Politics & Government

Q&A With Greg Coleson, Decatur Commission Candidate, Part 2

The District 1 candidate says he has a vision for Decatur that involves more bike lanes, green infrastructure and the creation of community spaces.

in the March 19 election for the Decatur City Commission seat representing District 1. He grew up in East Point and Fayette County and attended Woodward Academy, the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. He and his wife, Nicole, started the Decatur Farmers Market. The independent software consultant lives with his wife and daughter on Wilton Drive. For more information about Coleson, visit his campaign webpage.

The first part of the Coleson interview ran Monday. The other candidate, Scott Drake, answered questions Tuesday on Patch and will answer questions on Thursday. Answers have been edited for length.

What would you do to help Decatur?

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estateswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I would try to use my vision I have for Decatur to make it a better place and a place where people enjoy living and want to grow old. I think a lot of people feel like l do. They’ve moved here and they’re really invested in it and they love it and want to stay here as long as they can.

The city just created a lifestyle commission where the city is looking at ways for people to live their entire lives here. You could be a young child and grow up and have a great school system and as you grow older you could age here. They’ve recently done some zoning improvements to allow people to age in place a little more gracefully and allow more accessory dwellings and things like that.

Find out what's happening in Decatur-Avondale Estateswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I would improve Decatur by continuing the plan the city already has but possibly upping the priority of some things I’ve already mentioned and maybe lowering the priority of some others.

Here’s a personal question. What the biggest hurdle you’ve faced in life?

That’s almost like a job interview questions. One of the bigger things I’ve faced—it’s a hurdle but I’d say it’s also an amazing experience—was having a child and the learning experience involved with that. How amazing it is but also how tiring it can be. I think a lot of people who have children could relate to that. That’s probably one of my biggest hurdles but also my greatest joy.

Is there anything you want the people of Decatur to know that I haven’t asked?

I feel I have a vision of where I’d like to see be Decatur 20 years from now.  I would like to see a lot more bike lanes, a lot more green infrastructure, and a lot more things for people that increase community and allow people to interact, have random interactions and meet their neighbors and care about people who live across town and care people who live next door. I’d like to see that vision come true.

Other stories on the special election.

Bill Floyd resigns Decatur City Commission seat.

Decatur Commission sets special election  for March 19.

Q&A with Greg Coleson, Decatur City Commission candidate, Part 1.


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