All three of Buckhead’s representatives on the Atlanta City Council say they plan to run for re-election this year.
The qualifying deadline is Aug. 30 and the election is Nov. 5.
The three council members – Howard Shook in District 7, Yolanda Adrean in District 8 and Felicia Moore in District 9 – say they enjoy public service and feel they have unfinished business.
Each council member faces his or her own set of challenges. Adrean has focused on improving infrastructure around Chastain Park, while Shook has focused on adding more parks to his district. Moore represents an economically and socially diverse district and she enjoys delving into the finer details of public policy.
“I still have several other outstanding issues out there to complete and I still appreciate my public service,” Moore said. “I’m not tired of it yet, so I want to continue doing it.”
Adrean said she believes she has a solid record to run on.
“I’m very committed to serving District 8,” Adrean said. “I’m real proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as far as getting the city on a better financial footing. There’s a lot more work to do and I look forward to continuing my work. That’s where my passion lies and I’ve got lots of energy to devote to it.”
Shook said there have been incorrect reports that he will not seek another term. He said he is definitely running.
“I’m very excited about the parks expansion program that’s been initiated in the district,” Shook said.
“There are a lot of irons in the fire to get new park space. That should accelerate as the economy warms up. That’s going to be a key to growing our green space and not doing it at taxpayer expense.”
He also said the city should focus on pursuing development in a way that also preserves neighborhoods.
While Moore has mostly steered clear of controversies involving Buckhead, Adrean and Shook have shown their willingness to challenge popular sentiment. At separate Buckhead Council of Neighborhoods meetings, Shook and Adrean both made comments that weren’t what their constituents likely wanted to hear.
Shook said during a BCN discussion in August about a proposed Walmart near the Lindbergh MARTA station that Buckhead’s opposition to the project might hasten its arrival. The council later rejected plans for the development.
Adrean made a more philosophical point at an April BCN meeting. As members of the neighborhood council debated the merits of the regional sales tax for transportation, a tax levy rejected by voters in July, Adrean reminded them it isn’t all about Buckhead. “I’d like for you guys to think about the whole city from time to time,” she told the group.
All three of Buckhead’s City Council reps supported a pay raise for the mayor and council members, a salary that will go into effect in 2014, when the new terms begin.
Under the new pay structure, council members will receive an annual salary of $60,000 and the mayor will receive $184,000. Taxpayers now provide a $39,500 annual salary for council members and $147,500 for the mayor.
The council members’ new salaries reflect the amount of time and effort they put into serving their districts.