Ferdinand knows about longevity in public office. The AJC has been digging into his operations for years, exposing how he earns nearly $400,000 through extra fees, how he profits off tax liens and how his practice of selling liens to private collectors has cost taxpayers millions.

On Monday he visited the Atlanta school board to explain the taxation process. It was the first time in about 18 years he’d made the trip, he told the board.

Wow, 18 years, Carstarphen mused. “You people do stick around,” she told him.

“See there’s hope,” Ferdinand told her.

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The quadrangle at Oxford College of Emory University. The university announced Wednesday it will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000. (Courtesy of Kay Hinton)

Credit: Kay Hinton

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