Monthly Archives: September 2017

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here. Note: This Q&A was received after our Sept. 18 deadline to submit answers. We will not run any new Q&A’s after Oct. 16. 

1) Why are you running for office in the city of Atlanta?  

To continue to strengthen District 4 with better housing and retail.

2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?    

23 years of dedicated public service. Community activist 1977 – 1990, and NPU Coordinator 1990-1993

3) What do you think is Atlanta’s greatest strength?      

Its neighborhoods

4) What do you think is Atlanta’s biggest challenge? 

Traffic

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?  

Congestion-over 500,000 people commute in and pay nothing in the form of fees to keep streets safe

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official?       

Public Safety, Infrastructure

7) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Beltline? Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?   

EDITOR’S NOTE: NO ANSWER GIVEN

8) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Streetcar?  Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?  

We are in the process of turning over to Marta through a Memorandum of Understanding Agreement

9) What should the city of Atlanta do to reduce traffic congestion in the city?   

EDITOR’S NOTE: NO ANSWER GIVEN

10) What should the city do to increase affordable housing options for its residents?   

City Council just introduced Inclusionary Zoning Legislation

11) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner?  

Yes

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here.

1) Why are you running for office in the city of Atlanta? 

As a native Atlantan, I have seen our City grow in ways unimaginable a couple decades before. Yet, our decision-making and policy-making has not kept up with people’s aspirations or the needs of the City. Whether it’s poor investment in transit infrastructure or lack of attention to the basics like sidewalks and city services, or a belated response to the need for affordable housing or persistent public safety challenges, we tend to chase problems rather than getting out in front of them when we can.

District 2 is the heart of Atlanta: geographically, economically, historically, and culturally. It is also our front door to the world. Our neighborhoods in the District have enormous opportunity to be a model for America when it comes to mobility, inclusion, great design, and economic vibrancy. To represent this District and problem solve with our many, disparate stakeholders for a more livable, safer, connected City would be an enormous responsibility and honor. We have the opportunity to be remarkable. That’s why I’m running.

2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents? 

A few things, all in service of being effective at getting things done for our District:

1. I think I stand alone in the field in having, through leadership in the non-profit and private sectors, the track record of navigating and convening a variety of stakeholders to get things done. District 2 is enormously complex: established neighborhoods, rapidly changing neighborhoods, our central business district, our most iconic cultural institutions, universities, the Beltline, density, poverty, wealth, MARTA, premier park space,…the list goes on. To represent it well will require an ability to navigate all of these stakeholders in a collaborative manner.  It’s easy to be aggressive with rhetoric. It’s far more difficult and more important to be effective with solutions.

2. I have experience, through building an organization and then running a $32 million organization, making tough decisions while still in service of the greater good. Doing so requires vision, diplomacy, resourcefulness, and collaboration. My track record and skill set set me apart in this way and position me to effective at making hard decision when it may not be easy to do so…and pushing the City to be smarter with its resources.

3. After nearly 15 years of community and civic involvement/leadership in intown Atlanta, I have relationships with neighborhoods, business, government, and the non-profit and university sectors that allow me to the most effective at examining a problem, navigating the stakeholders, and finding the resources to solve it.

4. Finally, I’m only candidate in this race who is focused on improving the City’s focus on addressing the “basics”: sidewalk repair, accurate water bills, and potholes, for example.

3) What do you think is Atlanta’s greatest strength? 

Our spirit. We are optimistic and ambitious at every turn. Few American cities have our renewable, can-do mindset. Layer that in with, more often than not, bringing all stakeholders to the table to solve problems, and we are a model for the country.

4) What do you think is Atlanta’s biggest challenge? 

Inadequate transportation infrastructure. We need more ways to move people regionally and throughout the City. It’s not just a traffic issue, it affects our collective affordability, economic and social mobility, quality of life, public health, and competitiveness as a region. We have to grow in a way that gives people options for moving around…and we must continue to build density so car trips are less necessary.

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

Improving our transportation system and infrastructure requires regional solutions. Yet, in Atlanta, we can do much to continue to transform how we move around. I would advocate for:
Transit-oriented development around existing MARTA stations (and reduce the number of parking spaces required for such developments);

TSPLOST funds for projects that will enhance access to jobs and housing in a multi-modal fashion and work closely with MARTA to ensure their system growth is both equitable and goes where we need it to (i.e., job and residential centers);

Expanding transit in District 2 (e.g., streetcar extension on North Ave);

Drastically increasing the number of miles of bike lanes and trails throughout the city, alongside $5 million in annual dedicated funding to close gaps in the existing bike lane network and increase bike lane safety;

Improving the quality of our roads and synchronize traffic lights;

Increased access to bikeshare, transit, and good sidewalks for low-income and disconnected communities; and
The formation of a Department of Transportation at the City to better coordinate, plan, and execute the City’s transportation needs.

