Candidate Profile: John Silvey For Marietta City Council

MARIETTA, GA — Eleven city council candidates are running for six seats in Marietta's Nov. 2 municipal election, two of which are running for the Ward 2 seat.

Ward 2 encompasses much of the area surrounding Marietta High School, as well as area west and south of Hickory Hills Elementary School. Residents can check if they live in Ward 2 by viewing this map online.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

John Silvey is running for Marietta City Council, Ward 2 against incumbent Grif Chalfant.

Age (as of Election Day)

50

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Family

My wife Beth and I have been married almost 18 years and have four children.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

High School Graduate

Occupation

Restaurant Owner/Operator

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://business.facebook.com/johnforward2/

Why are you seeking elective office?

When you are a servant leader in the community and feel you are called to do more than you already are, you answer that call. I have been (and continue to be) a huge supporter of Marietta, the citizens that live here and the Marietta City Schools. I saw that the City Council was up for reelection and felt this would be a great opportunity to be able to support more of my Marietta neighbors. As soon as I announced that I was running, I felt it was the right thing to do and have received a lot of great feedback and support from the community. I look forward to supporting the city of Marietta in a different way, if elected.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I don't believe that there is a single most pressing issue facing the Council, or Marietta. There are several issues that are pressing. Traffic relief, public safety (making the streets safer to walk) and affordable housing are a few that are on the top of the list.

I would like to work with the City, County and State to discuss alternative traffic patterns or avenues so people won't be sitting in traffic, or have to get up so early to arrive to their destination on time.

I would work with the Council, Public Works and the MPD to ensure that there are enough street lights, sidewalks and patrol to make our citizens feel safe.

I would work with the Council to look into affordable housing and do whatever was necessary to ensure that those who can't afford luxury prices would be able to afford a home in Marietta.

What are your short- and long-term goals if you are elected?

Short term goals would be to listen to the residence of Marietta and understand what they are looking for in their city. I would also like to begin working to clean up our parks to make them better and to look into where we can put more green spaces for our growing city.

Long term goals would be to bring better business development to the Powder Springs Road area. Make it safer for families, while making it less of an eye sore. Working with local businesses to make it a thriving and more beautiful area to eat, shop and walk.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am very accessible and responsive. Over the years that I have lived in Marietta, I have been active with many organizations and associations. I have been the "go to" guy for them and have helped increase their awareness and memberships. I am the same way with my business. I am a communicator. I would hold town halls to inform my Ward of what the Council is doing and what is happening in Marietta. Not all citizens can get out to the Council meetings, so I would come to them and hold informative meetings and invite individuals on Zoom during these meetings. I would encourage citizens input during these town halls and would like to be a resource for them, should they have an issue.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I believe they performed well with the information that they had and am glad they kept politics out of it.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Working with the Economic Development Department to build a better business development in the city. Follow up with these businesses that we are bringing in, to ensure they continue to be held to our Marietta standard of good community service and stewardship. Filling the vacant buildings that are lining our streets with flourishing businesses. Ensuring that there are affordable housing for those who want it.

I'd also like to set up a task force with the MPD, local non profits, churches and businesses to look into and begin to work on our homeless and vagrant situation.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I am a successful business owner in Marietta. I bring a unique business sense to the Council. I not only am an owner/operator of a restaurant, I've helped many of my friends start up their own businesses and have mentored others to do the same.

I have led organizations to success in the past and been a part of some great associations in the city. I build relationships with people to ensure that things get done properly.
I have never been given anything in my life, I've always worked for everything I have ever had and that has created a great work ethic in me and hopefully I have become a great role model for my children.

What do you like best about living in your city (or county)?

I love the community of this city. I believe the people make the city and would not want my children growing up anywhere else. I love how the city comes together in the time of need and supports each other and others, when in need.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice that's been shared with me is probably "Listen to both sides and then find the truth in the middle." In business and in life, there are always two sides and the truth is in the middle somewhere. I have lived by that and have learned to never take sides and always look for the truth.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I would like for them to know that I am here to serve them. I do not take any position, that I am in, for granted. I was put on this Earth to serve others and that is what I do on a daily basis. I will listen and respond to them and do my best.

I am a nonpartisan candidate looking to fill a nonpartisan seat. I am a hands on type of person and am willing to roll my sleeves up to support this great city.

I have a business and nonprofit background and will bring this type of knowledge to the Council, if elected.