BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Johns Creek, GA, August 23, 2025: Anita Gupta officially announced her candidacy for Johns Creek City Council Post 1 at a community event held on August 19, 2025, at Sapphire Banquet Hall. The evening drew a supportive audience of residents, local leaders, and fellow candidates, reflecting strong community interest in the upcoming elections. Gupta will face incumbent Dilip Tunki in the race for Post 1.
A resident of Johns Creek for more than three decades, Gupta has built a career in real estate, currently working with HomeSmart Realty.
The event highlighted both Gupta’s long-standing commitment to the city and the priorities she intends to focus on if elected.
The evening was emceed by Sandy Verma, who rallied enthusiastically for his candidate.
Councilman Larry DiBiase, a fellow community leader and real estate professional, shared his perspective on Gupta’s candidacy, recounting how he first heard her name in local discussions. “I kept hearing Anita. Anita’s going to run for city council. I needed to know who she is,” he said.
DiBiase noted that he and Gupta share similar backgrounds in technology and real estate, which require persistence, discipline, and careful decision-making. “A city council is tough. It’s not about potholes. It’s about asking the second and third question. That is challenging the norm. That is leadership. That is someone who wants to get to the truth,” he said, adding that Gupta’s diligence and judgment make her well-suited for the role.
Councilman Bob Erramilli, another supporter and veteran, praised Gupta’s ability to stand up for the community and provide independent leadership. “When we say we want somebody like her, Stacey, Larry, and I think this is somebody answering our prayers. She will help ensure the city council remains accountable and focused on the people of Johns Creek,” he said. He recalled his own experience on the council, highlighting the importance of challenging decisions that do not serve the public’s best interests.
Mayoral candidate Kelly Stewart also spoke in support of Gupta, emphasizing the value of independent thinking. “Once she is seated on that council, she will represent 85,000 people in Johns Creek. She’s not a yes person. She will prioritize our critical services first, essential services second, and nonessential third,” Stewart said. “She will have the absolute best interests of the taxpayer first, not anybody outside of the city wanting to push something on the taxpayers. She can be trusted.”
Councilwoman Stacey Skinner, who introduced Anita Gupta emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives on the council. “You all elect seven members of the body to come with seven different perspectives and opinions to council. And out of those disagreements, you build consensus, and you come to the best outcome,” she said. “Anita has such an accomplished background… she is what she says she is, and I don’t doubt her for one minute.” Skinner highlighted Gupta’s decades of experience as a resident, small business owner, and real estate professional, noting her deep engagement with the community and dedication to public service.
Gupta addressed the audience, sharing her motivations for running and her vision for the city. A Johns Creek resident for more than 30 years, she said, “After raising my children here and receiving so much from this community, I felt a strong duty to give back. Instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining, I decided to be part of the solution.” She highlighted her background in technology, economics, international trade, and real estate, as well as her experience running a business and raising her family in the city.
Her platform centers on responsible spending, public safety, and prioritizing essential services. On fiscal responsibility, she said, “Every dollar the city spends comes from your hard work. I will be a strong voice for fiscal responsibility to make sure that every expense is transparent, necessary, and justified.” She specifically opposed the proposed Performing Arts Center, citing its $60 million projected cost, uncertain funding, and lack of sustainability. “We cannot mortgage the future of 85,000 people for the next 20 years for a project that will not sustain itself,” she said.
Gupta also emphasized public safety, noting that Johns Creek’s police and fire staffing levels have not kept pace with population growth. “We were 60,000 people in 2006. Today, we are 85,000. But no additional staff has been added to our safety departments. Response times can mean the difference between life and death,” she said.
She also mentioned concerns about aging fire equipment and delayed replacement projects, noting that critical services should not be postponed while funds are diverted to new initiatives. “We need to fix what’s broken, improve what’s outdated, and strengthen the services that directly impact our lives,” she said.
Concluding her remarks, Gupta said, “This campaign is not about me. It’s about our families, our neighborhoods, and the future we are building together. I promise to listen carefully, think critically, and act with integrity. I cannot do it alone. I need your voices, your ideas, your energy, and your votes.” She acknowledged her campaign team and supporters and called on residents to engage in the upcoming election.
Gupta holds advanced degrees in economics, law, and international trade management, along with an associate degree in computer information systems. In the early 2000s, she co-founded a technology company, and since 1994, she has built a career in real estate. Gupta and her husband have raised two children in Johns Creek, both graduates of Centennial High School who went on to attend Georgia Tech.
