Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Mike Davis announces candidacy for Mayor of Dunwoody and Thursday Night meet and greet at Village Burger

Mike Davis, Candidate for Dunwoody Mayor


Mike Davis (57) has announced that he is running for Mayor of Dunwoody. Mike is a 22 year resident of Dunwoody and has served in a number of community volunteer roles including board member of Dunwoody Yes, a group that advocated for the formation of the City of Dunwoody. Through his 30 year working career he’s been a business owner and has served in a number of leadership roles in the chemical sales and financial services industries. Currently, Davis is the owner of Asset Preservation Group, an insurance brokerage that specializes in life and long term care insurance,

“Mike is a smart business person who has given his time and talents to many community initiatives,” said Heyward Wescott, Davis’ campaign manager. “He’s an active participant in the business of the city and has a strong understanding of the issues facing our young city.”

In addition to his service during the cityhood movement, Davis led two successful local political campaigns: Denny Shortal’s bid for Dunwoody City Council and Tom Taylor’s campaign for State Representative for the Dunwoody area. Additionally, Davis has served or currently serves as a member of Dunwoody’s Georgetown sounding board, member of the Dunwoody Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development committee, and past president of Mill Glen Swim and Tennis Club. Davis is a former board member of the Murphey Candler Girls Softball League where he coached numerous teams.

He and his wife, Mary Pat have four children, one grandchild and one on the way. They are members of St. Jude where he sings in the choir, is past president of the men’s club, and has served in a number of leadership roles including the church’s financial council and the pastoral council. Davis earned an undergraduate degree from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut.

The Davis for Dunwoody Mayor Campaign will launch on Thursday, June 9th at 7:30pm at Village Burger in Dunwoody (1426 Dunwoody Village Parkway, Dunwoody, GA 30338). Please join your Dunwoody neighbors for complimentary frozen custard with Mike.     RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124624644285816

Website: http://www.DunwoodyDavis.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DunwoodyDavis

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DunwoodyDavis

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mgdavis3

Contact info:
DunwoodyDavis@gmail.com
404-245-8688

Wal-Mart is looking at Winters Chapel & Peeler, Dunwoody Mayoral Race and other things that have crossed my desk.


At Sunday's DHA meeting the topic of a proposed Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market was discussed anchoring the intersection of Winters Chapel and Peeler Rd.  I have been aware of this proposal for a while and though the actual store will be located in Gwinnett County, (the possible City of Peachtree Corners if approved by referendum in November) as the County Line runs though the parking lot, I believe it is a positive addition to the east side of the city and am looking forward to hearing more details.  The City of Dunwoody will be working closely with the developer and Gwinnett County in the coming weeks to work out the logistical issues of developing a property that straddles the county line.

Dunwoody Mayoral Race
Also at the DHA meeting, Bob Dallas an attorney and Chairman of the Dunwoody Planning Commission informed the Dunwoody Homeowners Association Sunday night that he hopes to become Dunwoody’s next mayor, though it appears that he is planing a formal announcement next week. Mr. Jamie Sibold, also an attorney and the former DeKalb County Republican Party chairman, also announced his intentions to form an exploratory committee to seek the office of Mayor of Dunwoody. Today's Dunwoody Crier shows that a third candidate has entered the Mayoral race, Mr. Mike Davis.

I plan on devoting a single posting to every candidate who officially announces that they are a candidate for elected office in Dunwoody with all relevant information as it becomes available. Look for my Mike Davis page soon.

Other News crossing my Desk
Spruill Gallery Garden - Grand Opening Thursday Evening
Dunwoody celebrates different approach
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis unveiled a tax hike of 4.5 mills (expect this to be reduced in shell game.)
N. Fulton cities run deficit in 911 center (Dunwoody has fixed price)
26 new 4 x 8 foot plots open at Dunwoody Community Garden
Video of Armed Robbery at Burger King from Tuesday
Another Dunwoody Bank Robbery and my suggestion on issue.
Atlanta Colts Football Registration ends Saturday - great for all ages and sizes.
City releases RFP to Update City Zoning and Land Development Ordinance
City releases RFP on repaving - lists streets and specs.
Watch Dunwoody's Jennifer Leslie and her boys play with butterflies
Happy Sumo on Mt. Vernon didn't score so well - details.   Fulton Search
Dunwoody High School Scores
New school for Austin? Resolution, page 15, #9, DeKalb School Watch, Dunwoody Talk, Patch

Sunday, June 5, 2011

An uplifting weekend in Dunwoody and I'm still looking forward to Sunday.

Dunwoody Soapbox Derby

The last week was crazy at work and coming home on Friday riding the Marta train; I was exhausted and beat. Instead of staring out the window, I jumped on the blackberry and read the most amazing story between two people whom I and many in the community know.  It immediately picked me up and put me on cloud Nine that has literally carried me for days. What happens on Facebook is not for me to share publicly therefore all I can say is Amy you are AMAZING and a true inspiration to all that know you.

When I finally get home on Friday night we travel way up to Cumming to attend a bbq at an old friend's house where there is a house full of people with kids everywhere. Walking around talking to a few people, a gentleman comes up to me as says, "excuse me John, what was your last name?" I said "Heneghan" and he started laughing at me with a huge goofy smile. He said "hello John, I'm Chris North, an avid reader of your blog, a reporter and would you believe, that just today, I wrote a newspaper article on you."  We laughed, talked a bit of city politics and then our wives rightfully made fun of us for talking shop.  (Here you go Chris, I enjoyed meeting you, as well as now being able to turn the tables writing about you.)

