By Paul Bolster
With the filing deadline fast approaching, it appears the Fulton District 4 County Commission seat will be a contested seat. Current County Commissioner Natalie Hall will have opposition in the upcoming Democratic Primary on May 21. At our deadline for this issue, two candidates, both from Grant Park, have announced.
Commissioner Hall was elected to a four year term in 2020. The Porch Press was not able to reach Commissioner Hall by press deadline for a short interview after a number of attempts. Her web sites says she “maintains a strong conviction that government should work for the people. Thus she has committed her voice to ensure that all people have a fair and equal representation.”
Mo Ivory is a lawyer who has taught at Georgia State Law School for the past six years. She ran for a seat on the Atlanta City Council six years ago and was narrowly defeated by incumbent council woman Carla Smith. What would she expect to accomplish in the County Commission? First she would need a full assessment of the status of county government. “A candidate doesn’t get to read all the documents and the detailed budgets that direct the county government and so the first step is to do a careful review. Everybody knows the broad issues that need attention are: taxes, homelessness, mental health, public safety, and the jail. Review first and then set an action plan that will meet the needs of the neighborhoods in the district.”
Sonya Russell Ofchus has had a 25-year career as a law enforcement officer; first with the federal government and then with the Atlanta Police Department. Four years ago she ran against Fulton Commission Chair Rob Pitts, and three year ago she challenged At large City Councilman Matt Westmoreland. She grew up in Peoplestown, went to King Middle School and Carver High School. She coached the girls from Carver on a AAU basketball team. When asked what she hoped to accomplish she highlighted ethics issues. “I will bring trust in county government back to the community. I will make sure our tax dollars are going for what they are intended and not bad behavior.” She would attack the issue of youth crime.
