Thank you State Rep. Mike Wilensky for serving this Dunwoody community with honor and distinction. Mr. Long X Tran announces State Representative run.

 Representative Mike Wilensky, Mayor Lynn Deutsch & Council-member John Heneghan

Serving in an elected public capacity at any level is a difficult but rewarding task that takes dedication and effort which then usually sacrifices precious time away from your family and daytime profession that typically pays the bills.  Today State Representative Mike Wilensky who has served the Dunwoody Community for the last four years has announced that he will not be running for re-election.  I was surprised by the decision but immediately reached out (both privately & publicly) to thank him for his service.

Four years ago Mike (whom I did not know at the time) beat out my friend and former Mayor of Dunwoody, Ken Wright for the State Rep position.  The evening of the first election, I showed up at Mike's election watch party to congratulate him and I think he was very surprised to see me.  As an elected official with now twelve years of service, I personally know the strains of public office therefore I thanked him for running and the sacrifices that will be made, both personal for him & his family as well as professional because of the necessary time away from the regular day time job.  Now, on every election night where Dunwoody candidates are waiting on the tallies, I do the same for them as I have deep respect for those putting their name forward.  Politics aside, I honor the service and sacrifice.  

Elected officials don't go to work for love as we can never make everyone happy but we strive to do what is best for the communities we serve, we work for the greater good by making a difference in the quality of lives who live and work here.  We do all these things while always attempting to remain true to our personal ideals and values.  It is not an easy job.

In related news, another friend and neighbor from my Dunwoody North Community, Mr. Long X Tran has announced that he has put his name forward as a Democratic Candidate for the 80th district Georgia House of Representatives where Rep. Wilensky has decided not to run.  Long and his wife Susie have several children and both have been very active in the schools.  Long opened Peachy Corners Cafe a small independent coffee shop at Spalding & Holcomb Bridge, where he serves not only beverages but a sense of community by hiring local teenagers and hosting music nights with local bands looking for an audience.  Mr. Tran is a avid runner, he has dabbled in the movie industry by producing a film, is also deeply entrenched in the Asian Community as well as politics whereby he recently had the privledge of introducing President Biden at a local event.

Here is a link to Long's campaign announcement from his personal Facebook page which allows public viewing. Thank you Long for throwing your hat into the ring of public service.