To: The Mayor and City Council of Fairburn, GA

We, the undersigned citizens of Fairburn, GA, are deeply concerned about the recent issues and controversies surrounding our city government. In light of these concerns, we demand that the city strictly adhere to the provisions of the City Charter, specifically regarding the establishment and appointment of a Board of Ethics as outlined in Section Sec. 2-35. (i)-  of the Charter and be transparent in informing the citizens of the establishment of a new board of ethics through public meetings and townhalls. 

Code of Ethics and Board of Ethics
Concerns:

 1. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Recent events have highlighted a significant lack of transparency and accountability within the city government. This undermines public trust and confidence in our elected officials. Additionally, the city of Fairburn has settled several lawsuits, including one involving a police officer mistreating a citizen, which has caused liability insurance to increase. Furthermore, there is a lack of sustainable infrastructure that needs to be addressed.
 2. Failure to Appoint a Board of Ethics: According to the City Charter, a Board of Ethics must be composed of seven residents who meet specific qualifications. These appointments should be made within 60 days of the taking of office by the Mayor and Council members. However, this requirement has not been fulfilled.
 3. Need for Ethical Oversight: The absence of a functioning Board of Ethics leaves the city without a crucial mechanism for addressing ethical complaints and ensuring that city officials adhere to high standards of conduct.

Demands:

 1. Immediate Appointment of the Board of Ethics: We demand that the Mayor and each Council member appoint one qualified citizen to serve on the Board of Ethics within 30 days. These appointments must be recorded in the minutes of the governing authority and maintained by the City Clerk.
 2. Adherence to Charter Provisions: The city must follow all provisions outlined in the City Charter regarding the Board of Ethics, including the duties, powers, and procedures for handling complaints.
 3. Transparency in Proceedings: All meetings of the Board of Ethics should be open to the public, and the city must ensure that proper notice is given to all parties involved in any ethical complaints.

Conclusion:
We believe that the establishment of a Board of Ethics is essential for maintaining the integrity of our city government. By adhering to the City Charter and appointing a Board of Ethics, the city can restore public trust and ensure that all officials are held to the highest ethical standards.

We, the undersigned, urge the Mayor and City Council to take immediate action to address these concerns and fulfill their obligations under the City Charter.