East Point council discusses hosting legislative roundtable, members favor evening meeting in city

East Point City Council members discussed whether to host a legislative roundtable in East Point or to hold an "East Point Day at the Capitol," and expressed a general preference for an evening roundtable in the city to increase resident access.

Mayor Holiday Ingram introduced dates provided by Representative Schofield and the city’s lobbyist, saying options included daytime visits to the Capitol on Feb. 19, Feb. 20 or Feb. 27, and a local roundtable here in East Point on March 4 at 6 p.m. Councilmembers debated accessibility and attendance: several said an evening meeting in East Point would let more working residents attend while others said a trip to the Capitol gives members exposure to additional legislators.

Councilmember Sharon Shropshire and Councilmember Mari Rogers both recommended an evening meeting in East Point so residents who cannot travel during the day can attend. Councilmember Atkins emphasized recording the session so residents who cannot attend can view it later on the city’s channels. Councilmember Mitchell said he liked the Capitol visit for broader access but acknowledged the practical barriers for some residents.

Mayor Ingram said the city clerk and the state lobbyist will coordinate with Representative Schofield to confirm which date is feasible, and she asked the clerk to place the legislative roundtable on a future agenda so the council can vote on a special-call meeting date. No final date was set; councilmembers said they will continue coordination and return with a formal motion at the city’s upcoming meeting.

The item will return to council for a vote on a special-call meeting once scheduling with the delegation and lobbyist is confirmed.