will add vitality and amenities to the area. I want our big box retail stores in Perimeter Mall to stay vibrant and viable. The city leaders need to ensure that all residents, shoppers, and workers feel safe from crime by guaranteeing an adequate police presence at the mall and area restaurants while also partnering with Marta Police. Perimeter Center has grown and will add thousands of new residents; therefore, we will need to beef up police coverage in these areas to handle the additional workload. A lack of future investment in police coverage would be short-sighted, and a long-term detriment to the value of Perimeter Center; therefore, much like my financial concerns, there is no way around this issue and it must be addressed head-on.
Are you opposed to or in favor of the bond referendum (and why or why not?)
It is my job to formulate the best funding strategy for future investment in the community, and if that is a bond referendum, so be it. My job is to provide the best product for the citizens to vote up or down. I believe the residents should only be requested to pay additional taxes for necessary items that make sense, the list should be ranked and allowable bond funds would only be used to complete that limited list. Finally, when there are several very different topics up for a bond, the issues should be divided into two separate ballot questions so that residents can approve or deny each project type.
I disagree with the appropriateness of these 12-foot sidewalks on several different levels, therefore, I voted at a city council meeting against the plan. When the possibility of a bond was being floated to the community for both parks and paths was being discussed, I asked that the topics be separated so that residents could vote for one and possibly against the other. That idea was quickly dismissed. I asked that a hard list of projects be offered with the bond which would limit the council from working outside what they originally projected the funds would be used for, but council decided that a soft list offered maximum flexibility. As a city councilman, it is not my responsibility to tell anyone on how to vote on a referendum. It is my job to present bond referendum questions that are appropriate, fiscally sound, transparent, non-divisive and promote an environment of honesty, openness and integrity.
More information about Heneghan can be found at www.dunwoodynorth.blogspot.com.