County Commissioner

William "Bill" Edwards wants to listen more to his South Fulton

constituents

This week,

Edwards hosted the first of four quarterly listening sessions to hear

public comments about county services in southwest and South Fulton.

"We sit

at the commission meetings and hear a lot of good public comment. I just

wanted to expand it," he said.

Edwards said

the quarterly meetings give residents a chance to talk to deaprtment heads

and get a feel for how their local government operates.

During last

night's meeting, county departments offered information and displays,

and staff was available to answer questions. Also, the four Fulton County

youth commissioners representing District 7 attended the meeting to learn

about issues of concern to youths.

Parents and

youths can participate in the future sessions held at 7 p.m. at the South

Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road in College Park. The next

meeting is May 23 with other meetings set for Aug. 29 and Nov. 21.

Edwards said

a court reporter transcribes all the residents' comments and the commissioner

believes the meetings are another step in getting his message across of

open and helpful government.

"We just

don't listen enough to the people's concerns. This gives them a better

opportunity to understand how the government works," he said.