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 Ward B council member hopeful K. Eric Morrow. His answers are unedited.
K. Eric Morrow is a first-time candidate for the East Point City Council. He received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University and a Master's from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and a law degree from University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill. Mr. Morrow is an attorney at an Atlanta law firm. He served on the city's Ethics Review Task Force. He has lived in East Point for four years. His Web site is http://electericmorrow.blogspot.comWhat qualifies you to sit on the council?
My qualifications include a solid educational background, a career of public service and a desire to utilize my skills to participate in government and make a positive impact on my community. I first moved to East Point in 2005. I was attracted to the close proximity to Atlanta and the small-town feel of East Point. I received two undergraduate degrees from Emory University in 1984. Anticipating a career in public service and after receiving the prestigious Sloan Fellowship, in 1986 I received a Master of Science degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in Public Policy Analysis and Management. I furthered my higher education in 1989 receiving a J.D. degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. I have been a member of the Georgia Bar since 1989 and the California Bar since 1997 with additional certifications from the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. I began my career in public service by serving the State of Georgia as an Assistant Solicitor in Dekalb County and later as an Assistant District Attorney in Newton County. I also served the citizens of the City of Atlanta as an Associate City Attorney working in the Law Department. I am a certified Georgia mediator, trained and qualified to teach legal ethics continuing education courses to attorneys, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a member of the Jefferson Park Neighborhood Association. Most recently, I was appointed by Mayor Macon to utilize my expertise in ethics training and appointed to the City of East Point Ethics Review Taskforce. I also served on the East Point Ethics Review Board which reviews all complaints of ethics violations against city officials.
What is the most significant need in District B/the city and what will do you to achieve it?
The increasing crime rate is of great concern to our citizens. As a prosecutor for the State of Georgia, I have been on the front lines of helping victims bring criminal offenders to justice. I have worked hand-in-hand with police officers to deter crime, solve crimes and prosecute criminals. I understand the difficult job that our self-sacrificing police officers have on a daily basis. East Point citizens must work with our police department to systematically decrease crime in individual neighborhoods by reporting crimes and joining forces with neighbors to deter crime through neighborhood watch programs. Working with the City Manager to ensure that the citizens of East Point are adequately protected will be a priority focus of any budget proposal.
What do you believe is the best way to spur development downtown?
There is no easy, one solution answer to developing our downtown area. It is incumbent on Council Members to work with the City Manager to develop strong public policy, hire consultants to provide an economic development plan, develop strong personal relationships with developers and viable business owners and ensure that the businesses that we desire in the downtown are not deterred by an antiquated permitting system. My Master of Science degree in Public Policy Analysis and Management affords me a solid educational background to establish and implement effective policies for our city. The Master of Science program required courses in political, economic, quantitative and organizational analysis, with a practical focus on the solutions to complex public policy problems.
Please name four items you want to achieve on the council?
- I will work toward the goal of “beautification” and “gateways” to the city of East Point. East Point must have gateways into the city if we expect to continue to lure new residents and business. In addition, green space and park development is critical.
- I will work to ensure accountability of all city employees so that citizens receive acceptable levels of professionalism and work product. I will also ensure that our city employees in turn receive respect for their contributions to our city and will fight to guarantee high morale within all departments.
- We must change the demeanor and tone on council and work together for the critical goals of promoting East Point and expanding our tax base to ease the burdens on existing citizens. For this to happen, the mayor and council must work together, put Ward issues aside and act in unison to plant a seed that will grow across the entire city.
- Most importantly, I will work with the mayor, council and city employees to get East Point’s financial house in order.
What is your favorite food to cook?
Cajun Shrimp and Chicken PastaWhat pets live in your household?
None
What was the last movie you saw and should I go see it?
Julie/Julia was the last movie I saw and it was entertaining and informative.
