What metro Atlanta politicians say about Trump, Clinton

Chairman L.B. Ahrens (R): "I am answering as a resident, not as Cherokee chairman, so would appreciate that disclaimer. Yes, I support the Republican nominee. Why? The alternative is really scary … Just can't find any compelling descriptives. In fact, quite the opposite! No reservations (about Trump). (He) will clean up Washington quickly and restore global confidence."

Commissioner K. Scott Gordon (R): "I believe the Republican Party's platform is the best path for our country, and the members of the party made their choice clear through a primary process, which – unlike the other party – was free of tampering allegations."

Did not respond

Commissioner Brian Poole (R)

Commissioner Ray Gunnin (R)

Commissioner Steve West (R)

Sheriff Roger Garrison (R)

Clayton County

Commissioner Sonna Singleton Gregory (D): "We have never had a presidential candidate with such a perfect match of skill and experience as we with Hillary Clinton. She is coming in to the seat fully prepared. I have no reservations about her candidacy or her being president of the United States. She is the candidate of inclusion for such a time as this. The country needs her."

Commissioner Michael Edmondson (D): "My politics are local. I have no public opinion on federal candidates."

Did not respond

Chairman Jeffry Turner (D)

Commissioner Gail Hambrick (D)

Commissioner Shana Rooks (D)

Sheriff Victor Hill (D)

Cobb County

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell (R): "I support my party's (GOP) nomination. I am conservative and support the GOP. Although Trump was not my first choice early on I do support him now as the party's nominee."

Commissioner Lisa Cupid (D): "I will be supporting our party's nominee this fall. I serve a very diverse district in Cobb County, and I think it is important that the leader of our nation be more about inclusion and bringing people together, rather than dividing us. While I am not 100 percent aligned with her, I am confident Clinton's approach, over her opponent, has greater opportunity to foster inclusion and stability for our county and our country."

Did not respond

Chairman Tim Lee (R)

Commissioner Bob Ott (R)

Commissioner Bob Weatherford (R)

Sheriff Neil Warren (R)

DeKalb County

Commissioner Jeff Rader (D): "I'm a Democrat and I support our nominee Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. She is extremely well qualified for the position, and she shares my personal and policy goals of efficient and effective governmental action to improve the lives of the American citizens.

“I have no reservations about her suitability for holding office, and consider criticisms against her to be politically motivated and without substantial merit. No one works in the public eye as long as she without failures. Clinton has learned from them. Her continued commitment to the public interest and the experience gained from long service are without compare, particularly in this election.”

Did not respond

Commissioner Kathie Gannon (D)

Commissioner Larry Johnson (D)

Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson (D)

Commissioner Nancy Jester (R)

Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton (D)

Sheriff Jeff Mann (D)

Fulton County

Chairman John Eaves (D): "I wholeheartedly support my party's nominee for president without reservation. I believe Hillary Clinton is the most qualified candidate for president and embraces a platform that will best benefit America economically and socially."

Commissioner Emma Darnell (D): "I am voting for the Democratic Party's presidential nominee, Secretary Hillary Clinton. Secretary Clinton is best qualified to be president of the United States. I have no reservations for voting for Secretary Clinton to be president of the United States."

Commissioner Marvin Arrington (D): "Between the candidates that are available, she is the best choice. I don't have reservations. I am excited because she is an inspiration to my four daughters, women across the country, and the world. It is time for a woman president, and she is the most qualified of the two candidates that are running."

Did not respond

Commissioner Joan Garner (D)

Commissioner Lee Morris (R)

Commissioner Liz Hausmann (R)

Commissioner Bob Ellis (R)

Sheriff Ted Jackson (D)

Gwinnett County

Chairman Charlotte Nash (R): "This election season, my primary concern is hoping Gwinnett voters understand that the presidential election has little to do with ensuring Gwinnett County has low taxes, good services and an efficient, transparent government that works for the entire community.

“Regarding the presidential race, I’m a Republican who preferred other candidates, but I also have to respect our nominating process and the will of primary voters.”

Commissioner Tommy Hunter (R): "I have been in business long enough, and know enough successful people in business, to know you don't become a multi-billionaire without knowing what you're doing, how to spot and promote leaders, and how to make good decisions. I had one guy say to me, `You know his daddy helped him out.' My response is I know plenty of folks that daddy helped out that still lost their shorts because they had no idea how to be successful. You don't become as successful as Donald Trump without having the good sense to put the best people around you and listen to them. No one can do what he has done all alone. I am quite confident he will put people around him smarter than him in their particular field and listen to them—that is how you lead. I am convinced Hillary would surround herself with dumber people to make her look smart – just like Obama before her! And, I'll say this as well – I'm more interested in what someone has done than what someone has said. Hillary likes to spout off that words have consequences. Well I can assure her actions do – no matter what the FBI says. Like my mom always said, `Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.'"

Sheriff Butch Conway: "Immigration reform has been needed for many years. Donald Trump has been the only candidate willing to address the issue in a substantial way. My position has always been to deport those here illegally who are committing additional crimes. Mr. Trump has made it clear that deporting violent criminals will be his No. 1 priority.

“The 287g program (ICE partnership) has been very successful in Gwinnett. I’m pleased to see Donald Trump incorporate this into his plan. Since 2010, we have placed 11,564 retainers for ICE on illegal aliens who have been charged with 28,540 crimes. Thirty of those crimes are murder, 153 sexual assaults and 197 child molestations. I do not want to release an illegal immigrant charged with serious offenses back into our community to repeat their crimes. Think of the families of the 30 individuals murdered by illegal aliens - they mourn for their loved ones who were stolen from them. Think of the victims of molestation and rape and how they have been affected. All due to our inability to control the border.

“To assure public safety, we need to know who is in our country. Not only do we have concern for potentially violent criminals that illegally enter our country, we also have to contend with the threat of ISIS supporters using the border to gain entry.

“Hopefully Mr. Trump will find a way to rid our country of criminal illegal aliens while allowing those that are otherwise law abiding to have a way to come out of the shadows.”

Did not respond

Commissioner Jace Brooks (R)

Commissioner John Heard (R)

Commissioner Lynette Howard (R)