Villa Rica, Leslie McPherson Elected Mayor Pro Tem

Leslie was born and raised in Delray Beach, Florida. She moved to Villa Rica in the 2000s. Leslie has a bachelor's degree in business and is a graduate of the Georgia Academy for Economic Development. She lives with her husband, Mike. They are members of Midway Baptist Church and both participate in the local jail ministry.

Information about Leslie’s professional background is not available at this time.

Leslie McPherson was first elected to City Council in 2013. She has served two and a half terms, recently resigning to run for mayor. She has served as Mayor Pro Tem since 2017.

As of June 7, 2025, Leslie McPherson did not have a website or any information online.

Natural Resources & the Environment

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Public Services

Transportation & Infrastructure

Leslie McPherson

As of November 20, 2023, Gil McDougal did not have a website or publicly available contact information in order for us to send them our questionnaire.

Gil McDougal was elected to City Council of Villa Rica in 2016. He served one term before being elected to Mayor of Villa Rica in 2019.

As of June 7, 2025, Gil McDougal’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Said "Our seniors especially lack affordable housing. But building new housing creates its own problems. New homes bring young families – which is great for local markets, but their children must be educated, and right now our schools are at or near capacity."

- Said "Our seniors especially lack affordable housing. But building new housing creates its own problems. New homes bring young families – which is great for local markets, but their children must be educated, and right now our schools are at or near capacity."

Believes cities must balance continual growth without sacrificing the charm and character that makes Villa Rica unique.

In 2023, advocated for the adoption of Villa Rica's 2nd lowest property tax rate in 30 years.

Said "No one running for office has the power to ... keep metro Atlanta from expanding – or even to keep people from moving to Georgia. The only thing we can do in the face of the inevitable is to plan."

- Believes cities must balance continual growth without sacrificing the charm and character that makes Villa Rica unique.
- In 2023, advocated for the adoption of Villa Rica's 2nd lowest property tax rate in 30 years.
- Said "No one running for office has the power to ... keep metro Atlanta from expanding – or even to keep people from moving to Georgia. The only thing we can do in the face of the inevitable is to plan."

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Gil McDougal

Kendrick Davis

Mac Pilgrim

- The mayor leads the executive branch of local government, presiding over city council meetings, making sure city departments run smoothly, and providing services to citizens. 
- The mayor runs the city day to day and prepares the budget each year, meaning that they propose how much funding goes to each city department, including the police department, city parks, transportation, and the fire department. 
- The mayor also hires the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and city department heads, such as City Planning, Parks & Recreation, and Transportation. 
- Most Georgia mayors are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 