It is a time of change in south Fulton, a political change that is. The turning of the calendar to the new year means it is a time to say goodbye to some holding elected office and hello to several newcomers.

Perhaps the biggest change in the south Fulton political landscape is centered in Palmetto, where long-time Mayor Clark Boddie will say farewell Jan. 7 with the swearing-in of Mayor elect and former Councilman John Miller.

The only one of three incumbents on the Palmetto City Council to run, Leon Sumlin will also be sworn-in along with newly elected council members Lorraine Allen and Natalie Beavers-McFadden. Councilwoman Joyce Baker and Councilman Thomas Morrow will also say farewell Jan. 7, as both decided not to run for re-election.

Up U.S. Highway 29 in Fairburn, incumbent council members Marian Johnson and Ron Alderman will prepare for another four-year term, joined by recently elected Councilwoman Elizabeth Hurst. Longtime Councilwoman Frankie Arnold said farewell to a standing ovation at Fairburn’s Dec. 10 council meeting.

Next door in Union City, new council members Brian Jones and Vince Williams are set to take office in January. Outgoing council members Alisa King and Helen Turner thanked well-wishers at the Dec. 18 council meeting and at a reception afterward.

And in the far west portion of south Fulton, the new city of Chattahoochee Hill Country is on the fast track to losing its “newness.” The city council, composed of Mayor Don Hayes, David Hanson, Rodney Peek, Faye Godwin, Carl Hattaway and John Taylor, have already begun holding public meetings.

login to post comments