>>> GOOD AFTERNOON.

GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE.

I'M LISA RAYAM, HOST AND SENIOR PRODUCER FOR MORNING EDITION ON WABE.

WELCOME TO THE PRESS CLUB LOUDERMILK YOUNG DEBATE.

THIS IS FOR CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

LET'S MEET THE CANDIDATES.

MADELEIN ARCHIBONG SERVED ON THE CITY COUNCIL SINCE 2011.

COURTNEY ENGLISH SERVED TWO TERMS AS CHAIR OF THE ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD AND IS CURRENTLY DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, RATHER, FOR AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND EDUCATION NONPROFIT.

SAM MANUEL IS A MEMBER OF SEVERAL UNIONS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STEEL WORKERS UNION AND THE UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION.

MIKE RUSSELL IS A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND SERVED IN THE U.S. ARMY FOR 28 YEARS.

AND DOUG SHIPMAN IS THE FORMER CEO OF THE WOODRUFF ART CENTER AND WAS FOUNDING CEO FOR THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS.

>>> WELCOME ALL OF YOU.

NOW LET'S MEET OUR PANELISTS.

RICKY CLAUS IS A PRODUCER WITH GEORGIA PUBLIC BROADCASTING.

AND JOHN RUCHE IS A JOURNALIST FOR SUPPORTIVE REPORT.

FOR COMPLETE RULES ON TODAY'S DEBATE, PLEASE VISIT THE ATLANTA PRESS CLUB WEBSITE, ATLANTA PRESS CLUB.ORG.

>>> NOW, TO START THE DEBATE, EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE ASKED ONE QUESTION BY ONE OF THE PANELISTS.

CANDIDATES HAVE 60 SECONDS TO ANSWER EACH QUESTION.

RICKY CLAUS, WE BEGIN WITH YOU.

YOU GET THE FIRST QUESTION TO NATALYN ARCHIBONG.

>> NATALYN, YOU HAVE SERVED AS THE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS.

HOW HAS THE WORK BEING PART OF THE CITY COUNCIL CHANGED OVER THOSE TWO DECADES, AND HOW HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A CIVIL SERVANT?

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT QUESTION.

IN 20 YEARS, A LOT HAS HAPPENED.

WHEN I INITIALLY TOOK OFFICE, WE WEREN'T AS FOCUSED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THE EMAIL EXCHANGES.

WE HAD ACTUALLY PEOPLE COMING DOWN TO MEET WITH US.

AND WRITING OLD-FASHIONED LETTERS.

BUT THE BEAUTY OF THAT WAS THAT WE WERE CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE.

NOW THAT WE HAVE MOVED FOR A PERIOD NOW WHERE THERE'S MORE SOCIAL MEDIA, WE'VE HAD THE COVID INTERRUPTION IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES, WE ARE MORE AND MORE RELIANT ON OUR INTERNET AND OUR ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH VOTERS IN UNIQUE WAYS, AND THAT HAS BEEN VERY EXCITING AND IT HAS RESULTED IN MORE ENGAGEMENT, WHICH HAS BEEN REALLY GOOD.

THE ISSUES HAVE CHANGED AS WELL.

GENTRIFICATION HAS BEEN AN ISSUE THAT HAS PLAGUED OUR CITY.

HAVING THAT AS AN ISSUE BECAME A CHALLENGE WE HAD TO ADDRESS AND WE HAVE WORKED INCREMENTALLY TO IMPROVE THAT TO MAKE SURE WE DON'T LOSE OUR LEGACY FAMILIES AS WE CONTINUE TO WELCOME OUR NEW AND OUR GROWTH.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE THERE.

JOHN RUCHE, PLEASE ASK YOUR QUESTION TO DOUG SHIPMAN.

>> DOUG, YOUR BIOGRAPHY MENTIONS THAT YOU GOT A MASTERS DEGREE IN THEOLOGY AT HARVARD.

WHAT WAS YOUR AREA OF FOCUS IN THOSE STUDIES AND HOW DOES THAT INFORM YOUR LEADERSHIP?

>> SO, I DID GET A MASTERS OF THEOLOGY, AND I STUDIED THE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND THE RELIGIOUS OVERLAP.

SO I STUDIED DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., I STUDIED MAHATMA GANDY, HOW FOLKS BRING RELIGION INTO SOCIAL MOVEMENT.

WHEN I CAME TO ATLANTA AND WAS HAND PICKED BY THEN MAYOR SHIRLEY FRANKLIN TO LEAD THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, ALL OF THAT THEOLOGY CAME IN HANDY.

IN ADDITION I'M A P.K., I'M A PEACHER'S KID.

SO THE COMBINATION OF THOSE TWO THINGS ALLOWED ME TO UNDERSTAND A LOT OF THE HISTORICAL FIGURES AND UNDERSTAND WHERE THEY HAD COME FROM, LIKE JOSEPH LOWERY, AND OTHERS, AND REALLY BRING THAT CENTER TO LIFE.

I THINK ALSO IT HAS GIVEN ME WAYS TO UNDERSTAND WHERE WE HAVE MORAL QUESTIONS.

A LOT OF TIMES LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT HOW WE THINK ABOUT THINGS IN A MORAL FRAMEWORK.

SO I'VE TRIED TO USE THAT DIVINITY EXPERIENCE IN MY OWN FAITH EXPERIENCE TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER, ESPECIALLY ALONG THE LINES OF RELIGION.

>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR ANSWER.

RICKY CLAUS, YOUR NEXT QUESTION IS FOR COURTNEY ENGLISH.

>> COURTNEY N YOUR LAUNCH VIDEO YOU SAY YOUR MOM INSTRUCTED YOU GROWING UP HERE IN ATLANTA TO LEAVE THINGS BETTER THAN YOU FOUND THEM.

IF YOU WERE ELECTED CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, HOW WOULD YOU LEAD ATLANTA BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT?

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE QUESTION, AND THANK YOU FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT ISSUES FACING THIS GREAT CITY.

LOOK, ATLANTA IS FACING A CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE AND A CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP RIGHT NOW.

HOUSING PRICES ARE ON THE RISE.

GAS AND CITY SERVICES ARE ON THE RISE, AND CRIME IS ON THE RISE.

AND SO WE RIGHT NOW IN THIS MOMENT, WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT ACTS AND MOVES WITH URGENCY TO ADDRESS THOSE THREE CRITICAL ISSUES.

CRIME WILL BE DOWN.

WE'RE GOING TO BUILD OR CREATE AN AFFORDABLE ATLANTA THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE.

AND WE'RE GOING TO ENSURE THAT OUR CITY GOVERNMENT IS TAKING CARE OF THE BASIC, LIKE PICKING UP TRASH, FILLING POTHOLES AND ENSURING THAT EVERYONE THROUGHOUT THIS CITY CAN LIVE A CHOICE-FILLED LIFE.

>> THANK YOU.

JOHN, IT'S YOUR TURN TO ASK A QUESTION OF MIKE RUSSELL.

>> MIKE, YOUR CAMPAIGN WEBSITE CRITICIZES DIVISIVE LEADERSHIP IN RACE RELATIONS AND SAYS BLACK MALES COMMIT VIOLENT CRIMES.

HOW WOULD YOU ADDRESS RACE RELATIONS AND WHAT IS YOUR INTERPRETATION OF YOUNG BLACK MALES INVOLVED IN THE CRIME?

>> THANK YOU FOR THE QUESTION AND I'M VERY GRATEFUL FOR HERE.

MOST OF THE VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME ARE BLACK.

AND MANY OF THE PERPETRATORS ARE ALSO BLACK.

AND IN MY EXPERIENCE AS A POLICE OFFICER, I'VE LEARNED THERE ARE THREE WAYS -- THREE CATEGORIES OF DEALING WITH CRIME.

YOU JUST DON'T LOCK EVERYBODY UP TO SOLVE THE CRIME PROBLEM.

THERE HAS TO BE PREVENTION.

AND THAT'S WHY I HAVE MY GOOD FRIEND IN THE AUDIENCE WITH ME TODAY, MARTIN FONTAINE IN THE POLICE DOCTOR, WHO WE ARE ALREADY WORKING TO TURN THIS AROUND.

I'M NOT WAITING TILL I GET IN OFFICE TO TURN IT AROUND.

I'M DOING SOMETHING NOW.

TO WORK WITH OUR YOUTH SO THAT THEY NEVER ENTER INTO THAT SYSTEM, BECAUSE WE ALL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR YOUTH HERE IN THIS CITY, AND I'M A PERSON OF ACTION, AND I'M ALREADY TAKING ACTION TO GET THIS SYSTEM TURNED AROUND FOR ALL OF US, STARTING WITH OUR CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU.

RICKY, YOU GET THE FINAL QUESTION IN THIS ROUND, AND IT'S FOR SAM MANUEL.

>> SAM, YOU ARE RUNNING AS A SOCIALIST WORKERS' PARTY CANDIDATE.

DESCRIBE THE PILLARS OF THAT PARTY AND HOW THAT WOULD INFORM YOUR POLICY IN LEADERSHIP IF YOU WERE ELECTED CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

>> THANK YOU FOR MENTIONING THAT.

I DON'T HAVE TO EXPLAIN THE I'M A SOCIALIST WORKERS' PARTY CANDIDATE.

OUR PARTY STARTS WITH THERE IS ONE ATLANTA.

THERE IS ATLANTA OF THE WEALTHY IN THIS CITY.

THEN THERE IS A ATLANTA OF WORKING PEOPLE AND THEY HAVE VERY DIFFERENT INTERESTS.

