Meet the Candidates: Alex Backry
In our continuing coverage of the 2011 election, Smyrna-Vinings Patch provides here a profile of one of the three candidates running for mayor of Smyrna.
Smyrna’s general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011 and a record 19 candidates are on the ballot. In their words, candidates will be introducing themselves here at Patch. Today, we have mayoral candidate Alex Backry, who is running against Donna Short Woodham and Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon. In 2007, Bacon defeated Backry.
I can’t stress it enough that only 2,800 voted out of 29,000 registered voters (in the 2007 election). I feel it’s a victory just to see people finally starting to pay attention in their own backyard. It’s not just Washington or California or Nebraska, it’s here.
This is our infrastructure, our taxes. People I see are paying attention, but you have to get out and make sure they’re aware of the information. And I’m finding it’s shocking how little they know about what’s happening here. And I, quite frankly, blame it all on a lack of town hall meetings. Smyrna has to have the worst record for town hall meetings in the state.
We are not having any open government. And again, I can’t emphasize it enough, we need more town hall meetings where people can ask questions. Many people don’t even know who their councilperson is. Let alone they don’t even know what ward they live in. There’s a tremendous gap and that’s why I believe the apathy is the end result of that. I believe that is a planned thing. If you have low turnouts it favors the incumbents.
I was raised in Boston and lived in Connecticut and Arizona going to college - the University of Massachusetts and Arizona State. I worked for the airlines, which is something that hasn’t come out. I worked with the airlines 18 years in sales and marketing. My experience is tying in the East Coast with Europe, the Middle East, Africa and South America.
I was with a couple of airlines, but the main one was Iberia Airlines in Spain. I was with them for 14 years. They wanted me to open an office down here from Boston to Atlanta. And I also got offered a job with the Atlanta Braves throwing extra hitting sessions, batting practice, which I did in ‘81 and ‘82. I went with the Astros in the instructional league in Arizona. The Astros sponsored it.
I’ve lived in Smyrna since ‘81. I saw it doing well like every other place when the economy was good. That’s when you really start noticing things when the economy’s going bad. When you start seeing places like Jonquil and Belmont Hills and Market Village going 65, 70 percent empty now and you see the restaurants like Sonny’s and Piccadilly and Dairy Queen all closing, you’re seeing indicators. I mean the City makes a big deal about Kroger moving across the street (at The Crossings at Four Corners near Concord Road and South Cobb Drive), but once they move, the building they’re in is going to be empty.
The thing that I see, what’s motivating me here - and I can’t stress it enough - we don’t need a politician as a mayor. We need a problem-solving person. And there’s where my background is because of my airlines. I also attended Dale Carnegie courses on teamwork, motivation, and morale. Those are important factors and I’ve attended those seminars. So I have a strong people-skills background and problem solving. And that’s what I feel this city needs where the current mayor lacks. I feel like that’s what separates us.
I don’t think it changes much (running against two candidates instead of one) because, nothing against Donna, but she’s not known in the city. I feel strongly that she should have ran for council in her ward. But Max, I want to stress, Max didn’t beat me in the last election. The voters did by not getting out. When you only have 2,800 people, and in the previous election, 4,000 people voting, you’re dealing with small numbers. And small numbers again, favor the incumbent. And that’s where I feel I lost, with the voters not going out to give any indicator. So with the low numbers, I can’t win on low numbers.
That’s why I feel this time people are going to get out with the issues. Because I feel like there’s a Tea Party in Smyrna where people are now talking about and paying attention to where their money is going. It’s not like the old days where 'oh I guess everything is OK.' I see people this time around getting more involved in it, which is good. To me I feel knowledge is power. I see the networking and the motivation is coming out.
I have to keep a sense of humor. I’m very frustrated that when we go up in front of this council, to me there shouldn’t be any question that we ask that shouldn’t be answered. But it’s not happening. That’s why people are frustrated including me. They’re not given a reason why they’re not communicating with us. We pay their salaries. They should be answering. It’s part of what their job is. And that’s why I’m so opposite. I’m so open to give. I hate when somebody asks me a good question and I can’t give him or her a good answer. I can’t accept this format we’re in. That’s why I refer to Smyrna as the city of darkness. They’re keeping us in the dark on things.
