Unfortunately, the State is poised to honor former Rep. Joseph “Joe” Heckstall by naming the overpass bridge at Camp Creek and I-285 after him. I learned on November 29th, that Mayor and Council voted for approval two years ago. This has to be a cruel joke or hoax. It would be fitting to name a bridge after Joe Heckstall, the first elected Black East Point resident to the State House, if it could be shown that he had a worthy record of achievements. Joe Heckstall was primarily known for his excessive absenteeism and his failure to pay taxes. This is not something that any East Point resident is proud of and most definitely the Black residents. What Black resident can be proud of any elected official whose best known achievement supported one of the most negative stereotypes of Blacks- being absent from the job?
I was told that the bridge has to be named for a State elected official. If this is true, I suggest that Mayor and Council pass a Resolution rescinding their previous vote and leave the bridge nameless. On the other hand; if it is not true, I suggest that Mayor and Council request the State to name the bridge in honor of former Mayor Patsy Jo Hilliard, who has a long list of documented worthy achievements that I will gladly provide. This is URGENT! I have been told that Mayor and Council would need to vote on a Resolution before the end of 2019.
Please help me to get the word out and lobby Mayor and Council to rescind their vote for former Rep. Joe Heckstall. East Point residents and the City should not bear the shame of having a person honored who is so undeserving. Please contact our Mayor and Council Members.
