Joshua Butler

Occupation: East Point City Councilman Ward D at Large

How long have you been an East Point resident?

41 years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

My motivation for running in the 2025 East Point Municipal Election is rooted in my lifelong commitment to this community. East Point is where I was raised, where my family lives, and where I have dedicated my career to public service. I am running because I believe every resident deserves a safe neighborhood, reliable city services, strong schools, and the opportunity to thrive. Too often, decisions are made without fully including the people most impacted. My goal is to make government more responsive, more accountable, and more focused on everyday families.

What makes me the best candidate is my proven record of service, integrity, and results. As a City Councilmember, I have already worked to expand community benefits, improve infrastructure, and fight for reliable utilities. I bring both the experience of governing and the fresh vision to move East Point forward. I know how to listen, I have had more than 30 community town hall meetings. I know how to build consensus, and how to deliver real solutions for residents. I have blocked unwanted developments and worked hard to support existing businesses. My leadership is guided by the principles of honor, integrity, ambition, balance, and uplift—and that’s the kind of representation East Point deserves.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

East Point faces two major challenges that we must confront head-on. First, there is a lack of accessible emergency healthcare. Too many of our residents are forced to travel outside the city during life-threatening moments, and that puts lives at risk. When Wellstar left our community in 2022, I rolled up my sleeves and went to work. I led the charge to create a Hospital Authority, giving us a vehicle to fundraise, close financial gaps, and provide management that prioritizes people over profits.

Second, East Point continues to struggle with a lack of meaningful investment. While development has surged across metro Atlanta, our city has too often been overlooked. I believe we need targeted investment that creates quality jobs, revitalizes our commercial corridors, and uplifts every neighborhood. Addressing these two challenges is key to building a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous East Point.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

I fully support financial accountability and transparency, which is why I voted in favor of a forensic audit of the city’s finances. That audit uncovered some troubling issues, and I am proud that we are now working diligently to resolve them. I also led the effort to pass the FY 2025–2026 Budget by listening to concerns, building consensus with my colleagues, and ensuring that the final budget is more transparent and more accountable to taxpayers’ dollars.

Keisha Chapman

Failed To Respond To Inquiries 

Alphonzo McDondald

Occupation: Pastor

How long have you been an East Point resident?

Two Years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? *

My motivation for running in this election comes from love, love for East Point and the people who live here. I was raised here, I’ve pastored here, and I’ve walked these streets most of my life. I see the struggles, the potential, and the greatness in this city. That’s why I’m stepping up. Not because I want a title, but because I believe East Point deserves leadership that truly cares and understands what it feels like to live here every day.

What makes me the best candidate isn’t just experience on paper, it’s lived experience. I’ve been serving this community for years  feeding families, mentoring our youth, standing with people in their hardest moments. I share the same issues and concerns as my neighbors because I’m right here with them.

I believe in bringing a fresh voice, accountability, and a real vision for a better East Point. My goal is simple: to make sure our city works for all of us, not just some of us. That’s my heart, that’s my motivation, and that’s why I’m running.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

The biggest challenge facing East Point right now is trust,  trust in leadership, trust in how money is being spent, and trust that the decisions being made are really for the people. Too many folks feel like City Hall is out of touch, and that creates frustration and disconnect.

I believe the way we fix that is through transparency, integrity, and making sure the budget is allocated the right way. Every dollar should be working for the people  improving neighborhoods, strengthening public safety, investing in our youth, and supporting small businesses. The people should clearly see where their tax dollars are going, not have to guess.

My plan is to open up the process, communicate honestly, and put accountability back in place so residents know we’re moving forward together. When people can trust the process and see progress in their own communities, that’s when East Point grows stronger.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

If I’m elected, my goal is to make sure every resident can clearly see where their money is going. Financial accountability isn’t just about numbers on a paper, it’s about building trust with the people.

I plan to push for clearer reporting of the city’s budget, making it simple and accessible so folks don’t need a finance degree to understand it. I’ll also work to hold regular community budget meetings, where residents can ask questions and see exactly how decisions are being made.

On top of that, I believe in integrity in spending making sure funds are allocated fairly, to improve neighborhoods, strengthen services, and invest in our future, not wasted on things that don’t benefit the people.

Transparency and accountability are non-negotiable. If I’m trusted with this role, East Point residents will never have to wonder what’s happening behind closed doors because it’ll all be brought to the light.

