A Gwinnett County teacher has announced his plans to seek the Post 1 seat on the Flowery Branch City Council.

"We need a council that will work to find solutions that make life better for our citizens, and then make the decisions to implement those solutions," said Chris Strickland, a lifelong resident of Flowery Branch and the Hall County area.

Strickland, who teaches at Twin Rivers Middle School in Buford, is seeking a post vacated by Craig Lutz, who left the council in April to seek the District 1 seat on the Hall County Board of Commissioners.

Lutz was in the middle of his first four-year term.

The Flowery Branch City Council voted Thursday to set the special election for Sept. 21. Qualifying will take place June 7-11 at Flowery Branch City Hall, 5517 Main St.

Strickland said he also would like to see a more regional representation on the city council, noting that three of the four council members hail from Sterling on the Lake.

"I grew up here in Flowery Branch, played on her streets and worked in the community," he said. "We need someone who understands this area to serve the residents of Flowery Branch."

His priorities will be transportation, zoning and budgeting.

"We need to implement a more comprehensive plan for the city ... and work within the financial constraints of our budget," he said.

"I am not running against anyone, but for the people of Flowery Branch. We need someone who will work to improve government, not improve their work in government."