Over the past year I have personally met with and had email and phone conversations with officials from 11 of our neighboring cities in an effort to find out what they are doing right. The first person I went to was Billy Peppers, Economic Development Director of Woodstock.
There is an article on the Smithsonian website naming the 20 best small towns in America. I went to the websites of the top 5 towns; Great Barrier, ME, Taos, NM, Red Bank, NJ, Mill Valley, CA, & Gig Harbor, WA. During the next week I will personally call each of these towns in my continuing efforts to find out how their government works and what they are doing right.
Earlier this week I met with two young Canton business owners to listen to their concerns and suggestions. I continue to reach out on a personal level to those who are critical of our Mayor and City Council and the decisions we make on behalf of the Taxpayers.
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I am currently lobbying to create a full time staff position of Director of Economic Development. A job description and list of responsibilities is currently being developed. This position is absolutely critical to the economic success of a city such as ours.
We face some significant challenges here in Canton, the greatest of which is a mentality of, "because we have always done it that way". I have stepped on some pretty big toes and have upset some very important people in my quest to truly change our way of thinking about growth and development. The occasional person who takes the time to write positively and to provide constructive ideas makes this thankless job worthwhile.
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I am always available to meet with you to discuss all things Canton in more detail. I am always happy to share any and all factual data with anyone who asks for it. You can contact me at home 770-479-7281, cell 770-827-0048 ot email bill.bryan@canton-georgia.com .