Michael A. Dixon

Occupation:  I’m a Senior Director at a Top 10 public university, where I design and implement strategic initiatives that create opportunities for student entrepreneurs and strengthen the broader community. 

In this role, I unite teams, tackle challenges with logical thinking, and execute ambitious plans with excellence and high quality all while leading operations and administrative functions. I will bring this same results-driven, strategic approach to East Point as Mayor, providing thoughtful, accountable leadership that benefits the entire city.

What is your age? *

43

How long have you been an East Point resident?*

8 years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

I am proud to call East Point home! My motivation for running is straightforward: East Point’s best days are ahead of us. We have a city with small-town charm and big-city potential, but potential alone doesn’t create progress. It takes a bold, forward-thinking leader who moves beyond talk and takes decisive action.

My vision is clear. I will champion economic growth, strengthen public safety, improve education, and ensure city government works with the people to move East Point from surviving to thriving. I am committed to elevating East Point and turning our city’s promises into tangible results.

I want to create a new type of economic development in East Point, one that brings fresh offerings to our city, from attractive restaurants and family-friendly spaces to safe, engaging community hubs. This approach will support local entrepreneurs, attract visitors, and build a city where residents can live, learn, work, and thrive.

We have all the ingredients, but it will take leadership with the tenacity and courage to tackle tough conversations and make difficult decisions. I am ready to be that leader, delivering thoughtful, accountable leadership that benefits every resident and ensures East Point reaches its full potential.

For more than 20 years, I have led teams, built programs and initiatives, and secured financial resources to create meaningful opportunities for students, families, and businesses. That experience has prepared me to serve East Point with integrity, transparency, and a results-driven approach. I know how to unite people around a shared vision and deliver outcomes that truly make a difference.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

For too long, citizens have witnessed broken systems, outdated service practices, and lingering legacy issues in key departments. Plus, the physical state of our downtown and slow economic development. It’s time to take bold action.  

To guide this transformation, I will introduce the 4R Framework: Reconsider. Repair. Rebuild. Reimagine.

Reconsider – Take a fresh look at how the city works. Figure out what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change so we can better serve residents and attract new kinds of businesses.

Repair – Fix the basics: outdated websites, slow processes, and old practices in city departments. Make services faster, smoother, and more reliable.

Rebuild – Strengthen and upgrade our city’s systems, departments, and services so they support growth, enhance public safety, and empower the community. Restabilize and reinforce our foundation to ensure long-term success.

Reimagine – Dream big for East Point. Revitalize downtown, foster entrepreneurship, bring in fresh businesses, and build a city residents are proud to live, work, and invest in.

But the catalyst for all of this starts with our elected officials. We need to bring in a fresh Mayor with the energy and vision to drive this bold, yet achievable, transformation.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

Going back to the 4R Framework, we will take intentional steps to reconsider current practices and workflows around financial accountability and transparency. This is one of my top three priorities for the city. Through a full discovery and assessment process, the Council will gain a clear understanding of what can be repaired and what must be rebuilt.

It is mission-critical for the Mayor to work hand in hand with the Council and City Manager to restore clarity, oversight, and trust in East Point’s finances. This includes publishing clear, easy-to-understand public finance reports, reviewing and publishing City-issued credit card usage for Council members, and conducting a deep policy review to close gaps and eliminate outdated practices. At the same time, it is important to remember that the Council’s duty is to set policy and provide oversight, not to manage day-to-day operations, which ensures a proper balance of power and prevents overstepping authority.

We must rebuild trust with our citizens, make smarter and more responsible decisions, and ensure every dollar supports the growth, safety, and well-being of our community. As Mayor, this is non-negotiable—it is my duty.

By strengthening these financial foundations, we can make East Point safer, create more opportunities for residents, families, and businesses, improve city services, and grow the local economy in new ways. 

Simply put, doing this work now sets the city up for a stronger, more vibrant, and prosperous future for everyone.

Japera Johnson Hemming

Occupation: Project Director of national program supporting HBCUs

How long have you been an East Point resident?*

Eight years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

My motivation to run for Ward A At-Large comes from a deep commitment to protect our homes, my dedication as a parent, and my vision to bring back our downtown. After 27 years, my family lost our home to a predatory lender. Packing up everything we had built was painful, and no one should ever have to go through that. That loss fuels my passion to protect property values, maintain the beauty and cleanliness of our neighborhoods, and ensure the people who live in East Point can stay in East Point.

