Since her first 100 days in office Mayor Franklin has been an advocate and leader for ethics reform. In 2002, the City of Atlanta passed the most stringent ethics laws in the state. The recent City Council proposed amendments to the ethics code contradicts the Mayor’s policy to build a more open, honest and transparent government that is accountable to the people.
Mayor Shirley Franklin said, “Ethics is a big deal…..it is the only deal. No one had to ask me to veto this legislation; it is counterproductive to everything I stand for. We can not accomplish anything, not economic development, not clean water or better sewers if we lose the public trust. In order for the city to move forward we have to have the public trust. The only amendments to the ethics code that I would consider are those recommended by the Ethics Board.”
NOTE: Veto letter is attached.