InTucker Magazine

From the Mayor

People I talk to around town sometimes wonder who the real decision makers are in the City of Tucker. Is it the Mayor? The Mayor in consultation with members of the City Council? Is it our staff subject matter experts who provide professional guidance to us? Maybe it is our City Manager or department heads? Or is it the appointed members of our various boards and commissions? The truth is, all these have input into our decision-making, through very prescribed processes that include input from the public. In the end, all policy decisions are finalized by a vote of the Mayor and City Council, working with the benefit of all that input. In that sense your elected officials are the decision-makers for Tucker. But in a real sense, that’s not where the power to decide begins or ends.

All of what we decide is not only book-ended by the will of the voters, but they (you) are part of the process throughout. Not only do you vote your elected officials in or out of office, but you have opportunity at every turn to influence our decision-making. No, we don’t take a poll on every issue, or decide them based on how many people turn out to a meeting or sign a petition – there’s a constant tension of whether the law, the data, our finances, and what’s best for the city as a whole, align with the preferences of the loudest voices we hear from. But it all goes into the mix.

This is an election year in Tucker, which is your greatest opportunity to influence decision-making. Not only will a relative handful of voters decide who serves in these roles next, but those voters’ choices will be limited to the very few willing to put their name on the ballot and endure the slings and arrows of not only running for office, but also then serving you.

Tucker’s City Charter limits council members to two four-year terms and the mayor to three four-year terms, which means we regularly must replace the Mayor and/or members of council. Just last month the current Council and I approved the qualifying fees for those who want seek office later this year. The deadline to decide will be in August but those who are thinking about it should consider going ahead and filing a Declaration of Intent form now, so they can legally start raising and spending money for their campaigns. That information can be found on our website at tuckerga.gov/elections.

If you are at all considering running for office, I urge you to learn how our government works. Contact your current or former elected officials to get a real idea of what’s involved and why it’s so important we have quality candidates. Also, the City hosts an in-depth course that covers the functions and operations of most departments and operations called University of Government Affairs Tucker. It runs from September through March, meets monthly, and you are welcome to attend any or all of their sessions. See our city calendar at tuckerga.gov/calendar Another option is to volunteer for an appointed position on one of our boards or commissions. You can find the form to express interest in serving on tuckerga.gov/boards-and-commissions.

Most importantly, as Tucker voters, I implore you stay involved, and make yourselves knowledgeable about how elected officials affect quality of life in our community. Attend our council meetings or watch them online, read our magazine, explore our website, and ask us questions. Each of the council members are listed on the website and we all welcome your feedback.