Athens for Everyone does not normally endorse candidates in districts outside Athens-Clarke County, but the A4E Board of Directors understand that when Fort’s progressive vision becomes reality, it will shine to all corners of the state. “Vincent Fort has a vision to create an Atlanta for Everyone that is inspiring Georgians from Savannah to Rome to push for policies that put people first,” said A4E Organization Coordinator Tim Denson. “He will truly be the People’s Mayor.”

Athens for Everyone has had the privilege of working with Senator Fort many times as he fought at the State Capitol on issues such as Medicaid expansion, criminal justice reform, and foreclosure reform, sometimes even putting his own freedom on the line. He even traveled to Athens to testify on the behalf of A4E member Adam Veale when UGA tried to punish Veale for engaging in civil disobedience during a Medicaid expansion action. Fort’s act of solidarity helped to successfully clear Veale of student misconduct charges.

[youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT4TJWTS_jM&w=500&h=300]

The election of Vincent Fort in Atlanta will add to the progressive momentum that is building in Georgia. The people of Atlanta and all over Georgia yearn for justice, equality and freedom. It will take the hard work of many, but it cannot long be denied. A4E encourages its membership, and all Georgia progressives, to support Vincent Fort’s campaign to be the next Mayor of Atlanta.

Athens for Everyone
July 24, 2017

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Donate to his campaign

Check out our recap video here: https://athensforeveryone.com/2017-annual-meeting-video/

The 2017 Athens for Everyone Platform is as follows:

• Continue the Athens Sexual Assault Prevention (ASAP) Campaign
• Expand Athens Transit Bus Routes
• $15 Minimum Wage and Living Wages for ACC Workers
• Athens Civil Rights Committee and Non-Discrimination Legislation
• Guaranteed Affordable Child Care and Universal Pre-K
• Repeal the Single-Family Ordinance and Start an Affordable Housing Campaign
• Independent Redistricting Committee
• Fare-Free Bus Service Every Day
• Establish a Network of Complete Streets and Support the T-SPLOST Referendum
• Decriminalize Marijuana in Athens
• Fee on Single-Use Plastic Bags

The Athens Elected Official of the Year Award went to ACC District 3 Commissioner Melissa Link for her consistent work on behalf of transparency and progressive policy. The Athens for Everyone Member of the Year Award went to Operations Coordinator Chris Dowd, who performs myriad indispensable tasks. The Laura Conroy Community Spirit Award, in honor of the late A4E member and Canopy Studio Instructor, went to Immigrant Rights Activist and 2015-16 A4E Board Member Beto Mendoza, who shares Laura’s commitment to ending all deportations.

A4E Board Member Adam Lassila gave an overview of ACC’s ten Commission Districts and their Commissioners, looking forward at the May 2018 local elections. The crowd cheered loudly for Melissa Link and Kelly Girtz, while booing Sharyn Dickerson, Diane Bell, Andy Herod, and Mike Hamby. Lassila also pointed out Regina Quick’s State House seat as the best chance for progressives to gain a Republican seat in the November 2018 election. State Senator and Atlanta mayoral candidate Vincent Fort was unable to attend due to last-minute changes to the legislative calendar, but sent in a video of support praising A4E’s efforts and committing to fighting for an Atlanta that works for everyone, as well.

Thank you so much to Wade Sheldon and Maureen Sheeran for their photography expertise! You can see their work at Wade Sheldon Photography.