Gwinnett Daily Post

Staff Photo: Brendan Sullivan Team "Grateful Bed" pushers David Weigand, Floyd Wellborn, Travis Howick, Blake Stabler and rider Ann Childers race around the final turn during the third annual Bed Race to benefit Family Promise in Lawrenceville on Saturday. Grateful Bed raised the most of any of the seventeen teams raising $4,550 toward the cause to benefit homeless children and their families in Gwinnett County.

While the squabbles have continued among Snellville politicians, residents are sensing an improvement in the community.

Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts released the results of a recent National Citizens Survey, which showed an upswing in public sentiment.

The results show that 64 percent of respondents believe Snellville has a good or excellent image, a big improvement from the 34 percent who said that in 2009. The survey also showed a 37 percent improvement in feelings about participation in community matters.

"Immediately after the election in November 2009, we launched a very energetic campaign to bring Snellville back together as a community, and to restore a feeling of pride within our city," Witts said. "This survey, with its positive results in every area, shows that we succeeded in many of our objectives. Our work is not finished, but we have made the important first steps in the right direction. And with the Community Garden, and new upcoming events like the Beach Blast and Beach Blast 5K and 10K runs, we're continuing to enhance our sense of community."

The National Citizens Survey is administered by the International City/County Management Association, a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.Dillard to make run officialOn Monday, a Rockdale County minister will officially enter into the race for Georgia's 4th Congressional District.

Courtney Dillard has been talking to groups for several months, but on Monday he plans to officially announce a campaign for the race held by Hank Johnson.

"Because of your courage and ability to clearly voice your concerns about our district it is clear that we have serious work to do," Dillard said in an email to supporters. "In 2012 we have the opportunity to promote a new beginning, new purpose, new people and a new emerging congressional district in America."

The announcement is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Don Tello's Tex Mex Grill in Conyers.