WE PUT FORWARD A CAMPAIGN THAT SPEAKS TO THE INTERESTS OF WORKING PEOPLE.

HOW TO BEGIN TO ORGANIZE EFFECTIVELY TO DEFEND THE BOSS'S ASSAULT ON OUR WAGES, ON OUR WORKING CONDITIONS ON THE JOB, THE NEED FOR SAFETY ON THE JOB.

AND WE POINT TO -- THIS IS NOT JUST A SET OF PROPOSALS AND IDEAS, BUT IT'S A COURSE FOR ORGANIZATION THAT STARTS WITH WORKING PEOPLE, NOT LEGISLATORS, NOT TURNING THINGS OVER TO THEM TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

AND THE LABOR MOVEMENT BECOMES A VERY IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THAT.

THAT'S WHY I SPENT MUCH OF THIS CAMPAIGN JOINING WORKERS ON THE PICKET LINE IN THE FIGHTS THEY WERE INVOLVED IN.

>> THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.

THAT CONCLUDES THE FIRST ROUND OF THE DEBATE.

THE CANDIDATES WILL NOW ASK A QUESTION TO AN OPPONENT OF THEIR CHOICE.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 30 SECONDS TO ASK THE QUESTION.

60 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

AND THE CANDIDATE WHO ASKED THE QUESTION WILL HAVE 30 SECONDS FOR A REBUTTAL.

>>> BY RANDOM SELECTION, DOUG SHIPMAN, YOU ASK THE FIRST QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

I'VE TALKED TO THOUSANDS OF VOTERS OVER THE COURSE OF THIS CAMPAIGN, AND MANY HAVE TALKED TO ME ABOUT THEIR FRUSTRATIONS AROUND THE CITY JUST NOT WORKING.

MONEY BEING SENT BACK THAT'S BEEN UNSPENT.

MISS ARCHIBONG, YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR RECORD, BUT THAT RECORD IS ONE THAT'S PROBLEMATIC.

YOU'VE HAD UNLAWFUL ETHICS VIOLATIONS DEALING WITH YOUR FAMILY AND THE CITY.

AND YOU HAVE ALSO HAD ISSUES AROUND TASK FORCES THAT YOU'VE LED.

2013 YOU LED A SIDEWALK TASK FORCE.

EIGHT YEARS LATER, OUR SIDEWALKS ARE STILL A MESS.

MY QUESTION IS ONE A VOTER PUT TO ME.

WHY SHOULD WE GIVE A PROMOTION TO SOMEONE WHO HASN'T DONE A GOOD JOB?

>> THE QUESTION IS FAIR FROM THE VANTAGE POINT OF SOMEONE WHO SERVED FOR 20 YEARS DOES HAVE A RECORD.

BUT I ALSO HAVE A RECORD OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

THE BETTER QUESTION IS, WHY GIVE THE JOB TO A NOVICE, WHY GIVE THE JOB TO SOMEONE WITH NO EXPERIENCE.

I HAVE HAD A NUMBER OF SUCCESSES.

IF YOU'VE BEEN TO THE EDGEWOOD RETAIL DISTRICT, THAT'S MY WORK.

IF YOU'VE DRIVEN DOWN MEMORIAL DRIVE AND YOU'VE SEEN THE REVERSIBLE LANE, THE SUICIDE LANE REMOVED, THAT WAS MY WORK.

THE MILLION DOLLARS OF SIDEWALK IMPROVEMENTS ALONG MEMORIAL DRIVE AND OTHER CORRIDORS, THAT'S MY WORK.

TWO L.E.D.

CERTIFIED NEW FIRE STATIONS, THAT'S MY WORK.

TWO NEW PUBLIC LIBRARIES, THAT'S MY WORK.

ANYBODY CAN TAKE A SNAPSHOT AND THROW ROCKS.

I'VE DONE HARD WORK.

I AM PROUD OF MY RECORD.

I DESERVE TO SERVE THE CONSTITUENTS THAT HAVE ALLOWED ME TO SERVE THEM THE PAST 20 YEARS.

THIS IS A PROMOTION THAT SHOULD BE WON BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SERVE.

I DO KNOW HOW TO SERVE.

>> MR. SHIPMAN, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> I THINK I'VE HEARD CLEARLY FROM SO MANY VOTERS THAT FRESH LEADERSHIP, TO MAKE SURE OUR CITY IS ACTUALLY WORKING AGAIN IS WHAT WE NEED.

WE KNOW WE FACE SO MANY CHALLENGES, AND TOO OFTEN THE CITY HASN'T BEEN RESPONSIVE.

THE CITY HASN'T FIXED THE THINGS THAT WE HAVE ASKED FOR.

WE REALLY HAVE JUST SEEN A CITY IN WHICH WE'RE DOUBTING WHAT OUR FUTURE LOOKS LIKE.

I BELIEVE THAT MY EXPERIENCE OF GETTING THINGS DONE AND OF BRINGING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE IS EXACTLY WHAT FOLKS ARE ASKING FOR RIGHT NOW AT CITY HALL.

>> THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU.

MIKE RUSSELL, YOU GET THE NEXT QUESTION.

CHOOSE YOUR OPPONENT.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO ASK A QUESTION OF MY FRIEND SAM MANUEL.

YOU KNOW, HE AND I ARE THE ONLY TWO ON THIS PLATFORM THAT ARE NOT A MEMBER OF THE ESTABLISHMENT IN THIS CITY.

AND I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU AS AN EXPERIENCED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, I'VE LEARNED THAT THERE ARE THREE ELEMENTS TO SOLVING CRIME, STARTING WITH PREVENTION FOR OUR KIDS.

AND THE WAY THAT WE SOLVE CRIME IS TO HAVE A WRAPAROUND HOLISTIC APPROACH TO REDUCING CRIME IN OUR CITY AND ON OUR -- >> PLEASE GET TO THE QUESTION.

>> I WILL, IF YOU'D ALLOW ME TO.

WOULD YOU AGREE WITH THAT, THAT TO SOLVE CRIME WE NEED TO HAVE A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION?

>> WELL, AS I'VE SAID IN MANY OF THESE DEBATES AND MIKE HAS HEARD ME SAY THIS BEFORE, CRIME IS A PRODUCT OF THE SYSTEM THAT WE LIVE IN, UNDER.

THE SYSTEM OF PROFIT WHICH PLACES PROFITS AHEAD OF THE NEEDS OF WORKING PEOPLE.

5,000 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES I BELIEVE IN 2015 THE LAST TIME THE CENSUS RECORD WAS KEPT, ON THE JOB.

THOSE WERE DEATHS THAT WERE PREVENTABLE AND DEATHS THAT WERE MOTIVATED BY AND WERE THE RESULT OF THE PROFIT DRIVE OF THE BOSSES WHO ARE CUTTING SAFETY CONDITIONS FOR WORKERS AND ALL KINDS OF OTHER THINGS.

ANOTHER 20,000 PEOPLE, I THINK, WERE INJURED, SERIOUSLY INJURED ON THE JOB TO THE DEGREE THAT THEY WERE -- HAD TO MISS WORK.

THESE TYPES OF THINGS ARE NOT BEING TALKED ABOUT THAT WORKING PEOPLE HAVE FACED.

UNTIL WE BEGIN TO CONFRONT THE CAPITALIST SYSTEM ITSELF -- >> MR. MANUEL, EXCUSE ME, YOUR TIME IS UP.

MR. RUSSELL, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO RESPOND IF YOU CHOOSE.

>> THANK YOU.

WELL, AS AN EXPERIENCED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, IN FACT, THE ONLY PERSON ON THIS STAGE THAT HAS EVER DONE ANYTHING FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, I BRING THE EXPERIENCE HERE TO HELP GET THE CRIME UNDER CONTROL IN OUR CITY.

IT IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM THAT WE ALL FACE.

WE'RE ALL EQUAL WHEN IT COMES TO CRIME.

AND I WANT TO BRING MY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE TO BEAR HERE IN ATLANTA SO THAT WE DO HAVE A COMPLETE, WHOLE, WRAPAROUND SYSTEM TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT ARE FACING EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US IN THIS CITY.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSE.

30 SECONDS IS THE MAGIC NUMBER TO GET TO YOUR QUESTION.

COURTNEY ENGLISH, IT'S YOUR TURN TO QUESTION ONE OF YOUR OPPONENTS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

MY QUESTION IS FOR DOUG SHIPMAN.

DOUG, WHEN YOU LAUNCHED YOUR CAMPAIGN, ONE OF THE THINGS THAT YOU SAID THAT YOU WERE INSPIRED TO RUN WAS THE BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT AND THE PROTESTS THAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR AFTER THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD.

YOUR CAMPAIGN MATERIALS ARE LITTERED WITH CIVIL RIGHTS HEROES, TWO OF WHICH ARE NO LONGER WITH US, ONE OF WHICH SHIRLEY FRANKLIN IS SUPPORTING MY CAMPAIGN.

AND MY QUESTION IS YOU HAVE ALSO LED AN ORGANIZATION, THE WOODRUFF ART CENTER THAT IS SHOCKINGLY NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DIVERSITY OF OUR CITY.

MY QUESTION IS DO YOU BELIEVE, HONESTLY BELIEVE THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO FOR BLACK LIVES IS TO FURTHER DISPLACE BLACK LEADERSHIP?

>> WELL, I APPRECIATE THE QUESTION.

WHEN I WAS HIRED TO LEAD THE WOODRUFF ART CENTER, I WAS HIRED TO MAKE IT WORK BETTER FINANCIALLY AND I WAS ALSO HIRED TO TRY TO OPEN IT UP.