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official? 

1. Increasing and protecting affordable housing in District 2.
2. Improving the City’s focus on addressing the “basics”: sidewalk repair, accurate water bills, and potholes.
3. Ensuring our public safety.

7) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Beltline? Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?

The Beltline is a big, transformative project that is incomplete. In District 2, the Beltline’s Eastside trail has been a huge success by most measures but it has also created shortcomings that have not been addressed effectively: less affordability in surrounding neighborhoods and enormous traffic strain on roads and surrounding neighborhoods due to rapid development without corresponding changes to the transportation network. As we look to the future, there must be a genuine and intentional commitment to equity, affordability, and access for all as the Beltline continues to be built out.

8) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Streetcar?  Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently? 

Currently, the Streetcar has not been effective or successful. It runs too infrequently and covers such a small footprint that it is more efficient to walk. However, if I could change anything about the project, it would be to extend the Streetcar to where people live and work and where we have no strong transit service now. One example is the proposed Crosstown Midtown street car extension. This proposed streetcar extension runs across the middle of the city, from one side of the Beltline to the other: from Bankhead MARTA station across North Avenue to Ponce City Market. This Crosstown Midtown extension would fill a transit gap, connect existing residential centers on the west and east sides of the City with job centers in Downtown and Midtown, and tie into MARTA train stations. Built-in ridership/demand from the start will do wonders to build momentum and use for the streetcar and alleviate traffic.

9) What should the city of Atlanta do to reduce traffic congestion in the city? 

See responses above. In addition and in short: promote dense development around existing MARTA stations, build out bicycle infrastructure, extend the Streetcar to where it will have built-in ridership and immediate impact, implement a parking tax, and expand transit and walking infrastructure where there is or will be dense development.

10) What should the city do to increase affordable housing options for its residents?

Inclusionary zoning that provides housing for those who earn 20-80% of Area Median Income (“AMI”), in areas where public investment has created the incentive for development (e.g., the Beltline overlay);

Density bonuses along corridors that are appropriate for density (e.g., Ponce de Leon, Boulevard, Moreland). This will allow developers to build more units and more floors in exchange for more affordable housing units.

Work with AHA and developers to ensure workforce housing for those making at or below and above slightly above AMI, an additional area of need in the city.

Support tax abatements and expansion of the homestead exemption for seniors on fixed income;

Support selling vacant city-owned land to true affordable housing developers;

Explore the utility of a city affordable housing fund that developers can pay into to support development of affordable housing units (see, e.g., Los Angeles); and

Protect and promote low-rise, “missing middle” apartments and allow accessory dwelling units.

11) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner?

Yes. I have long advocated for greater transparency and accountability at City Hall. I will also make available online where every dollar of my City Council budget is spent and I spend it only in furtherance of constituent services and policy-making.

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here.

1) Why are you running for office in the city of Atlanta?

I was concerned by how the city is growing and by the fact that we haven’t expanded our transportation system. That along with the housing crunch and income inequality made me feel obligated to throw my hat in the ring because I believe I’m the right person at the right time to lead the city.

Atlanta is truly at a crossroads. We can be a world-class city that plans for sustainable growth, continues to attract quality jobs, and fulfills our promise to provide opportunity and quality of life for all. But achieving this goal will require collaboration, innovative policy, solid financial management and strong, ethical leadership.

As Mayor of Atlanta, I will bring people together to get things done. I will leverage the strength of all of our neighborhood, faith, and community groups, as well as public-private partners, private sector investors, corporate leaders and small business owners, philanthropic funders, and federal, state and local agencies to do what is best for our City. I will welcome feedback and criticism, and engage all relevant stakeholders, as we find the best solutions for our problems and opportunities.

2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?

I will draw on my experiences as an elected official and a nonprofit executive to bring people together, build sustainable spaces and improve performance at City Hall.

As District 6 City Council-member, Chair of Atlanta’s Transportation Committee and City Council President, I brought the Atlanta BeltLine from a Master’s thesis vision to implementation by rallying community support, passing multiple ordinances, placing the project in the region’s long-range transportation plan, bringing in over $20 million in funding for the initial phases of the project and recommending the Tax Allocation District as the funding mechanism. Also, as the first openly-gay elected official in the state, I introduced and brought to passage the only comprehensive non-discrimination bill in Georgia (at the local or state level) that provides private sector protections in housing, employment and public accommodations.  In addition, I have served as a lead lobbyist and strategist working with the business community and issue advocacy communities at the state Capitol over the past 4 years to defeat all harmful religious exemption bills proposed to date.

