Our Platform
No More Luxury Apartments
Time and time again we see developers promise a mixed-use development with retail space, get it approved by council, and then deliver only expensive apartments. It’s a successful strategy that goes unchecked and unchallenged. We need a middle ground of dense housing and ownability, projects like: multi-family homes, condos, or townhomes. Kennesaw needs to prioritize quality-constructed homes that people can own, raise a family in, and then pass down to their children.
Good Read: Luxury Development is Making Our Housing Crisis Worse - Inequality.org
Transparency
We pick and choose what ordinances are applied to businesses and have created a system where some are given special treatment while others have told me they feel almost attacked. If we have an ordinance we either apply it to everyone, or apply it to no one, we don’t get to pick and choose. Cultivating a fair and transparent reputation will make Kennesaw a more attractive place to start a new business.
Accessory Dwelling Units
An ADU is an extra living space built on an already existing residential property, think an in-law-unit or a tiny home built on the extra land. These developments keep families close together, create new revenue streams, and allow homeowners to take full advantage of the land they already own. With no clear codes, developing these types of units is very difficult. We need to explicitly permit ADUs and make sure that they follow the same codes and safety measures as any other newly built living space.
Third Space
A "Space" in short is where we spend our time, whereas our first space is home, second is work, and third is anywhere else, like a café. Residents want to spend money locally, but many feel Kennesaw lacks the same amount or quality as neighboring cities. One way to encourage more third spaces is by implementing a tax break for the first years until the business is running comfortably. That boost could be the difference between a business closing and the next town gem.
Term Limits
Term limits prevent career politicians, keep our governing bodies caught up with current values, and keep solutions modern. Two terms (8 years), is more than enough time on a city council to pass the agenda and promises a candidate ran on.
Energy Independence
Investing in newer and cleaner energies not only allows individuals and our governments to save money on their bills and taxes, but it also creates a more sustainable and clean environment. All government buildings should run on renewable energies and pass those savings onto residents.
Fiber Optic Internet Investment
Affordable and dependable internet is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Our local government needs to work with ISPs and invest in the infrastructure required to give the citizens of Kennesaw the options of fiber optic internet at competitive prices before we fall too behind.
Instant Run Off Elections
Instant Run off elections will prevent another situation where a candidate could win with only 18% of the vote. IREs are popular, does away with the spoiler effect, and most importantly since its done at the time of voting no 2nd round of in person voting is required. This will save voters time and local governments from wasting tax payer dollars.
Good Read: https://fairvote.org/our-reforms/ranked-choice-voting/
Law Enforcement
Our police should be given the best training possible that focuses on de-escalation and nonlethal practices. Being trained in hand-to-hand combat makes officers feel safer in their abilities and reduces their chances of using lethal force.