THE WOODRUFF ART CENTER HASN'T LOOKED LIKE THE WHOLE CITY FOR TOO LONG.

WE BROUGHT IN DIVERSE BOARD MEMBERS.

I MADE SURE THAT WE HAD OUTREACH TO ARTISTS OF COLOR.

IN FACT, THE HIGH MUSEUM HAS -- MORE THAN TWO-THIRDS OF THE ARTISTS DISPLAYED IN SPECIAL COLLECTIONS ARE EITHER IN PEOPLE OF COLOR OR WOMEN OR LGBTQ ARTISTS.

I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED LEADERSHIP THAT IS ACTUALLY INVESTED IN MAKING SURE THAT WE DON'T HAVE 25% POVERTY LIKE WE DID COMING INTO COVID.

THAT WE HAVE LEADERSHIP THAT IS WILLING TO HAVE VERY HARD CONVERSATIONS.

AND I BELIEVE THAT MY HISTORY AS SOMEONE WHO IS WHITE, HUMBLY LEADING THE BUILDING FOR NATIONAL CENTER FOR BUILDING OF CIVIL RIGHTS, PROTECTING THE LEGACY OF THE KING PAPERS, SHOWS THAT I HAVE THE LEADERSHIP THAT CAN BRING EVERYONE TOGETHER, AND THAT'S WHAT WE NEED.

>> COURTNEY ENGLISH, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> CERTAINLY.

I BELIEVE THAT FOR FAR TOO LONG ATLANTA HAS BEEN A TALE OF TWO CITIES.

WHEN WE THINK ABOUT ISSUES THAT IMPACT THIS CITY, ISSUES AROUND EQUITY, ISSUES OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING, PUBLIC SAFETY, EDUCATION, SO ON AND SO FORTH, THEY HAVE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE OF THIS CITY.

AND SO I THINK NOW IS A TIME WHERE WE HAVE TO GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE EQUITY QUESTION.

NOW IS THE TIME WHERE WE NEED LEADERSHIP WITH DEMONSTRATED CAPACITY AND TRACK RECORD OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO END THE TALE OF TWO CITIES ONCE AND FOR ALL IN THE CITY OF ATLANTA.

>> THANK YOU.

SAM MANUAL, 30 SECONDS TO ASK YOUR QUESTION.

>> I'LL ASK MY QUESTION TO MR. ENGLISH.

PART OF WHAT I RAISED IN THIS CAMPAIGN IS A PROPOSAL TO UNITE WORKING PEOPLE IN FIGHTING FOR OUR INTERESTS IS THE DEMAND FOR AMNESTY FOR UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS.

WE SAW WHAT TOOK PLACE ON THE BORDER AND HOW HAITIAN WORKERS AND OTHER IMMIGRANT WORKERS HAVE BEEN TREATED.

AMNESTY WOULD HELP TO ENSURE THE RIGHTS OF THESE WORKERS.

SO I'D LIKE TO ASK YOU WHAT PROPOSALS YOU HAVE ON THIS.

>> WELL, I APPRECIATE THE QUESTION.

I BELIEVE THAT ATLANTA SPECIFICALLY SHOULD BE A SAFE AND WELCOMING PLACE FOR ALL.

I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE TO CREATE ATMOSPHERES WHERE IMMIGRANTS, WHERE FOLKS WHO ARE MOVING TO THIS CITY, WHERE FOLKS WHO HAVE COME TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF OURS, MIGHT NOT HAVE LEGAL STATUS, SHOULD BE ABLE TO STAY.

I BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE TO FIND A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP.

I BELIEVE THAT THE CITY OF ATLANTA PARTICULARLY HAS A TRACK RECORD OF OPENING ITS ARMS, AND OPENING ITS HEART TO PEOPLE ALL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.

I STAND ON THAT TRACK RECORD AND I WILL DO EVERYTHING I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE FOLKS ARE TAKEN CARE OF.

>> MR. MANUEL, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> BUT SPECIFICALLY, MY PROPOSAL WAS FOR AMNESTY.

SOME PEOPLE MAY WANT TO BECOME CITIZENS.

SOME OTHERS MAY NOT.

HOW DO WE PROTECT -- HOW DO WE BROADLY PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF THESE WORKERS AND LAY THE BASIS FOR WORKING PEOPLE, TO HAVE EQUALITY ON THE JOB, THAT WORKERS WHO MAY BE FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY AND DON'T HAVE PROPER DOCUMENTATION WILL BE ABLE TO NOT FEAR THAT THE BOSSES WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST THEM BECAUSE OF THE POSITION THAT THEY'RE IN.

I THINK AMNESTY IS THE PROPOSAL, IS THE COURSE -- >> MR. MANUEL, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

YOU ARE OUT OF TIME.

NATALYN ARCHIBONG, YOU GET TO QUESTION YOUR OPPONENT.

>> THIS QUESTION IS FOR MR. RUSSELL.

IT'S A TWO-FOR.

THE FIRST PART, ARE YOU RELATED TO THE LATE GREAT HERMAN RUSSELL?

ARE YOU HIS SON MIKE RUSSELL?

>> NO.

>> SECOND PART, YOU HAVE BEEN SAYING A LOT OF THINGS ABOUT OUR CITY.

YOU'VE BEEN SAYING HOW MANY THINGS ARE WRONG AND HOW MANY THINGS YOU CAN'T BELIEVE.

I HAD A COLLEGE PROFESSOR SAY TO ME ONCE THAT IT IS EASY TO HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT SOMETHING WHEN YOU KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT IT.

YOU HAVEN'T BEEN HERE VERY LONG.

IS MY PROFESSOR CORRECT?

>> I'VE BEEN IN THIS CITY BECAUSE I CHOSE TO COME TO THIS CITY, AND I'M IN THIS RACE TO MAKE THIS A BETTER CITY.

OF ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE FACING OUR CITY TODAY, I HAVE THE SKILL SET MORE THAN ANYBODY ON THIS STAGE TO HANDLE THEM, STARTING WITH CRIME, LAW ENFORCEMENT, CITY MANAGEMENT, BEING RESPONSIBLE AND CAREFUL WITH YOUR TAX DOLLARS.

THAT'S WHY I'M IN THIS RACE.

I'M A LEADER THAT IS ABOUT RESULTS, NOT THE RHETORIC.

WE CAN SIT HERE AND PLAY PETTY GAMES AND NAME CALL, BUT THAT DOESN'T HELP ANYBODY.

I'M HERE BECAUSE I WANT TO BE YOUR NEXT CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

I WANT TO MAKE THIS CITY SAFER AND BETTER FOR EVERYBODY, AND I'M ASKING YOU TO HELP US CHANGE DIRECTION.

WHEN YOU GO IN THAT VOTING BOOTH, CHECK MIKE RUSSELL FOR CHANGE.

>> MS. ARCHIBONG, YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS TO RESPOND.

>> THANK YOU.

AS I'VE BEEN ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, I'VE HEARD A LOT THAT'S BEEN WRONG WITH THIS CITY.

I CAN TELL YOU AFTER SERVING AS LONG AS I HAVE, THAT WE HAVE A GREAT OPPORTUNITY HERE TO ELECT A LEADER WHO KNOWS HOW TO GET THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS YOU DESERVE.

SO COMPLAINING AND THROWING ROCKS AND SHOWING ALL THE THINGS THAT ARE WRONG DOESN'T HELP.

AND I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY OF THE PEOPLE HERE TODAY AT CITY HALL TRYING TO HELP.

I HAVE BEEN ACTUALLY HELPING AND I WANT TO CONTINUE DOING THAT.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR RESPONSES.

THAT CONCLUDES OUR SECOND ROUND.

FOR THOSE JUST JOINING US, THIS IS THE DEBATE BETWEEN CANDIDATES FOR ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

>>> WE WILL NOW GO BACK TO THE PANEL TO ASK QUESTIONS TO THE CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE UNTIL WE RUN OUT OF TIME.

AS A POINT OF MODERATOR PRIVILEGE, I MAY ALSO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE CANDIDATES, AND I WILL DETERMINE WHEN A REBUTTAL IS APPROPRIATE.

>>> JOHN RUCHE, YOU GET THE FIRST QUESTION IN THIS ROUND.

>> THIS QUESTION GOES TO ALL THE CANDIDATES.

WE'LL START WITH DOUG SHIPMAN.

ONE DUTY OF THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT IS TO SERVE AS ACTING MAYOR IF THE INCUMBENT DIES OR OTHERWISE LEAVES OFFICE.

THIS IS NOT A COMPLETELY THEORETICAL IDEA IN A TIME OF A PANDEMIC, AND A MAYORAL CANDIDATE UNDER FEDERAL INDICTMENT, AMONG OTHER EXAMPLES.

HOW ARE YOU QUALIFIED AND PREPARED TO SERVE AS THE MAYOR OF ATLANTA?

>> THANKS, JOHN.

HEAVEN FORBID THAT WOULD ACTUALLY HAPPEN, BUT AS SOMEONE WHO HAS THREE TIMES BEEN THE CEO OF ORGANIZATIONS IN ATLANTA, MAJOR ORGANIZATIONS, I WOULD FIRST COME IN AND STABILIZE THE SITUATION.

I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT ALL OF THE LEADERSHIP WAS IN PLACE THAT WE NEEDED.

I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT CITIZENS KNEW THE PROCESS AND THAT WE HAD A CLEAR TRANSITION.

AND THEN I WOULD UNDERSTAND, AS I HAVE IN EVERY LEADERSHIP ROLE THAT I'VE TAKEN, I WOULD UNDERSTAND WHERE WE ARE.

WHAT ARE THE MOST PRESSING PRIORITIES.

