Businesswoman Fletcher to run for mayor

By J.D. Sumner (2018)
j.d.sumner@albanyherald.com

Friday, May 27, 2011
© Copyright 2013 Albany Herald

Photo by Laura Williams

ALBANY, Ga. -- Albany businesswoman B.J. Fletcher is expected to announce Tuesday her intentions to transition a successful business career in Albany to one as mayor of the city.

Fletcher has a news conference scheduled at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the downtown Fresh Market, according to a flyer provided to the media Friday morning.

Fletcher will join Ward II Commissioner Dorothy Hubbard and local businessman Kirk Smith as residents who have publicly announced their intentions to seek the office being vacated by Mayor Willie Adams later this year.

While Fletcher has never run for public office in Albany, she is presently a member of the board of trustees for the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority.

She's recently gained headlines because of efforts to revitalize downtown. She opened Cafe 230 and then partnered with others to open Verge, the Dtown General Store and the Downtown Fresh Market.

Fletcher is perhaps best well known as force behind Ole Times Country Buffet.

Politically, Fletcher has aligned herself with the conservative Tea Party movement. Last year she welcomed local members into Cafe 230 numerous times and has become increasingly politically active.

When asked about adding another widely known face to the race for mayor, Hubbard said she expected it to be a crowded field and added that she expects more to jump into the race before qualifying in August.

"I expect there to be a lot of interest in the race and so they'll likely be several others jump in before its over," Hubbard said.

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