Kautz Sets Sights on Mayor's Seat

is stepping to a new challenge, and throwing her hat in the ring as the second contender for Snellville mayor.

She said she was finally moved to run after "much thought, prayer and appeal from citizens."

In order to run for mayor, Kautz has also resigned from her post on the Snellville City Council, where she was the youngest member of the five-member body. She was first elected in 2006, having served previously on the city's Planning Commission.

"As an elected official Kelly believes in “Putting Citizens First” and her voting record shows that is what she has always done," according to a press release sent by Kautz. "The city of Snellville deserves a mayor who has natural leadership abilities, who listens to the residents and is a voice for them."

The press release goes on to say that Kautz "has been endorsed by the people of Snellville not the politicians." 

Now, Barbara Bender -- who qualified to run for mayor on August 29 -- has a challenger. Up until now, Bender was the only one to decide to run. Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer is at the end of his term and cannot run again.

As mayor, Kautz said her vision for the city is multi-faceted, including:

• Building on the foundation of current businesses as the city moves forward with a town center
• Utilizing grants to build a community center for the arts and after-school programs
• Creating economic tax breaks for small business owners
• Developing economic incentives for development of vacant buildings
• Paving and repairing streets and sidewalks
• Addressing the rate of foreclosures in the city
• Growing community relationships with the Gwinnett County school district

In addition serving on the city council, Kuatz is the chairwoman of the Snellville Days Parade, president of the Gwinnett County Defense Bar, and  a founding member of the Save the Snellville Library Committee.  

Kautz, who was born and brought up in Snellville, attended Brookwood High School and the University of Georgia earning degrees in both politics and law. A former prosecutor, she has led her own law practice in Snellville for the past five years.