Retired DeKalb County director Susan Hood running for Clarkston City Council
Susan Hood
Clarkston, GA — Susan Hood, retired director of parks and greenspace for DeKalb County, is running for Clarkston City Council.
The election is on Nov. 2. There are three seats on the ballot this year, all elected at-large. The seats will go to the three candidates who earn the most votes.
The other candidates running this year are:
– Jamie Carroll (Incumbent)
– Susan Hood
– Shana McAllister
– Yterenickia Bell
– Herbert Clark
– Larry McClam
– Dean Moore
She has extensive experience in city government, land use, planning and project management and views her retirement as a way to be flexible and available to residents of Clarkston. Hood has lived in Clarkston for more than 27 years.
“I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly take place across government, and it has made me a strong advocate for good government. Citizens deserve good government, open government, all the facts. They don’t deserve spin,” said Hood, who believes local government can make the biggest impact on the daily lives of constituents.
Hood introduces herself during public meetings as “Susan Hood, advocate for good government.” It’s the basis of her interest as a citizen and potential elected official, she said.
Currently, Hood is a member of the Planning and Zoning Board, the Housing and Infrastructure Standing Advisory Committee and the Zoning Technical Advisory Committee. She is a graduate of the Institute for Georgia Environmental Leadership and served as co-chair of Clarkston’s Charter Review Committee.
Hood is running on two main issues: Boosting the economic and residential development of Clarkston without sacrificing the city’s charm and character, and establishing programs to help residents become homeowners and maintain home ownership.
“We have more new development now in Clarkston than in prior years. That’s a good thing, but I want to ensure this development fits the city and its citizens but doesn’t change the basic character of Clarkston,” she said. “It’s a strong community. I don’t want the old to be thrown out for the new. Good land use decisions are important, and citizens’ vision of the city should play a large role in decision-making.”
Hood sees the plan for a Downtown Development Authority as a plus. Change is inevitable, she said, but it must be good change. Downtown mom-and-pop businesses are the livelihood of Clarkston.
“We don’t want to displace anyone. We need to bring more people to downtown, to be their customers and give Clarkston residents more options for shopping and entertainment,” Hood said.
Because Clarkston is so renter-heavy, whether in single family homes or multi-family units, she wants the city to encourage home ownership with strategic programs for down payments and low-interest loans.
“Our housing stock is old, in need of repairs and maintenance. Developing this program would be a way to assist existing homeowners who need help to make major repairs,” she said.
“I plan to put all of my ability and energy into being the kind of councilmember that I would want to have. Someone who knows the source of power comes from people, makes themselves available and does the research required,” she said. “Being an elected official requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication, to inform yourself to make good decisions on the behalf of citizens.”
More information about the Nov. 2 municipal elections
All Tucker Observer elections coverage can be found at Tuckerobservervotes.com
The election will be Nov. 2. Early voting will begin on Oct. 12. The voter registration deadline for the upcoming city elections is Oct. 4. To register to vote, click here.
To see a list of important dates in the 2021 election year, click here.
Voters in DeKalb County are eligible to apply for an absentee ballot beginning Aug. 16. The county will hold municipal elections on Nov. 2, as well as a county-wide E-SPLOST vote for DeKalb County schools.
To apply for an absentee ballot:
— Visit the Georgia Secretary of State website: www.sos.ga.gov.
— Complete the absentee ballot application using the state’s official paper form or request an absentee ballot in writing. Use blue or black ink only.
Applications can be mailed to the county elections office and voter’s should use this address: DeKalb County Election office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA 30032-1239.
Applications can also be submitted through fax, 404-298-4038 or email, [email protected].
Voters may send an absentee ballot request for multiple people who live in the same household in the same envelope or email.
If an absentee ballot is not mailed to you, contact your county’s elections office. You may still vote in person, either early or on Election Day.
An absentee ballot application must be received 11 days prior to the election, which is Oct. 22.
In accordance with SB202, a new voting bill signed by Governor Brian Kemp in March, a voter ID is required to apply for an absentee ballot. A Georgia driver’s license, Georgia voter card, U.S. military ID, employee ID issued by any branch of the federal or state government, U.S. Passport, tribal ID, or a document verifying a voter’s name and address – including a paycheck, utility bill, or bank statement – are accepted forms of ID.
Voters can obtain a free ID at the DeKalb County Elections office at 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur or at the following locations:
– On Aug. 25 from 3-6 p.m. at Doraville Marta Station, 6000 New Peachtree Road, Doraville 30340.
— On Aug. 30 from 3-6 p.m. at Indian Creek Marta Station, 3901 Durham Park Road, Stone Mountain 30083.
— On Sept. 15 from 3-6 p.m. at Chamblee Marta Station, 5200 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee 303041.
— On Sept. 14 from 3-6 p.m. at Kensington Marta Station, 3505 Kensington Road, Decatur 30032.
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