Meet the Candidates: Renita Hamilton

How long have you lived in Lawrenceville? In what part(s) of town?: I have lived in Lawrenceville 13 years and counting; I live near Downtown Lawrenceville. 

What is your occupation?: I am a small business owner; specifically an event planner & consultant. 

What is your educational background?: I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communications and I am finishing Master’s Degree in Strategic Leadership. 

Tell us about your family: I am a proud mother of one. 

Have you ever held or ran for any other elected office? If so what and when?: I have run for elected office in 2011 City Council and 2012 State Representative. 

How have you been involved in Lawrenceville politics and the community?: Yes, I have been involved in Lawrenceville especially within the community. Most recently I successfully negotiated and won the bid to bring Falcons player Roddy White’s Keeping the Faith Foundation, GC-United Political Action Committee, Parent Leadership Institute, Giovanni Rolling Café, and American Federation for Children into the City of Lawrenceville to giveaway Back to School Supplies to more than 400 local families and children hosted at the local Boys and Girls Club. 

What inspired you to run for city council?: I stand for family, jobs, education, small business, and solutions. I am inspired to run for City Council to bridge the gap between the people and the government. I think the best place I can help everyday people like you and I is by being in public service as your city councilwoman. 

What do you think is the most pressing issue Lawrenceville faces and needs to address?: The most pressing issue Lawrenceville faces are modifying and creating business friendly ordinances. The second most pressing issue is improving community involvement and engagement with the city’s diverse local residents. Thirdly, we have to improve our infrastructure. The City has to make sure the development throughout the City is solid. Transportation - easing traffic congestion for commuters is a crucial element. Increase our number of Quality of Life Officers (part-time/contractors) to enforce ordinances that enhance and improve the esthetic appearance of the City. I know we need to support education initiatives, children, and teachers. I think we need to address the concerns of our Seniors and improve pedestrian traffic for our businesses within the City. Lastly I think we need to create an inclusive City government with a constituency portal to report issues, problems, and concerns. 

What are your long-term goals for the city?: My long-term goal for the city can be summed up in two words engagement and communication. I have a 5 point-10 Step Strategic Plan that addresses the core issues facing our residents and community. Jobs, Education, Small Business, Seniors, Youth, and Family are priorities that will be addressed in order to move the City of Lawrenceville forward with continuity. I encourage citizen’s support and I think a diverse board of energetic people, will take Lawrenceville forward. I will engage and work with all of the members of Council and the Mayor to continue progress while bringing innovative solutions to our everyday concerns. 

Would you like to add anything else? I am committed to every citizen and small business owner in our district with a goal to reach out to all people within our City by working to create a more inclusive government. From the Federal, State, and Local level I will continue to partner with local vendors, non-profit organizations and businesses to bring quality community based events to Lawrenceville while matching private and public dollars. I will always continue to champion the people. I am a mother, Christian, thoughtful neighbor, and friend. Lawrenceville’s success today is crucial to our prosperity as a city tomorrow. 

Read how city council candidates Rory Johnson and Keith Roche answered the questions.

Watch video of candidates Renita Hamilton, Keith Roche, Larry Troutman and Rory Johnson's introductions at a candidates' forum and how they feel about SPLOST.

Sign up for Lawrenceville Patch's free newsletter and stay up to date on the latest news in town.