Josette Bailey

As a retired administrator with several years as a public servant, I have gained skills and experience partnering with families, businesses, and communities that I believe can help strengthen our East Point community. I was responsible for balancing million-dollar budgets in accordance with rules and regulations from different funding sources. I was always fiscally responsible when spending taxpayers' dollars. Since I am retired and the owner of a small business, my schedule is flexible; I am accessible and able to focus on the work of the city council. I also understand the role from the business aspect since I own a small business. While I have several years of meaningful work experience, my educational training is also an asset since I have a Ph.D. in leadership. I have met several residents and enjoy serving people. 

I have participated in outreach and volunteerism in the East Point Community for over 30 years through my church since it is located in East Point. I also have attended several city council meetings in person and virtually. I also have attended association meetings in my neighborhood, as well as, meetings held in other neighborhoods located in Ward B. I have participated in beautification projects and programs located in East Point to combat food insecurities. I have built relationships with several residents throughout East Point. 

Imagine waking up every single day knowing that you have the choice to change the world. And What if your neighbor who is your best friend...feels that exact same way.

As a 1990 Graduate of Spelman, our motto was a choice to change the world. I am choosing, by running for City Council, to embark upon my journey of changing the world. I will do this with my neighbors and best friends from East Point.

East Point is the jewel of South Fulton; it is located 5 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown. Our location makes it an attractive place to learn, live, work, and play.

I believe in transparency and that everyone belongs. It’s important for all voices to be heard to move East Point forward. As the next City Council Member of Ward B (should I be elected), I would ensure that East Point is moving forward while considering the needs of all East Point residents.

• Reduce Crime by examining crime data and determining root causes and adding more cameras around the city, have a structure that includes building relationships with police officers in our zone.

• Improve Permit Process by shortening the time frame and making it a more user-friendly process.

• Create programs for our senior citizens and others who are on fixed incomes.

• Protect the value of our homes by addressing the negative impact of industrialization and blighted properties.

• Attract businesses and non-profits organizations who will promote growth and redevelopment.

I would like to attract businesses and build partnerships through healthy redevelopment and smart growth which will bring in more revenue. I support a combination of raising the homestead exemption for everyone and possibly lowering the age for senior citizens who are eligible to receive support for the rising cost of taxes because of anticipated growth. I would like to create structured and intentional ways to engage everyone so that everyone feels as though they are included, and thus, willing to engage in moving East Point forward. 

I would like to create structured ways to engage all in moving East Point forward by starting at the neighborhood levels and engaging the Presidents of the Associations who will engage members of their neighborhoods. We will develop a feedback communication cycle and ways to engage to hear the needs of residents. This will promote a more effective structure for addressing the needs of the residents through intentional engagement. 

All departments have room to improve. There should be an ongoing focus on improving and meeting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timebound) goals while maintaining a productive work, life, and balance. 

Creating a strategic plan for addressing Public Safety including training new officers, purchasing new equipment, and installing more cameras around the city. 

 Getting everyone engaged and trusting the council to be transparent and authentic.