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.
