Georgia councilman says he's broke and uses food stamps

[Sugar Cookie]

An elected official in the city of South Fulton says he’s using food stamps and missed a utility payment because he’s broke.

Khalid Kamau is wearing it as a badge of honor, telling constituents it gives him empathy with struggling residents. It also highlights how many public officials are paid poverty-level wages.

Distributing flyers at a city park, Councilman Kamau looks the part of an energetic elected official. But he revealed a startling fact about himself on social media last week. Showing his EBT card for what used to be called food stamps – and a notice cutting off his gas utility-- Kamau revealed he’s broke.

"I recently started telling people I make $13,000 a year. Lots of people assume we already make fifty or sixty" thousand, Kamau told 11Alive News Monday.

Kamau is a part-time elected official who’s supposed to support himself with other work. Kamau drives for Uber – another low paying job. He is also a political consultant.

He says he has since paid his past-due gas bill. "Three, four days" the gas was off, he said.

But he publicized it to make a point – that too often, the public gets what it pays for.

"And I think that that creates a lot of the problems that we see in terms of, you know, corruption

There are countless examples. Former state representative Tyrone Brooks got a prison sentence for fraud. Former DeKalb County commissioner Elaine Boyer went to federal prison for stealing from the county.

"I think we have to re-frame the conversation," Kamau said. "When you’re really working on behalf of the people, they do want to see you be compensated."

City councilman: My government salary keeps me on food stamps

Khalid Kamau is wearing it as a badge of honor, telling constituents it gives him empathy with struggling residents.

www.11alive.com

 

[Keepalowprofile]

Here's a novel idea. How about getting a job that pays better.


I have no sympathy for him and his plight. If you can't pay bill, you look for a better job.

Following your dreams are fun but if it doesn't pay the bills, reality, get another job.

 

[Sejanus]

Boohoo, you make piss poor money in your part time political gig.
Do what most humanoids of like circumstances do.
Find a better gig.