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John Sabic (Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman, Georgia, candidate 2024)

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John Sabic
Candidate, Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman
Elections and appointments
Last election
November 5, 2024
Personal
Religion
Catholic
Profession
Project manager
Contact

John Sabic (Republican Party) ran for election to the Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman in Georgia. He was on the ballot in the general election on November 5, 2024.[source]

Sabic completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

[1]

Biography

John Sabic provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on April 22, 2024:

Elections

General election

General election for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman

Incumbent Nicole Love Hendrickson and John Sabic ran in the general election for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman on November 5, 2024.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman

Incumbent Nicole Love Hendrickson and Donna McLeod ran in the Democratic primary for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman on May 21, 2024.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman

Justice Udo Nwaigwe and John Sabic ran in the Republican primary for Gwinnett County Commissioner Board Chairman on May 21, 2024.


Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Election results

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Sabic in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

John Sabic completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Sabic's responses.

Expand all | Collapse all

John Sabic is your candidate for Gwinnett County Chairman, a first-generation immigrant deeply committed to the community. Since his arrival in 1998, John has used his extensive expertise in Architecture, Engineering, and Project Management to improve municipal operations across the U.S.

His life exemplifies the American Dream, with over two decades of contributions that have notably enhanced local government infrastructures. John's professional prowess is validated by his Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, a distinguished credential that highlights his capability to manage and execute complex projects effectively.

As a dedicated family man, John is a husband and father to three children, ages 15, 12, and 9, all attending public schools in Gwinnett County. His personal connection to the community drives him to ensure a safe, thriving environment for all families.

John’s vision as County Chair includes fostering balanced growth while maintaining safety and educational standards. He champions effective crime prevention strategies to ensure neighborhood safety. His leadership aims to blend progress with tradition, ensuring Gwinnett County remains a prime place to live, work, and raise a family. Committed to integrity, responsibility, and community-first policies, John seeks to restore principled leadership to Gwinnett County.
  • Public Safety and Crime Prevention: The safety of our children is paramount, yet crime in Gwinnett County is on the rise. How many of you have been victims or witnessed car break-ins, homes and businesses being burglarized, carjackings, aggressive behavior on our roads, or children going missing, even from school properties? Our community deserves better. I will implement robust crime prevention strategies, increase police presence, and enhance community policing efforts to restore safety and trust. Together, we can make Gwinnett a safe haven once again.
  • High-Density Developments: For the past two years, I've warned about the need to control high-density developments. Our current pace is unsustainable, compromising established standards to cram as many people as possible into limited spaces. This rush leads to overcrowded schools and worsening traffic, drastically affecting our quality of life. By focusing on future residents, we ignore the needs of current residents who have entrusted their votes to politicians now overlooking their interests. We must prioritize responsible growth that considers the well-being of all community members.
  • Property Taxes: Regarding property taxes, a disproportionate increase is a clear indication of governance falling short of its responsibilities. Our residents are feeling the strain, and it's impacting our small businesses even more severely. It's crucial to halt the escalation of property taxes and, where feasible, reduce them. Our goal is to realign local government to truly serve its people, not special interests. We're advocating for a government of the people, by the people, for the people, ensuring that decisions made reflect the best interests of Gwinnett County residents.
To enhance Gwinnett County’s safety and growth, I propose comprehensive crime prevention strategies that extend beyond policing to include community engagement, youth outreach, and drug prevention. I will ensure transparent, accountable budgeting that prioritizes essential services and infrastructure, optimizing taxpayer funds. By streamlining excessive regulations, we will foster a business-friendly environment that attracts and expands businesses. Significant investments in infrastructure will reduce traffic congestion and improve public transit efficiency. Additionally, I plan to revise zoning laws to promote balanced residential and commercial development, curbing excessive apartment construction to preserve the county's character.
The office of Gwinnett County Chairman is uniquely vital to both the state government and the local legal system, encompassing a wide range of influential roles. As the central administrative authority, the Chairman ensures efficient coordination and policy implementation across county departments. This position also serves as a crucial liaison between Gwinnett County and the state, advocating for local interests and facilitating the enactment of state laws at the local level. The Chairman's extensive policymaking power allows them to significantly shape public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and health services. Responsible for the county’s fiscal management, the Chairman oversees budgeting, tax rates, and public spending, ensuring financial health and the effective delivery of public services. Additionally, the Chairman engages with the community to enhance public participation and ensure the government's responsiveness to citizens' needs. Upholding legal and ethical standards, the Chairman ensures all county operations comply with applicable laws, thereby maintaining integrity and preventing corruption. This broad spectrum of responsibilities highlights the Chairman’s critical role in promoting effective governance and safeguarding community interests in Gwinnett County.
I deeply admire my parents and strive to embody their values of simplicity, reliability, honesty, and dignity in both my personal life and leadership roles. These principles shape my approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication, dependable actions, ethical conduct, and respect for all individuals. Embracing these virtues not only defines my character but also enhances my effectiveness as a leader by fostering trust, respect, and inclusivity within the community I serve. Following my parents' example, I set a high standard for integrity that resonates strongly with those around me, ensuring that my actions consistently reflect the timeless values I cherish.
"The Federalist Papers" by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay

Specifically, Federalist No. 51, which discusses the importance of checks and balances and the separation of powers within the government. This essay is crucial for understanding the foundations of American political ideology and the importance of maintaining a balanced government that does not overreach its bounds.

"Conscience of a Conservative" by Barry Goldwater

This book is a manifesto that defines conservative principles, including the importance of limited government, fiscal responsibility, and strong national defense. It lays out a clear and principled framework for conservative politics.
Integrity, accountability, transparency, fairness, pragmatism, and respect for the law are crucial characteristics for elected officials:

Integrity: Officials must uphold honesty and ethical standards in all actions, ensuring decisions are made in the public's best interests.

Accountability: They must take responsibility for their decisions and actions, openly admitting mistakes and learning from them to better serve the public.

Transparency: Open governance fosters trust and accountability, necessitating practices such as open meetings, detailed reporting, and accessible public records.

Decisions should be fair and impartial, considering diverse viewpoints and respecting and promoting justice and equality.

Officials should address issues with practical, creative solutions that are adaptable to changing circumstances, ensuring they are both effective and feasible.

A deep respect for the rule of law and constitutional principles is essential, with a commitment to act within these frameworks while pursuing legislative changes.
I possess qualities that not only stem from my profound respect for the core values my parents instilled in me—simplicity, reliability, honesty, and dignity—but also from my commitment to traditional values of trust and personal integrity, where a handshake symbolizes a bond as strong as any contract. This approach to relationships, based on personal honor and straightforward dealings, underscores my belief in the importance of trust and mutual respect in leadership.

These values manifest in my approach to governance through transparent communication, ensuring that my actions and decisions are clear and open to public scrutiny. I believe in being accountable and dependable, traits that foster stability and trust within the community. My ethical conduct and the respect I show to others, regardless of their background or status, help create an inclusive and respectful atmosphere that is conducive to effective governance.

Moreover, I am a proponent of the old-fashioned belief that an agreement sealed with a handshake is as binding as any written contract. This belief in the power of personal integrity and commitment influences my interactions, ensuring that promises made are promises kept. This practice not only enhances trustworthiness but also brings a human dimension to political interactions, often lost in contemporary bureaucratic processes.

These characteristics, combined with my professional skills in project management and strategic planning, make me well-suited to the role of Gwinnett County Chairman. I am prepared to lead with a blend of modern efficiency and traditional values, making governance accessible, understandable, and beneficial for all members of our community.
The Gwinnett County Chairman is entrusted with pivotal responsibilities that ensure the county's governance is conducted with utmost integrity and efficiency. The role mandates strict adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and upholding the highest ethical standards to prevent conflicts of interest and promote a culture of integrity.

Central to the Chairman’s duties is setting strategic county priorities, including economic development, public safety, infrastructure, and health services. These priorities guide policy formulation and implementation that profoundly affect county life. Key among the Chairman's responsibilities is overseeing the county’s budget process to align fiscal capabilities with strategic goals, ensuring effective governance and optimal service delivery.

Financial oversight is critical; the Chairman must manage the county’s financial health, overseeing revenue streams and expenditure control to maintain fiscal responsibility and transparency. This financial stewardship is essential for judicious use of public funds.

The Chairman also ensures all county operations are efficient and meet the highest standards of public service. This involves leading county employees and creating a work environment that fosters high performance and morale, crucial for delivering superior public services.

Economically, the Chairman drives initiatives to stimulate economic revitalization and sustainable development, attracting investments and boosting job creation. This role is complemented by overseeing urban planning and land use to support balanced growth and preserve the community’s quality of life.
My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of positive change and progress, marked by tangible improvements in the lives of the people and the overall well-being of the community. I aspire to make Gwinnett County a place where residents feel proud to call home, where opportunities abound, and where the quality of life continuously improves.

Leaving the place better than I found it means implementing policies and initiatives that address the pressing needs of the community, from enhancing public safety and education to fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability. It means leaving behind a legacy of inclusivity and equality, where all residents have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

I want to be remembered as a leader who listened to the concerns of the people, who worked tirelessly to advocate for their interests, and who made decisions with their well-being in mind. I aim to build bridges across divides, bring people together, and create a sense of unity and shared purpose that transcends political differences.