At our house, Saturday morning is dedicated father / son bonding time, (i.e. my wife has declared it to be her time to do whatever she wants to do as long as it has nothing to do with testosterone or parenting).  The Brunswick Zone bowling alley on Spalding had a special, offering the boys and I, two free hours of entertainment, so we took advantage of that and had a great time. (If your kids enjoy the sport, there are great specials and opportunities available.)

Saturday afternoon, I stopped by the Dunwoody Soapbox Derby to see if the Knight's of Columbus needed any help cooking & serving food.  Since they had everything well under control, I watched a few races and mingled with those in attendance.   I talked to lot of people, Dick Williams of the Dunwoody Crier, Mayor Eric Clarkson of Chamblee, Bill Grant, and many others but the conversation I really enjoyed was with a group of three, 16 year old young men serving with the Dunwoody Police Explorers regarding the positive impact that it has already had on their lives.  Awesome program!


While I was doing the soapbox, my wife was able to do something that I wasn't and was to visit "Alex's Lemonade Stand" being put on by a number of Dunwoody families and a bunch of great kids.  My friend Bob Lundsten made it over and gave a nice recap of him meeting the best salesperson he has ever met and her only being 7.

Saturday night, my wife and I attended a friends 40th birthday party here in Dunwoody and the theme was "Senior Prom" where everyone was suppose to dress the same as they did at their prom, oh so many years ago.  For giggles here is a photo from the evening but letting loose, living in an age of digital cameras and social media is a whole lot scarier then when I was in high school and the only equivalent was the yearbook.  Let me tell you, Facebook is not the friend of a guy who can't dance but does it anyway.  Long story, short - we had a great time.

Sunday is shaping up to be a fun day at the neighborhood pool as my 5 yr old has come out of his shell as he is now jumping in and diving down for coins in the big pool where just a week ago he was afraid to leave the comfort of the baby pool.  (Might be that cute redhead Casey he has his eye on?)  Besides time with my kids, playing water volleyball with other adults is really enjoyable and a great way for me to blow off some steam.

Sunday night, I will be attending the Dunwoody Homeowners Association monthly meeting, the last before the 4th of July parade, where the agenda is light but I am guessing someone (not me) will be announcing their candidacy for Mayor and/or other council candidates may be stepping forward for the four positions up for election

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Soapbox Saturday in Dunwoody - races begin at 9:00 am. Great family event.


The 2011 Dunwoody Soap Box Derby will be held June 4, 2011 at the First Baptist Church Atlanta located at 4400 North Peachtree Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, just outside Interstate 285.

http://www.dunwoodysoapboxderby.org

http://www.thecrier.net/articles/2011/05/31/news/soapbox.txt

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dunwoody-Soap-Box-Derby/200358116653285

Never pass a children's lemonade stand and other miscellaneous items that have crossed my desk.

Saturday from 11 - 2 pm
  • My kids love my never pass a children's lemonade stand rule because they know it's guaranteed liquid refreshment and if their lucky it also provides a cookie, but on top of everything it is also a life lesson for both my kids as well as the proprietor of the lemonade stand.

    Four Dunwoody families are proud to be hosting the second annual Alex's Lemonade Stand this coming Saturday, June 4 from 11-2pm to raise funds for childhood cancer. The stand will be at 5218 Forest Springs Drive off Mt Vernon Road (Dunwoody Club Forest subdivision). The kids will be selling fresh squeezed lemonade and baked goods. Any donation amount is welcome......all to benefit this great organization.

  • Blogs come and blogs go.  Ms. Sustainable Pattie Baker has shuttered her Sustainable Pattie blog to focus on her upcoming best seller, Food for my Daughters

  • Dunwoody Mom over at the Dunwoody School Daze blog did a nice breakout of the Dunwoody numbers in the DeKalb County School System 2020 Vision, 10 Year Master Facilities Plan and SPLOST IV Projects, the DeKalb County School Watch blog elaborated and Rick Callihan on the Dunwoody Talk blog then put his spin on what the numbers mean to him.

  • If I had the option to change the setup of the Dunwoody City Council, I wouldn't.  Every Dunwoody resident elects four of the seven seats (Mayor and three at large seats) with the other three elected locally but hopefully always governing for the greater good of the city as a whole.  This November is a big election and it allows sweeping change by clearing house of all four at large candidates, changing individual members or reelecting those who have proven themselves worthy.

  • At the last City Council meeting Mayor Wright mentioned this article regarding municipalities breaking out individual service contracts to various companies for contracted city services.  This model has served the City of Dunwoody well, but if memory serves me correctly the sole service bidder for Dunwoody backed out because there were other options being publicized and publicly reviewed.   Kudos again to Dan Weber & Don Boyken.

  • The City of Sandy Springs has 20 job openings mostly related to city planning, building inspection, code enforcement, public relations, arborist, and administrative assistant. Another link which may work better.
  • This Saturday from Noon to 5 is the PDK Good Neighbor airshow, free admission with $5 parking.