A postscript: Turpeau says ‘banishment’ followed mayoral memo
Two weeks ago, former Maynard Jackson insider Aaron Turpeau distributed a memo written by Clark Atlanta University academics William Boone and Keith Jennings that prompted an immediate eruption in the contest for mayor of Atlanta.
The memo was drawn up on behalf of a group called the Black Leadership Forum.
Although the academics later denied that this was their intention, the memo suggested that Atlanta’s black community unite behind a single mayoral candidate. Lisa Borders, whom the memo identified as the candidate best able to block Councilwoman Mary Norwood, who is white, rejected the thinking.
Kasim Reed, a former state senator in third place, also denounced the piece. Mayor Shirley Franklin called it bigoted.
This afternoon, an open letter from Turpeau, who has been a City Hall insider for decades, began circulating through Atlanta. We included entire memo below, but have bolded the areas of highest interest.
In his postscript, Turpeau speaks of “banishment” from the Borders campaign. His campaign contribution has been returned, and Turpeau said he no longer supports Borders. In a series of bullet points, the former Jackson chief of staff wrote identified access to City Hall and top-ranking jobs as a concern, but also include economic equality and the “criminalization of poverty.”
Read the entire thing for yourself:
An Open Letter from Aaron Turpeau:
There has been much discussion about black racism in Atlanta politics recently. Strangely enough the charges come from black candidates for mayor. Since I was there and have all the facts, I want you to have an accurate understanding of recent events.
The Atlanta Black Leadership Forum is an ad hoc group of black Atlantans that hold leadership positions in civic organizations, who come together to discuss politics and issues that affect the black community.
For the last eight or nine months, we have been discussing the Atlanta mayor’s race and prior to qualifying, we interviewed the five leading candidates. The questions asked centered around city finances, crime, economic equality, criminalization of poverty, and their vision of the future for Atlanta. All interviews were videotaped and posted to the website for viewing.
We haven’t yet found the Web site where these are posted. If anyone spots them, please add the link in the comment area below. To continue:
After thorough discussion and a review of agendas created throughout Atlanta for the next Mayor, we developed an agenda to help the black community to become healthy, wealthy and wise. Because of the diverse opinions amongst our group, we decided not to vote to favor any particular candidate but to ask members to work in all camps and to pursue four specific items outlined in our agenda:
_ Economic equality;
_ Access to government leadership after the election;
_ Fair hiring practices that include men, women and ethnic diversity for high-level jobs; and;
_ And hiring policies that favor qualified Atlantans for top jobs.
Members were advised of this recommendation through conversation and a memo sent under my signature two weeks prior to the release of “The Struggle for Unity” paper. In that same memo, I disclosed that I would be active in Lisa Borders campaign.
To further clarify, in response to an earlier request we received an academic analysis of the mayor’s race and the chances of unity considering our voting habits. “The Struggle for Unity” paper was an internal memo was for discussion purposes only and was distributed by me to former meeting attendees.
It is a sad day in Atlanta politics when black mayoral candidates publicly cry out black racism without seeking information from the accused individuals or group about the facts, intent, or purpose of a discussion paper. The reaction by the two leading black candidates was very disappointing.
Candidate Kasim Reed, who the memo pointed out was far behind in the polls, [led] the charge by crying out charges of black racism and was quickly followed by candidate Lisa Borders calling the memo racist, instead of an opportunity for racial discussion.
Both outcries are seen by many in the black community as pandering for white votes and support. Neither candidate sought any clarity from any Forum member; all candidates had supporters as attendees at our regular meetings (including Norwood).
It is an even sadder day when loyal supporters are not given the respect or courtesy of conversation, but are abruptly banished. I have had no conversation with Lisa Borders since the day of her press conference in response to the memo.
Though I personally informed her and her campaign manager that I did not write the memo and who in fact did, she still made the decision to say publicly that it was my memo and that it was racist. A day later a check was written to my company refunding my $500 donation to her campaign.
Perhaps it was a response to the false indication by Kasim Reed that my company contribution was the motive for the memo. Whatever the reason, I was totally surprised to receive the check on September 3rd. I respect her decision and will not be supporting her candidacy.
