New G'ville mayor calls for progress and change

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville has a new mayor. City Councilman Danny Dunagan took his seat Tuesday night promising progress, change, and questions answered.

Mayor Dunagan said he wants continued forward movement on downtown development, mentioning the pedestrian bridge, Midtown redevelopment, and the proposed expansion of Brenau University into the Georgia Mountains Center as achievements that hold promise.

Another development holding promise according to Dunagan, serving his first term as mayor, is further improvement of the Olympic Venue on Lake Lanier at Clarks Bridge Park and at other lake sites operated by the city.
Dunagan said he wants a plan to solve traffic problems that cause traffic to move at a "snail's pace" at certain times of day.

"One area of concern is within the neighborhoods created by motorists taking short cuts in order to avoid areas of traffic congestion, a dangerous and potentially deadly scenario," Dunagan said.

The Mayor said the federal court ruling supporting Lake Lanier's use for water supply coupled with the Cedar Creek Reservoir would serve Gainesville's present and future water needs. Dunagan said the city supports the Glades Reservoir Project, but questions need answering.

"There are questions about this project and how it integrates with other regional and local water providers throughout the state," he added. "For the good of all citizens these questions need to be answered."

Still in dispute is who controls Cedar Creek Reservoir, Gainesville or Hall County.

The City's first meeting of the New Year was an organizational meeting that saw Dunagan's election by fellow council members with George Wangemann picked as Mayor Pro Tem. City Clerk Denise Jordan also administered the oath to three returning council members, Ruth Bruner, Myrtle Figueras and Bob Hamrick. Council approved all administrative appointments with no changes.