Ms. Grant,

I respect your right to voice your opinion and to cast your vote as you choose.  That is what makes this country great.  However, I have explained my reasons on numerous occasions and knew what I voted for and I had a clear intent for this authority.  Please see my previous response on social media below.

My participation in the creation of the East Ridge Housing Redevelopment Authority was to solely provide a mechanism to remove blighted vacant homes and commercial buildings ONLY.  Not occupied homes or businesses.  With no opposition during a 2017 council session or public hearing for the creation of the HRA, I voted to create this authority.  However, once created and the drafted plan and map didn’t convey my intent (keeping in mind this plan and map was never presented to or approved by the city council which would have been required for any action to occur), then coupled with the concerns of hundreds of citizens, I asked the City Manager to redirect the HRA to remove all residential from the map and plan.  Then asked the citizens to attend the public meeting and address their concerns to the authority commissioners directly.  I explained that if the majority of citizens still had concerns and wanted the HRA dissolved I pledged to lead the charge to dissolve.  I honored that promise and not for any political gain but for the promise I made to our citizens to support the majority.  

I would hope you would want a council member or mayor to stand with the majority of the citizens and revisit and revoke a previous action.

_ Brian Williams