Service with integrity is paramount

Each elected member of the Atlanta City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to oversee the finances of this city and govern with honesty and integrity as entrusted by the citizens upon taking the oath of office. I take serious that oath and endear the trust of the people that placed me in office.

It is reckless to incriminate those who serve without valid cause or to cast suspicion without merit. In an attempt to recognize and seek innovative opportunities to serve the vast needs of the District 3 constituency, trust funds were established to accept private contributions in support of initiatives for senior citizen recreation and holiday assistance to low-income families in need of help. These were not taxpayer dollars, but private funds from gracious donors who willingly understand the intent and chose to lend financial support.

The trust funds were established to offer transparency and an audit trail for the receipt of funds and disbursement of expenses associated with those initiatives. The legislative resolutions were introduced in the presence of the departments of law and finance with no indication that they were illegal or unethical, and subsequently approved by the council and the mayor. All expenditures submitted were accompanied by the required supporting documents and approvals following long-established guidelines by the city.

The Department of Law, the Ethics Officer (with board approval), and the Finance Department should proactively establish and define the parameters of all City Council and city of Atlanta departmental expense accounts, clearly defining accepted and prohibitive uses. Since those uses have not been clearly defined either in the current or previous administrations, it has unfairly cast a tainted and unmerited view of the actions of elected officials.

I support the complete review of the council financial policies and procedures, including the trust accounts set up for District 3, and will follow the recommendations of the Ethics/Integrity Committee.

I cannot consciously apologize for providing food to families in need or providing recreational activity to seniors on fixed income who look forward to the opportunity of a day of fun and activities designed specifically for them. Anyone with a minimal understanding of the District 3 demographics knows the enormous economic challenges that strain conventional resources. I was elected to represent people and their interests, and that has been and always will be my goal.

Some may believe that council members should not provide support to residents other than legislatively, and they are entitled to that belief. But it is difficult for me to ignore human need. I was elected to serve the needs of people, especially those I see on a daily basis.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said that “the ultimate test of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and moments of convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge and moments of controversy.” A part of my sworn oath stated, “I will not knowingly permit my vote in the election or appointment of any person to a position in the city government to be influenced by fear, favor, or affection, reward or expectation thereof.” That commitment remains firm.

Donors to the trusts that I have established received nothing more than recognition for their contributions.

My oath or official responsibility to the council or the citizens of Atlanta was not compromised. Service with integrity is paramount.

> Ivory Lee Young Jr. represents District 3 in the Atlanta City Council.

This column is solicited to provide another viewpoint to an AJC editorial published today.