As a step-parent, I want safe streets and parks, strong partnerships that support our schools, and more programs that give our youth real chances to grow and thrive. Families should feel secure and proud to raise their children here.

I also believe we deserve a downtown where neighbors can gather, support local businesses, and enjoy our community—without being pushed out or priced out. East Point should be a place where we can shop, dine, and find entertainment close to home.

I bring both skill and heart to this work. I have ethically managed millions in funding, led projects with Georgia state agencies and school districts, served on local boards, and volunteered in our community—always being fair, accountable, and transparent. I have never misused resources or my power to benefit some while harming others. 

My goal is simple: to rebuild the home and community we deserve—together, with integrity and boldness

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?*

The biggest challenge in East Point is that too many projects remain unfinished, even though we pay millions through property taxes and special taxes like MOST and TSPLOST. We deserve to know how our money is being spent and to see progress, not just promises.

To solve this, I would require the city to adopt performance-based objectives tied to every budget request, with measurable outcomes before funding is approved. I would also set clear rules for how “carryover” funds are used so dollars don’t sit idle while needs go unmet. Finally, I would create public dashboards so neighbors can easily track progress. This transparency will restore trust and help neighbors see where our dollars are going.

At the same time, East Point’s 11,000 youth should be our priority. East Point's own Shellord Pinkett, Parks and Recreation Director, shows what strong youth programming can do. Raised in East Point, he started as a camp counselor and worked his way to department head, creating programs that make a real difference. Yet last summer, his limited budget and lack of facilities meant he could only serve 65 youth. Imagine how much more he could do with expanded funding and partnerships with Fulton County Schools to use their facilities.

By pairing financial accountability with real investments in youth, East Point can finally deliver the results families deserve.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?*

City Council’s most important responsibility is financial accountability. Council’s role is to approve and adopt the budget, write clear rules and policies that can be enforced, and use its oversight authority to hold the City Manager and department heads accountable for transparent spending. While the City Manager handles day-to-day operations in our “weak council–strong city manager” form of government, Council sets the rules, calls for investigations when needed, and uses the budget vote to invest in what matters most to our community.

I will put transparency, accountability, and collaboration at the center of addressing financial accountability. The city’s accounting must be improved with timely bank reconciliations and follow-through on audit findings so discrepancies don’t go unchecked. I will work with other council to draft expectations for the budget book delivered to neighbors to be plain-language documents tied to real outcomes, so we can see where our tax dollars go and what results they bring.

We also have to improve how we bring in new revenue and collect on delinquent accounts. I will work with council to enforce standards evenly, collect delinquent accounts fairly, and prevent conflicts of interest. Equal treatment for every resident is non-negotiable.

At the end of the day, the budget vote is where accountability begins. By setting clear policies and making financial information public, we can stop waste, restore trust, and deliver the services East Point is already paying for.

Sharon Shropshire

Declined To Participate

Starr Cummings

Occupation: Assistant Chief of Support Services for the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department

How long have you been an East Point resident?

15 years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

I am running for City Council because I believe in the power of local government to make meaningful, lasting change in our community.  As a resident who lives, works, and raises a family here, I’ve seen firsthand both the challenges we face and the incredible potential we have when we come together to create solutions.

My motivation stems from a deep commitment to public service, equity, and transparency. I want to ensure that every voice is heard.  Whether it's improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, investing in youth programs, or making our neighborhoods safer and more sustainable, I will work tirelessly to represent the needs and values of our diverse community.  

Running for City Council is not about politics—it's about service, accountability, and a vision for a better future.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

I am running for City Council because I believe restoring public trust is not only necessary — it’s urgent. Our city has faced a barrage of challenges, from a lack of transparency to serious concerns around financial stewardship and accountability. These issues have eroded confidence in local government, and it's time we right the ship and move in a more responsible, positive direction.

Rebuilding trust starts with leadership that is honest, accessible, and accountable. I’m committed to making sure that decisions are made in the open, that public funds are managed responsibly, and that every resident feels seen, heard, and respected.

Government alone can’t solve these problems. I strongly urge our community to stay engaged, to speak up, and to continue holding us accountable. Real change happens when we work together, and I’m ready to serve as a bridge between the city and the people it’s meant to serve. It’s time for a new chapter — one defined by transparency, responsibility, and progress.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

When re-elected, I will prioritize financial accountability by implementing several key initiatives to rebuild public trust and ensure transparency in how your tax dollars are spent.

