May nixes run for Congress
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May said Monday that the county is facing a much larger shortfall in the 2010 budget than first anticipated.
“We are looking at a possible $80 million revenue deficit,” he said. “It takes dedication and careful evaluation on behalf of the Board of Commissioners to address the needs of the county, provide services to more than 700,000 residents, and keep people gainfully employed.”
When he presented his proposed budget to the Board of Commissioners, CEO Burrell Ellis said the shortfall was $50 million.
May said internal reviews conducted by the board have exposed an even greater shortfall.
While he is still interested in serving in Congress, May said he is going to finish the two years left on his commission term rather than run against Hank Johnson, who is completing his second term representing the district.
May, 34, was elected in a special election in July 2006 to fill the District 5 seat vacated by Johnson when he resigned to run for Congress. He won a full term in 2008.
May expressed interest in August in running for the seat.
Since then, former CEO Vernon Jones and District 7 Commissioner Connie Stokes have announced that they will challenge Johnson.
May now says after months of much prayer and consideration, he decided not to run in this election.
“I need to stay and finish what I was elected to do,” he said. “DeKalb County is in a critical place as it relates to our 2010 budget, services, public safety, economic development and more. I have decided that while I do have future aspirations in public service, I must remain a steadfast voice for my constituents.”
May said he spoke with Johnson about his decision and sincerely wished him well.
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The political posturing of the 5th District Commissioner regarding the dedication and evaluation needed to address the needs of the County is in my opinion very naïve politically for one who currently serves as a representative of the citizens of Dekalb. It has been no secret Dekalb has had financial challenges for some time and the current Board and CEO have been part of the challenges facing the County. It appears this Commissioner and perhaps the entire Board and CEO think the best was to address the financial challenges of the County by raising taxes of a struggling under and unemployed citizens of the County.
I sincerely question the 5th District Commissioners assertion of “after months of much prayer and consideration, he decided not to run this time.” My question to the 5th District Commissioner is, if there was much prayer and consideration prior to announcing your intent to seek the 4th Congressional seat why back away now. I am sure the issuing facing the County existed prior to your announcement.
I would ask the Commissioner from the 5th District to inform the citizens of the District he represents and the County what his plans are to finish what he was elected to do. Yes, we are in a critical place as it relates to our 2010 budget, services, public safety, economic development and more.
Streets in our communities are crumbling, cost of water and sewage have increased, the calls to 911 are placed on hold, taxes are increasing, vacant properties both residential and commercial are constantly increasing, there is little or no economic development in the southern part of Dekalb County, and no public comments has been given to address the lost of tax revenue as a result Dunwoody becoming a city. Remember, their currently is a cost to the citizens of the Bonds due and the cities are exempt from paying for those Bonds.
5th District Commissioner should you remain steadfast and only offer your voice and no actions or solutions to address the issues and challenges facing this district and Dekalb County perhaps you should give much prayer and consideration to your political aspirations in public service and resign now and allow someone who is willing to address the issues we are facing and who is not interested in seeking higher public office.