Politics & Government

Reaction to Decatur Mayor Floyd's Resignation

Daren Wang, Karla Drenner, Hank Johnson and Burrell Ellis share their thoughts on Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd's decision to resign. Feel free to add your thoughts in the comment box.

 

Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd announced Thursday that he's resigning after leading the city for more than a decade. Here's what people had to say.

Daren Wang, Decatur Book Festival Executive Director

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"Bill Floyd has always struck me as a very smart man that isn't interested in being thought of that way. Famously, One of Bill Floyd's first question's about the DBF was whether we were going to have funnel cakes. He was reminding us that the festival had to be fun, and not stuffy. He has supported the festival in every way I could have imagined, often times working behind the scenes, both in Decatur and in the greater metro area. We have never asked the mayor for anything  that he didn't do whatever he could to help. I'll sure miss having him kick everything off by leading the children's parade."

Patti Garrett, Decatur City Commissioner

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"Where we are as a city has a lot to do with his dedication and service to the city. He's been the epitome of a public servant. His love for the city comes through in everything he did."

State Sen. Jason Carter

"Bill Floyd is one of my favorite people that I have ever met in politics.  He was a great mayor, and a great guy.  I spoke to him today and he seems excited about what's next.  So on a personal level, I'm happy for him.  But as far as the City of Decatur and region is concerned, he is going to be tough to replace."

State Rep. Karla Drenner

"He put Decatur on the map. He took a small town and made it a destination city. He turned Decatur into--and no offense to Avondale Estates and Clarkston because I represent them--the place where everybody in DeKalb County wants to live."

Rhoda Joyner

"Decatur citizens will have to stand in line to thank Mayor Bill Floyd for his leadership of our fine city. He should be renamed Mr. Decatur!"

Fred Boykin, Decatur City Commissioner

"I have been very fortunate to serve with Bill Floyd during my 12 years on the City Commission. He will be a tough act to follow and I hate to see him leave. I understand his reasons but that doesn't make it any easier. I wish him the best!"

Jim Baskett, Decatur City Commissioner

"I've never been around anyone with more natural leadership abilities. It is no coincidence that the City of Decatur has flourished at the same time that Bill has served as mayor. His dedication and commitment to the citizens in this city as well as the region are unparalleled. I wish him the very best in his new endeavors."

Burrell Ellis, DeKalb County CEO

“Mayor Bill Floyd has been a beacon of leadership in Decatur for more than 20 years, and the downtown area’s transformation into a vibrant live-work-play community is a testament to the realization of his vision.  It has been an honor to know him and serve our shared constituencies with him, in our respective roles as Mayor and CEO and on the ARC Transportation Roundtable."

Hank Johnson, member of the U.S. House of Representatives

"Mayor Bill Floyd exemplifies the very best in public service. From my time on the DeKalb County Commission to serving in the U.S. Congress today, I have always known Bill to put his city and constituents first. His dedication to Decatur and commitment to making our community better will be sorely missed."


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