First thing as mayor I want to do is a private audit. I want to see where all the money is and if it’s where it’s supposed to be. I’m not making accusations, I just want to see where it is and that it’s in its proper place. My main issues in campaigning, which I would do right off is eliminate wasteful spending. An example of that is the street-cleaning contracts. They only do certain streets. And I’ve been behind it and I don’t see where they’re picking up much of anything with those street-cleaning things. I find that to be a wasteful project. I feel that there are some departments that we’ve got too many people doing nothing. And that needs to be streamlined.
Another thing is tying the departments together where they’ll are working with one motion. I see all the departments almost working separately. It has to be unified. And since I’m a strong advocate of communications, I have to work on closing it so the right hand knows what the left hand is doing. That’s why it’s important. And that again see, when I worked with animal control for four years I saw the inconsistencies and working kind of as separate entities. Well, like the parks department. To me we have enough parks now. There’s an assistant there and I feel that is too many people in the parks department when you’re not going to be building any more parks. You might move them around to other departments that might need help in certain areas. You have to baby-step it as you see it going. Encouraging ideas from the employees as well. The big thing is just setting up the first town hall meeting because I feel the end result of those town hall meetings is a tremendous exchange of ideas. And bringing the people in and seeing what everybody thinks and has ideas for. That’s why it’s a mushrooming affect to work with the theme that I’m working with that I want open government. And I believe it’s a people’s government. The way it’s set up now with no answers and keeping you in the dark, it’s really a government’s government.
There are such gaps there between the taxpayers and what’s going on at city hall. To me it’s totally unacceptable. I wouldn’t say voters are at peace (with incumbents), they’re just oblivious. Knowing some of the people I go out and see they’ve never had anybody take five or 10 minutes to explain to them It’s déjà vu. They’re not at peace with it. It’s just kind of like, “Oh everything’s the same. It doesn’t make a difference either way.” It does, but you have to take an extra step yourself and take a look at the candidates. Take a little time. It’s only 15 minutes with four years to vote.
I’ve had people come up to me and say I’ve lived on my street since ‘86 and I don’t know who my councilperson is. Never seen them. Never heard from them. The City’s defense to the town hall meetings, that’s important, they’ve had town hall meetings in their wards. But they have them through the associations. And I’ve made it clear before, and I don’t think I’m far off, that 85 percent of this city is not in an association. So you’re missing all of them. That’s why I strongly suggested putting a bulletin in the water bill or utility bill that goes to every home in Smyrna. We should make an effort to get them to them.
I’ve interviewed 298 people now. Only 17 know who their councilperson is. Who do you call when you have a problem. It’s nice to have an identity. If I won, I’d have my first town hall meeting. And before I started answering any questions, I’d say, “Please raise your hands if you do not know who your councilperson is.” Then I’d take them up one-by-one in front of the microphone and say “Just give me your street.” They would step out for which ones. And if there was a doubt, we’d take their name down. And that just starts it off so they have name identity. That’s a huge gap. That’s before you get to the questions.
I think this is so blatant that it’s a plan that they stay that way. Not at all. That’s the plan. It has been for four years. They could see if they’d gone back five, six years and seen the turnout. They knew it was low and they’ve done nothing to remedy it. Really.
If I don’t keep my sense of humor this would all eat me up. And it’s not worth it. I’ve got to keep my understanding and common sense. Again, communications is my strength. To see how blatant it is, it’s 180 degrees the other way. When we go up and ask for town hall meetings... We pay the taxes. They’re not doing it. They’re doing the minimum. Including some of the council people. I’ve had many people come up and see I’ve sent an email or I’ve called and haven’t gotten a response back.
I’m not happy (about some candidates running unopposed). I wish it was all seven. Andrea’s new (Andrea Blustein is running unopposed to take over the Ward 2 seat that Ron Newcomb is not seeking reelection for). Hopefully she’ll come in with an open mind. If she comes in with an open mind, I see the potential for a 5-2 change from the approach to this government. And I’ll take 5-2. I’m a person who’s a glass half-full man. Because remember, even 4-3 is a swing vote. I’m tired of seeing 7-0 votes. There’s no one breaking out. It’s like they’re programmed to all vote together.
