By John Fredericks / Staff

In a bold and audacious move designed to energize what some perceived as a flagging campaign, Roswell mayoral hopeful Lori Henry tabbed veteran North Side journalist Paul Kaplan as her chief political strategist early last week. Kaplan officially joined the Henry campaign on Thursday.

Kaplan, currently serving in the role of political editor and legal advisor for The Beacon and Beaconcast.com, has taken an unpaid leave of absence from the company until after the election. 

The skillful and sagacious scribe is well respected in the community, and his uncanny knowledge of the Roswell political landscape is acute.

KAPLAN TO THE RESCUE

Kaplan has the potential to be a game changer for the Henry campaign.

“The addition of Paul Kaplan shows how serious we are about winning this election,” said campaign manager Stacy Loftin. “Kaplan doesn’t come cheap, and Lori went out and raised the money to get him. It’s another example of her penchant to get things done and stand by her convictions.”

When asked how the new hire came about, Henry said she just picked up the phone and called him. “I have great respect for Paul and no one knows more about how this city works or what we need to do to take Roswell to the next level,” explained Henry. “Rather than engage a typical campaign consultant whose focus would be centered on political gamesmanship, I wanted someone who lives in Roswell and shares the same vision and passion for our city that I do. That defines Paul and that’s why we are thrilled he has agreed to take on this new challenge.”

Kaplan, a career journalist for better than forty years, has no prior political campaign consulting experience. However, he has covered North Fulton County and Roswell in-depth for the past decade with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Beacon. Kaplan holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and a Law degree from the University of Miami. Kaplan has held various senior editing and writing positions for some of the largest newspapers in the country, including the Miami News, the Washington Star and the AJC.

Kaplan elucidated his decision to join the Henry camp by saying he was not looking to get into politics outside of journalism. “The role Lori offered me blends politics with journalism and I am excited about that possibility. I know all three candidates and I like all of them personally. But Lori has worked the hardest on the things that matter most to Roswell, and I respect that,” Kaplan said.

TOUGH AND TOUGHER

Known for his no-nonsense approach, Kaplan appears on the surface to be a good fit for the Henry team. “Lori is tough and that means there will be people who don’t like her,” Kaplan said. “I like tough, and right now we need tough, as long as it is respectful. Lori has always been respectful in that regard,” he added. “That’s what sets her apart in this campaign.”

Anne Fredericks, CFO and a principal of Beacon Media Company, lamented Kaplan’s departure, albeit for the short term. “Paul has been our friend and trusted colleague for the last two years, and we came to rely on his journalistic instincts and judgment. No doubt he will be greatly missed at The Beacon, especially as our political coverage heats up. We wish him well in his new endeavor and look forward to his return next year.”

Win or lose, Kaplan promised to return to his lifelong profession in 2010.