Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for taking this journey with me.  Although the results were not what we expected we made huge inroads mobilizing 975 voters who believe and share our vision for change.    As a campaign, we came close to the finish line and shined a spot light on the many challenges faces our community.

Thank you to the volunteers, the contributors, and the voters for your support.  Moving forward, it will take all of us working together despite our differences in the cause of the great city that we love.  

I love Atlanta and our community and feel grateful to be a small part of moving our city forward.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity.  However, the fight for a new grocery store is not over, reducing violent crime is non-negotiable, and creating jobs remains a priority.    You have my continued committment and dedication in working to improve our community.     

Like many residents of Atlanta, I am disappointed with the direction our city is headed in. Four years later continued fiscal mismanagement and alarming violent crime statistics indicate we must chart a new course.  I am convinced, following the recent property tax increase and water bill hike, Atlanta needs real change. Since the November 2005 election numerous businesses and corporations have closed or abandoned district 12 due to violent crime and the lack of economic development; taking needed jobs opportunities out of our community. Airport Chevrolet, Blockbuster, Churches, Pizza Hut, WK Wings, Arby's, and Statefarm are examples of companies that have left our community.

For the last two decades district 12 has remained a "red light district" and the dumping ground for the City of Atlanta.  District 12 is desperately in need of effective bi-partisan and competent leadership that will reflect the voice of the district and work with state and regional partners to bring needed resources to the community.  The next district 12 council member must make votes and make decisions that are in the best interest of the district while balancing the needs of the entire city.   For this reason, many district 12 homeowners and businesses have voiced their discontent with the recent decision of the incumbent to vote in favor of both a 3 mil property tax increase and water rate hike at a time when many families have fallen on hard times due to unemployment or foreclosures.

Article: by 11 Alive News

The most recent debacle of the potential loss of the $30 million dollars in federal dollars ACoRA funds disenfranchised communities like district 12 is unacceptable and reflects a lack of vision from the current leadership.  This potential lost investment into our community could have been used to create new affordable housing facilities for seniors, provide job training to unemployed residents, and provide down-payment assistance to new homeowners and families considering relocation to the 12th district. 

Article: My Fox Altanta

In 2005, I supported the incumbent in a run-off election because I believed she was committed to improving our community.  However, increased violent crime, poverty, corruption, and political scandals have further disenfranchised the district causing many small and large businesses to relocate to thriving communities or close due to decreasing revenue streams.   Today there is an urgent need for ethics, fiscal accountability, and integrity in government.  Consequently, the actions and decisions of the incumbent in the last four years have not reflected these qualities.  For this reason, I did not endorse the incumbent's re-election.

Article: by The Sunday Paper  Sept 6, 2009

Article: by Creative Loafing July 28, 2009

Article: by Creative Loafing June 24, 2009

Citizens deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent, and why.

Thus redevelopment of Fort McPherson creates a unique opportunity to attract retail, commercial, and industrial development to the district.  I believe my professional experience, business acumen and status as a long-term resident of the district uniquely qualify me to serve effectively as the next council member in district 12. I am keenly aware of the infrastructural needs of the business community and neighborhoods and can facilitate a vision to move our community beyond the challenges we have faced in the last two decades.  My record of civic service and long-term business and personal relationships within the community will allow me to make an immediate and significant contribution to the City Council and residents of Atlanta.