Republican Lieutenant Gubernatorial Candidate Burt Jones challenged his Democrat counterpart, Charlie Bailey, on the rise in crime that Atlanta has seen over the past year.
“There have been a record 87 homicides so far this year in Atlanta alone. Charlie Bailey would be a rubber stamp for the same policies that caused this. As Lieutenant Governor I’ll FULLY fund our police & help restore law and order to our streets,” the Trump-endorsed Jones said.
According to the Atlanta Police Department (APD), the people of The A are experiencing a 15 percent increase in homicide, and a 21 percent rise in burglary and breaking-and-entering.
Democrat Candidate for Lieutenant Governor Charlie Bailey responded to Jones’ statement.
“Sounds like someone has had a bad few days … did something happen recently???” Bailey tweeted, likely referring to a letter by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis informing Jones that her office has opened an investigation on him- among others – for actions taken after the 2020 presidential election.
“Burt Jones led an attempted overthrow of the United States government. It’s authoritarian and un-American. Burt is not fit to teach social studies, much less hold public office.” Bailey said.
Previously, Jones filed a motion to disqualify Willis as the district prosecutor citing, in part, her participation in a campaign fundraiser event Willis held for Bailey.
“Her involvement is a conflict because her active role in Mr. Bailey’s campaign is clearly made in her capacity as Fulton County District Attorney, not as a private citizen,” the legal motion said. “This support may otherwise not have been an issue if she and her office had not simultaneously initiated special purpose grand jury proceedings against Mr. Bailey’s sole opponent, Mr. Jones.”
“This is a blatant effort to sway the outcome of the election in Mr. Bailey’s favor. Therefore, DA Fani Willis should be disqualified,” the motion by Jones said.
On Monday, the Democratic Lt. Governor hopeful claimed that as a state senator, Jones reduced funding to the GBI.
“You have defunded the GBI to the point where it has a 10-to-11-month backlog in ballistics testing and a years-long backlog in sexual assault kits testing. Your policies have put Georgians in danger. #gapol,” Bailey said.Â
Republican Jones and Democrat Bailey were the winners of their respective primary elections in late May. Voters may register to vote absentee in the 2022 elections as early as August 22. General election day is November 8th.
– – –
 Addison Basurto is a reporter at The Georgia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Addy on Twitter and GETTR. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Burt Jones” by Burt Jones. Photo “Charlie Bailey” by Charlie Bailey. Background Photo “Atlanta Downtown Skyline” by Arashboz. CC0 1.0.