I will work to launch a transparent, online budget portal that allows residents to easily view departmental spending and track financial data in real time. This will be accompanied by user-friendly, plain-language budget summaries to make complex financial information accessible to everyone.

To further engage the public, I will work with Mayor, Council, and staff to host bi-annual budget forums to provide updates, answer questions, and gather input from residents and stakeholders.

I also will work to strengthen procurement oversight, publicly disclose all elected officials' expenses and travel, and work to establish a Citizen Financial Oversight Committee to provide independent, community-based review of the city’s financial practices.

These steps are part of my commitment to open, honest, and responsible government — one that truly serves its people.

Etrinda Castle

Occupation: Consultant

How long have you been an East Point resident?

8+years 

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

I believe I am the best candidate for Ward-C City Council position because I have both professional expertise and a strong record of community leadership. As founder of The Castle Group Consultants, I’ve specialized in creating innovative housing solutions and identifying sustainable revenue streams for nonprofit organizations—skills that directly translate to solving real challenges here in East Point. I’m also a licensed casualty, health, and life insurance agent in 46 states, which has equipped me with a solid background in financial accountability, risk management, and protecting families’ well-being.

Just as important, I serve as President of the Carriage Colony Community, where I work directly with residents to address neighborhood concerns and improve quality of life. This hands-on leadership has taught me the value of listening, collaboration, and action at the local level.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge professional experience with grassroots service. My career has been centered on transparency, efficiency, and equity—and that’s the same leadership I will bring to City Council. I’m committed to building public trust, improving city services, and ensuring that every resident feels valued, respected, and represented.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

Some of biggest challenge(s) facing East Point today is Economic Development and Customer Care.

•Economic development is intentional and inclusive. We will attract businesses that create good-paying jobs, expand our tax base, and revitalize corridors—while ensuring that development does not displace longtime residents. Instead, growth will include affordable housing options, small business support, and pathways for local entrepreneurs to thrive.

Our Customer Care Department has faced serious challenges, with permitting often being the number one frustration for residents. I believe this is fixable—and under my leadership, I will work with my colleagues to turn this around by focusing on three key areas:

1. Build Employee Morale and Engagement

Employees are on the front line of service. When morale is low, service suffers.  

•Simplify procedures by reducing bureaucracy and streamlining forms.

•Recognize and reward employees who provide excellent service.

•Invest in professional development, including training in customer service and conflict resolution.

•Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, and accountability where employees feel valued.

2. Improve Processes and Accountability

Even the best employees can’t succeed without clear, efficient systems.  

•Establish clear performance standards, including response times and service goals.

•Track progress through regular monitoring, customer satisfaction surveys, and transparent reporting.

•Hold departments accountable for delivering timely, quality service.

3. Engage and Communicate with Residents

Customer care is about building trust.  

•Provide multiple, accessible channels for residents to give feedback.

•Ensure complaints and inquiries are answered promptly and respectfully.

•Communicate improvements so residents know change is happening and their voices are being heard.

Residents will feel respected, valued, and confident that the city is working for them. By raising employee morale, improving processes, and engaging directly with residents, we will deliver faster, fairer, and higher-quality services, building a city government that truly serves its people.

A thriving East Point is not one that chooses between progress and preservation, it’s a city that achieves both. By balancing smart economic development with equity and transparency, we can create a future where our residents feel proud, protected, and connected to the place they call home.

Andrea Caldwell

Occupation: Strategic Customer Success Manager

How long have you been an East Point resident?*

15 years

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

My motivation for running in the 2025 East Point Municipal Election comes from my belief that every voice in our city matters and deserves to be heard. I love the unique charm of East Point and see tremendous potential for growth that reflects what residents truly want. I believe our challenges are solvable with the right people serving, leaders who listen, take action, and put the community first. As a resident turned advocate, I’ve seen firsthand where we need change and how collaboration can remove roadblocks. My background in technology has trained me to think strategically and solve complex problems, and I’m committed to bringing that same energy, skillset, and collaborative spirit to City Council to ensure East Point continues to thrive.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