I have managed organizations and units of organizations with as many as 800 employees in my division.  I understand budgets, personnel, planning and managing.  I’m innovative and detail oriented. I’ve worked moving policy and political activities at the international, national, state and local level and understand how to make things happen (as well as how to stop bad things from happening).

My experience as a Council Member and City Council President has given me insight into our city, neighborhoods and civic, business, faith and non-profit leadership. I’m confident that I can assemble a diverse team that understands what it takes to develop and manage a world-class city and work with that team to bring people together around a common vision to get things done.

3) What do you think is Atlanta’s greatest strength?

Our biggest strength is our people.  Atlanta is a city with heart and it seems like everyone wants to contribute to our success as a city.

4) What do you think is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

Traffic and lack of options for mobility.

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

See my answer to question #9

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official?

The five greatest issues facing Atlanta are ethics and transparency; traffic congestion; infrastructure investment, including housing to keep pace with growth projections; public education and public safety.

I fully recognize the interdependent nature of our city’s priority issues, which must be addressed in coordination rather than isolation. For example, one of my most urgent priorities will be increasing affordable housing options, with density being focused along expanded transit lines. This plan requires infrastructure investments, which will directly impact and attract economic development. And our education system must be improved to prepare our residents to access new, better paying jobs that come with economic development. At the same time, if there is one fundamental job that a Mayor must take ultimate responsibility for, it is public safety. Therefore, all of the above issues are interrelated and will be top priorities for my administration.

7) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Beltline? Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?

I believe that the Beltline is a positive way to connect our city and reduce car dependency. That said, there are many things that we can do better. Most importantly, we must follow through on our commitment to provide affordable housing along the trail. We can accomplish this goal by utilizing publicly-owned property like the Civic Center site for affordable housing and raising the necessary funds through a parking tax.

The Beltline will connect to my planned five new transit lines in strategic locations for maximum convenience and accessibility, while passing through many of Atlanta’s neighborhoods. If done correctly, the Beltline has the potential to revolutionize the way we travel our city, while bringing economic advancements for all residents.

8) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Streetcar?  Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?

I was not a supporter of the Atlanta Streetcar.  There were never any studies that indicated that there was the ridership demand for the project.  Not that it is here, we need to make it work by connecting it on the west side to MARTA and on the east side to the Atlanta BeltLine.

Our local transit future is a 40-mile streetcar system along already-approved routes. A public-private partnership can get this done in half of the currently projected 15 years and at a fraction of the cost. Such a model, in which private sector partners design, build, and finance the system while operating and maintaining the system with local transit partners, has been used in Denver to build out a large portion of that region’s transit grid. It has recently been embraced in Washington, D.C., for build out of the new Purple Line.

More significantly, collapsing the timetable from fifteen years to eight shaves off years of construction cost escalation and unnecessary financing expense. Collectively, this could yield at least a 20 percent savings, and for Atlanta that means reducing total project costs by a staggering $640 million. Using different streetcar technology with slimmer cars and no overhead wires could reduce costs by another 5 percent, reduce visual clutter and probably allow for dedicated transit lanes along at least some of these routes.

A public-private partnership also greatly enhances the project’s eligibility for federal transit dollars. Federal funds pay up to half of such large-scale transit projects, but only if the proposed plan scores well for its economic, environmental and mobility impact, and only if it scores above competing projects across the country.

9) What should the city of Atlanta do to reduce traffic congestion in the city?

As Mayor, I will work to:

Build 5 already-approved transit lines simultaneously

I have proposed a plan to build a 40-mile streetcar grid, covering the Atlanta Beltline loop and other connected routes, in eight years through leveraging innovative public-private partnerships and federal dollars.

2. Complete the Atlanta BeltLine

Atlanta’s 21st century public realm starts with the Atlanta BeltLine, the project that my office kicked off when I was Atlanta City Council President. I worked to build an inclusive, grassroots coalition to support this new concept for public space and mobility that was inherently focused on people. As Mayor, I will engage surrounding neighborhoods in a meaningful way and fully build out the 22-mile loop of the Atlanta BeltLine, ensuring that the project fulfills its promise to connect people and places to the benefit of everyone.

