I write to respond to an article entitled “General Assembly Passes Annexation Bill” contained in the Monday, April 30, 2007 issue of TheCitizen.com. In the article George Nicholson was quoted stating "The new annexation completion date of April 2, 2007 was openly stated as being what (Atlanta Mayor) Shirley Franklin wanted or she would file a suit to stop the citizens from voting." This alleged quote is completely false. I never made any such statement at any time. I met with the leadership of the South Fulton Concerned Citizens ("SFCC") at the request of Mr. Holmond Edmond as I have on multiple occasions throughout this process. Significantly, Mr. Benny Crane, the President of SFCC released a statement on Monday, April 30, 2007 stating the following:

"I do not recall any legislator expressing Mayor Shirley Franklin would file suit to stop the citizens from voting." State Representative Roger Bruce has also stated that these comments were never made by me.

It is important to note that I worked with the leadership of SFCC during the 2006 Legislative session when I authored and passed SB 552 for the proposed City of South Fulton and SB 553 for the proposed City of Chattahoochee Hills. During the same session, I co-authored and passed SB 399 which cured many of the earlier problems caused by Senator David Schafer's amendment to the bill creating Sandy Springs in 2005. In the State Senate, I worked to pass HB 306, authored by Representative Virgil Flood, which cured a technical defect in SB 552 and established accurate boundaries for the City of South Fulton so that a vote could take place on June 19, 2007. Working with Senator Horcena Tate, I also co-authored and passed SB 301 which allows a referendum on whether the revenue generated by the Fulton Industrial District can be used by the new municipality in the event voters decide to create the City of South Fulton.

I have worked on these issues because I have a deep obligation to protect the interests of our community; what I will not do, however, is to create legislation on one hand and then choose sides among my constituents whether they are for or against a new city. This approach is not a criticism of any of my colleagues who are elected officials who may make a different decision. It is simply the path I have chosen in order to work through tough issues which may arise as we move forward in an even handed manner. While I know that I have not been perfect, I have never stopped trying to do better.

This has been a very challenging time for our community. After a great deal of hard work and vigorous debate we now have an opportunity for an up-or-down vote on the City of South Fulton and the City of Chattahoochee Hills. I believe it is now time to focus on the merits of which form of government is best for our needs rather than continuing to engage in mean-spirited discussions which separate our community and benefit no one. We are better than that.

Sincerely,

Kasim Reed

Georgia State Senator

District 35

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