What is your name? *
Sharon Gay
What is your age? *
64
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.
