Former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin on Thursday threw her support behind Atlanta Board of Education Chairman Courtney English in his bid to get on the Atlanta City Council.
Franklin, who has been mum on any favorite candidates she might have in the mayoral race, said English’s leadership at Atlanta Public Schools is sorely needed on the City Council. She praised English’s willingness to make tough, unpopular decisions and said he is a man of vision.
“He has the ability to see beyond the here and now,” Franklin said. “He has the ability to understand that Atlanta can be better.”
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English is battling Atlanta City Council incumbent Michael Julian Bond for the At Large Council seat Bond has held since 2009.
A candidate forum in which the two met earlier this month became heated when Bond appeared to get aggressive with English as the two sat next to each. Bond was later asked to move several seats away after the incident.
English said Bond, son of civil rights icon Julian Bond, became angry as they locked horns over the ongoing controversy concerning APS property deeds the city is holding onto. Bond denied the claim.
“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for placing your trust in me, ” English said to Franklin. “I know how much you love this city. Your support means so very much.”
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