It has been a long hard campaign that has paid off. The issues of new jobs, stopping the airport expansion, reducing the budget by limiting government has proven to be on target. I will work hard and try my best to make you all proud. Everyone know , if you need me just call.
Thanks again.
John Heard
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Freedom Rings on Court House Square
This morning , Saturday June 12, 2010, John Heard signed the pledge being put forth by the Tea Party to correct the problems of the current Property Tax based Garbage Collection debacle.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
John will help Seniors
JOHN HEARD - a voice for seniors
Our senior citizens are more vulnerable
than any other segment of our
population. Predatory criminals see their
homes and persons as convenient, easy
targets. The only way to combat home
invasions is by doubling the amount of
police patrols in older neighborhoods
where seniors are concentrated. Gwinnett
County government has an absolute
obligation to see that it’s citizens
are safe and secure in their homes.
It’s John Heard’s number one priority.
Increased Homestead exemptions
Restored Senior Discounts
Those of us who live outside Gwinnett’s
incorporated cities (Lawrenceville,
Buford, Sugar Hill, Braselton) are
faced with a eighteen month advance
garbage bill with no senior discount.
John Heard will restore the senior
discount by increasing the Homestead
exemption for seniors. For those
seniors living inside the cities, the
increased homestead exemption will
reduce the overall county tax bill. This
is a problem that is a direct result of a
commission that doesn’t listen.
Increase the number of
Emergency Medical Technicians and
Cut the Response Time
As the population of Gwinnett ages
(it is estimated that 20% of Georgia
is over 60), the need for ambulances
and Emergency Medical Technicans
(EMTs) increases faster than the
population in general. I‘ll push to
make sure our EMTs increase in direct
proportion to the age of our citizens
and the number of satellite fire stations
keep pace.
Our seniors built this
county – I won’t let them down.
Our senior citizens are more vulnerable
than any other segment of our
population. Predatory criminals see their
homes and persons as convenient, easy
targets. The only way to combat home
invasions is by doubling the amount of
police patrols in older neighborhoods
where seniors are concentrated. Gwinnett
County government has an absolute
obligation to see that it’s citizens
are safe and secure in their homes.
It’s John Heard’s number one priority.
Increased Homestead exemptions
Restored Senior Discounts
Those of us who live outside Gwinnett’s
incorporated cities (Lawrenceville,
Buford, Sugar Hill, Braselton) are
faced with a eighteen month advance
garbage bill with no senior discount.
John Heard will restore the senior
discount by increasing the Homestead
exemption for seniors. For those
seniors living inside the cities, the
increased homestead exemption will
reduce the overall county tax bill. This
is a problem that is a direct result of a
commission that doesn’t listen.
Increase the number of
Emergency Medical Technicians and
Cut the Response Time
As the population of Gwinnett ages
(it is estimated that 20% of Georgia
is over 60), the need for ambulances
and Emergency Medical Technicans
(EMTs) increases faster than the
population in general. I‘ll push to
make sure our EMTs increase in direct
proportion to the age of our citizens
and the number of satellite fire stations
keep pace.
Our seniors built this
county – I won’t let them down.
Friday, May 28, 2010
John responds to Gwinnett Airport Privatization
John Heard opposes Briscoe Field Airport
Commercialization and Expansion
"My Home, My Family, My Subdivision, My Business,
My friends and neighbors would all be damaged by the
noise, pollution, traffic and plunging property values
that would accompany a larger airport.
I will work against it, I will vote
against it, I will lead rallies against it.
You can count on me to say NO!"
Commercialization and Expansion
"My Home, My Family, My Subdivision, My Business,
My friends and neighbors would all be damaged by the
noise, pollution, traffic and plunging property values
that would accompany a larger airport.
I will work against it, I will vote
against it, I will lead rallies against it.
You can count on me to say NO!"
John Responses to Gwinnett Forum Questions
John Heard Candidate for Gwinnett County Commissioner District Four (4)
Republican Primary
Why are you seeking office?
I am running for Gwinnett County District 4 Commissioner to fill the void of Leadership that currently exists on the Commission. I enjoyed my service in the Legislature – I feel I have much to offer to County Government
What do you expect to accomplish if elected?
