The Dawsonville City Council welcomed two new members Monday night as political newcomers Chris Gaines and Jason Power were sworn into office.
"I have always had a passion for helping others and wanting to better the place that I live," Gaines said. "This was a good opportunity for me to do that, to give back to the city in which I live and work."
Gaines and Power were the top two vote-getters in the November election's five-candidate field.
Power received 194 votes, or 35.6 percent, to Gaines 153 votes, or 28.1 percent.
The candidates unseated incumbents Mike Sosebee and Mike Wilson, who both tallied lower vote totals.
Gaines and Power each said they seek to improve the city's economy through tourism and revitalization.
Power, who grew up in Cumming, said he witnessed the small town of his childhood blossom into the economically profitable city it is today.
He said he is inspired by Cumming's growth and commercial expansion and hopes to be a part of a similar progression in downtown Dawsonville.
"Some of my main ambitions come from the citizens of the city that I met during the campaign and what they'd like to see," Power said.
"I believe we would like to see the city become a destination spot where people can come and visit to spend the day and enjoy themselves."
Gaines agreed.
"Hopefully with time, we can make some positive changes as far as new development downtown and revitalizing what is already there," he said.
"I want to set some short- and long-term goals for the city as far as what we can be. I think we need to paint a picture for the property owners so they can see what the potential is."
In addition, Gaines thinks fostering a uniquely Dawson County downtown would be a huge advantage for residents' future.
"We don't need to go after anybody else's dreams or ideas, we need to create our own [visions] and take advantage of our assets," Gaines said.
"We are the foothills of the mountains and we are a great place to live. You go through us to get to the Appalachian Trail. We have the lake right down the road.
"We are centrally located for the people who like to be outdoors. So we can and should take advantage of the tourism dollar."
While in office Gaines will be serving on the Downtown Development Authority, and Power will be attending Board of Health meetings.
Both Gaines and Power have been living in Dawsonville for about 10 years.
Their terms will run through December 2015.