3. Connect the city regionally through solutions like high-speed rail, MARTA expansion, a multi-modal facility and linked bike/trail networks

Being able to travel within the city limits is not enough. Atlantans need connections regionally, across metro Atlanta and the state of Georgia. A regional bike and trail network is planned and, as Mayor, I will do everything I can to push for a timely, aggressive completion schedule. Additionally, I will champion and support proposals for expanding MARTA and for regional rail, especially high-speed rail, that can connect Atlanta to cities across Georgia and the South and culminate in a multi-modal facility to that people can start at home in our transit system and end up anywhere in the world without getting into a car.

10) What should the city do to increase affordable housing options for its residents?

Atlanta cannot continue to be a great city if only a sliver of our community can afford to live here. That’s why I will prioritize an “existing neighborhood resident” preference in all new policies to ensure in-placement of our community members as opposed to displacement due to market pressure.

As Atlanta grows rapidly over the coming years, we need to place urgent focus on this issue if we are to continue to thrive as a city. As Mayor, I will work quickly to get all the key players on the same page to align resources and move quickly to address this issue head-on. That includes governmental entities (City of Atlanta, county officials, Atlanta Public Schools, MARTA, Invest Atlanta, and Atlanta Housing Authority), businesses that need employees to live close to work, the development community, issues experts and nonprofits that are leading in this space.

I will work to increase housing density, aligned with transit lines. We can grow our city, while maintaining the unique character of our neighborhoods and protecting long-term residents, along with our trees and greenspace, if we focus density along transit. I have proposed a strategic plan to complete 40-mile streetcar grid along already-approved routes to be built in eight years, to open up more corridors for residential growth and more areas where people can live within easy access of their jobs.

This will require a focus on creating a dedicated revenue stream for affordable housing, exploring all available funding mechanisms from tax allocation districts to development impact fees to a parking tax, and create an affordable housing trust fund. In addition, I will propose a comprehensive public policy package of incentives and requirements for developers to ensure inclusionary housing development citywide.

I will also appoint a Commissioner of Housing and create and implement a strategic action plan to meet specific and measureable production targets for affordable housing at various income levels  that can be tracked and adjusted as market dynamics change. I will ensure that publicly owned assets like the Civic Center site and property along the Atlanta BeltLine are used to create new affordable housing options, and I will secure publicly owned land in areas of future strategic need. Public ownership allows us to enforce long-term affordability.

To protect long term residents from being priced out of their homes through rising property values, I will ensure that existing homestead exemptions are targeted and relevant, and that low-income and senior homeowners are given solid relief while protecting the Atlanta Public School system’s future budget. I also will evaluate the entire Atlanta tax digest to ensure that non-resident investment property owners pay a minimum property tax after adjustments for exemptions.

Finally, I will work to update legislation when the General Assembly convenes in January, in order to give Atlanta the authority necessary to take action on property tax and gentrification related issues.

11) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner?

I will create a culture in City Hall from the top down that focuses on openness, service, and stewardship of public resources. This will include timely responsiveness to open records requests, audits and investigations. We will increase the transparency of public information to world-class professional standards and expand the capacity of our city Auditing Department to perform routine as well as special audits as requested by City Council and the Office of the Mayor. I will completely rebuild our Procurement and Building Permit Departments to ensure state of the art technology, best practice policies and procedures and restore confidence in the ethics and business practices of our city government.  Ethics training will be a mandatory and regular requirement for all staff working with and for the City of Atlanta. City employees will be encouraged to bring any concerns about ethics or the improper use of city resources directly and confidentially to an independent ethics officer.  I will work with the Atlanta City Council to ensure that the ethics policies in the operations of our own offices are clear, transparent and up to date.  Finally, I will obey the law at all times and will assume complete and total responsibility for all activity and operations at City Hall.

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here.

1) Why are you running for Atlanta School Board?

To continue the critical work begun during my first term.

2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents? 

My service over the past three and a half years includes the following:

I HOSTED over Fifty Community Coffees so that CONSTITUENTS ARE CONNECTED

I LEAD the board’s participation in the Atlanta Pride Parade so that ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF KNOW THEY ARE SUPPORTED.

I BROUGHT innovative ideas forward for board consideration, including a TWO-WAY Customer Service platform and development of a specific African American Male Initiative TO ATTEMPT TO PROVIDE MORE ACCOUNTABILITY AND ENGAGEMENT WHERE IT IS CRITICALLY NEEDED.

