There are five months left until the qualification deadline, but three Atlantans so far have let it be known they’re looking to lead Atlanta City Council.
Former Woodruff Arts Center CEO Doug Shipman has just filed paperwork to accept campaign contributions to run for president of Atlanta City Council.
Former Atlanta Board of Education Chair Courtney English is already in the race. First a teacher, he spent eight years on the APS board from election in 2009.
So is District 5 City Councilmember Natalyn Archibong, a lawyer first elected to represent an eastside district on Council in 2001.
An Atlanta City Council president has several official jobs: appointing committee chairs, subject to Council’s rejection; voting in case of a tie on Council; presiding at meetings; standing in for the mayor should the chief executive be unable to do their duties.
But unofficially, folks can use the office differently. Maybe promote a priority policy. Or represent Atlanta in state or national organizations. Or act as a consensus-builder within City Hall.
The office is coming vacant as current Council President Felicia Moore is running for mayor this year, challenging incumbent Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
All city offices are up for election this year: City Council, Board of Education and municipal judges. Election Day is Nov. 2.
Footnote: Shipman was previously on the board of Atlanta Civic Circle, a nonprofit sister site of SaportaReport.com. Upon becoming a candidate, he resigned from the board.
Documents:
Atlanta candidates’ paperwork and campaign contribution disclosures
Natalyn has been my city councilcritter for 20 years and I have been pleased with her service. Don’t know the other folks, but will enjoy learning about them.