Getting to Know the Mayoral Candidates Archives - The Atlanta Voice

Election Central: Get to Know Antonio Brown

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000

We have contacted each candidate for Mayor a series of questions in order to get to know them. We have sent each candidate a simple questionnaire which asks why they’re running for Mayor, an explanation of their platforms and more. Each candidate is listed in alphabetical order. Here are their responses, in their entirety, unedited and in their own words.

What is your name?

Antonio Brown

What is your age?

What is your occupation?

Atlanta City Councilman/Humanitarian/ Entrepreneur/Philanthropist

What is your city of residence?

Atlanta, Georgia

How many years in public service?

2 Years as an Elected Official and 5 Years as a community leader

List your Community/Civic Affiliations:

The People’s Uprising- Founder The Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project NAACP Friendship Baptist Church Labor

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website)

https://reimaginingatlanta.com/
https://twitter.com/antonioforatl
https://m.facebook.com/voteAntonioBrownATL
https://instagram.com/antonioforatl

What is the position you are running for?

Mayor of Atlanta

Why are you running for office?

Over the last year, the rebirth of the social justice movement reminded us of our humanity and together we changed the course of a nation and made history. United, we can create an inclusive ecosystem that provides access to quality jobs and empowers safe communities.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected?

In less than two years, I have sponsored over 60 ordinances and resolutions while leading several community initiatives to improve the quality of life for residents in Atlanta. I will continue to fight for living-wage jobs, access to affordable housing, food insecurity and an equitable and just public safety system.

Why are you the best candidate for this position?

I have always been one of the few municipal elected officials to boldly and unapologetically step out front of the social justice movement reawakening a powerful time in our nation’s history

What do you think your constituents need the most?

For far too long, our city’s leadership has refused to confront the crisis of mass gentrification and poverty by creating more affordable housing.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for?

Be Proactive and not Reactive I want to see Atlanta’s future growth rooted in inclusivity and equity, where we are all benefactors instead of creating a system of winners and losers.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected?

(1/2) Reducing crime and reforming public safety through community-based, programmatic solutions. (3) Increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office?

We will confront the crisis of mass gentrification and poverty by creating more affordable housing, providing better access to resources for the unsheltered. We will reimagine public safety by expanding training and resources FOR our officers, continue building our non-emergency response TEAM, and improving outcomes for at-risk youth.

Graphic: Alexis Grace/The Atlanta Voice

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Election Central: Get to Know Rebecca King

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Rebecca King

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Business Owner & community advocate

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

NPU – B, CLEAR, Livable Buckhead, Old Ivy Park Steering Committee, Atlanta Alum Panhell Assoc & Foundation, Atlanta Chi Omega Alumnae, Past Board Member of Epilepsy of GA & Greek Committee advancing H.R. 3267 & H.R. 2926

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

www.VoteRebeccaKing.com
@rebeccaforatlanta
Facebook.com/rebeccaforatlanta

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor of Atlanta

Why are you running for office? *

I’m running for Mayor because as you I’m disappointed with the amount of violent crime taking place throughout Atlanta. As Mayor I want a safer, stronger and accountability driven future so that our infrastructure, city services and communities are the most viable and economically stable for future generations and rejuvenates Atlanta.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

Serving on multiple committees and boards of non profits, operating a business and lobbying congress and state legislatures gives me the experience to lead and create a transparent and efficient City of Atlanta.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

As a businesswoman, mother and community advocate I will deliver to residents transparent, effective and coalition-building leadership committed to making sure that Atlanta is rejuvenated.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

For our city to provide quality of life for its residents through safety, infrastructure, affordable housing and homelessness initiatives. Quality of life will rejuvenate the spirit of Atlanta.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

As Mayor, I will create a position that is a hub and resource that builds coalitions working to solve the root cause of crime and homelessness. Commit to residents that all neighborhoods will be safe and reflective of infrastructure that is functioning. Implementing additional technology that brings accountability and transparency to our City government building trust and efficiency.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

Affordable housing, homelessness and concerns affecting those 50 and older will be addressed.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

Build the morale of our First Responders, expand technology and the Pre-Arrest Diversion program and create a position in my administration that will be a hub for non-profits that are tackling homelessness, crime and affordable housing. Ask the private sector to assess our city services for efficiency. Create a webpage that lists all transactions under my purview.

