The DMDA, which was created by constitutional amendment and implemented by the General Assembly to help redevelop downtown Marietta, is composed of two ex-officio members - the Marietta Mayor and chairman of the Cobb Board of Commissioners - along with three members elected by downtown property owners and three members elected by the owners of downtown businesses.
One property owner's seat open on the DMDA was held by mortgage broker Carey Cox, who resigned in December after selling the Atlanta Street building that housed his family's printing business next to Johnnie McCracken's Celtic Pub. Cox said he'd like to see the city make better use of the DMDA. For instance, it would have been the perfect vehicle to help the city in its redevelopment efforts, as opposed to the time and money the city has wasted on the Marietta Redevelopment Corporation, he said.
"I think it should be used more by the city," Cox said.
Running for Cox's seat is James Eubanks, son of downtown property owner Gary Eubanks. James Eubanks is vice president of Wharton Management, Inc., a family-run business managing commercial rental property. He and his wife, Julie Eubanks, have a 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son. James Eubanks, who holds degrees in engineering from Rice University and Stanford, serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Marietta and attends First United Methodist Church.
"I want to ensure the continued economic vitality and viability of the downtown area," he said, on why he's running for the seat.
Also up for election tonight are Dave Reardon, owner of Shillings Restaurant, who holds a merchant's seat, and attorney Al Johnson, who holds a property seat.
Registration for the election will be conducted from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the council chamber of City Hall. The election will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. The caucus of downtown property owners will vote in the two property seats, while the caucus of downtown merchants will vote in the seat held by Reardon.
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