I INITIATED, CHAMPIONED AND DEFENDED partnerships that deliver a better quality education to District One’s most at-risk schools so that MANY OF OUR MOST DISENFRANCHISED STUDENTS RECEIVE THE MAJOR INVESTMENT THEY NEED, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

I SUPPORTED equitable implementation of the International Baccalaureate or other Signature Programming throughout ALL clusters so that ALL STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO QUALITY GLOBAL STANDARDS OF LEARNING AND THE PUBLIC RECEIVES GREATER DISTRICT ACCOUNTABILITY.

I RE-IGNITED the Internal Compliance function which, when properly resourced, can bring enormous accountability and return on investment in the future so that THE BOARD’S OVERSIGHT ROLE CAN BE PROPERLY FULFILLED.

I SERVED diligently with inquiry and integrity on the following:  Accountability Committee, Chair 2014-2015, Audit Committee, Chair 2016-2017, Council of the Great City Schools, Board Representative, Atlanta Youth Commission, Beltline Affordable Housing Advisory Board, Fulton and DeKalb County Student Attendance Protocol Committee so that THE ATLANTA BOARD OF EDUCATION IS COMPETENTLY REPRESENTED.

I have developed a strong onboarding plan to help build a more effective, transparent Governing Process and will work with my colleagues to ensure that investments in our schools are working for ALL of our students.

3) What do you think is Atlanta Schools’ greatest strength?

We are an EXTREMELY rich district with more available resources than most of our size, in the country. Our people, partners and diversity are an extremely valuable asset for a large urban district.

4) What do you think is Atlanta Schools’ biggest challenge?

Teaching through the effects of entrenched, generational poverty.

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta Schools’ biggest challenge?

The board must learn to focus on the role of governance and oversight so that we have a healthy functioning infrastructure that can bring together ALL assets from ALL municipalities to improve the overall quality of life for our most vulnerable citizens.

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official?  

I will focus on building a more effective, transparent Governing Process, including adopting a more streamlined Board Management tool, with higher levels of access, transparency and accountability.

I will work with my colleagues to ensure that investments in our schools are working for ALL of our students through rigorous attention to the Audit process.

I will focus on having a more engaged presence for the Board of Education, in conversations planning for growth and development of the City of Atlanta. Many times, great conversations are going on around the city, but our board members aren’t as effectively engaged as they should be.

7) What is your opinion of the current superintendent? Are you happy with her leadership or do you want the school system to go in a different direction?

I think she has done an admirable job of restructuring many essential functions. I think we have a turnaround superintendent who has worked very hard to reset expectations and performance of some of these essential functions including getting the business community to invest again in our schools, and to promote the brand. And no disrepect to your question, but happy is an emotion, and I think, at the end of the day, board members need to be factually critical of a superintendent’s performance, rather than emotional about it.

8) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner? 

Of course. I have learned much in this first term about what some consider “ethics” and refuse to be frightened away from difficult issues that may present politicial discomfort. I will always act with integrity to the position, unfailing honesty, and transparency.

Leslie Grant

www.electlesliegrant17.com

404-643-9652

leslie.grant@comcast.net

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here.

1)  Why are you running for office in the city of Atlanta? 

I’m running in the community where all of my meaningful life moments have occurred. I graduated high school in the community. My husband Al and I were married in our District 11 church. We have had a family business in the community for 20 years.  We’ve raised 3 children in District 11. I’m running to STAY in District 11. I’m motivated to create a progressive AGE-FRIENDLY community for my family and our neighbors.

·       I’m running to ensure that we have safe and secure neighborhoods.

·       I’m running to enhance the quality of life for all District 11 residents.

·       I’m running to improve economic development so that prosperity and quality neighborhoods are available to all of my neighbors.

·       I’m running to provide opportunities to our youth to thrive and grow and have access to quality education, extra curricular activities and part-time jobs.

·  I’m running to protect our renowned legacy neighborhoods and the residents that deserve to remain in their homes while we grow. Displacement of our Seniors due to gentrification is not an option while I’m a councilmember at City Hall.

2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents? 

I’m the better candidate for this race for all of the reasons mentioned in question 1 coupled with a few more qualifications. I’m a Delta Air Lines retiree. This means that I have a deep understanding of the importance of quality service. I’m rooted in service.  I’ve always raised my hand to lead in organizations and committees.  A brief summary of the skills that I will bring to the City Council position includes, but are not limited to:

·       A long-standing committed resident to the progression of District 11 and the City of Atlanta;

·       Deep, strong relationships that have been cultivated throughout many years;

* Solid education geared towards addressing community interests and needs and communications;

* Active leadership while being a team player, raising my hand to work on community and organization projects often;

* Exceptional organizational skills evident by the intricate workings of this campaign;

* Proven collaborator willing to listen and effectively communicate with neighbors;

·       Strong people skills needed to engage with constituents on controversial issues as well as during council with during full council negotiations;

* Insightful of the historic nature of the District and the necessity to grow while preserving; Community relationships and respect.