But the real question before us is not my banishment or even the mayor’s race, but rather what is expected of black people? Are we not to have the nerve to gather and discuss politics and issues as they affect our community and take these questions to the candidates? Are we not to discuss if a person of color has the qualifications and experience to best serve the community?
Are we not allowed to ask each other which candidate will be more acceptable to the white community, able to work with diverse communities and able to get votes from outside the black community?
Are we not allowed to request academic papers for discussions? Does Obama election mean we no longer should be advocates for our community? If so I am sorry but I did not get the memo that declared that we now live in a “post racial” era.
Where do we go from here? We will continue to meet and try to find solutions for our community and try to impact political contest that affect us. While some may disagree with us, we need to respect our diversity and agree to disagree, and when appropriate learn from out disagreement. After all, we are all greatly concerned and care about the future of our city.
Aaron Turpeau
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70 comments Add your comment
Steve
September 9th, 2009
4:56 pm
This is a clear indication that Turpeau is working for Norwood. Only an idiot would think continuing this discussion will benefit candidates who are concerned about the black community.
kc
September 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
I agree with you Steve. Borders gets my support now for given this idiot his money back.
General Sherman
September 9th, 2009
5:06 pm
I burned the city once,do I need to do it again? You people have no idea about any thing,all you do is cry racism when things do not go your way.Wake up and smell the trash and crime you have created!!
Martin
September 9th, 2009
5:09 pm
I have been watching this entire thing unfold and I knew from the beginning that he would try to shift the blame when things got bad. Lisa came out from the beginning denouncing the comments, now he realizes he’s made a mistake, so he’s trying not to get stuck with it.
Be a man, take responsibility, don’t try to pass the buck on to someone who’s Atlanta’s best chance at a better future.
Claire
September 9th, 2009
5:16 pm
Thank you, Steve. It’s about time people start asking Norwood some tough questions and, god forbid, actually make her answer one or two of them. The beauty pageant game has gone on long enough, let’s talk policy.
Dwayne
September 9th, 2009
5:17 pm
If Turpeau supported Borders before this all happened, why would he not now, is she still not the best candidate to led the city? He isn’t interested in what’s best for the city, he’s just looking out for himself. Waa waa waa.
AtlPress
September 9th, 2009
5:20 pm
Lol too little too late…is this really supposed to separate Borders from Turpeau? Her hands were all over this. Her campaign will continue to pay for its surrogate.
Buckhead Boy
September 9th, 2009
5:20 pm
It has to be Mary behind this. For being such an innocent figure she sure does have an extremely dangerous bite. This whole stunt divided the city even more. All for Mary’s political gain. Mary you just lost my vote to Lisa.
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
5:22 pm
Turpeau stepped deep in the boo-boo now! He should sit down and shut it up before he crams his foot any further down his gullet. Kudos to Borders for giving the money back to that snake. If I were Norwood (and thank goodness I’m not), I would be concerned. Hell, she’s not the only White candidate anymore, so that ‘Obama’ candidate mess doesn’t hold water. Boo-hiss-boo!
Disappointed
September 9th, 2009
5:24 pm
The Atlanta voters are a lot smater than this, Lisa. Do better!
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
5:25 pm
AtlPress is clearly a Norwood or Reed staffer/supporter (probably Norwood). Only a moron would still think Borders was still connected to this memo and use the word ’surrogate’. Update your campaign lingo, kid.
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
5:27 pm
Disappointed, it’s ’smarter’ not smater! I should smate thee!
norfside
September 9th, 2009
5:29 pm
Turpeau and the professors made some good points and we don’t live in a “post racial” era. Kasim just blasted that memo b/c it wasn’t about him, otherwise he wouldn’t have said nothin about it. Mary won’t discuss anything b/c she’s trying to play both sides of the fence my being Ms. Ambiguous. Lisa at least has and can use her access to all communities to start a dialogue and improve Atlanta.
norfside
September 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Jasher u a fool for clownin AtlPress. AtlPress, yall hiring at the Norwood campaign. I’m leaning Lisa, but if yall paying, let me know and I’ll be there!
Ted
September 9th, 2009
5:31 pm
Lisa, Lisa, Lisa. Such a strong individual to go through all of this. You are the only one fit to become Atlanta’s next mayor. God bless you! Atlanta is behind you!
