Surprise announcement: Sandy Springs Councilman Collins not running for another term

Sandy Springs City Councilman Chip Collins is calling it a day after one term as the District 3 representative on the Sandy Springs City Council.

Collins, who previously said he was likely to run again, said he has reconsidered because of his busy law practice and because of family.

“It is with a tinge of sadness that I report that I will not be running for re-election to the District 3 City Council seat,” Collins wrote in an email to constituents, sent on Aug. 18.  “Although I have long-assumed that I would run again, I have recently determined, after much consideration, that my focus for the next few years needs to be on my four school-age kids and my busy law practice at Burr & Forman.”

That makes Collins the second incumbent on the City Council to decide against running again. City Councilwoman Karen Meinzen McEnerny has decided not to run for her District 6 City Council seat.

Mayor Eva Galambos is stepping down as well.

Here is the full statement from Collins:

Friends:

It is with a tinge of sadness that I report that I will not be running for re-election to the District 3 City Council seat.  Although I have long-assumed that I would run again, I have recently determined, after much consideration, that my focus for the next few years needs to be on my four school-age kids and my busy law practice at Burr & Forman.

While the timing of this decision is closer to the election than I would I have preferred,  I looked at my emails and saw that this is around the same time frame in which I was approached about running four years ago. Accordingly, there is plenty of time for qualified candidates to emerge, and given the talented and involved citizens residing in District 3, I am confident there will be no shortage.

Qualifying for the election runs from August 26-30, and the details for doing so can be found on the city website.

It has been a privilege to serve District 3 for the last four years, and I am proud of the things we’ve accomplished and the direction in which the City is headed.  I intend to continue my involvement in the City in other capacities and may consider a return to public service in the future if an opportunity arises.

I will continue to work hard for you over the remainder of the year and will certainly continue my weekly updates (although with no re-election campaign to worry about, I might remove the PC filter on my comments!).

Sincerely,

Chip Collins

Sandy Springs City Council