3) What do you think is Atlanta’s greatest strength? 

Atlanta’s greatest strength is its engaged, unwavering people.

4) What do you think is Atlanta’s biggest challenge? 

Atlanta’s biggest challenge at this moment is steering gentrification so that displacement during growth is avoided at all cost. Because Atlanta has been typically seen as the “Tale of Two Cities” due to a huge economic divide between the haves and the have-nots.  It is imperative that we remain vigilant to maintain a growth process that incorporates legislation to protect our resident’s quality of life.

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

I intend to continue the trend of implementing an affordable housing agreement with each and every development contract per neighborhood.  I understand the importance of having these agreements in place at the beginning of the negotiation process.

I also advocate for affordable housing initiates because it is our responsibility to work together to reduce homelessness. Many families and individuals depend on the city to hold developers accountable to the needs of the masses.

I’d like to work will the surrounding counties, the state, public and private organizations to ensure that we are making a way for Atlantans to thrive and that means that at minimum, ALL citizens deserve an opportunity to have an affordable place to live.

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official? 

•    I plan to improve economic development so that prosperity and quality neighborhoods are available to all of my neighbors.

•    I plan to provide opportunities to our youth to thrive and grow and have access to quality education, extra curricular activities and part-time jobs.

•    I plan to protect our renowned legacy neighborhoods and the residents that deserve to remain in their homes while we grow. Displacement of our Seniors due to gentrification is not an option while I’m a councilmember at City Hall.

My vision for the City of Atlanta is one that is safe, transparent, equitable, progressive, accountable, compassionate, diverse, inclusive and sustainable. Specifically, this vision can be realized through diligently working daily for the betterment of all areas of Atlanta.

7) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Beltline? Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently? 

I’m very proud and supportive of the Atlanta Beltline Project in general.  There are a couple negative aspects of the project that have been discussed recently. I feel that one of the problems should never have been allowed on the Beltline. The demeaning artwork of only Black males in prison being displayed on the bridge clearly is a lack of sensitivity and judgment with an entity associated with the beltline.  Another problem in my opinion is the lack of accountability and penalties associated with the developer not adhering to the affordable housing component of the Beltline. It is not enough to require an agreement for a percentage of affordable homes to be included in the growth contract it has to be monitored.  If the agreement isn’t upheld, there should be a substantial monetary penalty and a probationary period where the developer isn’t allowed to bid for a city agreement for a set amount of time. NO EXCEPTIONS. The families that suffer due to a developer’s failure to provide affordable housing as agreed upon deserve protection by the City from negligent developers.

8) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Streetcar?  Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently? 

I agree that MARTA should take over the Streetcar.  The Streetcar needs to be redefined and better marketed towards being more substantive and useful.

9) What should the city of Atlanta do to reduce traffic congestion in the city? 

Finally surrounding counties and cities are now open to addressing the traffic in the City of Atlanta. For many years, no one wanted to tackle the situation and did not want to be “connected” to the city. We are now at a point where everyone is interested in exploring transportation and commuter options.  I feel that Aerotroplolis is a collaboration that should be better recognized and explored in some form on several fronts.  Our traffic strategies should have an AGREESSIVE schedule.

I feel that we must influence Atlantans to use public transportation. This will require the city to offer more transportation options, expanding our skeletal rail system and committing to a “campaign” promoting all of the new and improved services.

10) What should the city do to increase affordable housing options for its residents? 

Refer to questions 4 and 5.

11) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!  I strongly believe in an open door policy. The residents of Atlanta deserve to know how each dollar is spent.  I will implement a transparency policy as an agreement with my constituents ensuring they will have access to weekly updates of the Council’s developments and affairs.

Lastly, I will serve with integrity at all times for the betterment of the city of Atlanta and not my own personal agenda. District 11 will never be slighted due to my collaboration with council members or any other entity.

In an effort to help voters prepare for the Nov. 7 elections, Atlanta Loop sent questions to candidates running for Atlanta City Council, Atlanta Mayor and Atlanta School Board. Early voting begins Oct. 16. To see district maps, click here.

1) Why are you running for office in the city of Atlanta?