VLandon
9:58 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
I was recently at a city council meeting where the Campbell High School SGA attended. When the fire chief and police representative got up to speak, he called them something loud and profane in front of the students. He continued to rumble and disturb the meeting that focused on meeting the candidate. I found his behavior to be boorish and in poor taste. I don't care how much he cares about he community if he conducts himself in such a poor manner.
Rio
10:08 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
I am Alex Backry's neighbor and I am sure no one has given that house a clean bill of health. It was and is disgusting. He is one of the most obnoxious people I've ever met. He has zero people skills and yes he is still banned from swimming in a public pool in Smyrna. I know that he worked for the City as a dog catcher and was considering a law suit against the city at one point for what he called "his being forced to resign". Honestly I don't know what became of that lawsuit because I don't speak with him anymore. But I know he wasn't happy about leaving his position. God help us if he were to ever get elected. (not that I really think this even a remote possibility)
Rio
10:41 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
I want to know where Alexander Supertramp is? I miss him already!
George Lee
10:44 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
Sean Might know, He saw him first! :)
Inside-Out
12:05 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Thank you George for reminding me about the City's pest control fiasco that Mr. Bakery stirred up two years ago and what was the end result of his rant. The city now pays double what it was paying. Way to watch out for the citizens Mr. Bakery. Happy Now ?.
George Lee
1:39 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Hunt, I thought the patch was going to ask each candidate two questions to answer? you know the Q&A like with Donna. I am not seeing that here? or did you just not post it yet?
Hunt Archbold
7:13 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
All the candidates were sent the same request. The responses have varied for sure.
George Lee
7:20 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Thank you!
SmyrnaCitizen
8:26 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Why don't people get the fact that the City has nothing to do with leasing the Market Village? It is privately owned. G.K. Johnson is responsible for leasing the space. It is empty because his rent is high and he won't reduce it to get tenants. I personally know that the Mayor and Council members have talked to him to no avail.
George Lee
8:40 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Some people here think the City rules everything..On one hand, they won't allow big government, On the other hand all we have is big Government. it's a Conspiracy. :)
mary kirkendoll
8:49 am on Friday, September 30, 2011
Brookhaven is turning Dresden Drive into a sought after destination. The street is a WALKABLE neighborhood w/ wide crosswalks, storefront parking & benches, trees, etc. It is attracting a vibrant youthful vibe, that will encourage good businesses & higher house values.
The plan in the works is to ADD to the existing mixed use project that is so popular- there is a waiting list of chefs wanting to come into the not yet built spaces.
Brookhaven isn't even a city, but they have very strong county & neighborhood support.
This city seems to be unable of moving quality projects forward. This city has no vision.
If Jonquil becomes nothing but a front load Publix center,.. it will be the death of any hope for Smyrna to ever compete w/ other forward thinking metro cities.
Smyrna city has EVERYTHING to do w/ Market Village, finished , unfinished, & unstarted developments, neighborhoods, citizems treatment & outside perception.
Quit making excuses. They don't fly.
Backery has stated a clear plan & ideas for an open government.
Boy, wouldn't that be a change!
Your personal attacks are very chidish.
We aren't attacking Bacon about his (personal life), rather the way he runs this city.
HUGE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!!
George Lee
12:08 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
One more thought, on your quote "We aren't attacking Bacon about his (personal life), rather the way he runs this city" Alex Backery, has never been in Politics, he does not run, has not run, this City or any other city...So all we have to go on is the above Facts...We can't talk about something that does not exist. He does make better sense than Donna, But it only looks good in black and white...he will never be able to work with anyone or even do anything you would like to see. The city has nothing to do with leasing the Market Village, nor do they get to pick what developer comes in and sets up shop like Publix. and just to be clear "The street is a WALKABLE neighborhood w/ wide crosswalks" in brookhaven....Crosswalk? meaning Cross the Street?..We have plenty of those. or did you mean Sidewalks? they are building new ones now!
Mike S.
