ATLANTA — Atlanta city leaders describe the work they do as “controversial” and say it is riskier than ever.
“It is disturbing,” councilman Michael Julian Bond told Channel 2 Action News.
Councilman Bond described death threats clogging city hall voicemails at times.
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“For someone to directly threaten your life or to harm someone in your family, it is very unnerving, and it is very threatening,” Bond said. “You must then question why you are doing what you are doing.”
More than 40% of city and county office holders in the U.S. said an alarming increase in threats made them less willing to work on controversial topics, according to a new Brennan Center for Justice Survey.
“So we are talking to legislators and advocates now to make sure they have the tools the resources necessary to keep themselves and their families safe,” Jessie Ulibarri with State Innovation Exchange said.
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Advocates and lawmakers from across the U.S. met for a conference in downtown Atlanta and one topic was a freezing effect that threats can have on democracy if left unchecked.
“They really are going to have to start to develop new safety solutions during this time,” said Muthoni Wambu Karaal of the Women’s Democracy Lab.
Her team shared a tool kit of new ideas — like RSVP requirements — so elected officials know who will be at certain events.
“We are still in the process of looking at what are the best solutions what are the lessons learned,” Sen. Natalie Murdock, also of the Women’s Democracy Lab said.
Bond says he reminds newcomers of the weight of their decisions and the effect it could have on their constituents.
“The good you can do for others outweighs all the traps and snares outweighs all the threats,” he said. “It outweighs all the acrimony because this is public service.”
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