Buckhead businesswoman Rebecca King says she wants to stamp out rising crime and rejuvenate the city by bringing people together. (Photo courtesy: Rebecca King)

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Election Central: Get to Know Roosevelt Searles III

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Roosevelt Searles III

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Business Owner

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

The National Fresh Start & Assistance Institute

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

https://linktr.ee/roosevelt4ATL

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor

Why are you running for office? *

Mayor

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

Atlanta is hurting right now. We need a leader and a fixer. Somebody that can hear a problem, come up with a solution, and get it done in a matter of days or weeks. I consider myself to be that person. I’m not a politician. I’m a business owner and have the skills necessary in order to communicate and lead effectively.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

We have a young person issue in this city. It’s going to take someone that can relate to everyone while being opened minded and innovative in order to achieve the change we are all longing to see.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

A consistent, honest leader who is ready to listen to The People and enact the change we are waiting for. We don’t want more corrupt politicians taking control of this city. Poverty, crime & unity. #1

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

I won’t forget about votes who elected me. My admin will listen to the voices of the people and fight for what they stand for. No matter who takes city council, the Mayor has to cultivate those relationships and ensure a transparent city hall.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

The Homeless Crisis. The Legalization of Marijuana. & The enactment of The People’s Public Safety Board among other boards and commissions.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

There is a 11 step plan for the first 100 days available on my website. To summarize, We will implement several executive orders and propose several pieces of legislation aimed at providing a safe, peaceful and thriving Atlanta. Including but not limited to public safety, healthcare, police brutality, business development, affordable housing, education and transparency. Join the fight!

Photo submitted by Roosevelt Searles III

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Election Central: Get to Know Sharon Gay

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Sharon Gay

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Lawyer

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

30 +

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

N/A

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

https://www.sharongayformayor.com/

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor

Why are you running for office? *

This city has been my home for 42 years. Atlanta is the most important city in what is today one of the most important states in our country. But our city is adrift, and that threatens what has made us special and successful. I increasingly came to the realization that it is my civic duty to give something back to my community that has given so much to me.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

Creating attractive, livable, equitable urban places requires planning, public infrastructure, and private investment and development. The Mayor needs to understand those components and work with city departments, city council, CIDs, neighborhoods, and developers to successfully catalyze and accommodate future growth in a sustainable and equitable fashion. The path to that goal lies in making sure that each of our neighborhoods are positioned to grow and develop in a way that protects the quality of life of their residents while at the same time achieves their long-term vision for themselves. That will require the development of specific strategic plans for each neighborhood that expresses the will of the residents, leverages their assets, and addresses whatever deficits they might have. City government’s job is to help execute those plans by braiding together the public, private – including developers and real estate investors – and philanthropic partners needed to deliver those visions.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

My vision for the City is to bring together the rich resources of the government, businesses, charities, faith communities, colleges and universities, and neighborhood leaders to build inclusive, healthy communities – to ensure that every neighborhood has decent, affordable housing for residents at all ages and stages of life and access to good schools, jobs, transportation, and parks. Most importantly, every resident should feel safe at home, at work, at school, and at play.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

All Atlantans should feel safe in their homes, at work, and in their neighborhoods. The rise in violence we have experienced in the past year is unacceptable, and reducing crime will be my highest priority as mayor.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

The central challenge we face today is the lack of effective, engaged Atlanta-focused visionary leadership at the top. We need a new mayor who will show up and do the work. We need a leader who will set the tone for competence, service, and ethics throughout city government. That is why I am running for mayor.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

Basic Public Services, violent crime and lawlessness, inadequate housing for our residents at all stages of life

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

All Atlantans should feel safe in their homes, at work, and in their neighborhoods.

The rise in violence we have experienced in the past year is unacceptable, and reducing crime will be my highest priority as mayor. We need to rebuild trust between the community and law enforcement and make sure that those who commit crimes no longer pose a threat to our citizens. By working together, we can ensure that Atlanta is a safe and welcoming city for all. I have a four-point plan for improving public safety conditions in the city. I will immediately begin implementation of the plan as well address basic public service issues.

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Election Central: Get to Know Nolan English

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Nolan English

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Pastor & Social Entrepreneur

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

I have 30 years of Public Service (0 years of Public Office)

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

None

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

nolanenglish.org (under construction at the time of submission)

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor

Why are you running for office? *

I’m running to provide Atlanta with leadership– not politics. I’m running to make an impact– not a living…not a legacy. Ongoing conversations about crime, homelessness, roads, and other things that can be easily remedied must be put to death by strategic action. I am here to provide said action.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

Experience has taught me to never limit any decisions solely to my own experiences. A good leader understands that they are not always the smartest person in the room and is humble enough to also lean and defer to the wisdom of others.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

The understanding that “the greatest among us will be the servant of all” makes me the best choice. A Mayor is a city’s greatest citizen; Therefore, a Mayor is to be the city’s greatest servant.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

My constituents need a listening ear in addition to real-time, real world solutions for their concerns executed in a swift and precise manner. More action…less talk is what they want and need.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

