Meet the Candidates: Ron Fennel

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 Ward 7 city council candidate Ron Fennel, who is running against Garry Osborne, Ziad Salameh and Vic Yankouski.

Ron is a native of Brunswick, Ga., and married to Cindy Hepler Fennel of Cobb County. They have two wonderful sons, Hunter (5) and Walker (4), who attend preschool at Smyrna First United Methodist Church. They live in the Vinings Estates neighborhood and attend Cindy’s home church, First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Cindy is a full-time mom and Ron works as an association management executive and government relations consultant, primarily for the state’s hospitality industry.

Ron has always been involved in civic and community affairs and activities, including: President, Vinings Estates Community Association; Member, Georgia and Cobb Chambers of Commerce, Alumnus, Cobb Honorary Commanders Association; 16-year Board member with two years as Chairman of Atlanta’s Table of the Atlanta Community Food Bank; Executive Director, Cobb Hotel Council; Chairman, Atlanta Fire Foundation; Chairman, TEAM Georgia; Past Chair, Glynn Clean & Beautiful; Elected to two terms as a member, Georgia House of Representatives (1988-1993).

For residents in the south part of Ward 7, Fennel will pursue noise abatement at rail crossings and will aggressively pursue a Smyrna ZIP code for all Smyrna residents. Ron will also work with residents to assure specific and proper input to the Cobb County School Board as they prepare to make redistricting decisions for Smyrna school children. 

Why am I running for Smyrna City Council? Because I feel I can contribute something meaningful to my city and make a difference on the issues that are key to families like mine. Here in Smyrna, I joined my neighborhood HOA Board because I saw things that needed to be done. I am not afraid to take on a challenge or to take a stand on something I believe in. Just ask the residents of Vinings Estates!

The job of a City Councilman is to ensure sound fiscal decision-making, make sure the grass is cut, the trash is picked up, and the streets are safe, clean and free of potholes as much as possible through town. Basic services and sometimes seemingly mundane issues are crucial at this level. I will always be available to listen and help wherever possible.

As your Ward 7 Councilman, I will focus on ensuring our government makes solid decisions, based on facts and good common sense. Prudent decision-making with regard to budgetary restraints, and long-range planning are key to ensuring the future success of Smyrna for our children.

I want Smyrna to enjoy the positive benefits of our tremendous growth over the past twenty years and to continue that strong leadership as we work to make Smyrna better. Whether it is parks, community events, improved public safety, or a change in property zoning, I am ready to listen and make sure that YOU are heard. Together, we can ensure Smyrna remains among the most desirable living communities in our metro region.

For more info, please call 678.314.1776, email: ronfennel@me.com or visit www.ronfennel.com.