Sandy Springs Mayor Revels in Jewish Support
Mayor Rusty Paul told a group that 95 percent of his financial support thus far has been from the Jewish community.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Philanthropist David Zalik sponsored a fundraiser, along with 30 other supporters, for the reelection of Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul on Thursday evening, Feb. 27, at The Dupree building. The City of Sandy Springs holds non-partisan elections every four years in odd-numbered years making Nov. 4, 2025, the next election date.
Paul has held the office for more than 11 years, and announced at this event that if reelected, he promised his wife that this would be his last term.
This crème de la crème of North Atlanta Jewry agreed that Paul’s leadership has made Sandy Springs the vibrant community that it is today; and that there is still important work for him to get done. Another theme was his dedication to the Jewish community.
Supporter Marty Kogon told the AJT, “I have known Rusty for 40 years. He has been consistent and stood with the Jewish community when it was needed.” Real estate mogul Norman Radow echoed, “When the community gathered at City Springs post-Oct. 7, Paul delivered one of the most impassioned and sincere messages that has ever moved me. Such loyalty deserves our support.”
To begin the more formal part of the program, Zalik spoke of the mayor’s ability to get things done, and of a breakfast meeting they had where they talked about varied issues until Zalik finally posed, “What’s your purpose for this meeting?”
Zalik was stunned to hear that Paul was raising money for Sandy Springs’ sister city in Israel in need of a hospital. An emotional Zalik continued, “Here he is 7,000 miles away looking for critical medical equipment. I said ‘yes’ and broke down in tears later in my car. I did not feel alone … with this devout Christian who leads with his heart.”
With that introduction, Paul felt that the city was on temporary loan to him to create a heart of the city vs. “a collection of strip centers” and looking towards leaders like Steve Selig for help. He addressed traffic and infrastructure that now involves retrofitting over old roads. He stated, “Experience matters. I understand the process.”
Paul received the biggest gasp and smiles by noting, “Thus far, 95 percent of my financial support has come from the Jewish community … but don’t worry, I’ll go after the rest.”
Paul also got a laugh when he said that that the evolution of the City Springs Center got him labeled “Taj Mahal Paul,” since he deeply believes that a city needs a central core. Referring also to Heritage Lawn a block away, he said, “I saw early on our potential to be a fun, family-focused town center.”
Now nine months out, City Council member Jody Reichel previously announced her bid for mayor. Fellow council member Andy Bauman has hinted that he may also enter the race; but he noted, “It’s just too soon to decide that.”
Reichel gave this statement to the AJT, “In the seven years that I’ve served on City Council, I have learned a lot about city government. I have learned even more, though, from the conversations I’ve had with residents about their priorities and concerns and how city government can serve them better. People love this city, but I hear they worry we are losing business investment opportunities and families to other nearby communities. Maintaining the status quo — the seeming goal of current leadership — is not progress: if we are not moving forward then we are falling behind. My vision to take Sandy Springs forward is based on well-funded and stable economic development, rich and varied housing choices, abundant sports, recreation and green spaces, and top-quality public education.”
Paul supporter Joel Marks said, “Rusty has always welcomed the Jewish community with open arms and supported us in times of extreme need. I have no issue with the other two [potential] candidates. It’s more of a situation where we don’t see any significant reason to run against Rusty. This is not a ‘two Jews vs. Rusty’ situation. This is a local, nonpartisan mayoral election where we believe our incumbent deserves another four years.”
Supporter Cathy Selig stated, “Paul walks the walk and talks the talk that made Sandy Springs a better place.”
Manny Fialkow added, “I’m a big Paul fan. He represents what the city is and wants to be.”
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