Candidate Profile: Andy Bauman For Sandy Springs City Council

SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Seventeen city council candidates are running for seven seats in Sandy Springs' Nov. 2 municipal election.

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

Andy Bauman is running for Sandy Springs City Council, District 6.

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Position Sought

City Council - District 6

Party Affiliation

nonpartisan election

Family

Married (30 years) to Dr. Debbie Bauman (anesthesiologist); we have two children, one in college and one a senior in High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

no

Education

Emory College; Emory Law School

Occupation

self employed: Real Estate Investor and Asset Management; Attorney

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Have served on Sandy Springs City City Council since 2014 (elected 2013; re-elected 2017)

Campaign website

www.electandybauman.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Because I take pride in - and enjoy - public service. And there are some people who think I've been a pretty good and responsive councilmember!

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

Our City's charter prioritizes the health, safety and welfare of our citizens - and that is my top priority as well. Ensuring that we can attract, retain, train and equip our first responders: police, fire and EMT is my number one issue. I am proud of my 100% voting record in support of our First Responders over the past 8 years.

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

In the near term, getting through the pandemic is essential for everything we want to accomplish as a community. In the longer term, I want to ensure stability in the ranks of our First Responders, and I want to see us continue to invest in parks, trails and green space available to ALL our citizens, and do all we can to preserve and enhance our tree canopy. That is fundamental for the quality of life for all of our citizens.

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

I have have lived in this community for 20+ years, while my opponent is new to the community. I have a track record of accomplishment not just on the City Council, but as a coach at NYO; founder of the Sandy Springs Farmers Market; member of Temple Sinai and much more. My wife and I are avid supporter of the Arts and nonprofits in our community including CAC; Second Helpings; Act3; City Springs Theater; Orbit; Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, Sandy Springs and Chastain conservancies, Sandy Springs Police Benevolent Fund and more. I am not aware that my opponent has supported or volunteered with any of these or any other Sandy Springs area organizations.

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

I advocated for a more coordinated and organized response very early on during the pandemic. I have advocated for consistent response and messaging from our City, based on the very best scientific advice available. It's easy to 2nd guess, I would rather look forward and be sure we learn lessons from the past year and half so that if/when we face a pandemic again, we are better prepared.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Quality of life for all our citizens means that we are smart with our investments in infrastructure; that we enforce our codes and ordinances; and that we prudently and transparently manage taxpayer money in our City budget.

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

My 100% voting record in support of First Responders. I conceived and proposed the successful First Responder Housing Initiative. I supported and helped form the City's partnership with Trees Atlanta for the planting of 1000s of trees in our City. I was able to get Lake Forrest Drive sidewalk designated as a Tier 1 project on the upcoming TSPLOST. I sponsored and authored the City's Hate Crime Ordinance, the very first of its kind in the State (for a City) more than one year before the Georgia adopted its own law. I helped establish the City's "sister-city" relationship in Israel which has lead to economic and cultural exchanges.

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

I love our connected neighborhoods, parks/trails/green space (and tree canopy) and close access to so many great recreational and entertainment options. While not in Sandy Springs, because I live/represent the southside of our City, I love all the programs at Chastain (especially NYO). I am grateful for all the economic opportunities we have in our City and in our region. I love our Saturday morning farmers market, which I am proud to have co-founded back in 2010.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Life is not a dress rehearsal.

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

That I care. That I recognize that I am very fortunate, and "to whom much is given, much is expected". I try to remember I represent nearly 20,000 people, not just the few dozen who I know personally or who email me or who show up from time to time at our meetings. What I want for my kids and family I want for ALL kids and families: a safe and welcoming neighborhood/community. I'd like to see more people who want - and are able - to participate in our civic leadership.