I am running for Atlanta City Council President to continue my record of service on a larger scale, and I have had the honor of serving the diverse District 9 as their representative on Council for nearly 20 years.  In addition, I have also served citizens city-wide, and those who work, play, visit and pass through our great city.

 2) What makes you a better candidate than your opponents?

My years of active service uniquely positions me as the best candidate for the next Atlanta City Council President.  I started my community service as a neighborhood leader, and I understand the issues facing our city and I have a deep connection to the people of our city. I am a veteran member of the Atlanta City Council, elected in 1997 to serve the diverse residents, businesses, and institutions of Northwest Atlanta, District 9.
 Over my nearly 20 years of service, I have served on every standing committee and/or been the chair or vice chair.  I have chaired and/or been a veteran member of the Finance and Transportation Committees throughout my service on Council. I have also, served as Chair and/or member of the Committee on Council, which deals with ethics and the operation of the Council and its offices.

On the important issue of ethics, I am the author of the Charter Amendment that requires all city elected officials to take Mandatory Ethics Training at the beginning of every term in office.  This makes sure that all officials are aware of the rules.  As President, I will ensure that this training be made available.

on fiscal issues, I have authored and passed legislation requiring a 5 year budget and mandating a percentage of each budget be saved in a reserve for an emergency fund.  To date, we have gone from $9 million when the legislation was passed in 2009 to over $175 million today. Both initiatives have allowed our city bond rating to improve, and save the city money on bond interest rates.

On council operations, I am a student of the Charter and the Code of the City of Atlanta.  Having read and reviewed its contents consistently, I have been known to be the “go to” person on rules and procedures by my colleagues, the public, and others.  I have also, introduced and passed several pieces of legislation over the years that have reformed and created processes and rules to produce better ethics, accountability, and transparency in city government. In addition, I have a better than working knowledge of Robert’s Rule of Order, and was the leader of the committee effort to update the Rules of Council and the jurisdiction of Standing Committees.
 on leadership, I have held leadership positions outside of the walls of City Hall and I am the only candidate that has fully engaged with colleagues across the country, received relevant training.  I am best qualified, because I understand that relationships with others is important to keeping Atlanta as “Georgia’s undisputed intellectual and commercial leader.”  I am an active member of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), having served a Board Member and other positions.  I am an active member of the National League of Cities (NLC), having served on the Board, National President of NBC-LEO, and numerous other committees.

3) What do you think is Atlanta’s greatest strength?

As the capital city, Atlanta’s reputation around the world as a city rich in history and culture is one of it’s greatest strengths.  Strong cities are places where people want to live and work and where business want to come and create jobs. The diversity of our city and the talents of its people are also strengths of our city.

4) What do you think is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

Strengthening our city’s infrastructure is our biggest challenge.  We must plan and rehabilitate our infrastructure.  Without a strong foundation our growth will be limited. This includes, but is not limited to expanding transit options to deal with traffic, increasing our water/sewer capacity, providing high speed internet capabilities, providing power and employing alternative power sources.

5) How would you address what you feel is Atlanta’s biggest challenge?

We must implement best practices to ensure we develop a workforce to meet the demand of the future job growth.  As President, I will work with council and Mayor to revamp and make viable the Atlanta Workforce Development agency to get citizens trained and ready to enter workforce in critical areas.  Additionally, I will work with all entities to make the agency the preferred one stop for the Atlanta Business Community to seek all levels of personnel to fit the current and emerging labor force needs.

6) What are the top two or three things you plan to focus on during your term as an elected official?

The top three things I will focus on during my term are improving the city’s infrastructure, restoring public faith, and strengthening our public safety.

Infrastructure

On the campaign trail many voters have talked to me about the deplorable condition of our roads.  I would work with the new administration to review the Renew Atlanta Bond Fund dollars and the Transportation SPLOST dollars to see how they can be reprioritized.  A city is only as great as our foundation, ours is crumbling.  Our roads, sewers, and water delivery system are in desperate need of repair and rehabilitation.   We are currently experiencing record growth and development, without any discussion and planning of our infrastructure’s capacity to handle it.  Most of our sewer and water infrastructure is over a 100 years old.  We need careful planning to ensure the above ground development can be supported by our underground infrastructure.  As president, I will be a voice to keep this top of mind for the Council and Mayor.

