Acworth Cancels Election

ACWORTH, Ga. -- In many respects, Cobb County's "Lake City" of Acworth looks like a town from the last century.

It's a town where time almost seems to stand still sometimes.

But that well crafted image is thanks to a major renovation effort over the past few years.

There are plenty of fall decorations and signs everywhere, but this election season you won't see any campaign signs.

That's because for the first time in a half-century, Acworth has cancelled next Tuesday's city election.

"It's very refreshing not to have to campaign," says Acworth Alderman Tim Houston, who is now guaranteed a second term.

In addition to Houston, fellow Alderman Tim Richardson and two-term Mayor Tommy Allegood are relieved because no one is running against them.

Under a new Georgia law, they were allowed to call off the unopposed election.

"We're going to save taxpayers about $7,000 in doing this," Mayor Allegood tells 11Alive News.

Acworth's leaders believe the city's 25,000 residents are happy with the job they and the city's staff are doing.

Unlike most cities these days, Acworth has a surplus and its tax base is rising instead of going down.

"We're not even thinking about looking at increasing any taxes, any property taxes to our citizens," the mayor says.

Many residents we spoke with applaud their city's leadership.

But some, like restaurant owner Henry Chandler, think those leaders occasionally railroad things through.

"I just think a lot of times when you have a regime that's been in there for so many years a little fresh blood sure would be nice," Chandler says.

He told us he almost ran for mayor, but was stopped by health, family and business issues...for now.

"We are still thinking about throwing our hat in for the next time," Chandler adds.

Meanwhile, for the next few years Acworth will continue with the unopposed regime that has helped keep this city on the right track in tough times.

In addition to more than a century old Acworth, the new Fulton County city of Johns Creek also called off its election since all four of its candidates have no challengers.