12:55 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Here's a novel idea to all of you who spend all of your time and energy bashing Mary Kirkendoll: ignore her.
Mike S.
1:01 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Makes one wonder why all of you chase after her. This city is notorious for silencing people. She's revealing something or she wouldn't be told to shut up.
George Lee
2:45 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Your kidding right?...She is revealing nothing, and your insinuating? OK, I am a Citizen of Smyrna, In the City Limits of Smyrna, I love Smyrna because it's my home. I have never been Silenced.. do you know anyone that has? please back that up? your words "This city is notorious for silencing people. " that means more then one..who are they? I bet I don't get a single name...and if i do I will research it to the end of time to make sure you got your facts right!
JBN
2:56 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Town Hall Meetings? To my knowledge, town hall meetings are NOT required by law. Alex, we are not a democracy! We are a repesentative repubulic. By the constitution, we elect representatives (city council, county, state, national) to REPRESENT us, the citizens. Now, where would you propose the city host a town hall meeting where 50,000 people could show up?? But we know that is not the purpose you seek; you want a forum for your negativism. Pity us if we have a "national town hall meeting!" Town Hall meetings, in whatever situation, tend to draw out the negative, hateful people with their own agendas. Your Dale Carnegie training should have taught you that you can't give negative people a forum! If a citizen has a problem, that citizen can contact the mayor or city council member. As you know, you can speak about it at City Council meetings. If a citizen does not get the result he or she hoped for it could be the majority of the people did not agree or there could be other extenuating circumstances. That is why we elect trusted representatives who can look at all the facts and then make an informed decision. Ultimately, we have the power of the vote to vote in and/or out unresponsive representatrives. What you don't realize is that most of Smyrna does not buy into your positions; most of us are quite satisfied with our leadership. We know they do a thankless job and can NEVER please everyone!
Mike S.
4:16 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
JBN - are you a citizen of this country? Or are you dumber than dirt? These are PUBLIC SERVANTS. WE PAY their salaries. They work FOR US. I can't believe what I just read.
Town Hall meetings are the very basis of our democracy. (Please do not say you are a product of our public educational system. If so it has failed you.)
JBN
9:25 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Yes, Mike S., I am a citizen of this country. I even paid attention in civics classes in High School. Furhermore, I conferred with some who currently teach civics and they concurred: we are a constitutional representative republic. Town Hall meetings are not required. Yes, our elected officials are public servants but I suggest we get much more from them than what we pay! However they choose to "listen" to their constituents is their business. Ultimately, we have the power of the ballot box. While everone should exercise their right to vote, the low turnout suggests people were satisfied! Negative, angry people will not miss the opportunity to vote!! So, yes, I am dumber than dirt; I did graduate from a public high school, graduated from a private collete, and then attended graduate schools for five years and hold three degrees! I am dumb for engagiing in such specious conversation!
mary kirkendoll
5:47 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Murphy , maybe while me & Donna are out having a good time tonite,.. you can sit around & update all your websites, about how truely great you are!
Why are you all so afraid of the truth about Smyrna getting out?
We all know some of the personal stuff about Max. He's fooling himself if he believes the people he trusts, don't talk. They do.
And I guess because of some of that history, is why businesses aren't coming to Smyrna.
I really hate to see the finished product of Max's 1980 vision,
Mega highways, mega schools, mega sidewalks, mega grocery stores, mega sodded parks,mega gas stations, mega everything,... it will destroy Smyrnas future.
And some of you rant about how you love Smyrna's 'small town ' feel.
You are supporting policies that will forever disolve any hope for a 'small town' feel.
Why can't yous grasp that notion?
(cos you're too busy being mean spirited people & fighting the wrong people, that's why!!)
Michelle
10:04 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
"Murphy , maybe while me & Donna are out having a good time tonite,.. you can sit around & update all your websites, about how truely great you are!" He is great...oh wait, which husband is this since you have FALSELY ACCUSED just about everyone on this site as being him.....
"And I guess because of some of that history, is why businesses aren't coming to Smyrna." So the 350 business that opened this fiscal year is inaccurate?!?