OBVIOUSLY AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT I WOULD KNOW MANY OF THOSE.

I WOULD WANT TO UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE ARE FEELING INSIDE THE ADMINISTRATION AND POUT SIDE.

I WOULD USE ALL OF MY LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE, TAKING ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH CRISES AND TAKING ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH GROWTH, TO MAKE SURE THE CITY KEPT MOVING IN THE WAYS THAT PEOPLE NEEDED.

WE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE CITY DIDN'T STOP WORKING, BUT THAT IT CONTINUED TO WORK THROUGH WHAT EVERYONE WOULD PERCEIVE AS A VERY, VERY TOUGH TIME.

>> THANK YOU.

MIKE RUSSELL, WILL YOU ANSWER THE SAME QUESTION?

>> YES.

I'VE LED MANY LARGE COMPLICATED ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE WORLD.

I'VE BEEN A NEGOTIATOR FROM THE TRIBAL LEVEL TO THE INTERNATIONAL LEVEL.

I'VE ACTUALLY PROVIDED OUTSTANDING CITY SERVICES TO RESIDENTS BEFORE.

I'VE DONE ALL THOSE THINGS IN ADDITION TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SO I BELIEVE I HAVE THE SKILL SET MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE ON THIS PLATFORM TO CARRY THE CITY FORWARD IF WE SHOULD BE IN SUCH A CRISIS.

I LIVED IN CRISIS AS A SOLDIER.

I KNOW HOW TO DO THAT.

IT TAKES A LOT.

IT TAKES TEAM BUILDING.

IT TAKES DETERMINED LEADERSHIP.

I POSSESS THOSE THINGS AND I WOULD DO THAT AS MAYOR.

I WANT TO SAY TO THE CITIZENS OF ATLANTA, THIS IS A CROSSROAD FOR CHANGE.

WHOEVER THE MAYOR IS, IT IS TIME THAT WE IMPROVE THIS CITY FOR YOU, AND THAT IS WHY I'M IN THE RACE.

WHETHER I BECOME MAYOR OR REMAIN A CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, MY ROLE IN THIS RACE IS TO MAKE THIS CITY START WORKING FOR YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

SAM MANUEL?

>> WELL, MY QUALIFICATIONS CAN'T BE EXPLAINED BY ME, BUT BY MY EXPERIENCES.

I'VE HAD ALMOST A HALF CENTURY NOW INVOLVEMENT IN LABOR STRUGGLES, IN THE STEEL WORKERS, RAILROAD WORKERS UNION.

I WAS INVOLVED IN THE ANTIAPARTHEID MOVEMENT IN THIS COUNTRY TO BRING DOWN THE OPPRESSIVE REGIME THAT EXISTED IN SOUTH AFRICA.

I'VE HAD A CHANCE TO TRAVEL EXTENSIVELY THROUGHOUT THE CONTINENT.

THE MAIN THING IS THAT IN DOING THAT I WORKED WITH OTHER FIGHTERS.

WE DIDN'T LOOK FOR -- LOOK TO THE LEGISLATIVE BODIES OF THESE CAPITALIST CANDIDATES WHO REALLY REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE WEALTHY IN THIS COUNTRY TO SOLVE THINGS.

WE BEGAN TO ORGANIZE PEOPLE TO DO THAT.

AND IT'S THROUGH THE COURSE OF THAT THAT PEOPLE CAN RAISE THEIR FIGHTING CAPACITY, THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE, AND THEIR ABILITY TO HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT AND BRING ABOUT SOCIAL CHANGE.

THAT'S WHAT I WOULD DO.

WHETHER I WAS MAYOR, WHETHER I WAS PRESIDENT -- >> SAM MANUEL, YOU ARE OUT OF TIME.

PLEASE EXCUSE ME.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE.

COURTNEY ENGLISH, WILL YOU ANSWER THE QUESTION?

>> CERTAINLY.

WELL, AS THE ONLY CANDIDATE ON THIS STAGE THAT HAS ACTUALLY EVER RUN AND WON AND HELD CITY WIDE OFFICE, AS THE ONLY CANDIDATE ON THIS STAGE THAT HAS ACTUALLY LED A MAJOR GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION THROUGH CRISES, THE ONLY CANDIDATE ON THIS STAGE WHO HAS HELPED TO TURN AROUND -- WHO HAS FACED DOWN LARGE-SCALE CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT THIS CITY.

LOOK, I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO LEAD THIS CITY FORWARD BECAUSE I'VE DONE IT BEFORE.

ATLANTA PUBLIC SCHOOLS WAS IN CRISIS.

AND AFTER YEARS OF PERSEVERANCE, WE ROLLED UP OUR SLEEVES, WE INCREASED OUR GRADUATION RATES TO RECORD HIGHS AND SENT KIDS OFF TO COLLEGE.

THIS CITY IS IN A CRISIS.

YOU NEED AN INDIVIDUAL LEADING THIS CITY EITHER AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT WHO KNOWS HOW TO WEATHER THE STORM.

CITIZENS OF ATLANTA KNOW I CAN DO THAT BECAUSE TIME DONE IT BEFORE.

ONCE IN CITY HALL TOGETHER, WE CAN DO IT AGAIN.

>> THANK YOU.

NATALYN ARCHIBONG, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

IMAGINE THAT DRESSFUL DAY WE ARE IN A CRISIS OF LEADERSHIP.

I AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT WOULD HAVE ALREADY SERVED FOR MANY TERMS ON THE LEGISLATIVE BODY.

THEY WOULD KNOW THEY.

THEY WOULD TRUST ME.

THERE WOULD BE STABILITY IN THE RECOGNITION THAT AT LEAST WE WOULDN'T HAVE SOMEONE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE THE BATHROOM IS IN THE FACE OF A CRISIS.

I HAVE THAT LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE.

I HAVE SERVED THROUGH FIVE DIFFERENT TERMS OF DIFFERENT MAYORS.

I UNDERSTAND THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AS WELL.

SO STABILITY IN TIMES OF CRISIS IS IMPORTANT.

I HAVE VOTED ON, VETTED, CONSIDERED, ALL THE PERSONNEL PAPERS THAT HAVE HAPPENED, SO I KNOW THE BUREAUCRACY.

FOR YOU THE CITIZENS, I KNOW YOU.

TO BE ELECTED FIVE TIMES, I HAVE TO KNOW YOU AND YOU HAVE TO KNOW ME, AND IT WILL BE A CHALLENGING TIME.

BUT WE WILL NAVIGATE TOGETHER WITH EXPERIENCE, STEADY, TRUSTED LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU ALL.

>>> RICKY, IT'S YOUR TURN TO ASK THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> AGAIN, THIS QUESTION IS FOR EACH OF YOU AND WE'LL BEGIN WITH DOUG SHIPMAN AS WELL.

SO, YOU GET ELECTED AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

WHAT IS THE FIRST POLITICAL ACTION YOU TAKE?

>> SO, THE FIRST POLITICAL ACTION, WE WILL KNOW WHO THE NEW MAYOR IS AND WHO THE CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT IS IN EARLY DECEMBER AFTER THE RUNOFFS.

I WOULD USE THAT FIRST MONTH BETWEEN EARLY DECEMBER AND INAUGURATION EARLY JANUARY TO MEET WITH ALL OF THE NEW COUNCILMEMBERS, THE NEW MAYOR, AND TO UNDERSTAND THEIR PRIORITIES, TO UNDERSTAND WHAT IT IS THEY FEEL LIKE THEY'VE BEEN CALLED TO DO BY THE VOTERS AND WHAT THE PRIORITIES ARE.

WE WOULD HAVE A ROAD MAP, AN INITIAL ROAD MAP FOR CHANGE.

AND THEN SECOND, UPON INITIALLY TAKING OVER AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, I WOULD WANT US VERY QUICKLY TO MOVE TOWARDS GREATER TRANSPARENCY AND A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF HOW MONEY IS BEING SPENT AND HOW SERVICES ARE BEING DELIVERED.

TOO OFTEN OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST FEW YEARS, TRAINING DOLLARS BEING SEPTEMBER BACK TO THE GOVERNMENT OR THOSE LIVING WITH HIV WHO CAN'T GET OUT OF THE BUREAUCRACY OF CITY HALL, WE HAVE FAILED THE CITIZENS.

MY ACTIONS WOULD BE AROUND THOSE TRANSPARENCY ISSUES.

>> THANK YOU.

MIKE RUSSELL, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> SO, I WOULD GET TO WORK RIGHT AWAY BUILDING A TEAM BETWEEN ALL THE AGENCIES, THE CITY COUNCIL, THE MAYOR, THE D.A.

AND OTHERS TO SOLVE THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN OUR CITY TODAY THAT ALL OF US FACE AND THAT IS CRIME.

I'VE ALREADY STARTED BUILDING TWO PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT I WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO PRESENT UNANIMOUSLY.

THE FIRST ONE IS TO SHUTDOWN THESE TROUBLESOME VENUES WHERE CRIME EMANATES.

RIGHT NOW IT'S A JOKE.

THEY GET FINED, THEY STAY OPEN, THEY DON'T CARE.

UNDER MY PROPOSAL, AFTER THEY HAVE A COUPLE OF VIOLATIONS, REASONABLE NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS, THEY WOULD BE SHUTDOWN AND PADLOCKED UNTIL THEY GO TO COURT OR THE REVIEW BOARD.

NEXT I WOULD TOUGHEN UP LAWS FOR BREAKING INTO AUTOMOBILES.

WE HAD OVER 10,000 CAR BREAK-INS.

EVEN THE SHERIFF'S CAR WAS BROKEN INTO.

