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Postell plans re-election run

• An Albany City Commissioner announces his plans to seek re-election.

Carlton Fletcher

ALBANY — Promising to “never shortchange my constituents,” Ward VI City Commissioner Tommie Postell announced he will seek a second term in office during a Thursday news conference in front of the Government Center.

Friends and supporters stood behind the retired teacher as he followed Albany Mayor Willie Adams in announcing his re-election bid. Adams announced his candidacy last week, and Ward IV Commissioner Bo Dorough announced Aug. 1 he will challenge Adams.

Darton College Professor Roger Marietta announced July 17 he will seek the Ward IV seat.

“On behalf of my constituents in Ward VI and the citizens of Albany and Dougherty County, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to represent you these past 3 1/2 years,” Postell said. “I’m back now to ask the voters to support me for another four years.

“I will always support you to the best of my ability, and I will never shortchange you in any way or form as long as I represent you.”

The Rev. McKinley Drake of Greater Cutliff Grove Baptist Church, who called Postell a “voice of unity and fairness,” was among the supporters who spoke out on the candidate’s behalf.

Former Albany State University head football coach Hamp Smith said Postell has worked hard for his constituents.

“I support Tommie Postell more than 100 percent,” Smith said. “He’s worked hard for the citizens of this county, and I support him now, tomorrow and forever.”

Postell said he’s gained a much better perspective of how the city’s government works during his first term in office.

“I spent my first two years using my hearing rather than speaking out a lot,” he said. “The last year and a half I’ve used both. I realize now for the government to work, the commissioners and the mayor have to work together, as a team.

“If the people see fit to send me back, I’ll represent them to the fullest of my ability.”

Former Commissioner David Williams is mentioned most often as a possible challenger for the Ward VI seat, but Postell said he’s not concerning himself with potential opponents.

“I don’t have any idea who might run, but everyone has that right,” he said. “I’m not combative; I believe in running a clean campaign. I’m going to run on my record and let my constituents speak on my behalf.”

Announcement of Postell’s news conference was sent to media representatives on city of Albany stationery, a violation of city policy. City Clerk Sonja Tolbert, who acknowledged the violation, said it was a case of human error.

“There was an oversight,” she said. “Each of the commissioners has his or her own stationery, and the wrong letterhead was used to send the announcement.”

In addition to the mayor’s race, elections will be held Nov. 6 for commission Wards I, IV and VI. Marietta and Postell are the only candidates who have formally announced their plans in their respective wards, while former City Commissioner Carol Fullerton and former State Representative John White have expressed interest in the mayoral race.

Ward I Commissioner Jon Howard, who has not publicly announced his political plans, is expected to make a re- election announcement next week.

The official qualifying period for all city races will be next Monday-Friday.

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