2023 Georgia Local Elections

2023 Georgia Local Elections Runoff

Appen Media, Allen Sells, Roswell City Council candidate

Allen earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, Accountancy from Georgia State University and completed the Executive Program, Data & Analytics at Emory University. He is a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) licensed in the State of Georgia. He and his wife Rhonda moved to Roswell in 1995 and have been married for 40 years. They raised their now-grown children Hannah and Trace in Horseshoe Bend and have two grandchildren. Allen and Rhonda are long-time active members of Perimeter Church.

Allen is currently an owner and the executive officer of a software and data analytics firm serving the financial markets that is located in East Roswell. He first began his career with KPMG, in the accounting and audit practice. He then joined Turner Broadcasting, initially in financial leadership for the Sports Group, and soon moved to acquisitions and strategic planning.

Allen Sells ran for Post 1 city council member in the 2022 special election but did not win.

Wants to protect trees in neighborhoods and expand parks, trails, and green space.

- Wants to protect trees in neighborhoods and expand parks, trails, and green space.

Natural Resources & the Environment

In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, stated that “our top priority for all of our residents should be to bring good paying jobs so people can afford to live in Roswell”.

In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, described the Housing Authority of Roswell as “a local path for people to achieve affordable housing”.

- In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, stated that “our top priority for all of our residents should be to bring good paying jobs so people can afford to live in Roswell”.
- In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, described the Housing Authority of Roswell as “a local path for people to achieve affordable housing”.

Housing & Urban Development

Advocates for training and funding for Roswell first responders.

Supports the relocation of certain fire stations in West Roswell “to improve response times”.

Supports “the recent initiatives of best in class pay for our police officers and firefighters and the transition of our fire department to a full-time organization”.

- Advocates for training and funding for Roswell first responders.
- Supports the relocation of certain fire stations in West Roswell “to improve response times”.
- Supports “the recent initiatives of best in class pay for our police officers and firefighters and the transition of our fire department to a full-time organization”.

Public Safety

Plans to recruit businesses that focus on prominent markets in Roswell.

Intends to use “a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)’s approach to cut costs and fight inflation”.

Wants to “promote destinations in commercial areas that embrace Roswell’s architectural and historical charm”.

Seeks to “adapt the Parkway Village approach to bring unique Roswell branding elements particularly to East Holcomb Bridge Road”.

Aims to “implement a use by date for development projects” to promote their on-time completion.

Supports 2022 ordinance that “requires council members to recuse themselves from votes where campaign donors financially benefit”.

Maintains that, “inflation, rising gas and food prices are a threat to the quality of life of every Roswell resident, with seniors and young families particularly vulnerable”.

In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, proposed business development offices to help those interested in starting a business.

- Plans to recruit businesses that focus on prominent markets in Roswell.
- Intends to use “a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)’s approach to cut costs and fight inflation”.
- Wants to “promote destinations in commercial areas that embrace Roswell’s architectural and historical charm”.
- Seeks to “adapt the Parkway Village approach to bring unique Roswell branding elements particularly to East Holcomb Bridge Road”.
- Aims to “implement a use by date for development projects” to promote their on-time completion.
- Supports 2022 ordinance that “requires council members to recuse themselves from votes where campaign donors financially benefit”.
- Maintains that, “inflation, rising gas and food prices are a threat to the quality of life of every Roswell resident, with seniors and young families particularly vulnerable”.
- In a 2022 interview with Appen Media, proposed business development offices to help those interested in starting a business.

Public Services

Maintains that “the necessary infrastructure is crucial to protect Roswell’s unique charm and natural resources while advancing our long-term economic vitality”.

- Maintains that “the necessary infrastructure is crucial to protect Roswell’s unique charm and natural resources while advancing our long-term economic vitality”.

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Allen Sells

Marisa is originally from Aden. She lives in Roswell with her daughter Michaela. Marisa has a bachelors degree in Fashion Design from American InterContinental University. She has a bachelors degree in French from the University of Mumbai.

Marisa is the president of Marisa Pereira Consulting LLC. She was a senior business development consultant for NGC Software until 2020. Before this she was a product development manager for Aramark from 2014 to 2016.

Marisa's campaign for city council is her first entry into politics.

Said "I will advocate for increased investment in the long-term maintenance and improvement of our parks ensuring they remain vibrant and inviting. Protecting our tree canopy is a vital mission as they are under attack from road widening projects".

- Said "I will advocate for increased investment in the long-term maintenance and improvement of our parks ensuring they remain vibrant and inviting. Protecting our tree canopy is a vital mission as they are under attack from road widening projects".

Said "While development is essential and good for progress, it should be done with sensitivity to our existing neighborhoods and coordinated with infrastructure. We must carefully assess zoning regulations to prevent high-density encroachment in residential areas".