Energize the business community and use the power of government to assist in making Gwinnett the Number one destination for business and industry .I would like to help create a research and hi-tech corridor similar to the Raleigh-Durham triangle in North Carolina centered around Georgia-Gwinnett College. New jobs are sure to follow. The Chamber of Commerce and the County need to re-forge the partnership that once existed.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
I am the only candidate in the race with governmental experience. I have a track record I am proud of. I have 35 years experience running my own business. I know what it is to meet a payroll. I have been a leader in the Georgia House of Representatives. I know how to build a consensus. I am the only candidate with the “horse power” to garner the respect from the fellow commissioners to get things done.
What are the key issues in your race?
1. Make the county business friendly.
2. Restore trust in government by being more accessible
3. Keep taxes low – better budget planning
4. Improve traffic flow
5. Listen to what people want.
Pick one issue. Expand on how you will address it.
Making Gwinnett County the number one place in the United States to do business. I want government to create a pro-business climate. The County government and Chamber of Commerce have historically worked together, but there is room for improvement. The county needs to set a policy that everyone that comes to or does business with Gwinnett is a “customer” and must be treated accordingly with respect and appreciation. Tax credits and incentives must be expanded for new and growing businesses. Local businesses desiring to do business with the county should have an advantage when being considered as a contractor or supplier. Taxes on inventory should be eliminated for all businesses.
100 word summary of my background.
Born in Forsyth County, I graduated from Cherokee High School, Young Harris Junior College and Southern Tech, where I received a degree in Architectural Engineering. I’ve been married for thirty-two years to Debbie nee Barrett. We have two daughters, Jill, a local lawyer, and Leigh, a student at Greater Atlanta Christian School. I began my architectural career in Lawrenceville helping grow a firm from 3 to 45 employees over a period of 13 years. I opened John Heard Associates in 1991 and sold it in 2001 and stayed on as Senior-Vice President of that 250 member firm. In 2003 I left the large firm and opened John Heard Architects – a local Lawrenceville business. In 2002 I was elected to the Georgia House of Representative. I served there for 6 years rising to Chairmanship of 3 different major committees.
Republican Primary
Why are you seeking office?
I am running for Gwinnett County District 4 Commissioner to fill the void of Leadership that currently exists on the Commission. I enjoyed my service in the Legislature – I feel I have much to offer to County Government
What do you expect to accomplish if elected?
Energize the business community and use the power of government to assist in making Gwinnett the Number one destination for business and industry .I would like to help create a research and hi-tech corridor similar to the Raleigh-Durham triangle in North Carolina centered around Georgia-Gwinnett College. New jobs are sure to follow. The Chamber of Commerce and the County need to re-forge the partnership that once existed.
What distinguishes your candidacy?
I am the only candidate in the race with governmental experience. I have a track record I am proud of. I have 35 years experience running my own business. I know what it is to meet a payroll. I have been a leader in the Georgia House of Representatives. I know how to build a consensus. I am the only candidate with the “horse power” to garner the respect from the fellow commissioners to get things done.
What are the key issues in your race?
1. Make the county business friendly.
2. Restore trust in government by being more accessible
3. Keep taxes low – better budget planning
4. Improve traffic flow
5. Listen to what people want.
Pick one issue. Expand on how you will address it.
Making Gwinnett County the number one place in the United States to do business. I want government to create a pro-business climate. The County government and Chamber of Commerce have historically worked together, but there is room for improvement. The county needs to set a policy that everyone that comes to or does business with Gwinnett is a “customer” and must be treated accordingly with respect and appreciation. Tax credits and incentives must be expanded for new and growing businesses. Local businesses desiring to do business with the county should have an advantage when being considered as a contractor or supplier. Taxes on inventory should be eliminated for all businesses.
100 word summary of my background.
