Mr. Sugg, I have been open with you about my travel and more importantly the people of Atlanta who elected me. As you well know you requested and received travel documents under the Open Records law by requesting them from the Department of Finance without any interference from me or my staff. You are well aware that I have requested a ruling from the Ethics Officer and await her ruling and possibly the Board's opinion and recommendations for modifications to the City's current Ethics Code. Your recent accusations are typical of the biased, half truths Creative Loafing publishes these days. Too bad the Creative Loafing of the 1960's and 1970's has yielded to the sensationalism we as Americans witness every day in the media. Pick a real fight... By that I mean one based on principle and worth fighting like first class education for all Georgians, Americans and immigrants or reasonably priced and accessible healthcare for all Americans and all Georgia children or better yet a justice system that doesn't discriminate against people of color and poor people. Another choice might be a sensible and integrated transportation system funded by the state leveraged by a MARTA tax we've been paying for 30 plus years and a plan that promotes good paying jobs, mobility and clean air. As much as you might not appreciate or approve of my leadership, honesty and audacious independent style, there is nothing you can do about my success as mayor.
I follow the rules; I strengthen them when they are weak; I seek clarification when there is ambiguity; and I stand my ground when attacked. Back off, you are acting like a bully. The Ethics Officer recommended I request clarification; I did so three weeks ago and I await her answer. The free press affords you the right to your biased opinion and coverage but you do Creative Loafing and the media a disservice with your attacks.
Shirley Franklin
Mayor, City of Atlanta