Johns Creek Facing a Critical Municipal Election
For the first time since its inception, Johns Creek has the opportunity to elect a progressive slate of local officials, who, if elected, would foster the growing diversity of the city. We spoke to three Johns Creek residents, Anjali Enjeti, Farhana Rahman, and Debashri Sengupta, to hear their perspectives on this critical election. Don't forget to learn more about the candidates AAAF endorses by visiting our website.
According to Anjali, “Johns Creek has always had a vocal progressive contingent, but for years, we just couldn't find anyone interested in running for municipal seats.” After a series of “wake-up calls,” every seat in this upcoming local election in Johns Creek has a progressive candidate. Johns Creek residents have been scrambling since the 2016 Presidential election, “disheartened by where the country was headed and inspired to be the change they wanted to see. The murder of George Floyd and the 2020 COVID pandemic just catapulted a lot of folks into the political arena,” said Farhana. They saw hate and misinformation spread across the country and their own diverse, educated, progressive city, being led by people who were very comfortable with racism at a time where the entire country was facing a reckoning against systemic racism.
Former Police Chief Byers made disturbing statements about Johns Creek community members supporting Black lives and was ultimately asked to resign following an investigation into his sexual harassment of a colleague (after he was paid a settlement of $325k). Additionally, Johns Creek residents saw Brad Raffensberger, who once served on the Johns Creek City Council, use his experience to launch his career to become the Secretary of State, to then help spearhead SB202, the voter suppression law. “Progressive candidates have seen the light, and have stepped forward to make sure this never happens again,” said Anjali.
Over the years, the lack of transparency at the City Council level has increased cynicism and skepticism about ethical practices. The city’s COVID-19 policies have posed health risks, desperately needed affordable housing options are unavailable, and a lack of public transportation and storm drainage issues caused by clear-cutting worsens the climate crisis. The overwhelmingly liberal/progressive community in Johns Creek is hoping that with this local election comes a fresh slate of elected officials ready to address these issues head-on. Electing progressive candidates would mean “better COVID policies, better public safety measures, and a platform for all communities to have a voice,” said Debashri.
The Asian American Advocacy Fund endorses five candidates who will prioritize the issues that matter to our communities.To have earned an endorsement from AAAF means that these candidates are using their platforms to advocate for policies that protect the best interests of Asian American, Pacific Islander, and immigrant communities as well as progressive causes.