Appen Plays Up Youth as Positive in His Alpharetta City Council Race

Hans Appen thinks his youth is one of his assets in his race for Alpharetta City Council Post 5 in the November municipal election.

The and 2011 University of Georgia graduate said the City Council needs a link between it and the young professionals the city needs to maintain its quality of life. He wants to make sure the city makes good decisions for all ages, interests and needs of its citizens.

"We need a strong work force to maintain our employment base. And to keep that work force growing, we need to be able to both attract young professionals from the outside as well as keep those who grow up in Alpharetta," Appen said.

He said the city must provide for their lifestyle and housing needs.

Appen has lived in Alpharetta all of his life, and he said he plans to raise his family here.

" I want to help make sure that the quality of life that we all enjoy here continues and I want to make it even better," he said.

His Economics degree will help him maintain the city's financial stability.

A member of since 1993, earlier this year Appen married his high school sweetheart, Kristina Brown.

He works in the advertising department of the family business–– and manages its circulation.

"In this capacity I meet with hundreds of local businesses and residents every month face to face. I listen to their needs, their concerns, and I understand their goals and hopes for Alpharetta. I believe that I have an ear for what is going on in this city–and I think that is important," he said.

Appen offered his commitment to honesty, hard work and dedication to the time needed to be on City Council, and that he'd listen.

"And what some say I may lack in experience I will more than make up in hard work and common sense. At this stage in my life I do have the energy and my calendar is not weighted down with a multitude of obligations and responsibilities," he said.

"I believe that my age and my experience are two of my strongest assets. I do not have pre-formed opinions or associations with any particular group. My decisions will be made based on the facts presented and the information provided by the city’s professional staff," Appen said.