I have spent the majority of my career in government, and as a transplant to Atlanta from Memphis, Tennessee, public service has been my life’s work. I have risen through the ranks, and today, I consider this the pinnacle of my career.
Like me, many city employees have dedicated their lives to public service, often for salaries that pale in comparison to the private sector, simply because they believe in the work. They take pride in their roles, knowing that what they do impacts people’s daily lives.
However, when a workplace feels less like an environment of service and more like the subject of a Sting song—“Every breath you take, every move you make, I’ll be watching you”—the joy of public service turns into a burden. While accountability in government is paramount, so too are fairness and due process.
Ethical Government Legislation: Strengthening Accountability and Fairness
To address these concerns, the City of Atlanta passed a series of enhancements through the Ethical Government Legislation to ensure that investigations are conducted with integrity, transparency, and respect for employee rights.
These recommendations ensure that employees under investigation will now receive prior notification that they are the subject of an inquiry. They will also have the unequivocal right to legal or union representation during interviews—a fundamental safeguard that aligns with workplace protections. For employees requiring legal representation, the City Attorney will have the authority to select and appoint outside counsel, further ensuring fairness in the investigative process. These reforms don’t weaken accountability—they strengthen it by ensuring investigations are conducted in a just and transparent manner.
A Commitment to Transparency—A Lesson from Memphis
As someone who played a key role in communications during one of the most controversial cases in recent history—the release of the Tyre Nichols police beating video in Memphis—I understand the gravity of transparency in government in ways that few others do. That case was a stark reminder of how critical it is for government institutions to be upfront with the public. Delays, secrecy, and lack of communication erode trust, especially in moments of crisis.
The City of Memphis was forthright not just with videos, but also with personnel files and other documents, ensuring transparency and urgency in a way that left no room for doubt about our intentions. This approach reinforced public trust and demonstrated the power of open communication.
With that in mind, this legislation prioritizes transparency at every level. Under these changes, Open Records requests will be processed according to the City of Atlanta’s standard procedures, eliminating unnecessary delays and ensuring that everyone has timely access to public information. Transparency isn’t just about what we disclose—it’s about ensuring that the requester can access the information in a timely fashion. This builds a government that works for the people and for those who serve them.
Accountability and fairness are not opposing forces—they must work hand in hand. These reforms strike that balance, ensuring that Atlanta’s government remains ethical and just. Just as importantly, they reflect our commitment to the people who keep this city running: the employees who serve Atlanta’s residents day in and day out.
This is more than just policy change—it reflects one of Mayor Dickens’ four pillars: Effective and Ethical Government. It builds upon core values of fairness, accountability, and a commitment to serving the people of Atlanta with integrity.
By incorporating national best practices, protecting employee rights, increasing transparency, and redefining oversight, we are setting a new standard for good governance—one that builds trust both inside and outside of City Hall.
