The race for College Park Council Ward 4 pits an established lawyer, incumbent Charles Phillips who has served on the council since 1994, against the challenge of April Wright-Wyatt, who has spent more than 27 years of her professional life in public service.

A 31-year resident of College Park, Phillips believes he is the best candidate because he brings to the seat a documented record of “intelligent, experienced and progressive leadership.”

“I have fought, and will continue to fight, in the trenches,” he said.

Ms. Wyatt, 59 and a 31-year resident, said her qualifications include her enthusiasm as a grassroots worker and one who possesses solid work ethics and is a proven consensus builder and problem solver.

“I bring integrity, honesty, fairness and humility to this office,” she said.

Phillips touts his qualifications through his support of such initiatives as construction of the Georgia International Convention Center, expansion and upgrades to the former Jamestown Park, community policing, and a new swimming pool and recreation area on Godby Road among many others.

A retired University of Georgia public service professor with the Department of Agriculture and Environmental Services, Ms. Wright-Wyatt will emphasize four issues as a council member, balanced city growth, crime, fiscal accountability and airport noise.

Phillips said he will work with the FAA and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to prevent any further airport encroachment into the city.

Ms. Wright-Wyatt also stressed her new airport noise initiatives, saying the council should have addressed these issues 20 years before.