Latest news with #RobbPitts
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fulton County Commissioners Barrett, Arrington bids to unseat Chairman Robb Pitts
The Brief District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. are challenging longtime Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, citing the need for new leadership in Fulton County. Barrett criticizes Pitts for being disconnected from residents' needs and failing to protect Fulton County's elections, highlighting his controversial nomination of Republican Lee Morris to chair the Board of Elections. Both Barrett and Arrington emphasize the need for progressive leadership, with Barrett specifically pointing to the unsustainable condition of the aging Fulton County Jail as a key issue. ATLANTA - Two Fulton County commissioners have announced plans to challenge longtime Commission Chairman Robb Pitts, saying the county needs new leadership in the face of mounting challenges. What we know District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. both confirmed they will run for chairman, setting the stage for a high-profile race ahead of the 2026 election. Barrett, a first-term Democrat, criticized Pitts as being disconnected from the needs of residents. "The chairman has been in office since 1977 and he is just really just out of touch with what the citizens of Fulton County need during these modern and challenging times we are living through," Barrett said. She accused Pitts of failing to defend Fulton County's elections during a period of increasing scrutiny and political tension. "Our elections are under attack at the county level, all across the country — in particular in Fulton County," Barrett said. "He has not only not done enough to protect our elections, but he's actually put our elections in jeopardy." Barrett pointed to Pitts' nomination of Republican Lee Morris to chair the county's Board of Elections as an example. Morris later withdrew his name after criticism. Barrett also took aim at Pitts' stance on the aging Fulton County Jail on Rice Street, which she described as unsustainable. "There were six of seven — everybody but the chairman — who said we needed a new jail. Until the political winds shifted," she said. "Whether we need a jail that was originally being talked about at the $1.68 billion or we can do a smaller, newer facility, the building at Rice Street is not sustainable." Arrington, a veteran commissioner known for his outspoken style, has also launched a campaign website and held early fundraisers. Like Barrett, he argues the county needs more progressive leadership. While some observers have questioned why both Barrett and Arrington are entering the race, Barrett said their shared goal is unseating Pitts. "I said I was running before knowing that he was," Barrett said. "He and I have talked about it, and we both have decided we are running because the chairman is not the right leader for Fulton County." The other side Pitts has not yet commented publicly on his challengers. The Source FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor spoke with Fulton County District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett and District 5 Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. as well as staff for Fulton County Chairman Rob Pitts.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fulton County chairman says he was 'disinvited' from White House meeting
The Brief Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts says he was disinvited from a White House meeting after already traveling to Washington, D.C., costing taxpayers nearly $2,000. Pitts questioned why he was disinvited while other Fulton County commissioners remained on the guest list; the White House cited seating capacity limits. Both Pitts and Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell, who was also disinvited, are Democrats, raising questions about whether politics played a role. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A scheduled White House meeting for local leaders has turned into controversy after Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said he was unexpectedly disinvited — a claim the White House disputes. What they're saying Pitts was already in Washington, D.C., ahead of Tuesday's meeting when he said he received an email on Sunday notifying him that he was no longer invited. The email, according to Pitts, read: "We regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer able to welcome you to the White House. We appreciate your understanding." Pitts' travel expenses — just under $2,000 for airfare and hotel, according to the county — were already incurred by taxpayers before the cancellation. He had planned to meet with officials including the head of the Small Business Administration and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler. Pitts said his top priority was to advocate for Fulton County's grants and ensure they are not cut. Fulton County, Georgia's most populous county, was still represented at the White House event by other commissioners from both political parties. However, Pitts questioned why he, as chairman, was disinvited while his colleagues remained on the guest list. What we know An email provided by the county showed that after Pitts submitted his RSVP on Sunday, the White House opened additional invitations to other political leaders. Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell also received a notice that she could no longer attend. Harrell, however, had not yet traveled to Washington, meaning no expenses were incurred for Henry County. The White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office initially did not provide an explanation, but later a White House official stated the disinvitations were due to seating capacity being maxed out. When asked if he thought it was a mistake or political, Pitts said he thinks it is political. Both Pitts and Harrell are Democrats. There have been unconfirmed reports that other counties were affected by similar disinvitations, but no further details have been verified.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International travel policy raised again as South Fulton approves Nigeria visit
