Getting to Know the Atlanta City Council Candidates Archives - The Atlanta Voice https://theatlantavoice.com/category/election-central/getting-to-know-the-atlanta-city-council-candidates/ Your Atlanta GA News Source Sun, 12 Dec 2021 05:38:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://theatlantavoice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-Brand-Icon-32x32.png Getting to Know the Atlanta City Council Candidates Archives - The Atlanta Voice https://theatlantavoice.com/category/election-central/getting-to-know-the-atlanta-city-council-candidates/ 32 32 200573006 Election Central: Alfred “Shivy” Brooks, Candidate Atlanta City Council (Post 1 At Large) https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-alfred-shivy-brooks-candidate-atlanta-city-council-post-1-at-large/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-alfred-shivy-brooks-candidate-atlanta-city-council-post-1-at-large/ What is your name? * Alfred “Shivy” Brooks What is your age? * 37 What is your occupation? * Teacher What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 15 List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * NAACP , SAND, The People’s uprising , Teachers for Good Trouble, NEA Where can […]

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What is your name? *

Alfred “Shivy” Brooks

What is your age? *

37

What is your occupation? *

Teacher

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

15

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

NAACP , SAND, The People’s uprising , Teachers for Good Trouble, NEA

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

Brooksforatl.com Instagram.com/brooksforatl

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council Post 1 At Large

Why are you running for office? *

I am running to end the status quo of Atlanta’s government doing too little for the most of us, while doing a whole lot for the few.

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

Because of my experience in different environments, I am able to offer pragmatic, innovative solutions to help move Atlanta towards a better future. I have a perspective which is both grounded and forward-thinking.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

Today, I stand on the frontlines, advocating an end to mass homelessness, an end to pervasive poverty, and the protection of voting rights in Atlanta

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Three issues affecting the city as a whole are affordability, responsiveness, and improved public safety.

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

I am running to end the status quo of Atlanta’s government doing too little for the most of us, while doing a whole lot for the few. Our campaign is not just for the corporate executives living in high rises but for average Atlantans, and for every Atlantan who has been overlooked and unheard for the past 24 years

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

Affordability, Responsiveness, public Safety

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

Regarding affordability, I will put forth an ordinance to change tiny home zoning rules. To address our responsiveness, I will seek a review of Atlanta’s 311 app and related service. As a first step in addressing public safety, I would immediately introduce legislation to clarify the duty to intervene policy in place for our police force.

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Election Central: Sherry B. Williams, Candidate Atlanta City Council (Post 3 At-Large) https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-sherry-b-williams-candidate-atlanta-city-council-post-3-at-large/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-sherry-b-williams-candidate-atlanta-city-council-post-3-at-large/ What is your name? * Sherry B. Williams What is your age? * 62 What is your occupation? * Public Policy and Civic Engagement Consultant and author What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 40+ years List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * Ebenezer Baptist Church, NAACP Lifetime member, […]

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What is your name? *

Sherry B. Williams
What is your age? *
62

What is your occupation? *

Public Policy and Civic Engagement Consultant and author

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

40+ years

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Ebenezer Baptist Church, NAACP Lifetime member, C.L.Harper High School Alumni Lifetime Member, Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda, former League of Women Voters Board member, ARC Transit Equity Advisory Group, Atlanta Citizens Review Board

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

www.sherryforatlanta.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-large

Why are you running for office? *

I have been doing this work all my life on the community level. People encouraged me to run because they weren’t satisfied with the other candidates’ ability to help working families and to improve the quality of life for underserved communities. I am accessible, fair, and transparent. I’m the person people call when they want solutions.

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

I am the only candidate who has experience working across multiple municipalities, departments, and agencies that interact with the city. This is critical experience given the serious problems currently facing Atlanta. Therefore, I am the only candidate who is ready to serve day one.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I am the best candidate to address this because I have actually been out in the community advocating and marching directly with people and local governments.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Voters need to be heard. They need to have an accountable and transparent government and an accessible city councilperson. Underserved communities need to be made whole.

