CITY OF SOUTH FULTON, Ga. — For the second time in two years, the City of South Fulton is considering renaming the city -- and officials are asking for the public's help.
Channel 2's Audrey Washington talked to City Council members, who are setting up a task force and community forums to decide on the new name
In 2017, just months after incorporating, the city tried and failed to change its name to Renaissance. This time around, Mayor Bill Edwards says there will be more community input.
"It's an exciting time. We're looking forward to it and it's a great thing for the city," Edwards said. "This gives the citizens an opportunity to name it what they want it to be."
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Councilwoman Helen Willis explained why the city wants to change its name.
"Anything negative that's associated with the Fulton County region has been associated with our city," Willis said.
Willis said each council member from each district will select two people, and those 14 people \will be part of the task force. The task force will hold forums to get suggestions from people who actually live and work in the city.
"(We plan to) engage the community, to come up with five names that we will then solicit for our legislators to get a referendum to place on the ballot in 2020," Willis said.
Not everyone on the council is on board. Khalid Kamau told Washington he feels the plan leaves too many unanswered questions, like what to do if the task force comes up with unacceptable names.
Either way, council members are set to nominate two people each on Sept. 24.
"We've made a big financial commitment in terms of branding under the name 'the City of South Fulton,' so whatever we do, it'll be a gradual process," Edwards said.
Any citizen who wants to be considered for the task force can call the mayor's office for information.