Born in Forsyth County, I graduated from Cherokee High School, Young Harris Junior College and Southern Tech, where I received a degree in Architectural Engineering. I’ve been married for thirty-two years to Debbie nee Barrett. We have two daughters, Jill, a local lawyer, and Leigh, a student at Greater Atlanta Christian School. I began my architectural career in Lawrenceville helping grow a firm from 3 to 45 employees over a period of 13 years. I opened John Heard Associates in 1991 and sold it in 2001 and stayed on as Senior-Vice President of that 250 member firm. In 2003 I left the large firm and opened John Heard Architects – a local Lawrenceville business. In 2002 I was elected to the Georgia House of Representative. I served there for 6 years rising to Chairmanship of 3 different major committees.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
John Heard, Candidate for District 4 Commissioner, To Conduct Listening Tour
John Heard, candidate for District 4 Commissioner, announced a listening tour to meet with neighborhood groups across the district to share his ideas for improving Gwinnett, and to listen to neighborhood concerns.
“Elected officials must be accessible and accountable to the voters. My focus in these meetings will be to share my ideas and goals for Gwinnett and to listen to the voters on the issues that are most important to them,” Heard stated.
Butch Poss, Collins Hill community leader and Chairman of John Heard’s campaign, is excited about helping to lead the effort. “I share John’s passion for service, and I look forward to helping to organize these events. District four needs a commissioner who is accessible and accountable to the voters. We need someone who will listen to our concerns, and John vowed to be that voice for district four.”
The listening tour will take place over several months, as John Heard campaigns throughout district four.
“When I served in the state house of representatives, I never forgot that I worked for the voters of Gwinnett. When a voter called or emailed me with a question, I got back to them personally. I look forward to meeting voters across the district to share my ideas and listen to their needs,” said Heard.
If you would like to include your neighborhood group in the listening tour, please call John Heard at 770-845-5555, or email John at john@johnheard.org. Please also visit the website at www.johnheard.org.
“Elected officials must be accessible and accountable to the voters. My focus in these meetings will be to share my ideas and goals for Gwinnett and to listen to the voters on the issues that are most important to them,” Heard stated.
Butch Poss, Collins Hill community leader and Chairman of John Heard’s campaign, is excited about helping to lead the effort. “I share John’s passion for service, and I look forward to helping to organize these events. District four needs a commissioner who is accessible and accountable to the voters. We need someone who will listen to our concerns, and John vowed to be that voice for district four.”
The listening tour will take place over several months, as John Heard campaigns throughout district four.
“When I served in the state house of representatives, I never forgot that I worked for the voters of Gwinnett. When a voter called or emailed me with a question, I got back to them personally. I look forward to meeting voters across the district to share my ideas and listen to their needs,” said Heard.
If you would like to include your neighborhood group in the listening tour, please call John Heard at 770-845-5555, or email John at john@johnheard.org. Please also visit the website at www.johnheard.org.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
John Heard, District 4 Commissioner Candidate, Announces Team
John Heard, District 4 Commissioner Candidate, Announces Team
Lawrenceville, GA – John Heard, candidate for District 4 commissioner, announced his campaign team in his race for the District 4 Commissioner seat. John Heard previously named Butch Poss as his Campaign Chairman, and recently assembled the remaining positions on his team.
“I am excited to announce my campaign team that brings experience, energy, and a clear understanding of the back-to-basics government we need”, Heard said. “We look forward to earning the votes of the citizens of Gwinnett.”
John Heard named Jim Elgar to serve as his campaign manager, and John Davis to lead his online network. Christopher Harris will serve as the liaison to the Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to be a part of John’s team, “said Elgar. “We are moving quickly to let voters know that there is only one person who will bring accountability and common sense back to Gwinnett government, and that man is John Heard”.
“I have a track record of proven, effective leadership from my time serving in the state house, as well as in my 30 years as a small businessman,” Heard stated. “I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Gwinnett.”
John and his wife Debbie have been married 32 years, and are members of Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. John has served on the Lawrenceville Downtown Development Authority since 1993, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Lake Lanier Association. John is also a member of Rotary and Lawrenceville Kiwanis, as well as a previous member of the Board of Lawrenceville Softball Association
Lawrenceville, GA – John Heard, candidate for District 4 commissioner, announced his campaign team in his race for the District 4 Commissioner seat. John Heard previously named Butch Poss as his Campaign Chairman, and recently assembled the remaining positions on his team.