Banished
September 9th, 2009
5:33 pm
This is cute! LOL. Banishment(?) Are we kidding? Turpeau has been a Borders’ strategist and surrogate and will continue to be. She knew all about what was going on and has been exposed. Sorry your plan was foiled, but you’re stuck with this one, Lisa.
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
5:35 pm
Banished. Read my advice for AtlPress and take it to heart. Surrogate? HA!
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
5:37 pm
Everytime a Norwood or Reed supporter says ’surrogate’ an angel cries…then vomits.
Reader
September 9th, 2009
5:38 pm
I really believe Turpeau is working for Norwood. This race is getting dirtier by the day. Who isn’t leading int he polls? I’m voting for them, the person that’s not playing big politics.
DecaturWhereIt'sGreater
September 9th, 2009
5:38 pm
@Disappointed This mess clearly hasn’t been good for any of the Black candidates. Kasim looks like the loser that he is and Borders got caught up like Obama and Rev. Wright. The only one that really stood to gain anything was Mary Norwood. If Lisa wanted to make Kasim look out of it, she would have just restated the polls that show him still in single digits
itstimetorideout
September 9th, 2009
5:40 pm
yall forgot about the other guy running for mayor Jesse aks uncle remus. poor guy, he never gets any press coverage.
Well Done
September 9th, 2009
5:40 pm
Norwood had nothing to do with this memo, people. Lisa Borders is two-faced and lost any chance she had of winning this race. She should be ashamed of herself. I like how she got all her supporters out for this blog tho ha
travis
September 9th, 2009
5:43 pm
im sick uf the clitter clatter. the day wil come when blacks will stop the race cry and make their own way.
Martin
September 9th, 2009
5:43 pm
Banished – you should get back to running coffee around at the Norwood offices, we don’t want to hear from biased staffers here.
Martin
September 9th, 2009
5:46 pm
Well Done – Give me one legitimate reason why Borders is behind this. One. Actual. Reason. Not your filthy rhetoric. I’m not saying Norwood orchestrated the entire thing, but please.. Borders!?! You can do better than that..
itstimetorideout
September 9th, 2009
5:47 pm
travis, lets be really racist and support Mary Norwood. that’ll show them
lynn everitt
September 9th, 2009
5:52 pm
The word Racist is one of the worst words someone can call you, it represents a horrible act towards another human being. To diminish its meaning by using it as a “i don;t agree with you” so you must be a racist, takes that important word and destroys its meaning and thats not a good thing. Hey, we are all Americans and we are not all perfect.
newA
September 9th, 2009
5:54 pm
For anyone to think Lisa giving the money back was anything more than mandatory given the situation, you are wrong. Politically, she had to give the money back. As far as this memo, I am confident Lisa helped craft it.
You have to remember that all press is good press, and Lisa benefitted greatly from this chaos (from the free press stand point alone).
Her campaign is full of trash-hearted strategists…
Come the live debate on Sunday, true colors from all candidates will shine through.
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
6:00 pm
NewA, remove your nose from Kasim’s behind, please. You’re stinking up the joint!
Mex
September 9th, 2009
6:02 pm
@ NewA ain’t nobody listenen’ to your Kasim brown nosin’ self all the way down here
hiGh Hop3s
September 9th, 2009
6:03 pm
newA, the debates will be very interesting… who’s your horse? I’ve got Borders or Spikes. They’re the only 2 who can put together full cohesive sentences that make sense. Mary is a puppet I’m convinced, and that Reed fellow is just sad.
David in Atlanta
September 9th, 2009
6:12 pm
As a white voter, that memo made me very unlikely to support Borders in the mayor’s race. My support now goes to either Kasim Reed or Mary Norwood.
jconservative
September 9th, 2009
6:34 pm
The original memo was racist. This memo is racist.
Mr. Trupeau, the best candidate for Atlanta, whether black or white, should get your support. And should have from the beginning.
What happened to “content of their character”?
