Thanks Jill for saving us from ourselves! What would we do without you?

Jill Chambers just saved 40,000 people from deciding for themselves on the feasibility of a City of Dunwoody. Thanks Jill for doing that otherwise we would have had until September to review copious amounts of financial data to determine if a city would work or if it was still desired even under a slight tax increase.

REPRESENTATIVE JILL CHAMBERS VOICES SUPPORT FOR SELF DETERMINATION FOR DUNWOODY

ATLANTA—Georgia State Representative Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta) today issued the following statement expressing her support for the creation of a Township of Dunwoody.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that I completely support the creation of Township of Dunwoody and the right of the residents of that area to vote on that issue,” Chambers said. “I believe that the best form of government is that which is closest to the people. “But I also believe in the right of citizens to know the cost of their government, and to know how their taxpayer dollars are being spent to create and run the local government,”

Chambers continued. “I believe in doing things right the first time, especially when we are spending other people’s money to do it. Openness and transparency at all levels of government is necessary.

“While the feasibility report regarding cityhood for Dunwoody shows that a city could be viable, the tax revenue projections are based upon collection of taxes destined to be repealed and a revenue bill passed last year that will be tied up in expensive lawsuits with the county. This creates a real risk of creating a deficit for the proposed fledgling city that would have to be made up with higher property taxes.

“A Township of Dunwoody gives local citizens the control they want regarding zoning and parks, but will not cost as much as an incorporated city. It would be prudent and fiscally responsible to first create a local form of government that will be solvent. A city of Dunwoody would have raised taxes both inside the new city and for the citizens in the unincorporated parts of the county.

“It is my sincerest hope that we can now move forward with meaningful discussions about the financial implications and obligations that will accompany the creation of the Township of Dunwoody. The citizens of this area deserve nothing less than honest and open dialogue. I remain committed to giving the citizens the right to vote on self determination and to continue working with my colleagues to make that vote happens.” ###