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Published Sunday, October 18, 2009 in Local

Garlington wants mayor's job after term on council

By Alex McRae

The Times-Herald

Longtime Sharpsburg resident and mayoral candidate Polly Garlington taught school for 22 years before beginning a real estate career. She was elected to the Sharpsburg Town Council in November 2008.

When Mayor Derrick McElwaney announced in September 2009, he would resign in January 2010, Garlington decided to run for mayor and resigned her council seat in September as required.

Garlington says Sharpsburg's attractiveness and location are still its strongest selling points and she wants more people to realize what the town has to offer.

"We want people to be aware of everything we have in the way of charm and convenience and businesses," Garlington said. "This is really a unique place and we are proud of it.

"I will work with property owners and merchants and residents who want to help improve the town and will continue that effort. Plus, the Sharpsburg Merchant's Association is strong again, and I look forward to working with them to promote the town and help all our businesses thrive."

Garlington said she is very concerned about city finances and noted that the town is still paying back alcohol tax funds mistakenly sent to Sharpsburg instead of Coweta County several years ago. She says she is also concerned that the city is still paying for a piece of property on Highway 54 that is sitting idle.

"We've got to watch the budget," she said. "That's a top priority."

Garlington said she has been working with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs to learn ways to boost tourism. She says the DCA will be glad to come to Sharpsburg and help elected officials plan programs and activities to bring more visitors and commerce to town.

"Our businesses in Old Town and the ones along the highway are separated by a highway, Garlington said, " but all the business are an important part of the community and I will work to get them all involved in boosting the local economy."

Garlington is a member of the Sharpsburg Tree Commission and says she wants that program to continue to improve as it works on beautification projects. She also hopes to see the Sharpsburg Garden Club become active once more in planting and caring for landscaped areas in Old Town.

"Everyone thought they did a beautiful job planting and keeping those downtown spots," Garlington says. "I'd like to see that come back.

"We can't offer a lot of services, but I want to make sure we do the best we can with what we have and that's what I plan to do. It takes a lot of time to do the mayor's job, but I'm prepared to do whatever it takes to get the job done and make Sharpsburg a better place for everyone."