Mr. Conservative
September 9th, 2009
6:40 pm
As a white republican, I’m supporting Mary Norwood. She’s got my interests in mind if you know what I mean.
boots
September 9th, 2009
6:52 pm
Voting for the candidate with the right skin color, instead of the best qualified candidate, has let to a police chief that doesn’t lead, a 911 system that puts you on hold or goes down, a chief financial officer that doesn’t have a clue what the short fall in revenue is going to be, streets with potholes that destroy the front end of your vehicle and a mayor who is only seen on the red carpet of a hip hop awards gala. Sad!
squirrelly
September 9th, 2009
6:57 pm
This memo and the first memo expose the blacks as the true racists. Blacks are the ones who segregate themselves with black this, black that, black churches, black colleges, black organizations, and on and on and on. Imagine the outrage if caucasians did the same and had the NAAWP, National White Caucus, Miss White America, 100 White Men, the Million White Man March, etc. Atlanta is in ruins today because of the black “leaders” that the racist black majority has elected. White leadership needs to take over running Atlanta again to restore Atlanta to the wonderful city it once was.
Fiddycent's twin white brother
September 9th, 2009
7:01 pm
How come you never about the “white community”, “WET – White Entertainment Television”, NAAWP, Miss White America, etc.? As long as the leaders of the “Black” community insist on differentiating “the black community” we will never be just “a community”.
The election of BO should be a clear indication to “the black community” that a majority of whites have accepted people of color into “the” community. Unfortunately, as long as they have influence and control in the “black community”, they will flash the race card because you know in the end you just can’t trust ol’ whitey!
kc
September 9th, 2009
7:10 pm
This was all Mary Norwood’s campaign doing. I don’t believe a woman like Lisa Borders who has black and white supporters would do something like this. There is a reason why Mary has not authored any legislation or lead any committees in her 8 year tenure as a councilwoman. She’s just not competent.
Concerned
September 9th, 2009
7:14 pm
Its all about POWER/CONTROL, Black, White, Asian & Hispanic Groups all meet and discuss how to move forward and take advantage of the opportunities afforded with a political victory. Do you think this is the only time someone has done this? Wake Up People… Iam just glad It wasn’t a white canidate who got caught this time…. oops I quess that makes me a RACIST…. Who do I need to write a check to?
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
7:25 pm
Concerned: Make that check out to cash, turkey.
newA
September 9th, 2009
7:27 pm
Hello Jesher and Mex-
Aside from your comments (Jesher, your comment had me laughing out loud), who do you support, and why?
I’ve heard Norwood in community forums. She appears to not have a grasp on the City’s condition and listening to her is dizzying.
I’ve heard Borders in a forum as well. She has been the City Council President; yet with hilarity, she takes absolutely no responsibility for the City’s current condition.
I’ve heard Reed in a forum alongside both Norwood and Borders, and he delivers an operator’s perspective on the current condition of the City and ways to improve it.
To those that have not had the opportunity to hear personally the perspective of the candidates and their plans, I encourage you to spend time Sunday evening doing so…
Abe Lincoln
September 9th, 2009
7:31 pm
I’m rethinking that whole emancipation proclamation thing….
You people are nuts
September 9th, 2009
7:32 pm
You really believe that Mary Norwood was behind this? You’re insane. This has Lisa Borders and other “black leaders” all over it, and it stinks. Vote for Mary Norwood and let’s rid the city of Atlanta of garbage like this. For those who don’t like it, move to Clayton County….or Memphis.
Jasher
September 9th, 2009
7:37 pm
NewA, I support whomever will be the best choice for mayor. For now, I don’t know WHO that is. I’ve only seen one debate and gotten countless campaign emails. I’m not leaning in one direction or another, but some of the candidates have really rubbed me the wrong way, and that could skew my vote when I cast it.
Julie Brown
September 9th, 2009
7:40 pm
Why are will still discussing the MEMO?
Julie Brown
September 9th, 2009
7:41 pm
Excuse the previous post. Why are we still discussing the MEMO?
Fiddycent's twin white brother
September 9th, 2009
7:44 pm
Surely we should keep Shirley. She’s white, right?
The Rev. Ike
September 9th, 2009
7:51 pm
Don’t make me get in my chariot of gold and come back down there to straighten you dummies out.
General Sherman
September 9th, 2009
7:59 pm
My match is lit so look out trashy Atlanta.
Mr. Conservative
September 9th, 2009
8:04 pm
I really appreciate that so many folks with so many opinions of ‘Black’ people like to post negative comments and feedback when ‘Black’ people are human beings just like all of us ‘White’ people. I wonder if you cowards would say out loud the comments you post in public? I also find it funny how soon we forget that for only 40 years have ‘Black’ people really had equal rights in this country. In 20 years, us ‘White’ folk are gonna be in for a rude awakening, when we’re no longer the ethnic majority in this country.
