Former Mayor Pro Tem Announces Run for Snellville City Council Seat

Former Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender recently announced that she will be running for a spot on the Snellville City Council in the November election. 

Bender, who was on the council for six years and also ran for the mayor's seat in 2011 against current mayor Kelly Kautz, will be qualifying this week for Post 5. The seat is currently being held by Councilman Mike Sabbagh, who also will be running for re-election.


"I am running for city council because I believe all members should actively and continually participate in representing the best interests of the citizens of Snellville,” said Bender in a news release. "I want to leverage my previous six years of council service to drive economic growth and further promote civic pride in a safe community environment."

Since her run for mayor, Bender has served as vice president of the Snellville Tourism and Trade Association and is president of the Snellville Entrepreneur Council. She also is actively involved in the Snellville Veterans Memorial project, which will break ground at the Star Spangled Snellville celebration this Saturday (Aug. 31).    

Professionally, Bender is a certified public accountant with nearly 25 years of experience in Snellville. 

Qualifying week for Snellville is Aug. 26-30. The seats for Posts 3 and 4, held by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts and Councilman Bobby Howard, also will be open for the upcoming election. Both Howard and Witts have announced their intentions to run for re-election.