Ultimately, my legacy should be one of progress and prosperity, where future generations can look back and see the positive impact of my leadership on their lives and the community as a whole. My goal is to leave behind a legacy that inspires others to continue the work of building a better future for Gwinnett County long after my time in office has ended.
The Count of Monte Cristo
I hail from a communist country, born into a family grappling with poverty. As the eldest of seven siblings, I began working early on to support my family, wielding a hammer before I could fully grasp its weight. At 18, I found myself thrust into the regular army, only to be engulfed by war just as my service was nearing its end. Surviving in an environment where life was deemed nearly worthless, I narrowly escaped death, bearing wounds from bullets and grenade shrapnel in my legs.

Fleeing to safety, I endured a year-long journey to reach a refugee camp. Eventually settling in South Atlanta, I encountered challenges that rivalled the hardships I left behind. Despite the adversities, my resilience carried me through. Life's struggles have been plentiful, yet they have served as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks, propelling me forward on a path of progress and growth....I love USA!
The role of Gwinnett County Chairman encompasses a variety of pivotal yet often underappreciated powers that significantly impact local governance and community well-being. The Chairman plays a critical role in emergency management, possessing the authority to declare local emergencies, coordinate disaster responses, and request state and federal assistance, which is vital for effective crisis management. In the realm of land use and zoning, while specific cases are typically handled by zoning boards, the Chairman's influence over policy direction and executive decisions can substantially shape the development landscape, affecting housing, commercial space, and green space conservation.

Additionally, the Chairman has the power to appoint members to key advisory boards and commissions, such as planning and economic development boards. These appointments can fundamentally influence urban planning, public health strategies, and broader county policies. The Chairman’s role in intergovernmental relations involves negotiating and forging partnerships with various government entities to secure resources that boost local initiatives and projects.

Moreover, the Chairman wields discretionary budgetary powers to quickly allocate funds to pressing or underfunded projects, providing the flexibility needed to meet emergent community needs. This comprehensive set of responsibilities underlines the Chairman’s essential function in not only guiding Gwinnett County's strategic development but also ensuring its resilience and sustainability in facing diverse challenges.
It is not necessary for the Gwinnett County Chairman to have prior government or political experience. Individuals from the private sector often bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that can significantly improve government efficiency and effectiveness. They possess critical business acumen including skills in financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, which are invaluable for resource and budget management within the county. These professionals are typically more attuned to the daily issues affecting residents, providing practical and relevant solutions to community problems. Their external background helps reduce political bias in decision-making, promoting decisions that are focused on community needs rather than political agendas.

Private sector leaders are accustomed to a performance-based accountability culture, which can enhance transparency and public trust in government operations. Additionally, their adaptability, honed in competitive business environments, equips them to respond swiftly and effectively to new challenges and changing conditions. Thus, while governmental experience has its merits, leaders from the private sector can offer essential skills and perspectives that foster more dynamic and responsive county governance, ensuring that the administration serves the best interests of the public.
Holders of the office of Gwinnett County Chairman greatly benefit from a diverse set of skills often cultivated in the private sector, which can dramatically improve government operations. These leaders bring crucial business acumen, encompassing financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency, essential for judicious resource and budget management. Their expertise in solving problems provides practical and relevant solutions to daily community challenges, enhancing the lives of residents.

Coming from a performance-based culture, they promote transparency and accountability, building trust and ensuring public funds are used effectively. Their adaptability, honed in competitive business environments, allows for swift and effective responses to both expected and emergent issues.

Moreover, their external perspective helps minimize political bias in decision-making, focusing on community needs over political agendas. Integrating these skills from the private sector into county governance ensures that the administration is dynamic, responsive, and closely aligned with the public's best interests.
How many government officials does it take to change a light bulb?

Two: one to assure the public that everything possible is being done while the other screws the bulb into a water faucet.
I advocate for strict ethics regulations to govern public officials to prevent conflicts of interest and corruption, emphasizing limitations on post-service lobbying, stringent financial disclosures, and definitive accountability measures. It is crucial to implement robust mechanisms, including enforceable penalties for the misuse of public funds or breaches of trust. I believe in full financial transparency, where all government transactions and budgets are openly accessible to the public via online platforms, allowing for comprehensive scrutiny of spending and contracts.

These principles of financial transparency and government accountability are vital for cultivating a culture of trust, efficiency, and integrity, ensuring that officials act in the public's best interests and that resources are utilized to enhance community well-being. My commitment is to uphold these values, promoting systems that foster transparency and public involvement, thus reinforcing the conservative ethos of efficient governance and defending the democratic tenet that government is accountable to its people.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. [Email from Georgia Secretary of State Election office, "Candidate list," March 12, 2024]