Politics & Government

Bender Running for Snellville Mayor

Tuesday evening Barbara Bender announced she plans to run for mayor of the city of Snellville.

In January, that leading the city wasn't something she was sure about. Today it became certain; the city council member is running for mayor. If she wins, she would be Snellville's first female mayor in its history.

Bender, who is currently Mayor Pro Tem, announced Tuesday evening that she was well on her way in raising funds for a run at the city's top spot. She has raised more than $4,000 thus far. A campaign press statement called it "a clear sign of early momentum in her campaign."

Bender has been a city council member since 2005, and she has called Snellville home for more than 20 years. A mother of two children who works professionally as an accountant, Bender believes her candidacy is just what Snellville needs.

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer is on his last term and cannot run for re-election.

“I am proud to announce my campaign for mayor," she said in the press statement. "I’m running because it is essential that we continue to move Snellville forward. Snellville is becoming a destination in South Gwinnett and the envy of the entire county.”

Find out what's happening in Snellvillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Bender said in the statement that she wanted to capitalize on the recent success in Snellville, and then help move the city forward even more. She mentioned the city's new 30,000-square-foot police facility, a new public works department being constructed, town center visioning plans, the new Snellville Tourism and Trade Association and a local farmer’s market, in addition to improvements at and an emphasis on economic development, as projects with momentum she is hoping to continue.

"I will ensure our progress continues by breaking ground on the town center, attracting new businesses while retaining our current businesses, continue bringing events that are building our sense of community and by making government more efficient and keeping taxes low,” Bender said in the press statement.

On Barbara Bender:

  • A certified public accountant for 20 years and vice president of Hamilton Financial
  • Served on the Snellville City Council since 2005
  • She has represented the Gwinnett Municipal Association on the Planning Advisory Committee for the Gwinnett County 2030 Unified Plan
  • Served on the board of the Gwinnett Municipal Association in 2009
  • Participated in the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Community Planning Academy
  • Graduate of the Georgia Municipal Association’s training course
  • Current treasurer of the Snellville Commerce Club
  • Member of the Leadership Gwinnett class of 2010-2011
  • Married to her husband Greg for 26 years, with two children, Nick (21) and Katie (18)


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