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

I would be more accessible and involved, especially with seniors. I will allocate more resources to underserved areas. I will also focus on improving transit/transportation options by expanding MARTA, work to house the homeless through housing first policies and delivering services to people that need it including expanding P.A.D., address our tree canopy crisis, and work to protect air quality.

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

Public Safety, Infrastructure (includes Transportation & Transit expansion), and Affordable Housing (including living wages for city workers and training for in-demand jobs).

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

We need to stop crime in Atlanta by having strong policies on guns and gangs. I served on and chaired the Citizens Review Board. I will also implement President Obama’s 21st century policing strategies. Experts know crime trends, the police know what’s happening on the ground, and the community is the people that are actually impacted. I will connect those stakeholders and deliver results.

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Election Central: Mike Russell, Candidate for Atlanta City Council President https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-mike-russell-candidate-for-atlanta-city-council-president/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-mike-russell-candidate-for-atlanta-city-council-president/ What is your name? * Mike Russell What is your age? * 59 What is your occupation? * US Army Officer (ret), small business owner. What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * Served 28 years as a military police officer in the US Army. List your Community/Civic […]

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What is your name? *

Mike Russell

What is your age? *

59

What is your occupation? *

US Army Officer (ret), small business owner.

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

Served 28 years as a military police officer in the US Army.

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Piedmont Heights, VFW, Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

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

website: mikerussellatl.com
Instagram, FaceBook, Twitter: @mikerussellatl
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnjAXRl1I9xSkUJYIsoB9Ig

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council President

Why are you running for office? *

To make Atlanta safer and better for everyone!

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

I have served successfully as a police chief multiple times, I have delivered outstanding city services, and led large complex organizations from the local to international level. Those experiences will be invaluable as I lead the city council and form partnerships with other agencies to get Atlanta back on the right track.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I have a proven record of successful leadership, and more experience in the areas that matter. I have more law enforcement and city management experience than all the other candidates combined.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Public safety is the first responsibility of government and it will be my first priority in office. The out of control crime in our city must be effectively addressed so everyone is safe!

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

I will be more proactive and strategic in problem solving. I have already started forming coalitions and action plans to address the issues of crime, poverty, city services and the protection of our tree canopy. I will be ready to take effective action my first day in office.

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

Public safety, improving city services/fixing the budgeting process, revising the zoning laws to insure a better not just a bigger city by preserving our neighborhoods, & protecting our tree canopy.

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

I am already working on legislation to update and enhance laws to address crime, stop wasteful spending, and improve our zoning laws. I will work with our new mayor to get city services back on track and accelerate road repair.

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Election Central: Get to know Sam Manuel, Candidate for Atlanta City Council President https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-sam-manuel-candidate-for-atlanta-city-council-president/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-sam-manuel-candidate-for-atlanta-city-council-president/ What is your name? * Sam Manuel What is your age? * 71 What is your occupation? * Industrial worker What is your city of residence? * ATLANTA How many years in public service? * 50 plus years in the working class movement. As a youth participated in civil rights movement that tore down Jim […]

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What is your name? *

Sam Manuel

What is your age? *

71

What is your occupation? *

Industrial worker

What is your city of residence? *

ATLANTA

How many years in public service? *

50 plus years in the working class movement. As a youth participated in civil rights movement that tore down Jim Crow segregation. Organized protests against the Vietnam War and continued to oppose U.S. wars up to and including in Afghanistan and Iraq. Long-time trade unionist and defender of prisoners’ political rights.

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Member of several unions: United Steel Workers, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, United Transportation Union. Socialist Workers Party.

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

themilitant.com

What is the position you are running for? *

President of the Atlanta City Council.

Why are you running for office? *

I am running to present a fighting working class program to confront the crises of unemployment, lack of healthcare, ever present wars, and a never ending pandemic that capitalism brings down on working people. Workers need to build our own political party—a labor party.

