Sandy Springs Councilman To Run For Fulton Commission Chair

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- A longtime Sandy Springs leader has announced his bid to run for chair of the Fulton County Commission.

Gabriel Sterling is seeking the seat currently held by John Eaves, who said he will resign to run for the office of Atlanta mayor.

Eaves' resignation will require the county to hold a special election, which could take place on Nov. 7.

In June 2016, Sterling announced his bid to run for the State House 51 seat held by Wendell Willard, who will retire at the end of the year.

If he wins the chairmanship, Sterling said he will end his bid for the Georgia House of Representatives. However, if he does not win or if Eaves "decides he can't win (the) Atlanta mayor (seat) and chooses not to resign and there is no special election, I may still run for the state legislature."

"But events will have to play themselves out and much of that is out of my hands," he told Patch.

In a press release, Sterling said he's spent most of his life "working to bring conservative, effective government" to every part of the state.

“There’s a real opportunity to build on the effective reforms that have been led by the three Republican Commissioners (Bob) Ellis, (Lee) Morris, and (Liz) Hausmann," he said. This chance to make meaningful change for all of the people of Fulton is too important to ignore."

Now that Fulton County has been fully incorporated into 15 cities, it's now time for the county to reduce spending, cut taxes and "focus on the core responsibilities of the county," Sterling said.

“We can enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, prays, and plays here," he added.

Sterling went on to tout Sandy Springs' government as one that operates efficiently while providing quality, responsive services. As commission chair, Sterling said he'd like to see that kind of "smart government and competition brought to bear in Fulton County."

"We can’t afford to go back to the dysfunction and divisiveness that defined Fulton for so long," he added. "We need fresh ideas like we’ve implemented in Sandy Springs and a steady hand in the chairmanship. I think my record shows that I can help lead this large and diverse county successfully.”

Sterling has served on the City Council for six years. A small business owner, Sterling is the founder and operator of the public relations consulting firm SSH, Inc.

He also serves as vice chairman of the Sandy Springs Development Authority and is a board member for the Phoenix Patriot Foundation, a charitable organization that works with post-9/11 wounded veterans.

Image via Gabriel Sterling