Atlanta Mayor, Fulton Commission Chair Meet

ATLANTA, GA — Noting differences in the past between county and city leaders, the two heads of government in Atlanta and Fulton County held a "meeting of the minds this week."

New Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Fulton County Commission Chairman Rob Pitts met Tuesday, Pitts said in a news release.

"Anyone who has lived here over the past several years knows that the top leadership at the county and the city were not on the same page," Pitts said in the statement. He said that, as a candidate for the chairmanship, one of his promises was to improve relations between the city and county.

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Tuesday's meeting was a step in the right direction, Pitts said.

"We both recognize that we represent the same people. And therefore what we do legislatively and otherwise should be for the benefit of our mutual constituents," he said. "We both agreed that there are a number of issues that we will be working on as we move forward. But, the main thing is that we're now working together and have an open line of communication."

He continued: "It is important for the growth of the county and the metro area for the mayor of the city of Atlanta and the chairman of the largest county in Georgia to have a close working relationship – and the two of us do. Only good things will come from this relationship. We're both committed to that."

Former commission Chairman John Eaves and former Mayor Kasim Reed were reportedly often at odds with one another. Eaves unsuccessfully ran to replace Reed as mayor and the two argued publicly over issues including the Atlanta Braves move out of downtown Atlanta and repair work on the collapsed Interstate 85 bridge.

Photo courtesy Fulton County Commission Chairman Rob Pitts