"Mega highways, mega schools, mega sidewalks, mega grocery stores, mega sodded parks,mega gas stations, mega everything,..." Kind of sounds like what Norcross looks like once you leave the 4 block radius of the historical downtown area..... just heard on the news the other night, a mega Wal-mart plans to open in the Jimmy Carter Blvd area....yea for Smyrna for keeping Wally World out.
"(cos you're too busy being mean spirited people & fighting the wrong people, that's why!!)"......really...this statement coming from you..... Interesting......
Inside-Out
6:21 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
Why can't you grasp the notion that we love our city. We appreciate our Mayor and his efforts. Why can't you grasp that if you want to live near the ocean then you move to where it is. You chose Smyrna as your home. You lived outside of the city and decided to move into it just a few short years ago. You made that choice. You had Brookhaven and Dunwoody and Woodstock to chose from but no, you chose Smyrna just like we did. No Smyrna is not perfect but we all see that the city is doing its' best to turn things around. We see the potential in the progress that has been made. No matter how loud you yell about other cities we will continue to yell about how proud we are of Smyrna and you will never change that. You know how most on here feel and we know how you feel. This is going no where for either side. Too much negativity on both sides. We are not city employees or being paid by anyone to post I can assure you, but I sure wouldn't mind it one bit.
pogo art (Gary)
7:17 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
I would like to say that we could get a Buckhead or a Brookhaven going here if we could get citizens to care and work for it. I know that South Cobb Drive in Smyrna could come alive if we had citizens that would get in there and help. I have been in touch with the Buckhead Coalition and talking to some Brookhaven residents and I have someone from both who are willing to talk to a group here in Smyrna about what they did to bring in business. If you are a caring Smyrna Citizen and would like to push for a more viable South Cobb Drive in Smyrna. Please e-mail the Smyrna South Cobb Drive Coalition (sscdc30080@yahoo.com) and become a part in making a more viable South Cobb Drive in Smyrna that would make any new business want to come to this area of Smyrna. But this takes citizens who are positive that what to see the area become a better place to live and do business. . Myself and this groups efforts will not stop until we see the positive South Cobb Drive in Smyrna that every citizen of Smyrna can be proud of. During this election be proud citizens of Smyrna and push for a revival of South Cobb Drive in Smyrna.
Debra Broomall Grier
8:51 am on Thursday, October 20, 2011
I have been a Smyrna resident since 1980 and truly love this City.
The police force are some of the most dedicated men and women I have ever met.
I support growth but hope it only changes for the better.
Years ago it was safe to go anywhere in smyrna, now the patmell road end really needs help. Thanks for taking interest in our community.
Rio
7:44 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
I agree Pogo! And the addition of the 2-year college on South Cobb will be a great addition to that area and encourage growth. I think the Smyrna Council did a wonderful thing offering incentives to the school to encourage their decision to come in to our great City! It take everyone working together. Government, Citizens and Businesses!
K. Davis
10:23 am on Saturday, October 1, 2011
Mr. Backry: Would you hold town hall meetings? How many per year? Would you post or stream video on the city's web site? Would you change citizens' comments to a question and answer format? Would you have an open door policy? As a voter my concerns are open goverment and governmental oversight.
lynda
1:23 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2011
I, too, have been a long time neighbor of Alex. I can pretty much guarantee...no one in his neighborhood, or ajoining neighborhoods, will be voting for him. I have personally heard him yell at small children. When he was dog-catcher, he used his position to bully people; especially women. I have no idea whether he has racoon ringworm, but let me ask you this: would you ever, in your wildest dreams, ever want to eat food in his house? I know several other items about him that would make you cringe...but I won't post here. just use your common sense, people. we all know what kind of person he is.
Erik Fernald
6:11 pm on Saturday, October 1, 2011
I think the people have spoken.
Bruce
6:40 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011
Back to Mary at 5:47 pm on Friday.....
Hey folks, she fought Mayor Max Bacon. Now, on the front page of the Marietta Daily Journal the former mayor of Kennesaw, Mr. Church, is running for mayor again. He states on the front page of the mdj that he is against the TSPLOST. Cobb will have to fork over 87% of its tax money for 10 years to Fulton and Atlanta if this TSPLOST passes. The current mayor of Kennesaw, Mathews, is one of the guys who dreamed up this plan.
