Larry B. Carter II is running for City Council District 4.
Candidate website: www.larrycartermovingforward.com
Q: What is your current job (include the name of your employer) and list any significant memberships in public service organizations?
A: Partnership Manger US Census Bureau
Q: What is the biggest issue facing your constituents and why are you the best candidate to address it?
A: Affordable Housing is one of the biggest issues in District 4. Home prices and taxes have been on the rise over the last 6 years, affecting the cost of rent throughout the district. I am the best candidate to address it because I am plugged into the issue. I am talking to subject matter experts about real world solutions to the housing crisis. Being able to listen and apply new ideas a strength of mine.
Q: How do you define “affordability” in housing and what is a specific tactic you would use to improve it?
A: I define affordable housing as housing that is less than 30% of your income. I believe there have to be layered approaches. 1. Stabilize taxes for home owners 2. Use public land to build more density with mixed use and income around transit. 3. Create a homestead for landlords renting below market rates to people at 30% to 80% AMI. These three items will keep people from being displace and create more affordable housing options throughout the city.
Q: City Hall has been dogged by an apparently ongoing federal investigation involving accusations of corruption in the previous mayoral administration. How would you help restore public trust on matters of staff spending and contract procurement?
A: There is a lack of trust to turn that around it is going to require more transparency and streamlining our processes. Citizens should be able to see and follow our city’s spending and the contract procurement process. We have to remove hurdles that prevent new business from having access. We can not just engage with the same players and wonder why people have questions.
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Q: In 2020, Atlanta and the nation experienced two historic events: the COVID-19 pandemic and protests about racial justice and police brutality. What is a public-policy lesson you learned from those events?
A: One major take away I learned is if you stay ready you do not have to get ready. The City of Atlanta came to a halt because our processes and procedures were outdated. Atlanta is no longer a small southern city, we have to operate like the world class city we are. Technology and training are pivotal areas of growth opportunity. No more business as usual, thinking forward on new leadership and new strategies is necessary.
Q: The debate about the location of a public safety training center is an example of longstanding tension over whether Atlanta’s urban planning should be more top-down from corporations and private groups or more bottom-up from communities and neighborhoods. What is your approach to planning processes and is there a specific change you would make?
A: I believe that we must put the people first. It has to be a bottom-up approach. We have to have inclusive development. Communities should be at the table in the beginning, middle, to the end. People who live the issues everyday are the subject matter experts, they know what their communities want and need to thrive.
Q: Do you support the Atlanta public safety training center’s location on Key Road in DeKalb County? Why or why not?
A: No I do not. It is clear that the community does not want it there as well as it is not the best use for the space. We have to be flexible enough to shift and change plans based on the will of the people.
Q: Who is the main expert you turn to for information on understanding and addressing crime and what is an important fact you have learned from them?
A: Winfield Ward Murray is who I turn to for addressing the crime and the criminal justice system. He has worked in the Mayors office , a professor at Morehouse College, and help start the community court system. I also talk to the PAD program understand the mental health needs is important in addressing the root issues of crime and not just being reactive. I have spoken with police officers as well to get their perspectives. Having a well rounded view is key to addressing crime in Atlanta.
Q: What are some areas of opportunity for the mayor’s office to work in partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools superintendent and board?
A: I believe we must work together with Atlanta Public Schools to secure the best and brightest minds to educate the future of Atlanta. I believe working together to use APS own land to develop affordable housing to offer to teachers and school staff is key. Building bridges to partnership to create a cradle to career pipeline. Helping APS support students outside of the classroom with real world learning experiences. We can have a world class education system serving a world class city.
Q: Anything else that you want to share for voters who may be undecided?
A: This campaign is about you, your families and the future of Atlanta. We have to turn the corner together to prepare for the future today. We want to maintain the culture while welcoming new neighbors. Look at other cities that did not move forward strategically as tech companies move in. We can not do this alone. We must move forward together, that is why I am running and asking for your support on November 2nd.
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