Subscribe to Mike's
periodic newsletter and
get updates on what's
happening in District 3.
Commissioner Mike Beaudreau News - 2006Mike Beaudreau Becomes a Certified County CommissionerDistrict 3 Commissioner Mike Beaudreau completed the requirements to become a Certified County Commissioner, and was recognized for his achievement at a Fall Policy Conference in September, 2006. The Certified County Commissioner program helps elected officials better understand the issues facing them, allowing them to make better decisions. The program is sponsored by the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, and is conducted by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government at the University of Georgia. Ribbon Cutting Held for Snellville Fire Station and Tag OfficeResidents in the Snellville area are now enjoying new, upgraded facilities at the county's new Fire Station 12 and Snellville Tag Office, located on Lenora Church Road, opposite Briscoe Park. County and Snellville city officials celebrated the openings with a ribbon cutting on November 21st, 2006. The new fire station features plenty of work room and modern safety equipment, while the tag office includes the county's first drive-in window for those renewing their automobile registrations.
At the fire station dedication ceremony, Fire Chief Steve Rolader recognized Commissioner Beaudreau and Commission Chairman Bannister for their efforts in improving public safety in the county. He noted that both campaigned on the issue of stronger fire and police protection, and they came through during their first two years in office.
Groundbreaking for Two New District 3 Fire StationsGwinnett County officials broke ground for two new fire stations in District 3 on August 1st, 2006. Commissioners and Fire Department officials first gathered on Old Fountain Road in Dacula to break ground for the new Fire Station 27. Later in the day, they held groundbreaking ceremonies for the replacement for Fire Station 8 in Grayson.
Speaking at the groundbreakings, Mike noted that the the new stations will allow the county to provide more rapid service in case of emergency to District 3 residents. Funding for the construction was provided from the SPLOST sales tax. The stations should open in late summer, 2007. Georgia 20 Widening Gets UnderwayThe long-delayed widening of Grayson Highway between Plantation and Ozora Roads received an official kick off on July 25th, 2006, as Commissioner Beaudreau, Chairman Bannister, Georgia DOT, and Grayson city officials held the project's official groundbreaking. The $27 million project will relieve traffic congestion by widening the road to four lanes with a median. The project is expected to be completed by Labor Day, 2008. "As a resident of the Grayson area, I know how bad traffic can get during rush hours on Grayson Highway", Mike noted. "From the day I took office, I have worked with the county and state DOT to remove the obstacles to getting this project underway. I'm very pleased that this widening is finally getting started." Project progress can be tracked by going to this page on the Georgia DOT Website. The State Route 20 widening project is one of several that will benefit District 3 residents over the next few years. County officials recently approved right of way acquisition and construction of the Sugarloaf Parkway extension from its current end at Highway 20 to New Hope Road, and work on the Stone Mountain Highway is expected to begin later this year. Widening of the final section of Loganville Highway between Ozora Road and the Gwinnett County line will take place in a separate project. Two New Parks Benefit South Gwinnett ResidentsSwimmers, horse riders, and mountain bikers now have additional places to enjoy their sports in South Gwinnett, after the county opened two new recreational facilities in District 3. On July 1st, 2006, the county held ribbon cutting ceremonies at the Lenora Park Aquatic Center, and the newly refurbished Yellow River Park.
Above, Commissioner Beaudreau, Commission Chairman Charles Bannister, county parks officials, and community residents eager to get in the water on a 90 degree summer day prepare to cut the ribbon opening the Lenora Park Aquatic Center. The new center features water flumes, a river channel, and in-pool play structures. Speaking to the 300 plus residents at the grand opening, Beaudreau noted that since he took office, the county has opened several parks and recreational facilities in the traditionally underserved South Gwinnett area. Below, horse riders and mountain bikers helped cut the ceremonial ribbon at the grand reopening of Yellow River Park. The park now features an upgraded 13 mile trail system designed to meet the needs of bikers and riders. The improvements at both parks were paid for with sales tax money from the 2001 SPLOST.
Residents Get Questions Answered on Proposed Sugarloaf Parkway ExtensionOver 100 residents living in the area of the proposed Sugarloaf Parkway Extension had an opportunity to see revisions to the proposed plan, have their questions answered by Gwinnett Transportation Department officials and representatives of project consultants Moreland Altobelli, and express their opinions on the project to Commissioner Mike Beaudreau at the May Meetings with Mike on May 13th, 2006. Questions answered at the meeting ranged from the effects of the roadway on local traffic to the process for appraisal and condemnation of the properties the county would need to purchase for the project. The County Commission approved the funding plan for the road on May 16th, which will be constructed between Route 20 and Georgia 316. Much like Ronald Reagan Parkway, the road will be limited access. You can learn more about plans for the road at the county website. "The Sugarloaf Parkway extension would affect many residents of District 3", the commissioner said. "I wanted to make sure that residents had an opportunity to see the revisions to the plan made after the public hearing in April, and to let me know their opinions of the project prior to the Commission's vote." County Breaks Ground on Deshong ParkCommissioner Mike Beaudreau helped with the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Deshong Park on May 9th, 2006. The park, located in the southern end of District 3 near Stone Mountain, is expected to open sometime in the next year.
At the groundbreaking ceremonies, Commissioner Beaudreau said, "I have been following the progress of this land from even before I was elected. I'm glad to see that residents in the southern part of my district will be able to enjoy this wonderful property, and I pledge to try to preserve greenspace wherever I can." The park will remain largely naturalized, and will feature a dog run, horseshoe pits, a teen area, and a playground, along with a 1.5 mile long walking trail. Newest Library Branch Opens in DaculaAbout 500 people, including county and library officials and area residents, participated in the grand opening of the Dacula branch library on April 15th, 2006. The facility, located on Dacula road adjacent to Dacula Park, is the 13th branch of the county's system, and includes over 65,000 books and other resources.
Speaking at the ceremony, Commissioner Beaudreau noted the importance of libraries providing information to all levels of society. He also pointed out the branch's collection of resources for parents of children with special needs, including books on autism. Fair Annexation Act Fails to Pass Georgia LegislatureDespite endorsements by several counties, including Gwinnett, and the sponsorship of several Georgia house members, House Bill 962, known as the Fair Annexation Act failed to clear the house on crossover day. As a result, the measure is dead for the 2006 legislative session. The bill was designed to prevent the annexation of property by a city without the prior permission of the county in which it is located if the county provides the bulk of municipal services, such as water and sewer, or police and fire protection, or where the property is covered by the county’s land use plan. The Fair Annexation Act is important because it prevents developers from getting around county zoning regulations intended to control growth and preserve the character of our existing neighborhoods. For example, it would prevent a developer whose rezoning request was denied by the county commission from going to the city, getting the property annexed, and then approved for the zoning the developer originally wanted. Going around the county like this puts a strain on our public safety, roads and schools, which must still be provided by the county for the new development. Commissioner Beaudreau said, "I'm disappointed that the Fair Annexation Act failed to pass in 2006. I remain convinced that counties should be able to have a say when cities annex property that the county will still have to provide services for. I will work with our legislators during the 2007 session to get this important bill passed." Current News Articles News from 2007 News from 2005 Gwinnett Voter Registration | Absentee Ballot & Poll Locator | Gwinnett Republican Party Paid for and Copyright © 2008 by the Committee to Elect Mike Beaudreau |
Commissioner Mike Beaudreau, center, reviews plans for the Sugarloaf Parkway Extension with area residents Liz Pulliam and Ruth Newman, along with Jeff Joyner (left) and Tom Moreland of Moreland Altobelli and Associates. 
