Public Agenda - Atlanta: It’s time to vote

Politics

Municipal elections will be held Tues., Nov. 8, and races for nine of Atlanta City Council’s 16 seats are contested. Competitive races include one at-large Council seat, as well as districts covering Cabbagetown to Old Fourth Ward, Vine City to Bankhead, Candler Park to Midtown, Chastain Park to Mount Paran, Greenbriar to Cascade, and Capitol View to Lakewood. Incumbents are being challenged, former Council members are vying to win back old seats, and retiring members have opened the field to newbies. Interested in the candidates for each race? Check out CL’s endorsements at atlanta.creativeloafing.com/endorsements.

The polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. To find your polling place, visit www.sos.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/locator.asp. To find out which Atlanta City Council district you live in, visit www.atlantaga.gov/2005election_1.aspx.

· Atlanta Downtown Neighbors Join your downtown neighbors each month to meet an exciting speaker and discuss neighborhood issues. Second Tuesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. www.atlantadna.org.

· Atlanta Urban Design Commission The UDC works to protect buildings in Atlanta that have historic value. The public is encouraged to attend and voice opinions. Fourth Wednesday of every month, 4 p.m.; second Wednesday of every month, 4 p.m. Council Chambers at Atlanta City Hall, 68 Mitchell St. 404-330-6200. www.atlantaga.gov.

· Cabbagetown Neighbors The Cabbagetown Neighborhood Improvement Association holds monthly meetings to discuss resident issues. Second Tuesday of every month, 7 p.m. Cabbagetown Community Center, 177 Estoria St. 404-526-9900. www.cabbagetown.org.

· Decatur City Council The Council meets twice a month to discuss local government and address community endeavors. Third Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Temporary City Hall, 233 E. Trinity Place, Decatur. 404-371-8386. www.decaturga.com.

· DeKalb Commissioners Come in person to the commission meeting or watch Channel 23’s live broadcast, which is replayed throughout the week. Fourth Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m.; second Tuesday of every month, 9 a.m. Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. 404-371-2082. www.co.dekalb.ga.us.

· Drinking Liberally Get together with fellow Democrats and discuss politics and whatever else comes up after a few drinks. Thursdays, 7 p.m. Thinking Man Tavern, 537 W. Howard Ave., Decatur. 404-370-1717. www.drinkingliberally.org.

· East Atlanta Community Help shape the future of East Atlanta Village. Attend the East Atlanta Community Association meeting to learn more. Second Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Branan Towers, 1200 Glenwood Ave. www.eaca.net.

· East Point City Council Local government, upcoming community endeavors and city planning will be discussed. Third Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m.; first Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. City Hall, 2777 East Point St., East Point. 404-765-1000. www.eastpointcity.org.

· Fulton DEMS Fall Fest The Fulton County Democratic Party is hosting an event to give Democratic candidates and voters a chance to discuss issues and concerns. Admission is $20, with discounts available for children and seniors. Sat., Nov. 5, 1-4 p.m. UAW 882 E.T. Michael Recreation Center, 3915 Gilbert Road, Hapeville. RSVP at 404-346-1173. www.fultondems.com.

· Neighborhood Planning Unit The city’s Neighborhood Planning Units are citizen-run councils that advise the mayor and Atlanta City Council. Each NPU meets on a monthly basis to solicit community concerns. Membership is open to anyone 18 years or older whose primary residence is within the NPU, or any business within the NPU. Dates and times vary. To find out which NPU you belong to and when it meets, visit www.atlantaga.gov. 404-330-6899.

· Run for Justice The Atlanta Legal Aid Society is having its 15th annual Run for Justice event to benefit the organization, which provides legal representation for low-income families. The run will start at Fire Station No. 19 in Virginia-Highland at 9 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 12. Registration is $20 in advance, $25 after Sat., Nov. 5. To register, go to www.rungeorgia.com or call 404-327-7738.

· Sierra Club Meeting The Sierra Club meets to discuss topics covering a range of environmental issues facing metro Atlanta and the state. Members and visitors are welcome. Second Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Javaology, 466 Edgewood Ave. 404-223-3202. www.georgia.sierraclub.org/atlanta.

· South Atlantans for Development SAND is comprised of Ormewood Park, Boulevard Heights, Benteen Park, and Woodland Hills. Residents are encouraged to attend meetings and voice concerns. First Thursday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Ormewood Presbyterian Church, 1071 Delaware Ave. www.sandatlanta.org.

· CL events:

· Political Party Join CL Editor Ken Edelstein and a panel of local politicos and players — including this month’s special guest Mayor Shirley Franklin — at the next Political Party on Wed., Nov. 9. The event, which is open to the public and encourages discussion of issues facing metro Atlanta, is held the second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m., at Dad’s Garage Theater, 280 Elizabeth St.

· Air Loaf Hear Creative Loafing writers discuss their stories on Air Loaf at 1690 AM Air Atlanta. Discussions of various stories are aired just after the news at 7 a.m., noon, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. A two-hour show, Saturdays 10 a.m.-noon, features local topics and well-known guests.

· Sugg’s News Hour Find out the news behind the news on CL Senior Editor John Sugg’s “Progressive News Hour” every Thursday at noon on WRFG 89.3. This week’s guest will be Natalie Foster of the Sierra Club, who will talk about how listeners can get involved in environmental fights around the South.

· Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.