State legislators endorse Hubbard for mayor (updated with video)

Albany’s mayoral candidates are picking up the pace when it comes to gathering endorsements, heading into the final week before the Dec. 6 runoff.

Monday, mayoral candidate Dorothy Hubbard picked the endorsement of two of Albany’s state legislators, as State Sen. Freddie Powell-Sims and Rep. Carol Fullerton both gave their support to Hubbard’s efforts to become the city’s next mayor.

Meanwhile, local business woman B.J. Fletcher was set to get a nod from the Albany Arts Coalition at a news conference tonight.

Sims, D-Dawson, said that Hubbard was a consensus builder who has shown an ability to work effectively with others at the local, state and federal level.

“Dorothy Hubbard is a consensus builder and she understands that it takes all of us working together to make this a great, great city,” Sims said. “Early voting begins today and we need to select a mayor who will continue to move Albany, Ga., forward and in a positive direction. All cities have challenges, but we must select someone who has spent time in the educational arena, in government, in public service and someone that will galvanize this community.”

Fullerton said she has personally born witness to Hubbard’s efforts on the city commission as a resident of Ward II.

“She understands city, county and state government and knows well current city and county officials,” Fullerton said. “She has a good relationship with all of them…and she understands the people of Albany.”

Hubbard thanked the two for their support and urged people to get out and take advantage of the early voting period which started today downtown at the government center.

“I’m grateful to these two ladies. They know me, they know the kind of work I’ve done and they know that I can get the job done,” Hubbard said. “It’s a wonderful occasion that I could have two state legislators come out and support my candidacy.”

Sims and Fullerton are the latest in a series of endorsements Hubbard has picked up from area elected officials.

Last week, Ward I Commissioner Jon Howard and Ward IV Commissioner Roger Marietta gave their support to Hubbard and, prior to the general election, current mayor Willie Adams gave his blessing to Hubbard as well.

Fletcher’s endorsement from the Arts Coalition will come tonight at 6 p.m. at Carnegie Library, according to a press release from her campaign.