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

I have a long history in the working class movement, and union battles, against all forms of discrimination by the bosses and their government. I urge the unions to protest every act of Jew hatred—a deadly danger to advancing the class interests and solidarity of all workers and toiling farmers.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I am the only candidate defending the interests of the working class and working farmers. The working class needs its own foreign policy. End the US embargo against the Cuba Revolution.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Unions are important defense organizations of the working class and are needed in every workplace, not only in defense of wages and benefits, but also for workers control of conditions on the job.

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

History shows that every meaningful gain working people have won has come from our self-organization, and disciplined struggle that raises our self-confidence and capacities. I have and will continue to talk with workers on their door steps and on picket lines in this city and across the region about building solidarity and using our unions to push back attempts by the bosses.

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

Defense of women’s right to access family planning services, including abortions. Amnesty for undocumented immigrants to unite workers For universal ,guaranteed cradle-to-grave health care.

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

Federally-financed public works program to put millions to work at union-scale wages to build hospitals, schools, housing, mass transportation and much more that workers need. A sliding scale of hours and wages to stop layoffs and runaway prices. Cut the workweek with no cut in pay! Cost-of-living clauses in every contract that raise pay and retirement benefits to offset every rise in prices!

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Election Central: Brandon Cory Goldberg, Candidate Atlanta City Council (Post 1 At Large) https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-brandon-cory-goldberg/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-brandon-cory-goldberg/ What is your name? * Brandon Cory Goldberg What is your age? * 36 What is your occupation? * Attorney What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * First-Time Candidate List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * American Jewish Committee, Democratic Party of Georgia, Red Clay Democrats, Stonewall Bar Association, […]

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What is your name? *

Brandon Cory Goldberg

What is your age? *

36

What is your occupation? *

Attorney

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

First-Time Candidate

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

American Jewish Committee, Democratic Party of Georgia, Red Clay Democrats, Stonewall Bar Association, Atlanta Black-Jewish Coalition, State Bar of Georgia, Cornell Alumni Association of Atlanta

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

Facebook and Instagram – /BrandonCoryGoldberg; Twitter – @GoldbergForATL

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council, Post 1 At Large

Why are you running for office? *

City Council is a place where I can put my experience of bridge-building to good use. There is a need for a change in this Council seat, and we deserve a better way of solving our problems through sustainable solutions with broad buy-in from different perspectives.

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

My extensive service in community organizations spans numerous categories of groups. From political to professional to religious, I have years of experience bringing people from different backgrounds and perspectives together to tackle difficult issues. This is exactly the kind of bridge-building that Atlanta needs.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

We can all identify Atlanta’s issues. However, I’m the only candidate proposing specific ideas and doing so with the benefit of campaign advisory committees to ensure broad buy-in and sustainability.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

I will be a friend and known quantity; someone constituents feel comfortable speaking with about items that need to be addressed. Too many people feel uncomfortable calling Council.

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

A perfect example is with the police training facility. Instead of a discussion on what kind of facility we should have and how we can work with police, the discussion was on the location. Regardless of whether someone liked the location, it should have been obvious to leaders that this was going to be a major conflict and delay. The location should have been changed at the start to avoid this.

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

The three major legislative issues facing Atlanta are public safety, transportation, and housing equity.

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

What prevents us from solving our issues is the divide in our community. We need not look any further than the 2017 mayoral runoff precinct results to see the stark divide in Atlanta. We need to bring people together from different backgrounds and perspectives to identify solutions that will have buy-in from all sides. As with my campaign, I will assemble community committees to do just this.
Photo submitted by: Brandon Cory Goldberg
Photo submitted by: Brandon Cory Goldberg

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Election Central: Get to know Jodi Merriday https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-jodi-merriday/ Sun, 10 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-jodi-merriday/ What is your name? * Jodi Merriday What is your age? * 50 What is your occupation? * Executive – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 36 List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * The Southwest Atlanta Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., […]

