Exploring the Future

I have had the privilege recently to attend the first two meetings of the West Griffin Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) study. All of the public is invited to participate in these sessions, so I encourage you to become part of the process of visioning toward our future. This study includes the area of West Griffin encompassing Griffin Tech, UGA-Griffin, the old WalMart shopping center, and the residential areas over toward Thirteenth Street and Experiment. The meeting on Aug. 22nd was a sort of introduction to the study area, and the statistics and other factual elements of the study area. This past Saturday was very hands on, where those attending the meeting gathered in groups with a facilitator to dream of what the future could hold for this area. We thought in terms of elements to preserve, elements to change/improve/remove, and transportation/connectivity concerns and ideas for the area. It was one of the most inspiring activities I have participated in recently. It was so awesome to see our citizens gathered together, sharing ideas and dreaming together of ways to achieve a greater potential for Griffin.

I participated in the Town Center LCI study as well as the CCIAP study that established design guidelines for Griffin. At each of these events, I have been inspired by the creativity, imagination and determination of the citizens who freely share their ideas toward a better Griffin.

As I have stated before, our greatest resource in the city of Griffin is our citizens. I urge you to take your next step toward active involvement in our city; attend commission meetings, volunteer to serve on a board or committee, get to know our city leaders. The future is, quite literally, in our hands. Our input, or lack of it, will greatly influence the direction of our future. My desire is to dedicate myself, through hard work, toward a positive future for the city of Griffin.

What is yours?

Blessings!
Shannon
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Meeting You

One of the best parts about being a candidate is the opportunity to meet so many of my fellow citizens. During the past few weeks, I have been meeting with and talking to some of you. I've heard the enthusiasm of some of our younger citizens, who are excited about the new life being breathed into downtown. I've heard wise counsel from some of our longer term citizens, who remember what Griffin once was and desire to see that vitality return. I've listened to the perspective of business people, and their desire to contribute to a larger economy for Griffin. I've spoken with city leaders who have shared some of their exciting plans to help improve Griffin and their desire to lead her to a place of status and influence in our state and region. And I have spoken with many people who live and work and shop in Griffin, who are anxious to see us grow and thrive.

For all of us, this is our town. This is the place where we are raising our families. All of us want what is best for Griffin. All of us want to see positive growth, more jobs, and wise management. That is part of the reason I am seeking to serve as City commissioner. I believe I can make a difference. I believe our citizens our our greatest resource. I would welcome the opportunity to get to know you, to hear your ideas and share your enthusiasm for Griffin. Feel free to contact me.

Blessings!
Shannon
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