Councilmember Boone joins volunteers as they build raised bed vegetable gardens in Atlanta’s historic Westside neighborhood. The effort was part of a day of service sponsored by Young Generation Movement and the Lions Club.
Councilmember Boone rolls up her sleeves and helps bag litter during one of the many community clean-ups she hosts every year. Combating blight and its effects on Atlanta neighborhoods is a paramount priority for her. In addition, Councilmember Boone, in partnership with Atlanta’s City Solicitor’s Office and the Atlanta Police Department’s Code Enforcement Section, regularly hosts symposiums to educate residents on how to fight blight. As well, Councilmember Boone holds an annual scrap tire drive. This year over 500 illegally dumped tires were collected and transported to recycling facilities.
Councilmember Andrea Boone greets an Atlanta Public School parent during her annual Back 2 School Bash. Hundreds of parents struggle every year to provide the necessary school supplies for their children. To help meet this need, Councilmember Boone hosts an annual event to ensure children start the school year ready for success. In previous years, backpacks and school supplies for over 700 students have been provided.
Q: If you had the power, what one Government policy would you reverse? AB: Recently, we have seen a host of good environmental policies (e.g. the ban on dumping waste from mining into streams, tighter automotive fuel efficiency standards, regulation of ozone standards, and limits on fracking) reversed. I would like to see many of these policies brought back. I would want to reverse these reversals! Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career? AB: Before I ran for office, I served as the City of Atlanta’s Commissioner of Constituent Services. In that role, my staff and I solved myriad problems and challenges facing City residents. One instance, in particular, has stayed with me. The landlord of a large apartment complex made the decision to shutter and sell his property. In the process he evicted some 100 tenants all of whom were very low-income, and most of whom were elderly people with medical
issues and single mothers with small children. They were all being put on the street. My staff and I worked around the clock – literally – finding housing, healthcare, food, and other forms of assistance for the residents. We helped moms enroll their children in their new school districts and made sure refrigerators were stocked and utilities were turned on. We did not stop until every single person was re-housed and safe. It was a remarkable effort that required coordination among many different government agencies. A bureaucratic nightmare that required patience, persistence, compassion, tenacity, and creativity to solve very complicated problems. I am still in touch with many of them today. Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience? AB: The importance of communication. Getting elected is the first step in your political career. In order to get things done for those who have entrusted you to represent them, you must build trust with your constituents, colleagues,
other elected officials, department heads, etc. Be reliable, responsive, and transparent. Q: Which woman inspires you and why? AB: The late Fulton County Commissioner Emma Darnell. She was a warrior, a fierce and compassionate woman who fought for the elderly, the poor, the disenfranchised. She was an advocate for people who had no voice. Sometimes she spoke by herself, but she knew she was not speaking alone. Commissioner Darnell was one of the strongest, smartest, toughest people I have ever known. She entered office when women – especially African American women – were not seen. She was a trailblazer for all who came after her. I am here because I stand on her shoulders. Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today? AB: Women still face a choice between family and
career. Women are the caretakers in families – whether for their children, grandchildren, or aging parents. As such, they often must put their careers and ambitions on hold. Men do not face these same constraints, putting women at a disadvantage for promotion/advancement. Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace? AB: Finding a mentor is extremely valuable. I have been mentored, and I have mentored many women in my professional career. Through mentoring, women support each other in many ways. You will need encouragement and support, but you also need someone who will be honest with you and push you to grow. Q: What’s your advice for women in male-dominated fields? AB: Never ever believe you are less than any man in your field. Fight for your place at the table.