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What is your name? *

Jodi Merriday

What is your age? *

50

What is your occupation? *

Executive – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

36

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

The Southwest Atlanta Foundation, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Magnolia Chapter of The Links, Inc., N.A.A.C.P., Southern Poverty Law Center, League of Women Voters, Democratic Party of Georgia

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

www.jodimerriday.com {Facebook Jodi-Merriday; twitter and instagram @jodimerriday}

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council Post 3 At Large

Why are you running for office? *

To promote public safety and criminal justice reform, support APS, revitalize small businesses, improve roads and transit, fund and build affordable housing, increase services to seniors, and protect the environment. I will also uplift those in need and support the extension of housing and wrap around services to the unsheltered.

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

I bring 30 years of leadership and professional experience to city hall. I will lend my expertise, skills, and education toward being a thoughtful, collaborative, and dedicated servant. Further, I possess the educational background and visionary insight to bridge the city through the pandemic, escalating crime, and scaling services to growth.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I have served various sectors of the community, provided solutions that prepare people and organizations to work together, and facilitated organizational transformation for 100+ institutions.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Safe and secure communities, livable wages, affordable housing, equity, and leadership that prioritizes Integrity and excellent service delivery by every municipal department.

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

Ensure that the Atlanta Workforce Development Department has a youth employment and entrepreneurship program for APS high-school students.

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

Funding public safety responders, zoning to increase affordable housing & a moratorium to protect seniors from being taxed out of homes, decreasing utility costs through green initiatives.

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

Support recruiting public safety responders and funding diversion programming; Organize private and non-profit partners to fund housing assistance those unsheltered by the lifting of eviction and foreclosure moratoriums; Strengthen(pandemic) delivery of services by the city to constituents; Introduce legislation to protect seniors in legacy neighborhoods from being taxed out of their homes.

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Election Central: Get to know Keisha Waites https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-keisha-waites/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-keisha-waites/ What is your name? * Keisha Sean Waites What is your age? * 48 What is your occupation? * Small Business Owner and Former State Representative What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 19 List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * • National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) • […]

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What is your name? *

Keisha Sean Waites

What is your age? *

48

What is your occupation? *

Small Business Owner and Former State Representative

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

19

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

• National Council of State Legislators (NCSL) • Henry Toll Fellowship, Fellow • Harvard University Leadership Institute, Graduate • David Bohnett Fellowship Foundation, Fellow • Social Justice Ministry, Rehoboth Fellowship of Atlanta

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

www.keishawaites.com Facebook Twitter Instagram Linked-In

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council-Post 3-At-Large-Citywide

Why are you running for office? *

I’m running because I am tired of marginalized and underserved communities constantly being ignored, spiking violent crime, poor delivery of city services, a lack of affordable housing for seniors and legacy residents. I have the legislative experience and relationships at local, state and federal levels necessary to navigate many of the issues.

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

I served in government for 19 years working at the local, state, regional and federal levels. I have existing relationships and intimately understand how to move important policy issues though all levels of government.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

We must have representation that has the experience and relationships to navigate the current volatile political current between the city and the state.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

For some it’s public safety, for others it’s affordable housing and food insecurity, while for others it’s spiking taxes, or lack of equity in the distribution of city services depending upon zipcode.

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

COVID changed the way people live, work and play. One of the most important tasks for the Mayor and Council is to assure residents that their tax dollars are being spent wisely, with a focus on providing quality services. As a city-wide representative, I would make it my priority to continue to be an effective conduit between community and city government with a focus on constituent services.