WE NEED TO MAKE IT A SERIOUS CRIME, AND STOP SHOPPING FOR GUNS.

THAT LEADS TO GUN VIOLENCE ON THE STREET.

I'M OFFERING THE LEADERSHIP TO GET IT DONE.

>> SAM MANUEL, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> I WOULD SAY TO WORKING PEOPLE, THERE ARE SOLUTIONS TO THE CHALLENGES WE FACE.

IT REQUIRES WORKING PEOPLE WORKING ACROSS THIS COUNTRY AND INTERNATIONALLY TO BEGIN TO CHALLENGE THE PROFIT SYSTEM THAT CONTINUES TO WREAK HAVOC UPON US.

ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS I WOULD DO IS CALL TOGETHER ALL THE UNIONS AND ORGANIZE AND UNORGANIZE WORKING PEOPLE TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL THAT WE HAVE IN OUR CAMPAIGN PLATFORM FOR FEDERALLY FUNDED JOBS PROGRAM THAT COULD BEGIN TO PUT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE BUILDING BACK THE BRIDGES, THE SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, AND UNION SCALE WAGES THAT WE NEED, SOMETHING THAT THE LABOR MOVEMENT CAN LEAD A FIGHT FOR.

WE TALKED A LOT ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WHEN I WALK AROUND THE CITY CAMPAIGNING DOOR TO DOOR, WE'RE OFTEN STRUCK BY THE DILAPIDATED HOUSING THAT EXISTED.

WELL, WE CAN ATTACK AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH DOING THIS.

PUTTING PEOPLE TO WORK -- >> MR. MANUEL, I APOLOGIZE, YOU ARE OUT OF TIME.

COURTNEY ENGLISH, IT IS YOUR TURN TO ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

UPON BEING ELECTED CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT, WE'RE GOING TO WORK REALLY, REALLY HARD AND REALLY, REALLY FAST TO MEET WITH ALL THE OTHER ELECTED MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, INCLUDING THE MAYOR'S OFFICE.

WE'RE ALSO GOING TO MEET WITH THE D.A., THE FULTON COUNTY SHERIFF, AND ALL MEMBERS NECESSARY TO GET OUR ARMS AROUND THIS CRIME ISSUE.

WE'RE GOING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE IN COUNCIL DISTRICTS TO THE CRIME PROBLEM, THEN WE'RE GOING TO DEVELOP -- THAT WILL BE HELD UP AS THE GOAL TO REDUCE CRIME.

BULL WE'LL DO IT IN A WAY THAT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE VOICES OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.

WE WILL MOVE TO POLICY AND LEGISLATIVE AGENDA AND DAY ONE BEING SWORN IN, WE WILL ACT WITH URGENCY TO GET THAT AGENDA DONE.

>> THANK YOU.

NATALYN ARCHIBONG, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> THANK YOU.

BECAUSE OF OUR NEW VOTING LAW, BY THE END OF NOVEMBER WE WILL KNOW WHO WILL BE OUR MAYOR, COUNCIL DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE.

IN DECEMBER, I WILL HOLD A MEETING WITH ALL OF THE COUNCILMEMBERS BECAUSE WE HAVE ALL BEEN OUT ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

WE HAVE ALL HEARD FROM YOU.

IT'S TIME NOW TO TRANSLATE THAT CONVERSATION AND THAT TALK INTO ACTION.

AS A COUNCIL, ONLY THIS ZONING ISSUE WILL CARRY OVER INTO THE NEW TERM.

IT WILL BE A COMPLETE RESET LEGISLATIVELY.

I CAN'T PRESENT NEW LEGISLATION, AND WORK WITH COLLEAGUES TO IDENTIFY THOSE NEXT STEPS GIVEN OUR CONVERSATIONS WITH ALL OF YOU ALL THESE WEEKS AND MONTHS.

WE'LL ALSO MEET WITH THE MAYOR BECAUSE THE POLICY DIRECTION OF THE STIDHAM WILL BE SET BY THE COUNCIL, BUT WILL BE CARRIED OUT THROUGH THE MAYOR.

THERE HAS TO BE A PARTNERSHIP THERE.

THOSE WOULD BE MY FIRST ACTIONS.

THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU ALL.

WE'VE HEARD A LOT ABOUT TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY THIS ELECTION SEASON.

I WOULD LIKE TO ASK ALL OF YOU WHAT WOULD THAT LOOK LIKE AS COUNCIL PRESIDENT, AND WHAT WOULD THAT LOOK LIKE WHEN COORDINATING WITH THE MAYOR?

MR. SHIPMAN, BEGIN WITH YOU.

>> SO, I'VE HAD A NUMBER OF CONVERSATIONS WITH FORMER CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTS AND ONE OF THEM HAD A VERY GOOD PIECE OF ADVICE.

THEY SAID THAT YOUR FIRST HIRE, DOUG, SHOULD BE AN INFO GRAPHIC SPECIALIST.

SOMEONE WHO CAN MAKE CHARTS TO EXPLAIN VERY COMPLEX ISSUES BECAUSE TOO OFTEN WE HAVE SO MANY NUMBERS FLYING AROUND THAT VOTERS AND EVEN SOMETIMES AT CITY HALL PEOPLE CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING.

SO WHAT IT WOULD LOOK LIKE UNDER ME IS MAKING SURE WE HAD VERY SIMPLE WAYS TO EXPLAIN WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR GOVERNMENT.

I WOULD CONSIDER MYSELF THE EXPLAINER IN CHIEF, HELPING COUNCILMEMBERS UNDERSTAND COMPLEX POLICY, COORDINATING WITH THE CITY, MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE A VERY CLEAR VIEW OF WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH MONEY AND WITH PROCESSES, AND ALSO GOING OUT AND HELPING NPUs AND NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS UNDERSTAND HOW THE CITY WORKS.

ONE IS IT WOULD BE VERY DATA BASED.

TWO, IT WOULD BE VERY PERSONAL.

AND THREE, IT WOULD BE VERY CLEAR.

TRUST DEPENDS ON OUR ABILITY TO SHOW THAT THE TAXPAYER MONEY IS WELL SPENT, AND THAT'S HOW I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT I LEAD AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

>> MIKE RUSSELL, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> MY ENTIRE ADULT LIFE I'VE LIVED BY ONE SIMPLE STATEMENT.

I WILL NOT FAIL THOSE WHOM I SERVE.

THAT WAS TRUE WHEN I LED YOUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS INTO COMBAT AND BROUGHT EVERY ONE OF THEM HOME SAFE SIX TIMES.

THAT WAS TRUE WHEN I TOOK CARE OF FAMILIES AGAINST TERRORISM IN EUROPE.

THAT'S GOING TO BE THREW WHEN I'M PRESIDENT OF THE ATLANTA CITY COUNCIL.

I WILL NOT FAIL THOSE WHOM I SERVE.

AND THIS IS ALL ABOUT SERVING YOU AND MAKING YOUR CITY BETTER.

THE OTHER THING I WOULD TELL YOU IS THAT LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT SELFLESS SERVICE, NOT ABOUT PRIVILEGE.

ALL TOO OFTEN POLITICIANS THINK IT'S ABOUT THEM WHEN IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU.

THE WAY YOU LEAD IS BY EXAMPLE AND THAT'S WHAT I HAVE DONE MY ENTIRE LIFE.

THAT'S WHAT I WILL DO AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT AND I'M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE TO MAKE THAT A REALITY.

>> SAM MANUEL, WHAT WOULD TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

>> WELL, ONE OF THE THINGS WE RAISED IN OUR CAMPAIGN IS THE DEMAND TO OPEN THE BOOKS, TO INSPECTIONS BY ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMITTEE ELECTED BY WORKERS.

MOST OF WHAT OCCURS IN CITY COUNCIL, ALTHOUGH IT'S OFTEN PRESENTED AS OPENING THINGS UP TO THE PUBLIC, REALLY IS TO OBFUSCATE EVERYTHING, ALL OF THEIR PROCEDURES, THE RULES, THE RED TAPE.

I'VE HEARD MR. SHIPMAN EXPLAIN SEVERAL TIMES WHAT WOULD BE HIS FIRST HIRE, AND IT SEEMS TO ESCAPE HIM WHAT HE'S REALLY SAYING.

THAT WORKING PEOPLE JUST -- ARE JUST -- PUT IT BLUNTLY, TOO DUMB TO UNDERSTAND POLITICS AND HOW THINGS WORK IN THE CITY.

LET'S OPEN THE BOOKS.

THEN WE'LL SEE WHETHER WORKING PEOPLE ARE REALLY ABLE TO UNDERSTAND AND SEE THROUGH WHAT TAKES PLACE THERE, AND WHETHER THEY'RE ABLE TO POSE AN ALTERNATIVE COURSE WHICH I THINK HAS TO BE WORKERS' CONTROL.

>> COURTNEY ENGLISH, TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY.

>> NUMBER ONE, I WILL ACT AND LEAD BY EXAMPLE ON ALL ISSUES OF TRUST AND TRANSPARENCY.

I ALSO BELIEVE GOVERNMENT WORKS BEST WHEN WE HAVE AS MANY VOICES AT THE TABLE AS POSSIBLE.

THAT MEANS WE HAVE TO BRING GOVERNMENT TO PEOPLE.

AND SO WE'RE GOING TO LOOK TO CREATE AN EQUITY SCORE CARD, NUMBER ONE, THAT RATES EVERY ISSUE BEFORE COUNCIL ON ITS ABILITY TO CREATE A SAFER, STRONGER, MORE EQUITABLE ATLANTA.

