Which office are you seeking?
John H. Eaves is seeking Chairman, Fulton County, Board of Commissioners
Name of district. District 7
What is the demographic?
Nearly 1 million residents
Why did you enter politics?
I entered politics in 2007, as Chairman of Fulton County. I sought this position because I have a passion and desire to serve, and I wanted to help Fulton County meet the needs of its citizens in the most effective and efficient way possible.
What challenges are municipal governments facing?
All local governments, including Fulton County, have had to manage during the toughest economic downturn in the United States since the Great Depression of the 1930s-40s. The downturn of the economy has affected depreciated property taxes, which have had an adverse impact on the Fulton County operating budget.
Name the top three priorities you will address in your district if elected.
- Enhanced public safety and more efficient criminal justice system
- Stronger health care delivery system, including steady support of Grady Hospital
- Greater parity of economic development throughout the county
What steps will you take to ensure you meet these goals?
- I established a Smart Justice Coordinating Advisory Committee in August 2013, which will provide recommendations on public safety enhancement and criminal justice reform by December 2014. These recommendations will become new policy and budgetary initiatives in 2015.
- I will continue to push for enrollment of citizens into Obamacare and advocate for Medicaid expansion in the State of Georgia.
- I established an Economic Development Department in 2012, which is a taking an active role in recruiting new businesses to current under-represented areas, including South Fulton and Fulton Industrial Boulevard.
What are the key components of your political platform?
- Enhanced public safety
- Stronger Health care delivery for all residents
- Greater parity of economic development in the county
- Greater accountability and transparency in government
What is your perspective on sales tax?
Within Fulton County, 1-penny of sales tax supports MARTA, and 1-penny local option sales tax funds part of the Fulton County operating budget.
How important is political experience to effectively perform the office you’re seeking?
I have served as Chairman of Fulton County for 8 years. My experience has allowed me to better serve the residents of Fulton County.
What type of innovation, technology included, do you believe the government needs to consider?
New, updated technology is needed to manage the Fulton County Jail and assist law enforcement with public safety enhancement.
Name three of your political accomplishments.
- I championed the governance change of Grady Hospital in 2008-2009. The governance change has been a part of the transformation of Grady Hospital, which was on the verge of closing in 2008. Today, the hospital is operating in the black.
- I have led the county’s efforts to focus on diversion programs for non-violent, low risk criminal offenders. This has resulted in a reduced jail population for Fulton County.
- The Economic Development Department, which I established, is beginning to attract new businesses to Fulton County.
Who are your political role models and/or allies?
Congressman John Lewis, Ambassador Andrew Young, and Mayor Shirley Franklin
Define public servant.
“Giving of self to serve the needs of others … ”
Are minority and women-owned business certifications important? Why or why not?
I strongly support minority and women owned businesses and feel that they should have fair playing ground to seek business opportunities in government. I believe that they are a part of the wonderful diverse tapestry of Fulton County. They also create jobs for residents, and their sales stimulate the economy of the Atlanta region. During my term as Chairman, an estimated 30% of procurements have been awarded to M/WBE’s.
Do you think public-private partnerships are effective?
Yes, I believe that they can be successful, after thorough assessment is done, along with a feasibility study. Grady Hospital is one successful example of a public-private partnership that I have promoted during my tenure as Chairman.
Complete the following sentences:
I am the best candidate because … I have provided sound leadership as Chairman of Fulton County since 2007 by navigating the governance of the County Government during one of the toughest economic downturns in the US since the Great Depression.
I represent my constituents because … I care, I am accessible, and I view myself as a servant leader.
The leadership books that have inspired me are … Stride Towards Freedom by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Born to Rebel by Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
The two quotes/affirmations that I live by are … ”Don’t Quit” and “Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.”