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

A. Public Safety/Violence Prevention
B. Affordable Housing
C. Quality of Life Issues/Social Justice/Equity

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

a. Protecting Seniors and Legacy residents from spiking property taxes and creating a fund to assist with low-cost home repairs.
b. Recruiting and retaining APD personnel by improving compensation packages and creating opportunities for homeownership within the city.
c. Creating affordable housing by partnering with HUD and the state of Georgia to rehab vacant & foreclosed multi-family housing.
A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

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Election Central: Get to know Matt Westmoreland https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-matt-westmoreland/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-matt-westmoreland/ What is your name? * Matt Westmoreland What is your age? * 34 What is your occupation? * Councilman, City of Atlanta What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 3.5 on City Council, 4 before that on the Board of Education List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * Board […]

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What is your name? *

Matt Westmoreland

What is your age? *

34

What is your occupation? *

Councilman, City of Atlanta

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

3.5 on City Council, 4 before that on the Board of Education

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

Board of Directors, Hosea Feed the Hungry; Young Professional Board, Meals on Wheels Atlanta; Board of Advisors, Bearings Bike Shop Member, League of Women Voters of Atlanta-Fulton County. Member, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church.

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

@WestmorelandATL on social media and website: www.mattwestmoreland.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council Post 2 At-Large

Why are you running for office? *

I was born and raised in Atlanta and am a proud product of our city’s public schools. After college, I came home and taught History at Carver High School in Southeast Atlanta. I ran for the Atlanta Board of Education and then for the Atlanta City Council to help move a vision where every child and family has opportunity and choice in life.

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

My time in the classroom has continuously informed my time in elected office– just like my time on the Board of Education has made me a stronger City Councilman. My time on Council over the last four years has showed me all the ways I can more effectively develop and pass policy that helps residents in their daily lives.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I’ve led efforts on Council to pass a $100 million housing affordability bond, create a middle-wage jobs fund, and significantly increase our investments in streets, sidewalks, and parks.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

A city government that keeps them safe, provides effective and efficient basic city services, and is making meaningful investments in our human and physical infrastructure.

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

I currently hold this seat.

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

Creating a recurring local funding stream for affordable housing, adopting and implementing a plan for real investments in our public safety facilities, parks and trails, and our streets and sidewalks

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

To engage with residents from all over our City to lay out a vision and a plan for the next four years and beyond.
A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

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Election Central: Jacki Labat, Candidate Atlanta City Council (Post 3 At-Large) https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-jacki-labat/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-jacki-labat/ What is your name? * Jacki Labat What is your age? * 52 What is your occupation? * Self-Employed – Management Consultant What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 12 List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * I currently serve as a member of the L.E.A.D. Advisory Council, Chairperson […]

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What is your name? *

Jacki Labat

What is your age? *

52

What is your occupation? *

Self-Employed – Management Consultant

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

12

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

I currently serve as a member of the L.E.A.D. Advisory Council, Chairperson of the Buckhead Atlanta Associate Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and am a member of Pace Cetters, Inc. We are members of The Enon Baptist Church.

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

www.jackiforatlanta.com Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @jackiforatlanta

What is the position you are running for? *

Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-Large

Why are you running for office?

I’ve called many communities across Atlanta home. From SW Atlanta to Downtown to Midtown to Buckhead – I’ve worked, lived, played and raised my family communities. Atlanta has been a village where neighbors care, visitory Request edit access time and diversity & inclusion reign supreme. However, I am disheartentu wote the only me love and the communities in which we live being diminished. I am pleased to have received the endorsements of AFSCME (Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees) and FPSE (Federation of Public Service Employees) as well as Ambassador Andrew Young.

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

I spent the majority of my career as an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to many of Atlanta’s top business leaders, including several years working with Coretta Scott King. I feel that I have been preparing for this role all my life – understanding the politics of a situation, being strategic, intuitive and collaborative yet decisive, anticipating the needs of others and exercising sound judgment based on those needs. I was one of the most sought after Executive Assistants across the city, and I’d like to think that was in part due to my commitment to continuously improve, avoid shortcuts and tell the truth – even when it is uncomfortable.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

I have never held office before, nor have ever run for office. I am not seeking this office as a politician, but rather as a mom, wife and small business owner who simply wants to champion good, smart governance and move Atlanta forward. I stumbled upon a life in public service when I married my husband who was then the Chief of the Atlanta City Detention Center. While technically a part-time position, serving as a Post 3 At-Large councilmember will absolutely be a full-time commitment for me.

