ISSUES

Issue: Financial Crisis

Response: The City of Atlanta must address its financial crisis by instituting sustainable fiscal management procedures. We should explore the use of zero based budgets, hire and retain experienced and proven financial management professionals, identify new revenue sources, collect on overdue fines and fees, and eliminate the duplication of services where possible.

Issue: Public Safety

Response: We must expand the police force to enable and equip it to protect all of our citizens, commuters, and visitors. We must also address the budgetary issues that have impacted the fire department, as well as the issues of retention and recruitment in that area. We must also actively examine the viable expansion of an inter-governmental agreement for services within areas of the city, especially in areas such as Southwest Atlanta, where Fulton County service providers may often be in closer proximity than City of Atlanta first responders.

Issue: Economic Development

Response: Atlanta must promote a climate that attracts and retains businesses of all types. The use of Tax Allocation Districts (TADS) has provided tremendous success in areas such as Princeton Lakes and Atlantic Station. Similar economic development programs, which promote live/work/play settings for families, must be exercised in the Greenbriar and Campbellton Road areas to promote the economic viability of Southwest Atlanta.

Issue: Education

Response: A quality, public school education must be an option not only for families seeking to call Southwest Atlanta home, but also to ensure that the deserving children currently relying on the school system are being provided the best education possible and are equipped to excel in the future. This will require continued and expanded partnerships between the City government, Atlanta Public Schools, and the business community.