November 11th 2023.
Palmetto, located just 30 minutes south of downtown Atlanta, Georgia, is about to introduce a new city mayor. The 6,000 people who populate Palmetto are welcoming the first African-American female mayor — Teresa Thomas-Smith.
On Nov. 7, history was made as the population of Palmetto elected Thomas-Smith as their mayor. Palmetto is Black or African American, 60.25%; white, 26.43%; and two or more races, 5.53%. She won the election by a slim margin of 84 votes.
Mayor-elect Thomas-Smith is elated to take on this role. She has served for four years on the city’s council and has been a resident of Palmetto for 20 years. She wants to bring her “loving” energy to the city she’s lived in.
Thomas-Smith promised the residents that they can expect the highest standards from her. Honesty, transparency, and communication are the cornerstones of her administration. She also wants to create a City Hall that is welcoming to the citizens.
The 55-year-old mayor-elect was originally from Atlanta, but was motivated to learn more about her community. She wants to create a space where everyone can eat, work, live, and play. Thomas-Smith also wants to bring a smart development plan to the city that will maintain its historical standing composition.
Thomas-Smith believes that there is a way to bridge the racial divide in the area. She hopes to improve the place that her family and others will grow up and plant their roots. According to Thomas-Smith, “There’s more that unites us than separates us. We all get cut, we all bleed the same red blood.”
When asked what her message is to the white residents of Palmetto who may not have voted for her, Thomas-Smith replied that it was “absolutely” her message to spread love and not division.
Thomas-Smith will be sworn into office on Jan. 2, 2024. She is eager to start her new role as mayor and is excited to bring positive change to the city of Palmetto.
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