What do you think your constituents need the most?

In speaking with voters across the city, the most pressing issue is crime and public safety. I believe we need a short term and long term plan to have a meaningful impact on crime. We must address staffing levels within APD and AFRD to include strong recruitment campaigns to attract and retain the best talent. We must focus on training and repairing the relationship between law enforcement and the community. And we must continue to be laser focused on crime prevention – targeting repeat offenders, gangs and gun violence Request edit access a full audit and overhaul of the juvenile justice system to include humane housing and re-entry programming. We must also take an in depth look into the city’s FTA rates and signature bond processes.

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

N/A

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

Crime & Public Safety, Affordable Housing (to include eviction assistance) and Youth Engagement & Empowerment (to include opening all Centers for Hope)

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

Within my first 100 days in office, I will work with the Mayor, Council President and other elected officials on council and across metro-Atlanta to implement short-term solutions to address staffing, morale and community relationships with our public safety departments. I will also advocate for legislation that includes a comprehensive COVID-19 recovery plan that provides long term financial and strategic planning resources. Current financial assistance programs have expired or are set to expire within the next 12-18 months; however, we should be prepared to offer support, resources and financial assistance beyond that window.

A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice
A photo of the Atlanta City Seal outside the Atlanta City Courthouse on Monday, October 11, 2021. (Photo: Itoro N. Umontuen/The Atlanta Voice

The post Election Central: Jacki Labat, Candidate Atlanta City Council (Post 3 At-Large) appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

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Election Central: Michael Julian Bond, Candidate for Atlanta City Council (Post 1 At-Large) https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-michael-julian-bond/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://theatlantavoice.com/election-central-get-to-know-michael-julian-bond/ What is your name? * Michael Julian Bond What is your age? * 55 What is your occupation? * Graphic Artist; Consultant; Elected Official What is your city of residence? * Atlanta How many years in public service? * 20 years List your Community/Civic Affiliations: * American Diabetes Assn; Atlanta Metro YMCA; Leadership Atlanta; Regional […]

The post Election Central: Michael Julian Bond, Candidate for Atlanta City Council (Post 1 At-Large) appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

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What is your name? *

Michael Julian Bond

What is your age? *

55

What is your occupation? *

Graphic Artist; Consultant; Elected Official

What is your city of residence? *

Atlanta

How many years in public service? *

20 years

List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *

American Diabetes Assn; Atlanta Metro YMCA; Leadership Atlanta; Regional Leadership Institute; NAABAR Temple #128; NAACP; St. James #4 Prince Hall Lodge; Westside Future Fund Board

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

www.BondForATL.com

What is the position you are running for? *

Post One At-Large, Atlanta City Council

Why are you running for office? *

I believe in my hometown of Atlanta–her causes, purpose and promise–and I remain committed to serving the people of Atlanta as an elected official & community advocate. There’s more work to be done to make our city equitable for all citizens and I want to continue fighting for these necessary advancements.

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

My experience as an elected official affords me extensive and practical government knowledge. As a proven elected leader, I will build on my previous public service accomplishments for the betterment of all Atlantans.

Why are you the best candidate for this position? *

My record of historic investments in underserved neighborhoods, fighting for environmental justice, public safety and housing best qualify me. I can take office in 2022 without a need for training.

What do you think your constituents need the most? *

Effective public safety & community-based policing; affordable & workforce housing

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

Without casting aspersions upon predecessors, I have worked to elevate the service I render on behalf of the citizens of Atlanta as a moral and duty-bound calling on my life.

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

Public Safety; Workforce Housing/Homeless; Environmental Justice (Lead Remediation)

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

I plan to push for the implementation of the Public Safety Parks Plan (VIC cameras, dedicated officers-standardized patrols); surplus properties for affordable housing initiative; and sustainability initiatives that I have already authorized through legislation.

The post Election Central: Michael Julian Bond, Candidate for Atlanta City Council (Post 1 At-Large) appeared first on The Atlanta Voice.

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