Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo kicks off re-election bid

Germantown Mayor Mike Palazzolo will officially launch his re-election bid Saturday, setting the stage for a showdown with Alderman John Barzizza.

A public kickoff reception is set for 6-9 p.m. at the Tanner Pavilion on the Germantown Charity Horse Show grounds, 7745 Poplar Pike.

Palazzolo, who is seeking his second term as mayor, said in a statement he wants to continue focusing on safety, public education, fiscal policies, as well as begin a “renewed focus” on parks and quality of life.

“The Germantown we have built over a generation of leadership has centered on creating a small-town feel with bigtown amenities,” Palazzolo said. “Over the next four years, I plan on continuing this direction and adding to prosperity in our community.”

Palazzolo and his administration are the frequent targets of a vocal segment of critics who say growth is out of control and threatening to alter permanently the city’s reputation as a quiet bedroom community.

Barzizza and fellow Alderman Dean Massey have been the regular voices of dissent, echoing community concerns over such issues as apartment development and high-profile commercial developments like TraVure and Thornwood.

Barzizza said in announcing his candidacy in March that the city is “at a crossroads.”

“The commercial growth of the city has been incredibly rapid and is incredibly alarming to many citizens,” Barzizza said. “It has changed the nature and the picture of our bedroom community.”

The differing visions toward growth in the city also have rattled some potential developers. John Elkington, a minority partner in the proposed Germantown Town Center project, said earlier this month that talk of lawsuits over apartment development had shaken the confidence of the Atlanta-based majority partner.

The filing period for the November election opens in May.

Palazzolo and Barzizza are the only candidates who have announced their intention to run.