WE'RE ALSO GOING TO CREATE A POLICY THINK TANK THAT LOOKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AT BEST PRACTICES AND WORKS TO BRING THOSE BEST PRACTICES HOME AND WORKS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY TO DEPLOY THOSE BEST PRACTICES TO ADDRESS THE ISSUES THAT WE FACE.

WE WILL ALSO CREATE A BIG TENT.

I WILL LOOK TO APPOINT NON-VOTING VOLUNTEER COMMITTEE MEMBERS WITH SPECIFIC EXPERTISE ON EACH OF OUR COUNCIL COMMITTEES.

I BELIEVE THAT BY ADDING ADDITIONAL VOICES INTO THE PROCESS, WE GET A BETTER RESULT.

WE'RE ALSO GOING TO BRING GOVERNMENT TO YOU BY HAVING COUNCIL MEETINGS OUT ACTUALLY IN YOUR COMMUNITIES SO YOU DON'T HAVE TO TRAVERSE TO COME DOWN TO CITY HALL ALL THE TIME.

WE'RE GOING TO BRING GOVERNMENT TO YOU, OPEN UP THE DOORS AND ASSURE YOU HAVE A VOTE AND A VOICE IN THE PROCESS.

>> NATALYN ARCHIBONG, WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

>> IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE WORK WE'VE DONE AS A GOOD FOUNDATION.

I'M PROUD OF THE WORK WE'VE DONE TO HAVE A QUARTILE BASIS.

EVERY COMMISSIONER COME TO EVERY COMMITTEE OF PURVIEW AND EXPLAIN THEIR BUDGET, EXPLAIN THEIR BENCHMARKS, AND EXPLAIN WHERE THERE ARE CHALLENGES THAT NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

THAT'S VERY GOOD LEGISLATION THAT HAS HELPED THE COUNCIL LOOK AT NEXT STEPS AND WAYS TO CORRECT SITUATIONS.

THE OTHER LEGISLATION THAT I'M PROUD OF IS HIRING NOW OF AN INSPECTOR JEN.

THIS IS A PERSON WHO IS NOT POLITICAL, IS NOT HIRED OR FIRED BY THE COUNCIL, BUT IS A SECOND OR THIRD SET OF EYES TO LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN OUR CITY TO HOLD ALL OF THE COMMISSIONERS, THE ELECTED OFFICIALS AND THOSE WHO ARE DOING YOUR WORK, SERVING YOU, THAT THEY ARE BEING HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

THIS IS JUST A START.

WE MUST CONTINUE TO DO MORE IN THE SPACE OF TRANSPARENCY, OPEN CHECKBOOK NEEDS TO BE MORE ROBUST, BUT IT IS ALL ABOUT BEING TRUE TO YOU.

THANK YOU.

>> THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.

>> LISA, CAN I RESPOND?

MR. MANUEL CALLED ME -- >> YOU HAVE 30 SECONDS.

>> SO, I'M NOT SAYING THAT FOLKS CAN'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT SMART.

THEY CAN'T UNDERSTAND BECAUSE WE'RE ALL OVERWHELMED WITH DATA.

MS. ARCHIBONG MENTIONED OPEN CHECKBOOK SYSTEM AND THAT'S RIGHT.

IT PUTS AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DATA OUT THERE WITH VERY FEW TOOLS FOR ANYBODY TO ACTUALLY BE ABLE TO MANIPULATE OR TO LOOK INTO THE DATA.

WE ALL HAVE SO MANY THINGS TO DO IN OUR LIVES.

WE'RE OVERWHELMED BY THE AMOUNT OF VOLUME.

IT'S ABOUT MAKING IT SO THAT PEOPLE HAVE INSIGHTS, NOT JUST SO THEY'RE OVERWHELMED BY DATA.

SO THAT THEY CAN ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING.

>> THANK YOU.

JOHN RUCHE, YOU HAVE THE NEXT QUESTION.

>> THIS WILL GO TO ALL OF THE CANDIDATES.

WE'LL START WITH COUNCILMEMBER ARCHIBONG.

YOU ALL HAVE WIDELY VARYING LEVELS OF CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS AND TYPES OF CONTRIBUTORS WHO ARE SEEKING ACCESS TO YOU IF YOU WIN.

WHAT DO YOUR CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTORS SAY ABOUT YOU AND YOUR CAMPAIGN?

>> WELL, I HAVE A NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTIONS THAT HAVE COME FROM VOTERS WHO HAVE VOTED FOR ME FOR THE LAST FIVE TERMS, AND THAT IS A VOTE OF CONFIDENCE.

AND THEY ARE EXCITED ABOUT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE SOMEONE THAT THEY HAVE TRUSTED FOR 20 YEARS TO GO UP TO A HIGHER OFFICE AND CONTINUE TO REPRESENT THE CITIZENS OF ATLANTA.

I AM HONORED TO HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY EMILY'S LIST.

THAT IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT IS SUPPORTIVE OF WOMEN'S ISSUES, AND I AM PROUD OF THAT ENDORSEMENT.

AND AS A RESULT OF THAT, I'M GETTING CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WOMEN REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.

I'M PROUD OF THE LEGISLATION WHERE WE HAVE NOW FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE CITY, WE HAVE A WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS COUNCIL AND WE HAVE APPOINTED SOMEONE TO REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL DISTRICTS 5, 6 AND 7.

OTHER SUPPORTERS I'VE HAD ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE BUSINESS WITH THE CITY.

I'LL JUST OWN THAT.

THEY KNOW THAT I AM ALL ABOUT GOOD GOVERNMENT, AND THEY WANT TO CONTINUE WITH STRONG COMPETENT LEADERSHIP.

THANK YOU.

>> COURTNEY ENGLISH, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> CERTAINLY.

WELL, I'M INCREDIBLY PROUD OF THE SUPPORT THAT MY CAMPAIGN HAS GARNERED.

MY CAMPAIGN IS NOT SPONSORED BY CITY HALL INSIDERS OR SPECIAL INTERESTS OR BIG BUSINESS.

MY CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN A PEOPLE-POWERED CAMPAIGN.

I'M ESPECIALLY PROUD OF THE FOLKS WHO HAVE CONTINUOUSLY GIVEN $5, $10, $50 OVER AND OVER BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE IN OUR VISION OF BUILDING A CITY GOVERNMENT THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE.

I'M ESPECIALLY PROUD TO HAVE RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF STATE COUNTY MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES, AFSCME, WHICH IS THE LARGEST PUBLIC SERVICE UNION IN THE CITY, ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE COUNTRY, IN FACT.

THOSE ARE THE WORKING FOLKS IN THIS CITY WHO DO THE HARD WORK, THE ESSENTIAL WORKERS, EVERY SINGLE DAY OF KEEPING OUR STREETS CLEAN, KEEPING OUR STREETS SAFE.

AND I'M HONORED THAT SO MANY OF THEM HAVE GIVEN WHATEVER THIRD QUARTER EARNINGS CONFERENCE CALL TO SUPPORT MY CANDIDACY.

ULTIMATELY, ULTIMATELY, MY CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS SPEAK LOUDLY TO OUR VISION FOR, AGAIN, BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE CITY, A CITY THAT TRULY WORKS FOR EVERYONE.

>> SAM MANUEL.

>> WE ARE GETTING A RESPONSE THAT EVEN SURPRISES ME.

MUCH OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS COME FROM TALKING TO WORKERS DOOR TO DOOR, ON THEIR DOORSTEPS ABOUT WHAT WE FACE.

AND THE RESPONSE IS LARGELY ROOTED IN THE FACT THAT WORKERS ARE DISAPPOINTED WITH AND ARE MORE AND MORE LOOKING FOR AN ALTERNATIVE FROM THE -- EVEN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE TWO MAIN CAPITALIST PARTIES, THE DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS.

WHO PRESENT POLITICS SIMPLY AS WHAT THEY DO FOR US, RATHER THAN WHAT WE DO FOR OURSELVES, HOW WE ARE ORGANIZED, HOW WE RAISE OUR SELF-CONFIDENCE.

I APPROACH FUND-RAISING THE SAME AS YOU APPROACH OTHER MOVEMENTS I'VE BEEN INVOLVED IN THAT I MENTIONED HERE.

IT HAS TO COME FROM THE MOVEMENT ITSELF.

AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO THAT AND CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT THE POLITICS.

PEOPLE ARE INSPIRED BY THE IDEA THAT WE RAISE -- WE NEED TO BREAK FROM BOTH PARTIES AND FORM A LABOR PARTY IN THIS COUNTRY.

>> SAM MANUEL, I PROMISE YOU, IT'S NOT PERSONAL, BUT YOU ARE OUT OF TIME AGAIN.

SORRY ABOUT THAT.

>>> MIKE RUSSELL, PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTION.

>> THOSE WHO KNOW ME KNOW I'M NOT PART OF THE WINE AND CHEESE CROWD.

FOLKS WANT A FAIR SHAKE IN THE CITY.

THEY WANT REAL CHANGE.

THEY'RE TIRED OF EMPTY PROMISES.

THEY'RE TIRED OF THE ESTABLISHMENT.

THEY'RE TIRED OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN IN THIS BUSINESS AND NOT DONE ANYTHING.

PEOPLE WHO SUPPORT MY CAMPAIGN DON'T HAVE A LOT OF MONEY.

MORE THAN ANYBODY ELSE, DONORS TO THIS CAMPAIGN ARE PEOPLE VOLUNTEERS WORKING THEIR HEARTS OUT TO MAKE A CHANGE IN THIS CITY.

I'VE NOT HAD TO PAY ANYBODY TO KNOCK ON DOORS.

I HAVE NOT PAID ANYBODY TO PUT UP SIGNS OR TO WRITE POSTCARDS.

