Residents and elected officials from a small Metro Atlanta municipality traveled to the Georgia State Capitol on March 10 for the first-ever City of Palmetto Day.
The city’s mayor, Tersea Thomas-Smith, gathered a group of about 25 senior citizen residents. The visit was an opportunity for them to learn more about what happens under the Gold Dome.
“When we leave here today, they will have phone numbers. They will have email addresses. They will be able to call,” Thomas-Smith said, emphasizing the importance of connecting her residents to the legislative process
Mayor Teresa Thomas-Smith of Palmetto, GA, and residents gathered on the lower level of the State Capitol for the first-ever City of Palmetto Day under the Gold Dome. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)
“They will know what to do to engage their state leaders, just like they call me and email me. Just like I’m accessible, these people are supposed to be accessible to them.”
Thomas-Smith expressed her gratitude for an official day at the Capitol, hoping to make it an annual event and empower residents.
Officials say some of the senior residents in attendance had never been to the Capitol before City of Palmetto Day. They say the city has plans to expand the experience to kids and young adults.
“This is a big step for us,” said long-time Pametto resident Dorothy Carlton, who’s taking what she’s learned back to folks in her community.
“The mayor has begun with the seniors and getting us out and enlightening us. I’m sure what we learned, we’re gonna impart it to our teenagers and our young adults to get them informed.”
A group of mostly senior citizen Palmetto residents gather on the lower level of the State Capitol for the first-ever City of Palmetto Day under the Gold Dome. (DorMiya Vance/WABE)
State Senator Donzella James commemorated City of Palmetto Day on the chamber floor by recognizing the Mayor and council, plus the residents in attendance.
And Palmetto Councilmember Jessica Wilbanks says she was fortunate to attend the first-ever City of Palmetto Day.
“I was honored to attend Palmetto Day at our Georgia State Capitol with friends and neighbors. It was especially meaningful for so many of our senior adults who may have never been to the capital previously. I appreciate our leaders’ hospitality and sincere interest in the needs of Palmetto,” she said.
