It's no secret that political corruption has plagued Atlanta city government for years now, but the malconduct has reached new heights as of late.
In October 2017, two Atlanta businessmen were sent to prison for paying over $1 million to city officials in order to receive lucrative construction-related government projects.
In January 2018, Atlanta's long-time Chief Procurement Officer was sent to prison for accepting bribe payments in exchange for awarding a local construction firm work at the Atlanta airport.
In January 2019, former Mayor Kasim Reed's deputy chief of staff was sent to prison for accepting bribe money from a Marietta businessman.
And in January 2020, the city's former director of contract compliance was sent to prison for secretly working as the business manager of a consulting firm that helped other companies win contracts with the city.
These are just a few of several city corruption cases that have come to light over the past three years, from former mayor Kasim Reed's tenure.
In order to help restore trust in Atlanta's government officials, current mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, has signed legislation creating the new position of, Atlanta Inspector General. This person has yet-to-be hired, but will be charged with ensuring that they're are safeguards in place to help prevent further corruption in City Hall.
Mayor Bottoms hopes that this position will avert any future bribery scandals, and also thwart off the state government, who have been pushing to have Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport released from city control and handed over to the state due to consistent corruption.
Comments