Eight Candidates Head Back to the Campaign Trail

For Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason who ran unopposed, and for Post 1 Phil Sadd and Post 2 Jay Lowe congratulations are in order on their Super Tuesday wins. For Post 3-6 excitement is still in the air as eight of the candidates gear up for a runoff just four weeks from now.

Without exception the candidates said that so far, the best part of the campaign process has been meeting the residents of Peachtree Corners. One candidate commented that, “This is a new way to meet people. I love talking to whoever is available.” Another said that, “Meeting and talking to the people makes me realize what a great community we have.”

These candidates, who will be voted on in the runoff election on April 3rd, are ready and willing to carry on their campaigns. Below are the answers they gave when asked how they’ve felt about the campaign overall and how are they feeling about the four weeks of campaigning ahead.

Post 3

David Proud: “I’m thrilled to be selected to continue campaigning. I thank God, my wife and the hard working volunteers who have given me support. I look forward to a spirited but friendly campaign to decide the outcome for Post 3 council representation. I’m positive and excited. Once the voters hear my message about non-intrusive government  I think they’ll respond positively.”

Alex Wright: “The last three months has been very busy especially because I have four kids and a job. I sort of felt out of my comfort zone when I began going door to door but that ended up being my favorite part of the process. I've gone to over 1,500 homes. A lot of people got to express their feeling about the Peachtree Corners process. I often take one of my kids with me as I visit residents which is a great way for us to build memories.”

Post 4

Jeanne Aulbach: “Last night (Tuesday) I was kind of down, but then on Wednesday morning I had a ton of emails congratulating me and offering help and support for the next four weeks. That good support from the people brought me back up and I’m ready to actively campaign. I have my second wind and expect to win Post 4. I really like and respect all of the opponents.”

Robert Byars: “I’m looking forward to the next four weeks because it gives me a greater chance to connect with voters. Our operations are good, we have a better message to deliver and it gives me a chance to show that I’ll bring leadership second to none. I appreciate everyone who voted for me this past Tuesday and now I’ll work hard to show that I’d be the best representative for Post 4.”

Post 5

Lorri Christopher: “ I want the voters to know that I’m fiscally conservative, believe in citizen input and minimal government.  I would have loved for it to be over on Tuesday. Since there isn’t a quorum yet, Mike Mason and the two elected council members will be delayed in the decision making process for another month. For me, there’s more work to be done. There are a lot of good candidates, so no matter who is elected we’ll have a good city council.”

Gray Terry: “ I’m glad to be alive and kicking! I’m happy to be in the runoff and thankful to the voters for their support. The election process is new to most of the people running. It’s been great meeting the residents and seeing the diversity of our city. We have active citizens who will hold our feet to the fire and expect us to run the city well.”

Post 6

Weare Gratwick: “I’m re-energized and ready to go. My campaign manager Mike McLaughlin and my great team are excited about the next four weeks. We’re already making phone calls. I have great respect for all of the candidates. I think we’ve run a very positive campaign and made the city proud.”

Brian Stickney: “ The campaign being extended is a mixed blessing. I’m kind of looking forward to it. This will be the real election. I enjoyed meeting people and am going to keep walking the neighborhoods but not spend any more. I’m spent out.”

Congratulations to these eight candidates who will continue working hard to gain votes for a council seat in Peachtree Corners.

Editor's note: In the interest of fairness, candidates' comments were presented in alphabethical order based on the posts they are seeking. The photos running with this story have been provided by the candidates. All candidates were asked to submit a photo of their choice to run with the story. A few of the candidates were not able to provide their photo by our deadline. However, Patch will add photos as soon as the candidates provide them.