The Brief The city of South Fulton has approved an international trip by a council member, following the mayor getting lots of criticism after several international trips. The council approved by a vote of 5-2, a trip to Nigeria for Council woman Natasha Williams Brown. One council member who is running for Mayor, Carmalithia Gumbs says she voted NO because the trip did not follow the new international travel policy and does not provide a benefit for the City of South Fulton. SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The issue of international travel is back in the headlines in the city of South Fulton. What we know The council approved a trip to Nigeria this week for one of the council members under its new international travel policy. That policy was put in place after the current mayor spent $26,000 in travel to Paris, Ghana Rwanda and Columbia over the last two years. Williams Brown proposed she participate in an week-long international trip to Nigeria in August. The invitation came from Fulton County chairman Robb Pitts and will likely cost South Fulton taxpayers an estimated $5. The trip passed by a vote of 5-2, so council member Williams Brown will be packing her bags soon. As part of the new international travel policy, Councilwoman Williams Brown will be require to submit a detailed written report that includes the trips benefits for the city of South Fulton. What they're saying "We are looking to continue the work that has begun. There is an existing MOU with Nigeria, and we are continuing to pursue these types of activities to bring not just the city of softball into the world, but between the world to the city of South Fulton," South Fulton City Council woman Natasha Williams Brown explained. "The airfare is looking to be about $3,000, if I am able to book this in the morning," the district 6 council woman said during Tuesday night's meeting. Council man Jaceey Sebastian said as the only foreign-born elected official on the council, he believes in reaching out to the rest of the world. "So, I do believe that we have tons of room for exposure of our city, internationally and to grow our business base internationally," the district 4 council man said. The other side But two council members objected. Helen Willis and Carmelita Gumbs. Gumbs, who is running for mayor, held a news conference blasting the decision, which comes on the heels of the current mayor spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on a long list of trips to Paris, Ghana, Columbia, Toronto and Rwanda. "I could not, in good conscience affirm or approve vote to have Council Member Williams Brown travel abroad because that places a big burden on taxpayers, Gumbs complained. What's next Council woman Williams Brown will go on the trip hosted by Fulton County Commissioner Chairman Rob Pitts. The trip will likely cost South Fulton County Taxpayers $5,000, once airfare and per diem are added. The Source This is original reporting by FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New dawn rises on Fulton County government as it commits to solar power
It's the dawn of a new day in Fulton County, and county leaders would like to spread a little sunshine. 'Got my sunglasses here. We're all very excited, despite the weather outside. This is the future,' County Chairman Robb Pitts told Channel 2's Berndt Petersen. On Thursday Fulton County officially went solar, beginning with the Evelyn G. Lowery Library. On Friday, county officials said they'll unveil several more. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Woman charged with neglect after elderly man found dead in Cobb home Marietta hotel fined women hundreds for smoking, but they say other activities tripped sensors Warrant: R&B singer Jaheim had animal control called on him 3 times before Atlanta arrest 'The solar program is not just ambitious, it's forward looking in it's design,' Cherry Street Energy's Michael Chanin said. Fulton has teamed up with the company to retrofit county buildings with solar panels. 'They represent a commitment to 46 county facilities. I'm going to make you clap for that! That is phenomenal,' Fulton Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman said. Administrators say solar power will save local taxpayers nearly $2.5 million dollars over the next two decades, and officials say this is just the beginning of a program designed to deliver sustainability and energy savings. 'And also professional, high paying quality jobs for people in the communities. that's why I say, it's a win, win, win,' Pitts said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Millions spent on Fulton County Diversion Center, but it's barely used
The Fulton County Center for Diversion & Services was built with the goal of bringing people who only committed a minor offense there to get help, instead of hauling them to jail. But after costing taxpayers $5 million, Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts feels the center isn't getting enough use. 'It's a beautiful facility,' Pitts told Channel 2's Sophia Choi. Pitts voted to use taxpayer money for the diversion center, which opened in January. 'Simple reason, because it will (alleviate) some of the pressure on Rice Street,' Pitts said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He said the diversion center can help people with minor offenses avoid a permanent record. But after touring the facility, Pitts is disappointed by the lack of use. '(I'm) seeing only two or three people per day. And that's not going to get it,' Pitts said. Both Fulton County and Atlanta contributed $2.5 million to build the center with 20 beds, most of which stay empty, and they're still spending tax dollars on it. Grady Memorial Hospital runs it, but any police department within the county limits can use it. 'So it's the 15 police departments that's within Fulton County, the cities. Plus MARTA, plus Georgia State, and others around there,' Pitts said. Atlanta police say they've taken plenty of people to the center since it opened. The problem is, they can't make people stay. TRENDING STORIES: Fight outside McDonald's in DeKalb County ends in shootout, police say We now have 4 candidates running to be Georgia's next governor Man found dead on top of tank at Cartersville manufacturing plant Pitts hopes to convince officers to start using the diversion program on a regular basis. He plans to meet with police chiefs next week. 'We're going to have to get the officers, and more importantly, the chiefs, to say to their people, we have to take advantage of this. Otherwise, I mean, it's a waste of time and money if we're not utilizing it,' Pitts said. Pitts said he's looking at some options when it comes to the building. He said the county and city will likely give the program some more time before considering closing it. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
