Mayor Avery’s Endorsement of Hattie Portis-Jones

To the Citizens of Fairburn,

After nearly two decades of public service—three terms as your Mayor and years prior as an engaged community leader—I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand what it takes to lead our great city with integrity, wisdom, and unwavering commitment. Leadership is not simply about holding an office; it’s about vision, collaboration, and consistency in working for the people we serve.

As I conclude my third term as Mayor, I do so with both gratitude and confidence for Fairburn’s future. That confidence is rooted in my firm belief that Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones is the best person to lead our city forward as Fairburn’s next Mayor.

I have worked side by side with Councilwoman Portis-Jones for over 12 years. During that time, I have seen her demonstrate the steady, thoughtful leadership and community-focused decision-making that our residents deserve. She brings not only experience and institutional knowledge, but also a deep sense of purpose and compassion for the people of Fairburn. She understands the complex balance between growth and preservation, progress and prudence, and she has consistently shown the ability to make decisions that are in the best interest of our community as a whole.

Councilwoman Portis-Jones embodies the stability, experience, and leadership Fairburn needs now more than ever. She has been a tireless advocate for economic development, quality of life, and responsive government. Her record reflects a leader who listens, learns, and leads with both conviction and care. She knows this city—its people, its challenges, and its promise—and she has earned the trust and respect of those who have served with her.

Having served as Mayor for many years, I know what it takes to be successful in this role. It requires knowledge of city operations, a steady hand in moments of challenge, and the ability to unite people around a shared vision.

Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones has demonstrated all of these qualities. I am confident she will continue the progress we’ve made and guide Fairburn toward an even brighter and stronger future.

For these reasons and more, I am proud to give my full endorsement to Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones as the next Mayor of the City of Fairburn.

Fairburn is “Situated to Succeed,” and under her leadership, I believe we will continue to prove that we are also Strong Enough to Lead and United Enough to Win.

With gratitude and confidence,

Mario B. Avery
Mayor, City of Fairburn, Georgia

Source: Endorsement of Hattie Portis-Jones

From the Fairburn Community

  • linda pritchett headshot

    “I support and endorse Hattie Portis-Jones for Mayor because she is a leader that is present for her city and has been helpful and supportive of her neighboring cities. She has the experiences and qualifications to do a great job!”

    Mayor Pro Tem Linda Pritchett, City of South Fulton, GA

  • “Thank you for the impact and good you’ve made in the City of Fairburn. Your results and commitment to servant leadership, sense of awareness, empathy, foresight and business experience have put Fairburn on the big map. There is no doubt in your commitment to the people in our communities and in the City of Fairburn.”

    Greg Saunders, Resident and Business Owner

  • “Thank you for your service to our city and your tireless work to make Fairburn an even better place to live. I am always impressed by your tenacity to ask the questions and probe before making voting decisions. I see in you someone who truly has the best interest of your constituents in mind.”

    Sherri Rivers, Resident

  • “On behalf of the Fairburn Community and the First Baptist Church Fairburn, I express to you our gratitude for your service as a City Council Member. Though we will never fully understand the weight of the responsibility you carry, we know it is no easy task. We thank you for your willingness and commitment to serve.”

    The Mary Amoss Women on Mission Group, First Baptist Church, Fairburn

  • “So community oriented, and she loves Fairburn and its citizens and exhibits her dedication to our community at all times. Hattie is by far a wonderful person and someone that will represent our city with the utmost dedication and respect! Go Hattie!”

    Mayor Pro Tem Alex Heath, City of Fairburn, GA

  • “I endorse Hattie Portis Jones for the next Mayor of the city of Fairburn because she genuinely cares for the citizens of this city. She will govern with her heart, intellect and years of experience to continue the current momentum of Fairburn.”

    Linda J Davis, Council Member, City of Fairburn, GA