Smyrna Mayor Max Bacon is FOR THE TSPLOST! That is reason enough to vote against him, even if you vote for Donna.
Look in the letters to the editor section of the Marietta Daily Journal for Sunday, yesterday, and a member of the Cobb Planning Commission gives us nearly 20 reasons to vote against the TSPLOST. James Bell also explains the TSPLOST law and why politicians can do anything with it they want to. Bell also gives us a link to the law itself at www.TSPLOST.info
Rio
9:28 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011
I may not be for the TSPLOST, and I really haven't decided yet, but Donna thinks a Trolley will solve our traffic issues. That's just comical. She should run for Mayor in Mr. Roger's Neighborhood. And that's only one of the weak reasons I couldn't vote for Donna. I have about 100 more reasons much stronger than that!
mary kirkendoll
10:36 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011
...MOOT point,...just thought I would be helpful.
And no, hateful one, miss rio, Donna has never implied a trolley would solve ALL traffic issues, but if you would actually LISTEN instead constantly belittleing & bullying, you would understand that she has said on occasions that looking at bringing a trolley to Smyrna could be an effective asset.
You know Roswell has one,.. and they are using it more and more for special art events & races, etc. I am not sure if they use it as a regular route, but I imagine if they see it will be good for the city & their citizens want it, they will find a way.
It really would be nice to have someone that knows how to think outside of the box,... instead of old, tired ideas.!
donna 4 mayor!
George Lee
12:52 am on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
And Also they are full of misleading lies and accusations...hateful, Mrs Rio you meant hmmmmm She sure does love the Latino and Hispanic people...I am one.. :) ohh I am sorry Mary you don't know those PC words let me put it into your words... "The Mexican Drug cartel" or "Illegals" or "Mexicans" You know the ones with the AK-47's and Drugs, does not apply to you because your white?( it's ok they ask these questions on Gov Documents) and white people don't have AK-47's or Drugs right? She only mentioned one person she really didn't like in her life.. we were just talking about that today. She never said she hated anyone tho. And Rio is a White, beautiful female. However She does not own an AK-47, but we do love the, U.S Constitution and our first and Second amendment. I have a green card and I exercise my rights...Even have a Subscription to the NRA....Muchas gracias!
Rio
5:46 pm on Tuesday, October 4, 2011
You usually call me a cheerleader for Smyrna, and now you say I'm "hateful" just because I don't agree with your friend Donna. You sound like the "Bully". I'm not hateful at all, MK, I just don't agree with the whole Trolley idea at all. I think it's hillarious, but not practical. Donna think outside the box alright, her suggestions are beyond ridiculous.
Pepper
3:21 am on Monday, October 10, 2011
Talk about a waste of money! Let's buy a trolley that we can pull out, dust off and use every once in a while!
Bruce
7:19 pm on Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Rio, your comment about the trolley on Mr. Roger's Neighborhood is about right. The nearly $900 million Cobb will GIVE to Fulton and Atlanta is for light rail. It is not the same as a real train. Each car carries about 30 people, so I have been told by people who have seen one in other cities. There will be about 2 cars, so each trip will carry about 60 people maximum.
There is not a single llight rail in the US that is self-supporting. Each is subsidized, after billions for building the blasted things, by about 75% or more of operating and maintenance costs.
Light rail is a horrible choice, especially since most of it will be built in Fulton County with Cobb County money.
Tom
11:53 pm on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Well, these are certainly some interesting comments, especially from Mr. Backry's neighbors! At least this article that we are supposed to be commenting on didn't state that he played major league baseball, as did the article in the MDJ. (There is no evidence that he ever did so.) The incumbent lives very close to me and also seems to be receiving the least criticism. So I guess I will have an easy voting decision.
Tom
mary kirkendoll
8:59 am on Thursday, October 20, 2011
We need term limits. Thay is the only way to keep one man, or one family from gaining an unfair amount of power.
Dictators reign for 30, 40, 50 years.
I think 39 years is enough for the Bacons.