Recently during an evening set aside for producer Polow Da Don to demonstrate his compassion for those in need by raising funds for his annual Thanksgiving Carnival, Councilwoman Bottoms was on hand to lend her support and discuss what serving her constituents means to her. –gerald radford
What has prepared your for your position?
I am an attorney, I still practice and life is all about being prepared for the next step, so just working hard and being ready for opportunities that presented themselves … and city council was one of them. I attended Douglas High School [in Atlanta], Florida A&M, [as a] journalism major, and then Georgia State University College of Law. This has probably been the best use I’ve made of my law degree in my 16 years of practicing.
What are the major challenges you face in your role?
In the city we’re challenged the way the whole country is challenged. Times are tough economically, so we’re dealing with very limited resources and all that comes along with being in a recession. Public safety and crime in people’s day-to-day lives is a huge problem across the city … [and] trying to get a handle on those issue is very challenging.
What makes facing those challenges worth it for you?
It’s my community. It’s where I grew up, where I was born and raised, where I’m raising my children, where my mother lives … I want it to be a better place for my children, just like I want it to be a better place for everyone else’s family.
How do you measure your success?
My success is measured by how well I sleep at night. I sleep well knowing that I’ve done the right thing and the best that I can do, and when I don’t do my best, I don’t sleep well.
What are three tools you feel you need to remain effective as a city council member?
Prayer, support of my family, and support of my community.
What would you tell young women who aspire to be where you are?
Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t ever let fear stop you from going forward. One of my favorite quotes is from Oprah: ‘What would you do if you weren’t afraid to fail?’ Once you answer that question, the sky is the limit.
