Martin, Patel face off for House seat covering Alpharetta, Roswell

Democrat Tony Patel, a North Fulton businessman, challenges incumbent Chuck Martin, a Republican, for the 47th District seat in the Ga. House of Representatives, which covers portions of Alpharetta, Roswell and Johns Creek. Both men live in Alpharetta.

Tony Patel, Democrat
Tony Patel has owned, operated and held senior positions in several successful Georgia based companies focused in the retail, hospitality and professional services industries before cofounding Newport Design Group, which provides architectural services throughout the United States.

Patel taught economics as a middle school Junior Achievement instructor. He has investments in hospitality, retail and real estate.

Patel and his wife, Deval, live in Alpharetta with their middle school son, Pratik.

Working with at-risk youth, seniors living in assisted living centers and the Tucson city manager's office earned him Community Service awards. He dedicated time and resources toward the design and construction of his family's place of worship.

Chuck Martin, Republican (i)
Alpharetta native Chuck Martin is serving his third term in the Ga. House of Representatives. In January 2007, he was appointed vice chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. He serves as the vice chairman of the Science and Technology Committee and on the Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications, Budget and Fiscal Oversight and Ways and Means committees.

He served on Alpharetta City Council from 1993-1995 and was elected mayor in 1996. He is a director with Ryan Inc.

Martin and his wife, Johnna, are the parents of Miles, 21 and Lance, 18.

1. Georgia's budget has serious shortfalls. What would you do to curtail the affects of this severe revenue decline, expected to be $1.6 billion – or more?

Patel: The state budget is mandated by state law to be balanced each year. Just as Georgia's families do each month, and I do in my own business, our state elected officials need to learn to live within our means.

The budget shortfall is due to some members of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight committee being out of touch with the realities of a changing economy. In our own business, we recognized the warning signs early by reviewing economic trends and having an open discussion with business owners on their future plans.

I aim to work with our state legislators from both parties, the Governor's office and the Savannah Ports Authority to pro -actively reach out to businesses and bring new jobs to Georgia.

Martin: I would not balance the budget by raising the tax rate on Georgia families, but instead would continue to demand that government live within its means. I've run a business and managed business finances; my wife and I manage our family budget to live within our means; and I have over 15 years experience in city and state government, so I know how to balance a budget.

2. What are your legislative priorities?

Patel: My top priority is to focus on education by providing schools the funding they need, more access to health care through PeachCare, and making sure our tax dollars are spent wisely by working with the Budget and Fiscal Oversight committee members. On Chuck Martin's watch as a member of the Budget and Fiscal Oversight committee, we have seen the state continually cut our school funding, forcing some local governments raising taxes or reducing programs.

Martin: I will make sure to conserve and direct well your tax dollars, and make sure Public Safety is properly funded.

I am proud to say that 5 of the top 10 high schools in Georgia, as ranked by SAT scores, are North Fulton High Schools. We must still strive to provide better schools.

I will continue...
•To push for a realistic and immediate transportation solution. I will press for the extension on the Tele-work Tax Credit Law.

•To work on the bipartisan effort to improve and fund a comprehensive trauma network in Georgia.

• To support funding to educate more medical professions that will practice in Georgia.

•To work on lowering the tax burden on Georgians, and providing tax incentives to bring new businesses and jobs to our state.
- www.northfulton.com

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