KENNESAW - The Kennesaw City Council should be a servant to residents, Jeff Duckett said. That's why he said he is seeking the Post 5 seat in November's election.

"I've always had a servant's heart. I think Kennesaw is a great city and I believe I can bring forth some new ideas to help the city continue to grow," Duckett, 45, said.

"The city of Kennesaw is not a ward-based council. We are elected at-large," he said. "Therefore, I believe all the council should serve all the city, all the time."

For the most part, Duckett said, the City Council has been handling matters well. However, he intends to vote to benefit the entire city, rather than one section of it, if he is elected.

"There are a lot of people out there that don't think they're being well-served sometimes," Duckett said.

Duckett is running against Frank Cullins. Councilwoman Cindy Giles is vacating the Post 5 seat. Incumbents Bruce Jenkins of Post 3 and Bill Thrash of Post 4 are not being challenged in the Nov. 3 election.

Duckett said he'd make it a priority to get the city's youth more involved in contributing to the community through service or outreach.

"So that they would feel that they are a part of the city, and that they're helping in the growth of the city," he said.

Duckett said he'd like to expand the amount of greenspace in Kennesaw.

"From what I've heard from people, and my own observation, is that they really like the wide open spaces that we have at the parks," Duckett said. "I would hope to continue to keep it that way."

Among his other objectives as a councilman would be to bring a levelheaded approach to fiscal decisions, Duckett said.

"Being in the times we're in, we need to have a responsible, effective, well-managed budget," he said. "I've been a small-business owner for about 13 years. I think I've acquired the tools necessary to have a positive input to the way that financial things are handled."

For 13 years, Duckett has owned his own electrical contracting business, Handy Electric Inc. in Kennesaw.

He said he's spent most of his life in Cobb. Seven years ago, he said his family moved from Smyrna to Kennesaw because of its family atmosphere, good schools and reasonable home prices.

He's been married 17 years to his wife Aundie. They have a daughter, Abbie, 13, an Awtrey Middle School student, and Patrick, 8, who attends Big Shanty Elementary School.

Duckett graduated from Douglas County High School in 1981 and attended a Golden State University satellite program, but did not graduate. He served 13 years in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged a technical sergeant in 1995.