What I plan to do differently is to keep the city and its leaders in lockstep with one another– especially on major decisions. How can two walk together accept they be agreed? I plan to keep intentional fingers on the pulse of the city so that we are progressively moving forward together.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

Legislative issues regarding Housing, Zoning and Transportation will be addressed immediately should I receive the citizens’ endorsement as Mayor.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

1) Restructure and recruit Police Force to secure the city

2) Halt the construction of a new Police Training facility

3) Evaluate our Police Force, Police Chief, policies and training

4) Meet with all sworn Officers to discuss the actual needs and felt needs of APD

5) Enact Contingency Plan for Atlanta Public Schools to thrive

6) Eradicate Homelessness

Photo Courtesy: Nolan English

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Election Central: Get to Know Mark Hammad

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Mark Hammad

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Consultant

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

N/A

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

www.Hammad4ATL.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor

Why are you running for office? *

We are facing some very serious issues here in Atlanta. Crime is out of control, our infrastructure in crumbling, and Buckhead wants to leave the city. Through all of this, our elected officials have been absent – the mayor has checked out and council members are too busy running for re-election.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

There are two key elements of my experience that will help me succeed. The first is my drive to overcome any challenges presented. The second key element that will help me succeed is my ethics. Ethics is a deep personal belief of mine and I will bring this to the Mayors office.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

First, I listen to the citizens and value their input. Too many citizens feel unheard by the city and feel that their input is not being valued by the city.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

The constituents in Atlanta need a leader. We need someone who is decisive, who will act, and someone who is clear in their intentions. Given the issues present, this is urgently needed.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

The city needs leadership right now. The last two years have been very difficult and there are divisions within the city. We need a leader who can help bring unity to the city. Further, we need a leader who puts our citizens over politics. I am running as a non-partisan candidate and I have no allegiance to any party or political ideology.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

My three legislative issues are crime, basic city services, and homelessness. I will pursue more consistent judicial outcomes and ensure that criminals have accountability and victims see justice.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

My first 100 days will be spent focused on my three priorities. These are crime, basic city services, and homelessness. We have to get the crime under control. It’s prompting residents and businesses to flee the city and creating a dangerous environment for those who choose to live and work in the city.

Photo courtesy: Mark Hammad

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Election Central: Get to Know Andre Dickens

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name?

Andre Dickens

What is your age?

What is your occupation?

Chief Development Officer at TechBridge

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

8 years

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Goodwill of North Georgia Board of Directors, Georgia Tech Alumni Board of Directors, an Alumnus of Leadership Atlanta, member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc.; deacon of New Horizon Baptist Church

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

Andreforatlanta.com
twitter.com/andreforatlanta
instagram.com/andre4atlanta
facebook.com/andreforatlanta

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor of Atlanta

Why are you running for office? *

I’ve dedicated my life to improving our city, and I’m running to ensure that our government works for everyone. Atlanta is facing many unique challenges, but I was made for this moment. From my training in engineering and economic development, to my experience as a small business owner, I’ve been preparing to lead our city forward.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

I was born and raised in Atlanta and I’ve served as a neighborhood president, as a leader in civic organizations, and for 8 years on City Council. These experiences have given me a breadth of knowledge about our community. I’ve already been a leader on the important issues, and I will continue to lead on those issues when I become Mayor.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

As an engineer, I am a problem solver by nature. Atlanta needs a leader to get to the root of the issue, and there is no one in this race better than me to do that job.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Atlantans need to know that their Mayor is above reproach. Voters want to remove the cloud of corruption from City Hall. Atlanta needs a Mayor focused on rebuilding the trust with the community.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

The first difference will be to a more hands-on and visible mayor. I plan to be involved in all aspects of the city and let the people and the city staff know that they have a mayor who wants to be involved. In addition, I intend to build a better relationship with our state leaders. We need a relationship with those at the Capitol to ensure that we can work together to move Atlanta forward.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

The three greatest issues currently affecting the City of Atlanta are public safety, income inequality, and infrastructure.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

My first effort will be to recruit and hire knowledgeable and passionate individuals who are full of integrity. Second, I plan to implement an audit of all constituent facing services to identify and eliminate inefficiencies to provide better customer and constituent services. Lastly, I want to begin implementing my SAFE Streets Atlanta plan to reduce violent crime.

