If I Were Mayor, I Would…
By JAMES ROWE Union County Middle School Teacher: Denise Brinson

If I were mayor, I would implement plans to bring more businesses and tourists to the downtown are of Blairsville. Three things needed to accomplish this task deal with traffic congestion, renovation of exiting buildings and improvements to our water/sewer system.

With the population of Union County at 27,277, many of these people drive into Blairsville on a daily basis for work, taking children to school and shopping or eating out. Busses that took people from place to place would decrease pollution, relieve traffic congestion and create jobs. Designated park and ride lots would be available on Old Blue Ridge Highway, Murphy Highway, Gainesville Highway and Young Harris Highway.

Secondly, I would improve the downtown area of Blairsville. Renovation of the buildings on the square would increase the historical value of our town. Hopefully, this would bring more tourists to the square with money in their pockets. Additional sidewalks would be needed where they could walk from shop to shop without having to drive.

Last but not least, improvements on the city's water/sewer system would be needed to draw additional businesses to our area. They city council has completed the application process requesting a Federal grant for this project. With the increase of tax dollars paid by the new businesses and the grant monies, the cost of these improvements would be covered with no additional cost to residents of Blairsville.

In concluding, my desire as Blairsville's mayor is to make our community a better place to live, work and enjoy.