Housing and Transit as a part of infrastructure

We need a wider range of affordable housing options.  We can use City-owned property and Land Bank Authority property, review Tax Allocation Districts and re-prioritize remaining funds for affordability.  I will be a strong advocate of revamping our in-house Department of Housing.
 Our city needs to get serious about public transit solutions and reducing the number of cars on the road. We need to build more workforce housing near transits stations, and deploy smaller buses to reach into communities.  Transit must be able to provide for those who must use it, and those who will choose to use it.  As president, I will work to develop relationships and stay engaged with other government entities and MARTA to advocate for smart transit solutions.  I will charge our Transportation Committee to set priorities and hold them accountable.

Transparency and its role in restoring Public Faith

I will work with the new Mayor and Council to lift our “F” rating on transparency to an “A”.  To do that, the City must develop a “Transparent Atlanta” website that will provide checkbook level expenditures, revenues and other information online.  It is the public’s money and we should not have to put in an Open Records Request and pay to receive information.  Until it is launched citywide, I will require all Committee Chairs to post their office financial information online
Public Safety
 As Council President, I will work with our Mayor and Council to focus on a Pay and Class Study for personnel (police, fire, corrections).  It would determine the competitive salaries needed and incorporate strategies for funding over the next 10 years.  I will work with other stakeholders in addressing the juvenile crime issues, recidivism rates, and lack of diversion and second chance programs.  I will use my position to hold sessions with police and the community to better relations.

7) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Beltline?

Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently?
The initial vision was for the Beltline to become a transformative project thru transit that would connect neighborhoods across the city.  We have began the connection with paths and trails.
 As President of the City Council, I will do my best to appoint as Chair and Members of the Community Development/Human Services committee, that will provide oversight and transparency to Invest Atlanta and the Atlanta Beltline, Inc.  Without our elected officials making an intentional effort to hold our development arms accountable, we will continue to be disappointed with the results.

8) What is your opinion of the Atlanta Streetcar? Is there anything about the project that you think should be handled differently? 

The Atlanta Streetcar needs to be reviewed for opportunities to increase ridership and revenue to cover the cost of operation and maintenance. Suggestions have ranged from killing it to extending it to a future Beltline.  As Council President, I will pull for city leaders to have a comprehensive review and thoughtful interaction with the public and stakeholders before committing either way.

 9) What should the city of Atlanta do to reduce traffic congestion in the city?

In the short-term, the implementation by MARTA of its smaller bus fleet so that it can reach more residents by bringing its service closer and more convenient to residents.
In the mid-term, developing light rail projects and expansion of the MARTA line to connect more people with the city and its destinations.  Immediately, we need to do an assessment of our infrastructure and its capacity for the current and future growth.
We also need to identify funding sources to accomplish this to ensure that our high water/sewer rates will not inhibit growth.
 I always say that MARTA is used by two customers: those who need it, and those who choose to use it. Those who need it have no other mode of transportation to get to work, the grocery store, doctor appointments, leisure, etc.  So, the increased ridership will only come from those who choose to use it.  They will be influenced to use MARTA when it is more convenient and efficient than using a personal vehicle.  MARTA must go to destinations that people what it to go.

10) What should the city do to increase affordable housing options for its residents?

We must require affordable housing with any governmental money that is used in development.  And, we must monitor to ensure the city gets the promised results. One way to keep housing affordable in the city limits is to stabilize established neighborhoods.  There are many areas still left in the city that can be rehabilitated and affordable housing provided to the public.  Opportunities also exist with the use of city owned property to build affordable units.
 As president, I will look for the best chair and members on council who have the will and capability to address this issue in the Community Development/Human Services Committee.  I will use my participation on the state and national organizations to find best practices to bring to the city for consideration.
 In addition, I will use my position to host listening sessions with residents, housing advocates, organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders for their input.

11) If elected, do you promise to conduct yourself in an ethical and transparent manner?

Yes.  I always have and always will conduct myself in an ethical and transparent manner.

In addition, I am the author and advocate for a more transparent government.  I will continue to push for a “Transparent Atlanta” website that will host checkbook level spending information for all funds citywide. The info will be searchable and downloadable for analysis.  It will not require costly and time consuming Open Record Act Requests.
 I believe that money collected, held and spent by the city belongs to the citizens.  It’s our money.  I am transparent, and today you can go online to my council page and see all expenditures made in my office account for several years.
 As president, I will work with the Council and Mayor to strengthen processes already in place to ensure ethics and management transparency.  I will work to: boost and better market the Integrity Hotline, advocate for increased independent performance and financial audits with follow-up by Council, and encourage council oversight and consistent updates on internal controls for inventory, time management, etc.  And, I will appoint standing committee chairs that will keep this as a top priority of their work.