Two Fulton commissioners endorse Martin
July 23, 2008 at 1:20 pm by Ken Edelstein in NewsFulton County Commission Chairman John Eaves and longtime Commissioner Nancy Boxill endorsed Jim Martin for the U.S. Senate today, according to a Martin campaign press release.
It’s anybody’s guess whether support from the two African-American leaders will translate into support from black voters. He could use that in the Aug. 5 primary runoff against Vernon Jones.
But a press release from the Martin campaign also offers something of an unintentional admission that Jones is hitting Martin where it hurts. Jones attacked Martin this week for his tenure as state human resource commissioner, where he oversaw Georgia’s troubled foster-care system. The Martin press release defends him from that charge by quoting Boxill praising him for work as commissioner.
“As Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, Jim implemented a continuing effort to reform children’s services programs,” Boxill said. “In the legislature, he wrote laws providing court appointed special advocates for neglected children, strengthened the juvenile court system, and modernized Georgia’s adoption law.”
Martin is accumulating a lot of endorsements. Besides the AJC, the primary’s third and fourth place candidates announced that they’re backing him.
Thomas Wheatley’s analysis of the runoff from this week’s CL is here.
Press release follows the jump.
Chairman John Eaves and Commissioner Nancy Boxill Endorse Jim Martin for U.S. Senate
Local Fulton County Commissioners Endorse Martin, Cite Long Record of ServiceATLANTA, July 23 – Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John Eaves and Commissioner Nancy Boxill today endorsed Jim Martin for U.S. Senate, citing Martin’s long record of service to all Georgians and his ability to fight for change in Washington.
“As Georgians are hit hard by a weakening economy, Jim’s long record of fighting for the middle class means we can count on him to work for the change we need,” said Eaves. “I’m proud to offer him my support.
“In the legislature, Jim fought against the special interests and insurance companies that tried to take advantage of hardworking Georgians. I know that he’ll work just as hard in Washington.”
“Jim has an excellent record working for Georgia’s children and families, and I know he’ll continue to stand up for us,” added Boxill. “I’m proud to endorse him for U.S. Senate.
“As Commissioner of the Department of Human Resources, Jim implemented a continuing effort to reform children’s services programs. In the legislature, he wrote laws providing court appointed special advocates for neglected children, strengthened the juvenile court system, and modernized Georgia’s adoption law.
“Jim’s long-standing record of safeguarding Georgia’s children means that he knows the importance of protecting our most precious resource. I know he’ll continue to fight for them in Washington.”
A long-time advocate for Georgia’s women, children, and homeless populations, Commissioner Boxill has served Fulton County’s District 6 since 1987. The first woman to serve on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, Boxill was selected by her colleagues to both chair and vice-chair positions in 1993 and 1997. She has been a tireless supporter of the arts, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Black Arts Festival and the Herndon Foundation Board of Trustees.
Chairman Eaves joined the Fulton County Board in November 2006 after a long career advocating for the needs of vulnerable and underserved youth. He previously served seven years as Regional Manager of the U.S. Peace Corps, and has held posts including Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Kennesaw State University, National Director of the NCAA Volunteers for Youth Program, and Assistant Dean of Students at Clayton State University in Morrow.
“I am grateful to have the support of these two outstanding public servants,” said Martin. “Commissioner Boxill and Chairman Eaves have served Fulton County with distinction, and the work they do every day on behalf of all Georgians is the work that I will continue to do in Washington.”
A veteran and church elder, Martin served with distinction for nearly two decades in the Georgia House of Representatives. Martin later led the Department of Human Resources under Gov. Roy Barnes and Gov. Sonny Perdue. He and Joan, his wife of 38 years, have four children and three grandchildren.
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