“I am excited to announce my campaign team that brings experience, energy, and a clear understanding of the back-to-basics government we need”, Heard said. “We look forward to earning the votes of the citizens of Gwinnett.”
John Heard named Jim Elgar to serve as his campaign manager, and John Davis to lead his online network. Christopher Harris will serve as the liaison to the Chamber of Commerce.
“I am honored to be a part of John’s team, “said Elgar. “We are moving quickly to let voters know that there is only one person who will bring accountability and common sense back to Gwinnett government, and that man is John Heard”.
“I have a track record of proven, effective leadership from my time serving in the state house, as well as in my 30 years as a small businessman,” Heard stated. “I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of Gwinnett.”
John and his wife Debbie have been married 32 years, and are members of Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church. John has served on the Lawrenceville Downtown Development Authority since 1993, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Lake Lanier Association. John is also a member of Rotary and Lawrenceville Kiwanis, as well as a previous member of the Board of Lawrenceville Softball Association
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Government Must Live Within Its Means, 3/21/2010
While we await the vote in Congress on Health Care, there are many critical issues here in Gwinnett. These include budget deficits, high unemployment, and a failing economy.
Underlying these issues is the fact that everyone is suffering economically. Many have lost their jobs while others have seen their life savings evaporate. We are in trouble on all levels of government. At the federal level, they are spending money we do not have, getting deeper and deeper in debt to foreign countries. The State of Georgia has an ever increasing budget deficit that only deep, deep cuts will address. Here in Gwinnett, we have seen lower and lower revenues coming from ever decreasing property values.
The Gwinnett County Commission chose to increase the millage rate to offset these falling values. The tax payer has no ability to increase their income by artificial adjustments. WE must simply bear the burden.
It is time that government does the same thing we are doing at home and in our businesses: DO WITHOUT. The leaders must decide what is critical to the citizens of this county and cut out those things that are not. Priorities are already established by monitoring the usage of each service or facility the county provides.
The county must stop duplicating services with the cities. Rather than filing a lawsuit and fighting over who gets more than their share of service funding, the county should forward to the cities their funds to provide the critical services they see fit inside their city limits.
Lastly, WE MUST bring jobs to our county. The county must think "outside of the box" to provide incentives beyond any other city, county, or state. This will attract the businesses that are starting, relocating, or downsizing, and bring them to Gwinnett. These new businesses will fill the county revenue needs; fill the empty offices, retail locations, and factories. Then, Gwinnett will once again be able to honestly say "Gwinnett is Great".
John Heard
Underlying these issues is the fact that everyone is suffering economically. Many have lost their jobs while others have seen their life savings evaporate. We are in trouble on all levels of government. At the federal level, they are spending money we do not have, getting deeper and deeper in debt to foreign countries. The State of Georgia has an ever increasing budget deficit that only deep, deep cuts will address. Here in Gwinnett, we have seen lower and lower revenues coming from ever decreasing property values.
The Gwinnett County Commission chose to increase the millage rate to offset these falling values. The tax payer has no ability to increase their income by artificial adjustments. WE must simply bear the burden.
It is time that government does the same thing we are doing at home and in our businesses: DO WITHOUT. The leaders must decide what is critical to the citizens of this county and cut out those things that are not. Priorities are already established by monitoring the usage of each service or facility the county provides.
The county must stop duplicating services with the cities. Rather than filing a lawsuit and fighting over who gets more than their share of service funding, the county should forward to the cities their funds to provide the critical services they see fit inside their city limits.
Lastly, WE MUST bring jobs to our county. The county must think "outside of the box" to provide incentives beyond any other city, county, or state. This will attract the businesses that are starting, relocating, or downsizing, and bring them to Gwinnett. These new businesses will fill the county revenue needs; fill the empty offices, retail locations, and factories. Then, Gwinnett will once again be able to honestly say "Gwinnett is Great".
John Heard
Welcome to Vote Gwinnett 2010
Welcome to Vote Gwinnett 2010, a place you can voice your opinions on things happening in Gwinnett County. Whether you want to talk politics, your concerns, the good things in Gwinnett or what you would like changed, speak your mind. Communication is the key to improving Gwinnett and your voice is important. I look forward to disucssing the issues with you.
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