Candidate Profile: Ralph Long For City Council

ATLANTA — Fifty-six City Council candidates are running for 16 seats in Atlanta's Nov. 2 municipal election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Ralph Long is running for Atlanta City Council Post 3 At-Large.

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Democratic

Family

Erica Long - wife of 16 years; Ralph Long IV - 13-year-old son

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My wife is employed by Atlanta Public Schools.

Education

BFA, Interior Design, Art Institute of Atlanta

Occupation

Licensed real estate broker for nearly 20 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

State Representative, House District 61, 2009-2013

Campaign website

www.ralphlongiii.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Ralph A. Long, III is a lifelong Atlantan - a husband, father, real estate broker and former Democratic State Representative committed to fighting for the soul of Atlanta. Ralph comes from a family that taught him early in life the importance of giving back to the community by working and fighting for the interests of people. Throughout his life, Ralph has been surrounded by public school educators, community leaders and public officials who understand that Atlanta will only live up to its highest potential when everyone in the city has meaningful opportunities to grow and thrive.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our city is income inequality. As a member of the Atlanta City Council, I will fight for the creation of more jobs paying a living wage and work with the Mayor to recruit companies to our city that will pay its employees a livable wage and partner with the City to overhaul our workforce development programs.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am the only candidate in this race who can bring my personal blend of political, professional and personal experiences to serving on the City Council.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

N/A

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I am proud of the City of Atlanta's response to COVID-19. I would like to see the city provide monetary financial incentives to getting vaccinated.

hat do you identify as the root causes of the recent and ongoing increase in violent crime, and how would you address the issue?

I believe the root cause of crime in Atlanta is the vast income inequality across our city. Atlanta is no longer a city where working people can afford to buy their own homes. The consequence of us being a city with a wide disparity between the haves and have nots is that you will see crimes of opportunity occur.

Do you support or oppose the creation of Buckhead City? Why or why not?

I oppose the creation of a Buckhead City because it would be economically devastating to Atlanta and Atlanta Public School.

How would your administration react to the creation of Buckhead City and the resulting loss of a major residential, commercial and cultural center and significant source of tax revenue? How would you respond to residents and businesses in that community if cityhood were rejected?

I am vehemently opposed to the creation of Buckhead City and will leverage my relationships with State Legislators to ensure this effort fails. If this city were to be created, I would focus my efforts on the parts of the city that have significant need. When I am elected to the City Council, I will use my office to respond to needs and concerns raised by all Atlantans, including those who live within a rejected Buckhead City.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Public safety, infrastructure, and protecting senior citizens.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I served the people of Atlanta and Georgia for four years with distinction as a State Representative. I was an accessible, accountable and responsive legislator and I will bring those same values to the City Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a member of the City Council, Ralph will fight for the soul of Atlanta. He will fight for the safety of everyone who lives, works and plays in our city. Ralph will fight tirelessly for the interests of working people, including low-income people who have been shut off from the opportunities of Atlanta. As your City Councilperson, Ralph will fight to design city infrastructure that better suits our needs. Ralph will fight for senior citizens by strengthening our commitments to them. Ralph will work as a City Councilperson who fights for small business owners and the jobs they create.