IT'S ALL BEEN VOLUNTEERS BECAUSE I STAND WITH THEM BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT YOU ARE MY ONLY PRIORITY.

AND IT WILL BE SO TODAY.

IT WILL BE WHEN I'M CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

>> DOUG SHIPMAN.

>> WHEN WE STARTED THIS CAMPAIGN, I DIDN'T HAVE A POLITICAL RECORD.

I ONLY HAD A VISION FOR ATLANTA AND THE EXPERIENCES OF LEADERSHIP THAT I COULD BRING TO THE TABLE.

I LOOKED UP THE NUMBERS COMING INTO THIS DEBATE.

700 PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN US LESS THAN $100.

OVER A THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN $200.

BAKERS, ARTISTS, SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, RETIREES, STUDENTS, BUSINESS PEOPLE.

THEY'RE A BIG TENT OF ATLANTIANS LIKE YOU WHO HAVE FAITH THAT A BETTER CITY IS POSSIBLE AND THAT WE NEED FRESH LEADERSHIP.

I THINK THAT THAT INCREDIBLE ARRAY OF DONOR SHOWS THAT THERE IS AN APPETITE FOR CHANGE.

THERE IS AN APPETITE FOR SOMETHING THAT LEADS US IN A NEW DIRECTION.

AND EACH OF THOSE DONORS IS AN ACT OF FAITH IN THE VISION FOR A BETTER ATLANTA.

I HAVE BEEN HUMBLED AND I THINK IT SHOWS TREMENDOUS MOMENTUM AND APPETITE FOR ME AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

>> THANK YOU ALL.

RICKY, IT'S YOUR TURN TO ASK A QUESTION.

>> AND I'D LOVE TO AGAIN HEAR FROM ALL OF YOU.

SO, WE'VE HEARD ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AND YOUR BACKGROUND.

WHAT ARE YOU LIKE WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT WORK WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING?

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONALITY?

WHAT MAKES YOU TICK?

NATALYN, WE CAN BEGIN WITH YOU.

>> WELL, THIS WILL SOUND LIKE PANDERING, BUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE STATIONS IS PBS.

I AM ADDICTED TO BRITISH MYSTERIES AND BRITISH COMEDY, AND SO IT IS ONE OF THE WAYS THAT I RELAX.

I'M AN AVID READER.

MY DOG TOKYO, WHO IS IN STAGE 1 RENAL KIDNEY FAILURE IS MY LOVE AND I LOVE TAKING WALKS WITH HIM.

OF COURSE, MY MOM WHO LIVES WITH ME IN HER 90s, IT'S A PLEASURE TO STILL HAVE THAT GENERATION OF HOPE AND EXPERIENCE IN MY HOME.

AND SO FAMILY, WALKING MY DOG, LOOKING AT PBS, READING A GREAT BOOK IS THE WAY ARCHIBONG LIKES TO RELAX IN.

>> THANK YOU.

DOUG SHIPMAN, WHAT DO YOU LIKE AT HOME?

>> SO, MY WIFE IS AN EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTOR AT GRADY HOSPITAL.

WE HAVE A 9-YEAR-OLD AND 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER.

WE LIKE TO JOKE.

WE EACH SINGLE COPARENT GIVEN OUR SCHEDULES.

YOU'LL FIND ME USING INSTA POT.

I LOVE TO COOK.

I LOVE RUNNING ALONG FREEDOM PARKWAY.

I SPEND A FAIR BIT OF TIME READING AS WELL.

WIDE ARRAY OF NONFICTION AND SOMETIMES FICTION.

USUALLY CHASING OUR KIDS AROUND, MAKING SURE THEY'RE ENGAGED, HANGING OUT WITH FAMILY.

I THINK THAT A LOT OF TIMES WHEN PEOPLE SEE ME OUT, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T REALLY RECOGNIZE ME BECAUSE USUALLY I'M SOMEWHERE BEHIND THAT WHOLE FAMILY CREW.

I ALSO LIKE TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME ON HISTORY.

I'M A BIG HISTORY BUFF.

AND I LOVE TO DELVE INTO HISTORICAL STORIES.

IT'S ONE WAY I TEND TO KEEP MYSELF GROUNDED IN WHAT'S COME BEFORE.

>> COURTNEY ENGLISH, WHAT ARE YOU LIKE AT HOME?

>> WELL, I AM NEWLY MARRIED, SO MY WIFE GREW UP IN BEN HILL AND GRADUATED FROM SPELMAN COLLEGE.

I SPEND AS MUCH TIME WITH HER AS I POSSIBLY CAN.

CANDIDLY, SPEND A LOT OF TIME LISTENING AND DOING WHAT SHE TELLS ME TO DO, KEEPING A SMILE ON MY FACE ABOUT IT.

I LOVE TO COOK.

I HAVE BIG GREEN EGGS.

I'M AN EGG HEAD.

THAT'S ONE OF MY FAVORITE PASS TIMES.

I'M A TEACHER AT HEART.

ANY TIME I CAN SPEND WITH KIDS OR CHILDREN, IT WARMS MY HEART.

OUR ORGANIZATION RUNS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS, SO OFTENTIMES I SPEND TIME AT THOSE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS JUST HANGING OUT WITH KIDS.

AND SO FINALLY, I'LL SAY THIS.

I'M AN AVID, AVID SPORTS FAN.

GO DOGS.

WE'RE THE NUMBER ONE TEAM IN THE COUNTRY.

DON'T GET AHEAD.

I LOVE WATCHING THE GAME.

IF YOU SEE ME YELLING AT TV, DON'T BE ALARMED.

IT'S HOW I GET DOWN.

>> SAM MANUEL, WHO ARE YOU AT HOME?

>> WELL, NELSON MANDELA'S BIOGRAPHY WROTE A BOOK ENTITLED, THE STRUGGLE IS MY LIFE.

WHEN I'M RELAXING IT'S THE SAME THING I'M DOING WHEN I'M NOT RELAXING.

READING, READING ABOUT THE STRUGGLES OF WORKING PEOPLE, BOOKS PUBLISHED BY PATH FINDER PRESS PUBLISHES THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF BOX ABOUT MALCOLM X.

READING THESE BOOKS, I READ THE MILITANT NEWSPAPER, IT REPORTS ON ALL KINDS OF STRUGGLES GOING ON, FROM BAKERY WORKERS TO OTHERS, MINE WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN OUT ON STRIKE NOW I BELIEVE LIKE SEVEN MONTHS IN ALABAMA.

AND WORKING WITH THOSE THAT I'M INVOLVED WITH IN THE MOVEMENT.

THAT'S THE MOST RELAXING TIME, DISCUSSING, DEBATING, WHAT DO WE DO NEXT.

THAT'S REAL POLITICS AND THAT'S WHAT I'M TRYING TO BRING TO WORKING PEOPLE IN THE COURSE OF THIS CAMPAIGN.

>> THANK YOU.

MIKE RUSSELL, WHO ARE YOU IN YOUR FREE TIME?

>> PRETTY MUCH WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET.

I'M MUCH MORE AT HOME IN A T-SHIRT AND SHORTS THAN A TIE.

I'M A BIT OF AN INTROVERT, BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AND I LIKE TO SURROUND MYSELF WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS AND A VERY RELAXED LAID BACK ENVIRONMENT.

I SPEND A LOT OF TIME WITH MY HUSBAND.

SOMEONE ASKED ME THE OTHER DAY, CAN YOU DO ANYTHING WITHOUT HIM?

I SAID, WELL, I COULD.

I JUST DON'T WANT TO.

WE HAVE A VERY CLOSE RELATIONSHIP.

HE HAS BEEN OUTSTANDING, AMAZING AND SUPPORTING THIS CAMPAIGN.

MOST OF MY NEIGHBORS KNOW ME BECAUSE THEY SEE ME WALKING OUR LITTLE DOG CHARLIE THAT'S A RESCUE THAT'S THE CENTER OF ATTENTION IN OUR NEW FAMILY.

I'M ALSO A GRANDFATHER, BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

UNFORTUNATELY I'VE ONLY SEEN MY GRANDDAUGHTER ONCE BECAUSE OF COVID.

LOOKING AT PICTURES AND TRYING TO BUILD A RELATIONSHIP LONG DISTANCE WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER.

>> THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU.

AS YOU KNOW, CRIME HAS BEEN THE TOP SUBJECT DURING THIS ELECTION CYCLE.

TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

YOU HAVE 15 SECONDS TO ANSWER THIS NEXT QUESTION.

WHAT WOULD BE THE FIRST THING YOU WOULD DO TO COMBAT THE CRIME ISSUE HERE IN ATLANTA?

MR. SHIPMAN.

>> THE FIRST THING WE HAVE TO DO IS MAKE SURE OUR INCENTIVES ARE CORRECT AND HR PROCESSES ARE WORKING SO WE CAN HIRE MORE POLICE OFFICERS ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH MENTAL HEALTH AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SPECIALTIES SO WE CAN ADDRESS THOSE ISSUES.

>> MR. RUSSELL.

>> AS I SAID EARLIER, I HAVE TWO BILLS THAT I'M PREPARING NOW TO SUBMIT TO THE COUNCIL ON DAY ONE, HOPEFULLY UNANIMOUSLY, TO TACKLE THOSE VENUES AND TO GET CAR BREAK-INS UNDER CONTROL STARTING FIRST DAY.

>> MR. MANUEL.

>> CRIME IS A PRODUCT OF THE SYSTEM AND VALUES THAT WE LIVE UNDER.