One of the biggest challenges facing East Point is creating the kind of economic development that truly serves our residents. We need more shared spaces, restaurants, recreation facilities, and parks, not as luxuries, but as the essentials of a thriving city. My plan is to champion smart development, partner with those who are committed to investing back into East Point, and ensure residents’ voices guide what gets built, so our growth strengthens community pride and quality of life for every generation.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

Financial accountability and transparency are critical to building trust between our city and residents. The recent forensic audit, which followed the loss of $1.2 million, highlighted that our people are well-trained and performed as intended. In the tech world, success always depends on three pillars: people, process, and technology. East Point clearly has the right people, but the audit shows we must take a closer look at our processes and invest in technology that provides stronger analytics, better visibility, and smarter long-term planning. By strengthening these areas, we can ensure accountability, prevent future missteps, and give residents the transparency they deserve in how their tax dollars are managed.

Erik Coleman

Occupation: Health Scientist (Informatics) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

How long have you been an East Point resident?

I have been a resident of East Point since 2018, when I became a first-time homebuyer in the Lakeside Preserve community.

What is your motivation for being a candidate in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election?  What makes you the best candidate to represent East Point in this election? 

My motivation for running in the 2025 East Point City Municipal election is simple: our community deserves more than promises—we deserve progress. For too long, residents have heard talk of change but seen little follow-through. I’m stepping up because I believe in accountability, transparency, and leadership that delivers results, not empty words. I’m motivated by a vision of East Point where every resident has the opportunity to thrive in a city that is empowered, safe, and united.

I am the best candidate to represent East Point because I combine professional expertise, academic training, and deep community engagement. With over 15 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specializing in environmental health and emergency response, I bring a data-driven, problem-solving approach. My academic training as a Doctor of Public Health candidate at the University of Georgia equips me to use evidence to craft solutions that improve health, safety, and community well-being.

Beyond credentials, I have consistently shown up for my neighbors—serving on the East Point Building Authority, volunteering at Jefferson Park Recreation Center, participating in my Lakeside Preserve HOA, and graduating from the Citizens Police Academy. Equally important, my service to East Point is not new—it predates my run for office. I know this community because I live, work, and serve here.

I’m not just running for office—I’m committed to service, transparency, and results. That’s what makes me the strongest candidate to represent East Point.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing East Point today and how would you go about solving it?

The biggest challenge facing East Point today is restoring trust between residents and city government while addressing public safety and economic stability together. Too often, neighbors feel unheard in decisions that impact their quality of life, while concerns about crime, infrastructure, and uneven development continue to grow.

My approach is rooted in transparency, accountability, and collaboration. I will advocate for clear communication from City Hall, regular community forums, and public reporting on how resources are spent. On public safety, I bring both expertise and hands-on experience. As a graduate of East Point’s Citizens Police Academy and a member of the Lakeside Preserve Safety & Quality of Life Committee, I’ve worked directly with law enforcement and neighbors to promote safer streets. Coupled with over 15 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), specializing in environmental health and emergency response, I will champion data-driven solutions. I believe the root cause of crime is poverty, and I will focus on strategies that strengthen community policing, reduce youth disengagement, and invest in programs that create opportunity.

My academic training as a Doctor of Public Health candidate at the University of Georgia—a program preparing leaders for senior-level public health practice—equips me to use evidence to craft solutions that improve health, safety, and community well-being. With my experience and community ties, I am ready to lead with integrity and deliver results that East Point can be proud of.

If elected how do you intend to improve financial accountability and transparency for East Point residents?

If elected, I will make restoring trust in how East Point manages public funds one of my top priorities. A forensic investigator recently reported that an audit uncovered careless spending, including a $14,000 utility bill tied to a councilmember’s home, along with missing receipts and other financial discrepancies. In a separate incident, East Point nearly lost $1.2 million to a scam—another example of why stronger oversight is critical. These are not opinions; they are documented findings that highlight the need for reform.

I will work in partnership with my colleagues on City Council to:

1. Ensure clear, accessible financial reporting by requiring budgets, expenditures, and audits to be posted in plain language online and presented regularly at community meetings.

2. Mandate consistent independent audits so problems are identified and corrected quickly.

3. Host financial forums and listening sessions to give residents a direct role in understanding and shaping how their tax dollars are used.

As a Health Scientist (Informatics) at the CDC, I know the importance of using evidence to make decisions. The audit and the scam attempt are evidence of systemic gaps—and together with City Council, I will act with transparency and integrity to fix them.