Suwanee Honors Policeman, Legislator

State Sen. Don Balfour and police Capt. Clyde Byers were recognized for their efforts last Tuesday by the Suwanee City Council.

Balfour, whose District 9 includes part of Suwanee, was given a Friends Of Suwanee plaque. Past honorees include other local government leaders.

Outgoing Mayor Dave Williams noted that Balfour is a "true champion for local control" of cities. "A lot of legislators want to be mayors. He's the one who stands up and says 'these folks ought to be in charge.' "

Byers, who has been with Suwanee Police for 20 years, is now the Suwanee Police public information officer and budget manager. Chief Mike Jones noted that the Georgia Tech graduate "is a numbers person. He treats the money like it's his own."

Jones added that "as (Suwanee) changed, the police department changed. (Byers) will tell me when we are going the wrong way." Byers previously served as a patrolman and detective.