Alpharetta Mayor Plans Technology Commission
Belle Isle also tells business and community leaders at the first State of the City address by an Alpharetta mayor that the city needs a convention center.
Mayor David Belle Isle hasn't been in office two months, but he's already accomplished a first: He apparently is the first mayor in 154 years to give an official State of the City address.
The Alpharetta Business Association organized the event, using a large tent from It's My Party Rental on the parking lot next to City Hall for the breakfast event.
The mayor said public safety and transportation are two building blocks for a good city. The ISO rating of 2 for Alpharetta's firefighters and a steadily declining crime rate in the city are testament to one building block. Completion of Westside Parkway's last section in June, plus improvements at nearly every major intersection in the city show the other building block is being addressed.
Belle Isle said the development of the City Center is a key accomplishment they can count on, but its architecture and design aren't the important things about it. Seeing the community use the park and town green, with a public library on site, are the important things. Success will be measured by how people come downtown and used it, he said.
Alpharetta has 900 high-tech companies because it has the infrastructure in place. Fiber optic cables installed 15 years ago, plus the power grid built to serve data centers and other technology centers got the city where it is, but Belle Isle asked what's next to keep the city ahead of other communities? He said the state's first Technology Advisory Commission will help answer that question, with representatives from the city's technology companies being recruited as members.
Jessica Szilagyi
3:26 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mayor Belle Isle is a true example of what public servants are supposed to be like. I am proud to have worked on his camapign and am proud of Alpharetta for making the right choice! I know this Mayornwill lead Alphretta down the right path.
Mike Lotshaw
10:53 pm on Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Mayor Belle Isle brings a great value proposition to the citizens and businesses of Alpharetta: a servant-leader of integrity with a participatory vision that will enable Alpharetta to attract and keep the best-in-class businesses while preserving the quality of our community and residential environment.
Travis Allen
6:39 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
What do the 56% of the people that didn't vote for him think?
What about preserving the "essence" of Alpharetta and the historical structures in the downtown area?
David Belle Isle
7:25 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Jessica and Mike, thank you for your kind words.
Travis, Good point. I wish all elected officials could serve with the realization that the majority of voters wanted someone else. Keeps you humble. As for preserving the "essence" of Alpharetta, I couldn't agree more. In the past, I referred to it as preserving Alpharetta's residential character. It's a tremendously important issue. It's why I support redesignating Hwy 9 off our Main Street and why my biggest priority is enhancing and strengthening our Downtown. If you're interested in discussing further, I would love to hear directly from you. You can reach me at 404-310-1336(c).
Douglas DeRito
10:33 am on Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Mayor Belle Isle - I just want to compliment you and thank you for the proactive leadership posture you have taken since taking office. I always said during hte campaign, all our candidates are fine public servants and you are demonstrating the vision and leadership our City needs. It is exciting to watch Alpharetta continue to grow, even in the worst economic times experienced in our lifetime. Despite this fact, we see Alpharetta managing well and our future is bright.
I wish you continued success and want to say "Thank You", which sometimes is not heard enough by those you serve well..
Doug DeRito