CLAIM: Beth voted "NO" for residential TAX RELIEF in Nov. 2024 ...[in re homestead exemption]  FACT: Suwanee was already implementing House Bill 581, a stronger tax-relief measure that froze 2025 property values and capped future increases, providing real, immediate relief (some cities opted out). The proposed homestead exemption would have saved homeowners less than $50 a year and came while Suwanee was completing a study to ensure fair compensation for police and staff. Approving it then would have been reckless. An exemption isn’t off the table and is under review again this month. Beth leads with facts, not politics, keeping Suwanee financially secure and ENSURING POLICE ARE WELL SUPPORTED.
CLAIM: Suwanee spends too much...FACT: Only 25% of revenue comes from residential taxes, the rest from diverse sources. Most of Suwanee’s “fun”, like Suwanee Fest and Public Art, comes from private donations and sponsorships, not your tax dollars! The millage rate has stayed the same or dropped since 2010, remaining among the lowest in the region. Nearly 65% of the balanced budget funds police and public works—essential services that keep Suwanee safe, stable, and beautiful - BETH'S TOP PRIORITIES.
CLAIM: My opponent contends he will "reduce taxes and reduce debt"....FACT: Martinez has no plans and demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of how city finances work. Suwanee's bonds funded community assets like Town Center Park and open space preservation. Our debt level is far lower than any of our counterpart cities. We adhere to a responsible pay-as-you go policy ensuring long-term fiscal stability and earning us a AAA Bond rating—the highest possible. BETH DOESN'T PLAY POLITICS—she delivers results that keep Suwanee strong and successful.
ADDITIONAL CLAIMS FROM MY OPPONENT'S WEBSITE:
CLAIM: “Suwanee has grown exponentially under the Post 4 incumbent, leading to higher taxes and runaway spending.”FACT: Since 2013, Suwanee’s growth rate has been comparable—or lower—than several neighboring cities (e.g., lower than Sugar Hill by about 8% and Buford by around 9% during the same time period). The truth is, growth across the entire metro region has been strong over the last decade, this is not unique to Suwanee. During that time, the city’s millage rate was never raised—not once—all while we expanded our police department, added parks, delivered high-quality events, maintained attractive streetscapes, and protected community assets. Mr. Martinez moved to Suwanee after the city had already proven its success—investing millions in homes and rental properties within the very community he now criticizes. It’s a striking hypocrisy: benefiting from Suwanee’s achievements while undermining the leadership and vision that made them possible.
CLAIM: “Stormwater was ignored until everything hit the end of its lifespan, forcing a new ‘stormwater tax.’”FACT: Suwanee evaluated stormwater proactively, forming a Citizen Stakeholder Committee to review the engineering study and recommend a responsible program. We operate under a comprehensive Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) covering inspections, monitoring, repairs, education, and illicit-discharge prevention. The review confirmed aging assets and the need for a dedicated utility/fee to fund maintenance—so we planned ahead to avoid the costly, reactive crises other communities (i.e. Dekalb) have faced. We chose to plan, not react.
CLAIM: “The pedestrian bridge over PIB will cost $16+ million and require new taxes for maintenance, policing, and incident response.”FACT: Patently untrue. Preliminary estimates are roughly half that amount for a pedestrian bridge. If the project moves forward, it is expected to be funded primarily through outside grants and funding sources—not local taxes. There is no evidence whatsoever to support Mr. Martinez’s claim of “new taxes” to support this project or maintain it. In fact, Suwanee has a long, proven track record of securing external funding and partnerships for major community projects:  • Suwanee Fest – Funded almost entirely (typically 100%) through sponsorships and booth rentals, not tax dollars, thanks to hard-working dedicated volunteers and community partners who make it possible every year. • Main Street Park – funded through SPLOST (which can only be used for capital projects, i.e. parks, roads, civic structures). • Suwanee Loop Trail Project/Plan –almost completely covered with a $1,535,000.00 Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) Grant –awarded specifically for this project, thanks to the strong leadership of the City Council and the diligent work of city staff who continually pursue outside funding opportunities for Suwanee. • Public Art Initiatives – financed through sponsorships and private donations, including more than $1.7 million pledged during the “Art for All” campaign when reflecting the confidence that these private donors have in Suwanee’s vision and leadership.  
CLAIM: “City property tax revenues and spending will jump 60% by 2036 to fuel more growth.”FACT: That statement is grossly inaccurate, which oversimplifies Suwanee’s carefully analyzed budget and 10-year financial plan. These projections don’t fuel growth — Martinez is trying to fuel fear. In reality, Suwanee’s long-range financial planning is conservative, transparent, and data-driven. The City’s own budget document clearly states: “This gradual reduction in the projected growth rate reflects a cautious approach, recognizing the potential for market stabilization and economic shifts in the long term.”   P. 234 FY 2026 Suwanee Annual BudgetIn short, the City is prudently anticipating slower growth ahead, not ramping up unchecked spending. Fear-based sound bites are not policy — and they’re certainly not fact. Leadership requires full transparency and honesty.
CLAIM: “Suwanee pays over $1 million every year just in debt interest.”FACT: Incomplete, Suwanee will pay under $1 million in interest (per the current budget) on the three current bonds taken over the last two decades at exceptionally low rates ranging from 1.94%, 1.96% and 3.313%. The City maintains modest debt and a top-tier AAA bond rating, reflecting excellent financial health, low debt burden, and disciplined management. Only a handful of Georgia cities (roughly six) hold this elite rating. Independent auditors have confirmed that Suwanee’s debt-to-asset ratio is excellent, further validating its strong fiscal position. Where debt has been used for major capital improvements—such as for Greenspace, City Hall, Town Center on Main and Main Street Realignment. Town Center Park, Town Center on Main—it funded long-lived community assets that will benefit residents for generations to come. That’s not waste—it’s forward-thinking, responsible investment.
Bottom line: RESULTS OVER RHETORIC. SUWANEE DESERVES STEADY, HONEST LEADERSHIP—NOT FEAR-MONGERING.