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As Gwinnett County continues to grow, there's a pressing issue that residents like you have repeatedly voiced concerns about: the push for rapid transit in our suburban communities. Despite the promises of reduced traffic and improved connectivity, many of us moved to Gwinnett for the peace, quiet, and family-friendly environment that suburban life offers—not for the congestion and urban sprawl that rapid transit might bring.
Here’s What We Need to Consider for Gwinnett County Taxpayers:
Preserving Our Suburban Lifestyle: Many families choose to live in Gwinnett County to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The introduction of rapid transit, especially converting car lanes into transit lanes, threatens to disrupt the very reason people move here. It could lead to increased traffic in other areas, noise pollution, and a shift away from the tranquil, suburban character that defines our community.
Cost vs. Benefit: The proposed rapid transit projects come with an enormous price tag—$17 billion. Given the current ridership figures, it’s hard to justify such a massive investment, especially when previous votes have shown that Gwinnett residents do not want this expansion. The cost of these projects could instead be directed toward improving our existing infrastructure, schools, and public services that directly benefit our community.
Overbuilding and Urban Sprawl: Rapid transit often leads to overbuilding and increased density in areas that are not equipped to handle such growth. Gwinnett County, with its suburban layout, is not designed for the kind of high-density development that rapid transit systems usually attract. We must carefully consider the long-term impacts of this kind of development on our roads, schools, and overall quality of life.
Questioning the Motives: It's concerning to see the Atlanta Regional Commission, the Gwinnett Chamber, Gwinnett Government, and MARTA pushing so hard for a transit system that residents have already rejected three times. Why are these organizations so eager to push through a plan that the people of Gwinnett have repeatedly voted down? Could there be a conflict of interest at play, where certain parties stand to benefit financially or politically from this expansion?
The Path Forward:
As your candidate for Gwinnett County Chairman, I am committed to standing with the residents of Gwinnett County. I believe in transparency, accountability, and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard. We must ask tough questions and demand honest answers from those pushing for rapid transit. Our focus should be on maintaining the suburban character of our county, investing in the infrastructure that truly benefits our residents, and preserving the quality of life that makes Gwinnett a great place to live.
Together, we can ensure that Gwinnett County remains a place where families can thrive, free from the pressures of overdevelopment and unwanted urban expansion. Let’s protect what we love about our community and make sure that our voices are the ones that shape its future.