- Said "While development is essential and good for progress, it should be done with sensitivity to our existing neighborhoods and coordinated with infrastructure. We must carefully assess zoning regulations to prevent high-density encroachment in residential areas".

Plans to increase the police presence in Roswell.

- Plans to increase the police presence in Roswell.
- Supports community policing initiatives.

Said "During the Covid pandemic, East Roswell faced significant challenges, bearing a heavier impact than other areas in our city. While several economic task forces have been established, the moment calls for decisive action to develop captivating destinations that will revitalize our community. "

Said "By incentivizing property owners to maintain and restore these treasures, we can ensure that future generations can admire and appreciate our city's historical significance".

Plans to update older strip mall areas in Roswell.

Supports financial incentives and grants for small businesses.

Wants to attract more businesses to Roswell to bring job opportunities.

- Said "During the Covid pandemic, East Roswell faced significant challenges, bearing a heavier impact than other areas in our city. While several economic task forces have been established, the moment calls for decisive action to develop captivating destinations that will revitalize our community. "
- Said "By incentivizing property owners to maintain and restore these treasures, we can ensure that future generations can admire and appreciate our city's historical significance".
- Plans to update older strip mall areas in Roswell.
- Supports financial incentives and grants for small businesses.
- Wants to attract more businesses to Roswell to bring job opportunities.

Said "I will continue the fight to protect neighborhoods from regional cu-thru traffic by working with City traffic engineers and residents to identify areas most affected and develop tailored traffic mitigation solutions".

Supports alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking.

- Said "I will continue the fight to protect neighborhoods from regional cu-thru traffic by working with City traffic engineers and residents to identify areas most affected and develop tailored traffic mitigation solutions".
- Supports alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling and walking.

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Marisa Pereira

Marisa has a bachelors degree in Fashion Design from American InterContinental University. She has a bachelors degree in French from the University of Mumbai.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Roswell voters hit reset; oust incumbent mayor, councilmembers

WSB-TV, Early voting for runoff elections, including Atlanta mayoral race, begins today

Michael has been married 26 years and has 3 sons. He moved to Roswell in 1986, where he attended Crabapple Middle School and Roswell High School. He attended Georgia State University, where he attained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and became the first in his family to get a bachelor’s degree. He has also attended the Georgia Academy for Economic Development at the Georgia Department of Economic Affairs. He has volunteered with several organizations in the community, including the Roswell Youth Baseball Association, Roswell Citizens Police Academy, and the Habersham Downs Homeowners Association.

Michael and his wife founded Dal Cerro Group, LLC, a firm providing real estate and recruiting services. He serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Managing Partner.

Michael Dal Cerro ran for City Council Member, Post 5 in 2021. Following the general election, a runoff between him and another candidate occurred and he did not win.

As of September 6, 2023, Michael Dal Cerro’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to ensure that the city’s first responders have the training and resources necessary.

Supports “comprehensive improvements” to improve safety for pedestrians and bikers, including the redevelopment of commercial zones.

- Wants to ensure that the city’s first responders have the training and resources necessary.
- Supports “comprehensive improvements” to improve safety for pedestrians and bikers, including the redevelopment of commercial zones.

Plans to re-center the city’s tax policies and priorities, focusing on business retention and expansion.

Wants to attract new businesses and industries with “a new laser-focused recruitment strategy and incentive plan”.

Aspires to “create the expectation that East Roswell will be treated as an equal to West Roswell” through Mayor and Council meetings in East Roswell and requesting that “a fair percentage of municipal funds are held for East Roswell”.

Intends to “work to revert the recent changes made to Roswell’s Open Records policies”.

- Plans to re-center the city’s tax policies and priorities, focusing on business retention and expansion.
- Wants to attract new businesses and industries with “a new laser-focused recruitment strategy and incentive plan”.
- Aspires to “create the expectation that East Roswell will be treated as an equal to West Roswell” through Mayor and Council meetings in East Roswell and requesting that “a fair percentage of municipal funds are held for East Roswell”.
- Intends to “work to revert the recent changes made to Roswell’s Open Records policies”.

Advocates for a balance in infrastructure dollars being spent for projects in local neighborhoods and large-scale projects.

Proposes partnerships with local organizations to improve abandoned commercial spaces.

- Advocates for a balance in infrastructure dollars being spent for projects in local neighborhoods and large-scale projects.
- Proposes partnerships with local organizations to improve abandoned commercial spaces.

Michael Dal Cerro

As of September 6, 2023, Michael Dal Cerro’s website did not contain information on this issue and Michael Dal Cerro did not complete our questionnaire.

- City council members work together with the rest of city council to set and implement city policy. 
- City council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city 
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Most city council members in Georgia are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 

Passes laws and regulations for your city.

City Council Member, Post 2

Election results

Runoff election

Candidates (3)

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Natural Resources & the Environment

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Public Services

Transportation & Infrastructure