IT CAN ONLY BE REVERSED WHEN PEOPLE ARE INSPIRED TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

AS MALCOLM X DID IN EXPLAINING HIS BIOGRAPHY, HE HAD TO GET RID OF DESTROYED RED.

HE HAD TO FIND A REASON AND CAUSE FOR DISCIPLINE TO CHANGE.

>> MR. MANUEL.

>> I WOULD TRANSLATE ALL ADMINISTRATIVE FUNCTIONS BY SWORN POLICE OFFICERS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE CITY.

THIS WILL FREE UP SWORN COPS FROM THOSE ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES SO THAT THEY CAN GET OUT ON OUR STREETS AND CHASE BAD GUYS.

>> NATALYN ARCHIE BOND.

>> I WOULD HAVE CAMERAS ON EVERY GAS PUMP IN THIS CITY.

IT SHOULD NOT BE DANGEROUS AND SCARY TO PUT GAS IN YOUR CAR.

>> A TEDIOUS QUESTION AND YOU ANSWERED IN 15 SECONDS.

THANK YOU.

THAT IS ALL THE TIME WE HAVE FOR QUESTIONS.

EACH CANDIDATE WILL HAVE 60 SECONDS FOR A CLOSING STATEMENT.

SAM MANUEL, YOU GET THE FIRST CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> WELL, WHAT I TALKED ABOUT IN THIS CAMPAIGN IS THAT THE REAL SOLUTIONS THAT WE HAVE -- WE HAVE TO BEGIN TO BUILD THE SELF-CONFIDENCE, THE FIGHTING CAPACITY IN ORGANIZATIONS OF OUR CLASS THAT FIGHTS IN OUR INTERESTS.

AND THE MOST PROMINENT AMONGST THOSE IS THE LABOR MOVEMENT.

AND RIGHT NOW THERE IS AN UPTICK OF RESPONSE BY WORKING PEOPLE.

AND SINCE I'VE LAUNCH THIS HAD CAMPAIGN, I'VE BEEN ON THE PICKET LINE WITH MINORS.

I'VE BEEN ON THE PICKET LINE WITH BAKERY WORKERS, NABISCO WORKERS HERE IN ATLANTA.

WORKERS ARE FEELING MORE SENSE WE CAN ORGANIZE TOGETHER.

THAT'S WHAT THE CAMPAIGN IS TRYING TO DO.

THE PROPOSALS THAT WE RAISE ARE NOT JUST A LIST OF PROPOSALS, LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS, BUT A COURSE FOR WORKING PEOPLE THAT FIGHT.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MY CAMPAIGN AND SUPPORTING IT CAN FIND ME AT CAMPAIGN HEADQUARTERS 777 CLEVELAND AVENUE, AND OUR PHONE NUMBER -- >> THANK YOU, MR. MANUEL.

>> 528-7828.

>> COURTNEY ENGLISH, YOU MAY GIVE YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WELL, THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL DIALOGUE.

YOU KNOW, OUR CITY IS IN A MOMENT OF CRISIS.

CRIME IS ON THE RISE.

HOUSING PRICES ON THE RISE.

GAS AND CITY SERVICES ARE ALL ON THE RISE.

TODAY THERE IS NOT A NEIGHBORHOOD IN OUR CITY THAT DOESN'T FEEL LEFT OUT OR UNHEARD.

AND 11 YEARS AGO, 11 YEARS AGO OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS IN A SIMILAR MOMENT OF CRISIS WHERE WE WERE DEALING WITH THE LARGEST SCANDAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

HAVING LED THAT TURN AROUND, WE RAISED OUR GRADUATION RATES TO RECORD HIGH.

SENT MORE KIDS OFF TO COLLEGE.

WE BUILT AND CREATED MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING THROUGH THE WORK I'VE DONE IN THE NONPROFIT SECTOR.

I'VE HAD THE ABILITY TO LEARN FROM THIS CITY THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH ATLANTA THAT CANNOT BE SOLVED BY WHAT'S RIGHT WITH ATLANTA.

AND IN THIS MOMENT OF CRISIS, I'M ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE BECAUSE I KNOW I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO TURN THIS CITY AROUND AND PUT ATLANTA BACK ON TRACK.

ATLANTA IS AN AUDACIOUS CITY AND IT'S TIME THAT WE GET BACK TO THAT SPIRIT WHERE EVERYBODY NEW YORK CITY MATTER WHO YOU ARE, NO MATTER WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE, CAN LIVE A CHOICE-FILLED LIFE.

THAT'S THE KIND OF LEADERSHIP THAT THIS CAMPAIGN REPRESENTS.

>> NATALYN ARCHIBONG, PLEASE GIVE YOUR CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> I AM A NATIVE OF ATLANTA.

MY MOM AND DAD MET IN COLLEGE AND SETTLED HERE.

MY MOM WAS A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER.

I'M A PRODUCT OF APBS AND SO IS MY DAUGHTER.

IT WOULD BE MY HONOR TO CONTINUE TO SERVE YOU.

AS YOU HEARD, OUR CITY IS IN CRISIS.

THIS IS NOT TIME FOR ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.

THIS IS TIME FOR EXPERIENCED, STRONG, PROVEN LEADERSHIP.

YOU KNOW, THEY SAY OFTEN THAT THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN ATLANTA IS A STRONG SMEAR FORM OF GOVERNMENT.

I DISAGREE.

WE CAN HAVE A STRONG LEGISLATIVE BODY.

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

WE CAN HAVE A LEGISLATURE THAT PROVIDES THAT CHECK AND BALANCE THROUGH THE CITY COUNCIL.

I'M THE ONLY ONE ON THIS STAGE WHO HAS EVER SERVED ON COUNCIL, WHO HAS BEEN ON COMMITTEE, WHO CHAIRED A COMMITTEE.

FOR AN ATLANTA THAT IS SAFE AND A LEGISLATURE AND CITY COUNCIL THAT IS STRONG, VOTE FORTUNATE LYNN ARCHIBONG.

THANK YOU.

>> MR. RUSSELL, IT IS YOUR TURN.

>> ATLANTA IS AT A CROSSROADS.

YOU CAN MAKE THE DECISION WHERE TO GO.

I OFFER CHANGE.

OF THE CANDIDATES ON THE STAGE I HAVE THE MOST EXPERIENCE THAT COUNTS.

LAW ENFORCEMENT, SAFETY, BUDGETING, CITY SERVICES.

I'VE DONE THOSE THINGS WELL BEFORE, I WANT TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THEM FOR YOU HERE IN ATLANTA.

YOU DESERVE BETTER.

YOU PAID FOR THESE THINGS, YOU HAVE NOT RECEIVED THEM.

I WANT TO BE YOUR VOICE IN CITY HALL TO MAKE THIS CITY FUNCTION FOR YOU.

YOU KNOW, WE ARE THE CRADLE OF THE NONVIOLENT CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND WE'VE GOT TO LIVE UP TO THAT LEGACY.

IT IS TIME TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER SO THAT WE CAN SOLVE THE PROBLEMS THAT FACE OUR CITY.

I AM ASKING YOU FOR YOUR VOTE AND YOUR SUPPORT SO THAT TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THIS CITY THAT WE ALL LOVE SAFER AND BETTER FOR EVERYBODY STARTING WITH OUR CHILDREN.

>> THANK YOU.

DOUG SHIPMAN, YOU GET THE FINAL CLOSING STATEMENT.

>> WELL, I WANT TO THANK EVERYBODY FOR TUNING IN.

YOU CLEARLY CARE ABOUT ATLANTA BECAUSE YOU SPENT YOUR TIME LISTENING TO OUR VISION.

TEN YEARS AGO -- 15 YEARS AGO, I SPENT A VAST DECADE BUILDING THE CENTER FOR CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS, A PLACE TO TALK ABOUT OUR PAST, TO SHAPE OUR FUTURE, AND TO SHOWCASE THE KING PAPERS.

MANY THOUGHT IT COULDN'T BE DONE AND I LED THE EFFORT TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.

OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST FEW MONTHS I'VE MET THOUSANDS OF YOU ON FRONT PORCHES, ON BACK PORCHES AND ON ZOOM.

YOU SHARED YOUR FEELING OF HOPELESSNESS AND DOUBT ABOUT THE FUTURE.

YOU WANT A CITY THAT WORKS.

THE COMMITTEE FOR BETTER ATLANTA SAID I WAS CLEARLY THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON.

YOU WANT SOMEONE WHO CAN WORK ACROSS THE LINES OF RACE AND RELIGION AND NEIGHBORHOOD.

I'VE DONE THAT BEFORE AND I'LL DO IT AGAIN.

MY NAME IS DOUG SHIPMAN, AND I ASK YOU TO VOTE FOR ME AS A FAITH THAT TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD THE ATLANTA WE WANT.

>> THANKS TO ALL OF YOU.

YOU'VE SURVIVED, MADE IT TO THE END UNSCATHED.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE.

>>> THAT CONCLUDES OUR DEBATE.

WE'D LIKE TO REMIND VOTERS THAT ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, AND EARLY VOTING HAS BEGUN.

OUR THANKS TO THE CANDIDATES AND TO OUR WONDERFUL PANEL OF JOURNALISTS.

WE'D ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE ATLANTA PRESS CLUB FOR ARRANGING TODAY'S DEBATE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE ATLANTA PRESS CLUB AND ALL THE DEBATES THEY WILL HOST THIS ELECTION SEASON, VISIT ATLANTA PRESS CLUB.ORG.

I'M LISA RAM.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US FOR THE ATLANTA PRESS CLUB.

LOUDERMILK YOUNG DEBATE SERIES.

HAVE A GOOD EVENING.

♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪ ♪♪