Jereme D. Sharpe

February 17, 2025

Statement - South Fulton Former First Gentleman

OFFICE OF JEREME D. SHARPE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                               
February 17th, 2025                                                                                    
                   
FORMER FIRST GENTLEMAN OF SOUTH FULTON STATEMENT ON CITY AFFAIRS

As the former First Gentleman of the City of South Fulton, I must acknowledge this nebulous period in the City and across the Nation.

In times of uncertainty, leadership must rise above chaos to provide clarity and a vision for progress. Now more than ever, South Fulton must rise above the fray and chart a bold course toward stability, guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and unwavering dedication to its residents and businesses.

As South Fulton continues its evolution, it is imperative to address both the successes and challenges that define its trajectory. South Fulton is still a young City undergoing rapid transformation and its progress depends on having strong leadership, defining the brand of the City, and providing a vision constituents can believe in.

South Fulton must become a beacon of good governance, economic opportunity, and community engagement. The path forward requires collaboration between residents, city officials, and stakeholders, ensuring a shared vision that uplifts and empowers.

Through my direct relationship with the Mayor and several City Councilmembers, I do not hesitate to vouch for their outstanding character and I’m confident in their ability to move South Fulton forward under proper guidance.

A Path Forward: A Vision for South Fulton

To secure a thriving future, South Fulton must embrace a vision that defines its identity and enhances the quality of life. The vision is clear:

  • South Fulton Brand Defined – Suburban character, strong educational and civic institutions, traditional family values, quality investments in parks and recreation, and Black excellence.
  • Effective & Transparent Government – Launch a public-facing expense tracker. Implement checks and balances. Updated enterprise architecture.
  • Downtown South Fulton & Old National Revitalization – Revitalize Old National as a historic Downtown for the City.
  • Quality Businesses – Attract quality corporations, restaurants, and shopping options to enhance the local economy.
  • Community Engagement System – Create Citizens Advisory Board for input on City policies. Launch a Civic Leadership Academy to educate residents on City governance.
  • MARTA – Bus Rapid Transit Route Connecting City with College Park Station, Fayetteville, and Airport.
  • Enhanced Governance Structure – Establish City Council Committees. Adding new City Departments - Utilities. 
  • Comprehensive City Master Plan – A blueprint for City development including zoning.
  • Utilities Modernization – Reliable and affordable services - trash collection, water, power, and internet.
  • Affordable Housing – Promoting high-quality construction and architectural design standards.
  • Public Safety Investment – Enhanced recruitment, retention, and training. Enhance standard operating procedures to protect staff, residents,  and businesses.

South Fulton’s future hinges on Leaders who are committed to moving the vision forward.

Governance & Leadership: A Call for Clarity and Direction

Since South Fulton’s founding in 2017, City leadership has taken steps toward progress. However, a unified vision and clear direction are still not in the room with us.

Leadership must immediately;

  1. Define South Fulton’s Brand – Establishing a strong identity that reflects community values.
  2. Define The Vision – Outlining the long-term direction of the city.
  3. Define Actionable Goals – Ensuring leadership is aligned in fostering economic growth, responsible governance, and transparency.

In addition, the professional relationship between the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, and City Staff must be restructured to allow for increased oversight. Ongoing disagreements concerning travel arrangements, expenditures, and administrative authorizations highlight the immediate requirement for transparent governance. The tense relationship has also resulted in the City Manager being left out of important conversations and performing duties based on a fear of reprisal, mirroring the actions of the previous City Manager.

Additionally, there is a well-documented culture of bullying, harassment, and retaliation within the City of South Fulton, which I have personally observed. This leadership approach has led to multiple resignations, wrongful terminations, public attacks, and the proposal of legislation that would violate federal ADA laws*.

Travel, Expenses, & Audits: Accountability For All

Government Officials nationwide frequently travel to advance economic development initiatives. It is standard practice for such travel to be funded by the government when conducted for the public good.

Mayor Kobi recently traveled internationally to foster partnerships in global trade, logistics, and technology. His discussions with ZipLine Inc. explored groundbreaking drone delivery services that could revolutionize essential goods delivery for South Fulton seniors. Additionally, trade policies and border control discussions were held, directly impacting Fulton Industrial Boulevard—one of the City's economic anchors.

Regarding upgrades to City Hall, the modernization of the Mayor’s Suite was part of a planned effort to enhance the City's operational efficiency. These improvements reflect similar investments made in Cities nationwide and were executed within an approved budget to foster a professional and effective municipal environment which includes a pool table for community use.

Moreover, a recent City Council meeting revealed that both the Mayor and all City Councilmembers admitted to failing to adhere to established financial policies of the City. This admission necessitates an immediate, independent audit of all expenses from the Mayor and City Councilmembers, followed by essential reforms to restore public trust and ensure fiscal responsibility.

Clarification of Mayoral Authority

A common misconception in municipal governance is the distinction between a part-time Mayor and a full-time City Manager. This distinction pertains solely to time commitment, not executive authority.

Under the City Charter, the Mayor serves as the part-time chief executive officer, entrusted with enforcement, oversight, and governance. The City Manager, while a full-time administrator, does not hold superior executive power. The Mayor’s authority remains intact unless explicitly restricted by the Charter, aligning with governance models across the nation.

The Need for County & State Oversight

South Fulton stands at a crossroads where governance failures cannot be ignored. If the City cannot establish a stable and accountable government, external intervention will be required to protect residents and businesses. To that end, I strongly recommend the following:

Stable Governance Plan  – The City of South Fulton must provide the Fulton County Government with a comprehensive plan for stable governance within 30 days. This plan must include:

  • A clearly defined City identity.
  • A strategic vision with actionable goals.
  • A framework for financial and operational accountability and governance reforms.

State Receivership & Deannexation Plan – The State Legislature should be proactive and should prepare alternative plans to:

  • Place South Fulton under State Receivership, allowing the State to oversee city functions and implement corrective measures.
  • Deannex South Fulton, returning parts of the City to Fulton County governance or surrounding Cities to ensure proper oversight and service delivery.

A Defining Moment for South Fulton

South Fulton’s future depends on decisive leadership, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to progress. The residents and businesses of the City deserve a government that is transparent, effective, and forward-moving.

As South Fulton continues to evolve, I remain steadfast in my commitment to supporting initiatives that solidify the City's standing as a model for excellence. If meaningful reforms are not enacted, County, State, and Federal intervention will be necessary to ensure the well-being of South Fulton’s residents and businesses.

With Gratitude,

Jereme D. Sharpe
470-795-1989

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), only dogs qualify as Service Animals. (Emotional Support Animals, therapy animals, and companion animals do not meet this definition and are not granted the same legal protections.) The ADA does not require Service Animals to be registered, certified, or carry identification. No official certification or documentation is necessary for a Service Animal under federal law.


About Jereme D. Sharpe

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