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Election Central: Get to Know Kenny Hill

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Kenny Hill

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Non Profit President

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

7 Years Non Profit || 30 Years Corporate

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

100 Black Men Of America- South Metro Atlanta Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.- Life Membership, Atlanta Public Schools GO-Team Member 2019-Present

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

electkennyhill.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor of Atlanta

Why are you running for office? *

Our city needs leadership to address crime, end corruption, establish social and economic mobility

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

My servant leadership style and pragmatic approach to problem solving and consensus building delivers results. I have served homeless families by assisting them to discover pathways of sustainable living and I have led very large teams to achieve world class results in corporate America.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

Without unity, trust and partnership, solutions are only temporary. We cannot afford polarizing leadership if we are to advance social and economic justice for everyone in our city.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Leadership that listens and addresses issues in a transparent and efficient manner.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

One area that I would address differently is the relationship with Atlanta Public Schools Superintendent. The mayor should be a strategic partner for the school district that represents the future community leaders and workforce of our city. Partnerships to increase mentorship, student outcomes and family engagement will be a priority for my administration.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

Affordable Housing, Police recruitment and training, Transportation-Belt Line & MARTA

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

Assembling my staff, Hopefully reopening City Hall (based on Covid conditions). Ramping up police officer recruitment and addressing officer morale. Forming community based liaisons to represent communities in affordable housing development planning. Connecting with the APS school board and superintendent to establish foundational needs assessment for an ongoing partnership.

Photo Submitted by the Kenny Hill campaign

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Election Central: Get to Know Felicia Moore

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

President of the Atlanta City Council

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Hillside International Truth Center, NAACP, Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Municipal Association, National League of Cities

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

www.FeliciaMooreforMayor.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor of the City of Atlanta

Why are you running for office? *

For more than two decades I’ve served Atlanta on the legislative side, setting good policy and crafting anti-corruption laws, but implementation rests with the Mayor’s office. Our beloved city has fallen into multiple crises. I feel I need to step up and take the wheel to right what’s wrong at City Hall for a brighter future for all Atlantans.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

Unlike any other candidate running, I have relationships with and speak daily to the city employees who do the work for our citizens; the people going down the manholes, the 9-1-1 operators, the front line police and fire officers. Every City Hall department is broken, understaffed, and under-equipped. I know what’s broken and how to fix it.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I have the trust of the people and the police to increase public safety. I know what’s broken in each City department and how to fix them. My long record proves I will be able to restore public trust.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

1. Make every neighborhood safer, no matter what income bracket or zip code

2. Establish integrity and professionalism to city service delivery

3. Restore the public trust.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

As our next Mayor, I will ensure community stakeholders at every level have more input on issues, development, and policies so that no one is surprised or left behind on the matters that impact their daily lives and business operations.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

1. Reform the culture of policing

2. Expand fiscal and ethical guardrails on city government

3. Re-examine the budget to match the service outcomes citizens expect.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

1. Hire a new police chief who shares my vision for reformed policing;

2. Institute an unarmed behavioral crisis first responder unit;

3. Get the AHA back on track to provide immediate housing for those living below the 50% median income, plus rapid-rehousing for the recently evicted;

4. Advocate against Buckhead deannexation and prove that city services and public trust can be relied upon.

Felicia Moore, Atlanta City Council President (Photo: Courtesy of Atlanta City Council

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Election Central: Get to Know Kasim Reed

Itoro N. Umontuen and Dawn Montgomery — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 04:00:00 +0000

What is your name? *

Kasim Reed

What is your age? *

What is your occupation? *

Attorney

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta, Georgia

How many years in public service? *

19 years

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

I am a graduate member of the Aspen Institute-Rodel Fellowship Class of 2007, Leadership Georgia Class of 2000 and Leadership Atlanta Class of 1998. I am also a lifelong member of the NAACP.

Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *

https://kasimreed.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Mayor of the City of Atlanta

Why are you running for office? *

I’m running for Mayor because I love Atlanta and I know what it takes to get crime under control. Under my Administration, crime was at 40-year lows. If elected, I will get violent crime under control and I will bring to bear every resource available to tackle this surge of violent crime.

In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *

I am the only candidate to have served as Mayor which make me uniquely qualified to tackle our city’s most pressing issues. Under my leadership, crime was at 40-year lows, the city was on its best financial footing in 40 years and I increased core city services while reducing the City’s spending during the worst recession in 80 years.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

Our city needs hands-on leadership. I am the only candidate with the leadership and experience to turn our city around. I have done it before, and I can do it again.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Crime is the number one crisis facing our city. It impacts our collective quality of life and the city’s reputation, creating a vicious cycle that undermines everything that makes our city great.

What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *

I will bring a clarity of purpose and zero tolerance for crime that will be communicated every day, across City Hall. Until our city feels safe again, we will conduct weekly cabinet meetings organized around crime data and the measures each department will take to positively impact public safety. City departments will understand and demonstrate urgency and focus on restoring our city’s safety.

What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *

I will focus on public safety, expanding affordable housing and improving transportation and infrastructure that will support our growing population.

If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *

My administration will focus on reducing violent crime, opening all 33 of our Centers of Hope recreation centers, and implementing a 100-day amnesty program to allow residents to clear violations with the exception of DUIs.

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