Atlanta’s Democratic mayor Andre Dickens has sparked outrage for telling a constituent to “shut up” in a bizarre response to being pressed on his policies.
Dickens, the city’s 61st mayor, lashed out at voter Jonathan Brimer, who responded to a video the politician shared last Friday by calling on him to expand the city’s transportation network.
“Nothing like seeing folks outside, enjoying each other and enjoying this city,” Dickens said about his meet-up with the “Nature Girlz” group — a black sisterhood organization created during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Have some fun by restoring Peachtree St’s pedestrian-centric design in downtown and by delivering what we voted for with extra sales taxes for MARTA [Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority] by getting Beltline rail done,” an unimpressed Brimer, the co-owner of a boutique sunglass company, said.
“Shut up and respect our legacy black women residents that made this city that you get to enjoy freely,” Dickens clapped back.
Brimer, who lives in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood, retaliated to Dickens’ stinging reply by unleashing a furious tirade about his leadership.
“Wow, a mayor telling a constituent to shut up for asking him to uphold voter mandates,” Brimer said. “Stay classy Andre.”
“I live on the south side and appreciate my neighbors thank you very much,” he said, before taking the mayor to task.
“What I don’t appreciate is your lack of leadership, lack of transparency, lack of responding to criticism publicly and your tendency to dismiss legitimate criticism instead of answering it.
“Respect for Atlanta’s residents should include respecting constituents who challenge you. Telling one to ‘shut up’ is not leadership.”
Brimer admitted he was “surprised” Dickens had replied to his message.
“The fact that it was aggressive by public servant standards added a little extra surprise, I suppose,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Tuesday.
Dickens was branded “truly embarrassing” for his jibe by some social media users.
“The sharp response you offer doesn’t bode well,” one said, defending Brimer.
“I appreciate your highlight of Nature Gurlz but my man – don’t pop off in the comments when a constituent is critical regarding a pedestrian improvement project that has gone dormant in the downtown area.”
“Listen to your residents,” another urged. “Invest in transit. Support Beltline rail. Very disappointed in you, Mayor.”
Brimer’s gripe partially revolves around the Beltline project — a regeneration program the mayor supports that plans to turn 22 miles of rail loops into routes connecting the city’s 45 neighborhoods.
The trail is set to be completed by 2030 at an estimated cost of $4.8 billion.
Dickens also supports MARTA’s first Bus Rapid Transit line, a five-mile project that links up downtown Atlanta and the Atlanta Beltline that is currently under construction.
The first phase of the project was completed in April and the second is set to be completed by the fall.
Dickens has not formally apologized for the remark.
The politician won re-election outright last November, meaning he didn’t have to contest a run-off. Dickens’ term as mayor ends in January 2030.
Atlanta mayors can only serve a maximum of two consecutive four-year terms.
