Dear Supporters:

It’s been a long and disappointing week. Despite over 33,000 signatures on petitions, raising over $80,000, incurring a $40,000 personal debt, I was not allowed on the ballot. After the setback at Fulton County, I conferred with my local and national teams and discussed the scenarios of recourse in various courts. At the end of an extensive and exhaustive review, I determined that the judge’s decision would stand.

During my twenty year career to fight for you and your quality of life, I have always set my sights on what was right and what was winnable. And because of your strong support, we have accomplished a great deal. But there is much more to be done.

There are many ways that those of us who want to see improvement in our city, our county and our region can be involved. Being an elected official is only one of them. At the moment, I’m taking some time to weigh several courses of action. One thing I readily pledge to you is that I will continue to be involved.

I have had many ask if I will run as a write-in candidate, but the reality is that it would be not be possible to win a county-wide race as a write-in candidate, even with your support. Just as our laws make it extraordinarily challenging to run outside the two-party system as an Independent candidate, garnering enough votes--to win--from voters who would "write in" a name that isn't on the ballot isn't feasible or realistic.

What I will do is to continue to care for—and work for—you, addressing important issues in our city, our county, and our region. As I have often stated, our top priorities at both the city and county level are fiscal effectiveness, job growth, transportation, and water. Caring about our citizens and our quality of life has been my life’s work and it will continue.

Your support means the world to me. Together, over the past twenty years we have tackled major issues and delivered solutions. While we have a great city and region, it is clear that our governments must do better. I intend to continue to work hard to watch out for you, your concerns, and your quality of life.

With much appreciation for your support,

Mary