Can we all just get along
September 9th, 2009
8:07 pm
Why be so nice? You should have just said move back to Africa. No celebrating MLK day for “you people are nuts.” You’re gone burn in hell for that one.
ATL dysfunctionjunction
September 9th, 2009
8:14 pm
This city has ground to a halt. I went to 3 different city firehouses yesterday to get help with a baby car seat install and they were all locked and empty at 1130 am to Noon. Noone in sight. This is what the city has come to inaction and paralysis with massive financial mismanagement. Norwood gets my vote in Nov. We need real change and financial accounting and iro bars hotel if warranted.
Jon Q. Peon
September 9th, 2009
8:20 pm
Claire, ATLPress, kc, Martin, Jasher, NewAY and all other campaign cronies – Yall are really funny. Where’s your civility and objectivity? This isn’t supposed to be a campaign-bashing forum.
C’mon people. As for all the other Black/White slurs, they are all rooted in ignorance and/or hatred; none of which have a place now or for our future generations.
And, please don’t do me the disservice of associating with or being an advocate for ANYBODY’s campaign.
The fact of the matter is that, based on ACTUAL citizen accounts, Mary Norwood seems to be the only candidate who has been in many communities (and helped resolve issues) throughout the city long before she became a candidate for Mayor – not Borders, Reed or Spikes.
Perhaps, if any of you were to go into some of these communities, then you could/would see what a BLIND MAN can clearly see.
One thing that cannot be refuted, manufactured or manipulated, by any campaign, is the actual perspectives of residents who know, unequivocally, who HAS and HAS NOT been in their respective communities.
Please enlighten me of any substantive, factual info to the contrary.
clyde
September 9th, 2009
8:29 pm
For a white to vote for Norwood would be racist,as it was racist not to vote for Obama.For a white to vote for anyone else would be stupid.Just like it was to vote for Obama.
rider
September 9th, 2009
8:49 pm
Jon Q. Peon,
I’ve never seen Mary Norwood in my community..EVER. When was she in yours? Or are you associated with her campaign as you state that the others are with other candidates? Also, what problems has she solved, no seriously what has she solved? Further, I vote, I read and I research, I’m interested to see what legislation she has introduced b/c that’s indicative of her future role as Mayor.
rider
September 9th, 2009
8:51 pm
Further, for the the rest of you misinformed people, I’m a product of a white father and black mother. So who should I vote for? I want some real answers to the issues that plague my, my parents and my brothers community which happen to be Downtown, East Atlanta and Buckhead respectively.
Jon Q. Peon
September 9th, 2009
9:48 pm
C’mon rider -
Let’s not parse words. I said she has been in MANY communities. Of course, any moron would know that she hasn’t been everywhere! No reasonable person would ever suggest her as being omnipresent or ubiquitous.
If you actually ‘read’ and ‘research’ as you proclaim, you would not have even formed your lips to speak such gibberish.
As for legislation ‘introduced’, not sure of its relevance – to me at least. Perhaps it would make you “feel” better to hear or learn of legislation ‘introduced’ by her or any other politician. A more relevant question would, perhaps, be “How much WORK and TIME has been devoted to the concerns of citizens within the communities that she has visited?” Your research should give you that answer.
We need LEADERS, not LEGISLATORS. That’s the problem.
As for her resume’ of community service, get out from behind your computer, GO into communities and ASK questions of senior citizens and others whose lives she has personally touched, then report back on your findings.
I’ll be waiting…
To be sure, I am not defending her or her record. And, as for my affiliation with hers or any other campaign, all this racial nonsense is certainly causing me to give her very strong consideration – especially when none of the other candidates seem to have a record of community service, by CITIZEN accounts, which should matter more than any piece of ‘introduced’ legislation.
Again, I’ll be waiting…
By the way, I am from and live on the Southside. And she HAS been to many neighborhoods here! I’ll take the citizen’s words over those of a ‘misinformed’ voter 7 out of 7 days a week.
rider
September 9th, 2009
10:04 pm
Looks like someone works for Mary Norwood….hmmmmmmmm o, its John Q. Peon.
