On Nov. 3, Jefferson Park-ers, along with the whole community, head to the polls to elect leaders to guide the city. These are important elections as city leaders tackle downtown development, deal with city budgets in a tough economy and get the city ready for the closing of nearby Fort McPherson.
With this in mind, the "Jefferson Park Hub" emailed questions to the four candidates vying to be mayor and the two candidates wanting to represent Ward B residents to help voters be informed.
Two candidates for mayor responded, as did one candidate for the Ward B at-large seat. Today's Q&A is with Mayor Joe Macon. His answers are unedited.
Incumbents: what is your most significant accomplishment as an elected official?
I successfully lobbied for $7.5 million in federal funds for the City, even during a tough economy with a Republican controlled congress. I also successfully lobbied to bring distribution centers for Dick’s Sporting Goods and Clorox as well as the Immigration and Customs Enforcement regional headquarters to East Point.
What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it?
More parks and green space are desperately needed in the city as a whole. We have made some improvements however; we need significantly more green space to improve the walkability and livability in the city. I will seek more federal and states funds to acquire more land to be used as park and trail space and we need a community center centrally located for all the residents to enjoy.
What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?
The redevelopment of our downtown is the most important issue facing East Point. I have implemented the East Point Corridors TAD (Tax Allocation District) to spur downtown redevelopment. We are currently exploring the idea of a New City Hall Complex to phase the downtown development and make the project more attractive. I added a map of our TAD for citizen information. The TAD is highlighted in bright lime green. As indicated on the map our TAD covers most of our Downtown area.
http://epdocs.webs.com/EastPoint_CorridorsTAD%20(2).pdf
Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?
Less infighting is a goal however it is up to each councilmember to control themselves and concentrate on the needs of the people and less on personal agendas.
Better communication with the residents. I believe we as a council have room to improve on our communication to the public. The council has achieved much over the last 4 years but we have done a poor job at communicating those accomplishments. A quarterly newsletter to the residents is in development.
Improve our public image. The city of East Point is great city we just suffer from an identity crisis. We need to enlist professional help in molding and enhancing the reputation and image of the city. These changes can’t just be cosmetic. We need to a wholesale change in the way we conduct business in certain departments and with certain procedures. This should be an ongoing process that constantly evaluates our performance and seeks way to improve on our service and image.
Environmental Sustainability is goal the city has to take seriously. I want to convert our entire diesel fleet to 100% biodiesel that the city will convert from waste cooking oil from both residential and commercial customers. Not only will this process reduce our fuel cost it will also reduce our carbon footprint and reduce pollution in our industrial corridor.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Sautéed asparagus with garlic and lemon zest, my wife loves it.
What pets live in your household?
Merrick the dog is our pet. She was a rescue dog and now she runs the house.
What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it?
Monsters v. Aliens. Not unless you have a group of kids and a ton of popcorn with you.
