Fulton Commissioners Deflecting from the Scandal & From Reform

If you missed Richard Belcher's news story on Channel 2 yesterday evening - linked below - it gives you a nasty flavor of the pushback when crony special interests are threatened.

A majority of Commissioners from both North & South Fulton are in the tank for DAFC developer tax breaks that erode Atlanta's tax base.  N Fulton officials nix DAFC breaks in their cities, though!  It's understandable that some S Fulton officials are open to incentives in their cities. They don't see much development and especially want to attract employers in warehouse & light manufacturing, so are willing to concede some tax. Breaks in hot Atlanta markets don't do anything for anyone's constituents, but I guess overcoming that fact is what lobbyists and campaign contributions do.

The Commission meeting changed nothing. Robb Pitts could still appoint a true reformer to protect residents' interests who would tip the balance. We'll send him the petition (and a parallel one organized by our friends at Housing Justice League)  calling for this early next week.  So if there are friends who still haven't signed, please get them to do so over the weekend.

Also feel free to send Chairman Pitts an email to let him know your thoughts.  I recommend sticking to requesting the DAFC board appointment that is in his power.  He couldn't change much of anything else with the best will in the world. robb.pitts@fultoncountyga.gov

Last but not least, you might want to thank Lee Morris for all his efforts on this.  He's consistently pressed for DAFC reform over the years and as you can see from the clip, that's not popular. Lee.Morris@fultoncountyga.gov