What is your name? *
Jacki Labat
What is your age? *
52
What is your occupation? *
Self-Employed – Management Consultant
What is your city of residence? *
Atlanta
How many years in public service? *
12
List your Community/Civic Affiliations: *
I currently serve as a member of the L.E.A.D. Advisory Council, Chairperson of the Buckhead Atlanta Associate Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and am a member of Pace Cetters, Inc. We are members of The Enon Baptist Church.
Where can voters find you online? (social media links & website) *
www.jackiforatlanta.com Twitter, Instagram and Facebook: @jackiforatlanta
What is the position you are running for? *
Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-Large
Why are you running for office? *
I’ve called many communities across Atlanta home. From SW Atlanta to Downtown to Midtown to Buckhead – I’ve worked, lived, played and raised my family communities. Atlanta has been a village where neighbors care, visitory Request edit access time and diversity & inclusion reign supreme. However, I am disheartentu wote the only me love and the communities in which we live being diminished. I am pleased to have received the endorsements of AFSCME (Association of Federal, State, County and Municipal Employees) and FPSE (Federation of Public Service Employees) as well as Ambassador Andrew Young.
In what ways do you believe your experience will assist you in your position, if elected? *
I spent the majority of my career as an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff to many of Atlanta’s top business leaders, including several years working with Coretta Scott King. I feel that I have been preparing for this role all my life – understanding the politics of a situation, being strategic, intuitive and collaborative yet decisive, anticipating the needs of others and exercising sound judgment based on those needs. I was one of the most sought after Executive Assistants across the city, and I’d like to think that was in part due to my commitment to continuously improve, avoid shortcuts and tell the truth – even when it is uncomfortable.
Why are you the best candidate for this position? *
I have never held office before, nor have ever run for office. I am not seeking this office as a politician, but rather as a mom, wife and small business owner who simply wants to champion good, smart governance and move Atlanta forward. I stumbled upon a life in public service when I married my husband who was then the Chief of the Atlanta City Detention Center. While technically a part-time position, serving as a Post 3 At-Large councilmember will absolutely be a full-time commitment for me.
What do you think your constituents need the most? *
In speaking with voters across the city, the most pressing issue is crime and public safety. I believe we need a short term and long term plan to have a meaningful impact on crime. We must address staffing levels within APD and AFRD to include strong recruitment campaigns to attract and retain the best talent. We must focus on training and repairing the relationship between law enforcement and the community. And we must continue to be laser focused on crime prevention – targeting repeat offenders, gangs and gun violence Request edit access a full audit and overhaul of the juvenile justice system to include humane housing and re-entry programming. We must also take an in depth look into the city’s FTA rates and signature bond processes.
What would you do differently than the predecessor in the position/office you’re running for? *
N/A
What are the three (legislative) issues you will address, if elected? *
Crime & Public Safety, Affordable Housing (to include eviction assistance) and Youth Engagement & Empowerment (to include opening all Centers for Hope)
If elected, what is your plan of action the first 100 days in office? *
Within my first 100 days in office, I will work with the Mayor, Council President and other elected officials on council and across metro-Atlanta to implement short-term solutions to address staffing, morale and community relationships with our public safety departments. I will also advocate for legislation that includes a comprehensive COVID-19 recovery plan that provides long term financial and strategic planning resources. Current financial assistance programs have expired or are set to expire within the next 12-18 months; however, we should be prepared to offer support, resources and financial assistance beyond that window.
