“I vow to never run for any office higher than City Council. I believe that City Council is the most important Office in all government,” said Jereme Sharpe. Sharpe is seeking the City Council, Post 1 At-Large. He is currently an independent consultant. If elected, Sharpe plans to introduce legislation to have the city to issue a $100M dollar housing bond to end homelessness.
Challengers: Michael Julian Bond (incumbent), Alfred Brooks, Todd A. Gray, and Brandon Cory Goldberg.
Website: https://www.sharpe.vote
Twitter: @VoteSharpe
What he shared with us:
PrideIndex (PI): Why did you decide to run for office?
Jereme Sharpe (JS): I decided to run for office after continuously fighting with elected officials and city agencies to get things done around my Neighborhood. Things like having trash picked up, helping the homeless receive services, and even ensuring small businesses were being fairly compensated when the film industry would shut down streets for weeks. Moreover, Residents and Business Owners told me they’d never met a Candidate or Elected Official. That was unacceptable to me. —I am running for office to make Atlanta the #1 City in American to live, work, play, and love for everyone.
PI: What makes you qualified to hold this office?
JS: I have both the professional experience and personal experience needed to provided solutions for the many issues we face in our City. I have a professional background in real estate, business development, and digital cartography. I’ve run businesses, managed multimillion-dollar transactions, and consulted with multinational corporations. I currently serve and have served on various Boards and Committees such as PAD (Pre Arrest Diversion), Fairlie-Poplar Neighborhood Organizations, and Georgia Green Party to name some. On a personal level, I’ve overcome homelessness, been on welfare, and started working at the age of 10 when my Dad went to prison and my mom lost her job.
PI: Should you win, what can voters expect from you in this position?
JS: Voters can expect me to do my job when elected. I’m here to do the work. 55+ hours per week with 70% of that time spent directly with citizens helping them by providing solutions and resources. 20% of the time will be spent in City Council Meetings and creating legislation to permanently address issues. The last 10% of my time will be spent with my sleeves rolled up helping out with projects around the City. Installing lamps, filling potholes, actually doing the work needed.
PI: Do you plan on running for higher office someday? Why or why not?
JS: I vow to never run for any office higher than City Council. I believe that City Council is the most important Office in all government. The higher you go the more disconnected from the people you become.
PI: What similarities and differences do you see between yourself and your opponent(s)? JS: I believe all of my opponents are progressive in many areas. I believe I’m the only Candidate in my race that can provide working solutions for the many issues we face. I have experience across the board which includes the real estate industry (housing), running organizations, negotiating deals, and working with people of all kinds and backgrounds. I have developed the vital relationships needed on both sides of the aisle to get things done. Lastly, I walk the walk that I talk. I take public transport daily, rent an apartment Downtown, I’m a small business owner, and Neighborhood Chair.
PI: What should the city of Atlanta do to address the issues of the homeless and underserved?
JS: The City will need to spend between $30-70 Million of the current $2.1 Billion dollar budget to end homelessness today. Within my First 100 Days, I will put forth legislation that will have the City issue a $100M dollar housing bond to end homelessness and elevate the underserved.
PI: Should you win, what do you plan to do to address the needs of your detractors?
JS: My policy is designed to uplift everyone equitably.
PI: What is your position regarding funding for affordable housing and/or the sky-rocketing costs of living in Atlanta?
JS: Housing costs have outpaced wages for many people. To address and slow down the rising housing costs we must utilize all the tools on our toolbox. Meaning, we must utilize the rezoning tool, housing vouchers tool, inclusionary zoning tool, down payment assistance programs tool, and the other nine housing tools.
PI: What are your suggestions for building a better relationship between the police and people of color and the LGBTQ+ community?
JS: Atlanta has almost 275 unique neighborhoods. When we think or talk about policing we must always bring the Neighborhoods into the conversation. West End does not want the exact same thing as West Midtown. Kirkwood might want something different than Pine Hills. So when it comes to building a relationship between the police and the LGBTQ community, we need to understand the exact needs and wants of the community and then build policy around that.
PI: How should the city address funding for HIV/AIDS treatment and education?
JS: Within my First 100 Days, I will work with the Mayor to create the “End HIV/AIDS Commission” (EHAC), which will be charged with managing the HIV/AIDS crisis on all levels. From education to funding to treatment. The End HIV/AIDS Commission (EHAC) will create a central entry system for all those living with HIV/AIDS can easily access and receive the services they need. Lastly, the HOPWA program will be managed under the Atlanta Housing Authority but with direct oversight from the End HIV/AIDS Commission.
To see the out LGBTQ candidates running for office in the November 2, 2021 election in the Atlanta area click on the names below. Check back for updates.
Antonio Brown, Larry Carter, Jason Hudgins, Brandon Cory Goldberg, Liliana Bakhtiari, Jereme Sharpe, Kelly-Jeanne Lee, Devin Barrington-Ward, Keisha Waites, Courtney DeDi, Alex Wan, Khalid Kamau and Mike Russell.
