An Interview with E. Alexander Gothard (City Councilman) of East Point, Georgia

On Saturday Morning, June 9th 2012, we were invited to a meeting held on Norman Berry Drive in the heart of East Point, Georgia at the East Point Historical Society.

The meeting was called to session by East Point City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard of Ward A. It regarded the (5) five versions of the 2013 Fiscal Year Budget under evaluation and or consideration. The City Councilman decided to share the information with Citizens while gathering their input before voting on the appropriate budget.

Following the meeting we asked him for an interview and he agreed.

C. Henry Adams: City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard of East Point Ward A, we would like to thank you for the opportunity to allow us to interview you. We understand that as a local business owner , as well as, City Councilman you are passionately involved in the positive growth of East Point, Georgia.

Considering that you are perhaps a very busy person, we would like to ask three (3) questions. Our questions regard the meeting and its discussions on Saturday Morning, June 9th 2012 and the incident that preceded it Friday Night, June 8th 2012.

City Councilman Gothard, on Saturday June 9th 2012 you shared five (5) versions of the East Point City Council 2013 Fiscal Budget under evaluation to staff, constituents and friends to gather insights. Did you obtain constructive criticism and or recommendations from individuals at this meeting?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard: I did receive constructive criticism from those who attended. It was my intent to address rumors that were extremely untrue. I will be supporting budget version number five and this version will lock in a millage rate of 15, no utility increases, and will include an operations management review in which a professional firm will help the council decide which positions with the city are necessary and which are unnecessary. Residents were very appreciative of the meeting.

C. Henry Adams: What other efforts are being done to assure the Citizens of East Point that its City Council is working in their best interest?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard: To be 100 percent candid, it is entirely up to residents to decide if their council person is working in their best interest. One of the reasons I held my recent meeting with some of my Ward A community leaders was to ensure them that I am working in their best interest and to personally address any concerns they have.

C. Henry Adams: Recently, it was announced in the Metro Atlanta News that you were in some sort of altercation. It is understood that a Locksmith refused to leave the premises of your home after being address to do so, is this true?

City Councilman E. Alexander Gothard:As for the incident that took place on June 8, 2012, below is a statement from my attorney:

The firm of Johnson & Freeman, LLC has been retained to defend Councilman Gothard regarding the recent charge of Simple Battery. This matter involves a dispute with a vendor at his residence. Since this matter is presently under investigation, it would be premature and irresponsible to comment on the details of this alleged incident. Councilman Gothard is looking forward to his day in Court so that he can be vindicated in this matter. As with any allegation, there are two sides to every story and Councilman Gothard anticipates that everyone will hear both sides before rendering judgment. In the interim, Councilman Gothard will continue to provide quality representation to the citizens of East Point.

C. Henry Adams: Thank you Sir for your time.

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