How much does she pay you JPQ? Your attempt to fool all of us was somewhat effective….NOT!
Jon Q. Peon
September 9th, 2009
11:41 pm
rider –
I assure you my dear, I am not on Mary’s or any other candidate’s payroll. Give me more credit than that.
Quite frankly, I find it amusing how passionately wrong you and some others are about your assertions about Mary and certain other candidates.
Please check your biases at the door and support your unfounded statements with facts or, at least, some degree of reasonableness. We are all trying to decipher what’s meaningful vs. horse s#&t, so we can make the best informed decision for ourselves, our families and our city. Teach me (us) something. Don’t talk at me.
Otherwise it doesn’t look, smell or sound intelligent. I know you are smarter than that.
Again, I’ll be waiting for the results of your research…
Black Latino Council
September 10th, 2009
12:14 am
THIS CAN ALSO BE AN “TEACHABLE” MOMENT ATLANTA – TIME TO ADDRESSS THE “real elephant” in the room –
Who else can MANUFACTURER NEWS and help shape your politcal opinion –
MMMMMMm- does the media – comes to mind – by any mean neccessary –
It’s really not that serious – at the end of the day ATLANTAN”S need to get involved – volunteer – donate – learn about the candidate of your choice- we all have ONE VOTE- and it’s up to you to use it wisely..
This is just an smoke screen to stir up our EMOTIONS- This can be an TEACHABLE MOMENT-but we have no teacher or true leader “yet”
Women For Progress
September 10th, 2009
12:56 am
Aaron Turpeau should be commended. He told the truth. Nothing he said was untrue. I truly believe not one of the candidates gave him a chance. That is unfortunate. Aaron, it will all come out in the wash. Your personal memo provided passion and conviction and I will stand with you anyday.
Women For Progress
September 10th, 2009
12:59 am
Also, Rider is right on point! Do the research. What legislation has Mary Norwood introduced? As a matter of fact, she voted no to provide the money to bring police and firemen back from being furloughed. I guess she has her own police protection.
JohnD
September 10th, 2009
7:18 am
What lousy choices. Borders is only on the city council because of her connections, y’all whine about Norwood not doing anything worth mentioning (and I agree) but Borders has accomplished little or nothing of note.
Its time we quit electing Mayors because they are part of the Jackson-Young machine. Norwood should not be elected just because she is white, no more than Reed or Borders should be elected because they are black.
None of them are up to the challenge. I don’t know enough about Spikes — but at least he is not a whiner likes Borders and Norwood.
Anyone who takes on Atlanta’s bloated city govt and outdated pension scheme gets my vote. Until those fiscal demons are brought under control, the Mayor (whoever that is) will simply keep raising property taxes. In Atlanta, if you are a homeowner, you are nothing but a cash machine to people like Borders, Reed and Norwood.
What’s in your wallet? The Atlanta City Govt, and they want it all.
GAPeach
September 10th, 2009
8:13 am
Enter your comments here
Hmm
September 10th, 2009
8:35 am
Why would Turpeau feel the need to do an open letter? Why not just quietly go about your way? Ohhhh…there’s a big debate on September 13th and Lisa Borders needed to separate herself. Brilliant!…not really
Colliding Ethics
September 10th, 2009
8:52 am
Turpeau is to Borders as Karl Rove is to George W. Bush. The only thing the Borders campaign has going for it is the 3 Ts:
Turpeau: Her racist strategist, who has conveniently been “banished” from the Borders kingdom of underhanded politics.
(Matt) Towery: The republican hack, who so selflessly saved a dying campaign with an unscientific and bogus poll.
Tom (Bell): The Borders’ fundraiser, who called President Obama a SOCIALIST.
She’s a very very fickle lady.
Capitol Hack
September 10th, 2009
10:24 am
Oh my, another day of high quality discussion and insightful comments on the AJC blog. NOT!
How about this? What’s being overlooked in the original memo and the most recent Turpeau response is that the real agenda of the Black Leadership Forum is driven not out of fear that a white candidate will be elected, but that a white candidate will end the jobs program that city hall has become for the black community. Read the Turpeau memo again. See his four specific agenda items? It’s all about the jobs, jobs, jobs, and jobs.
The racism (you really can’t call it anything else) that is expressed both in the original memo, the professors’ commments, and in the Turpeau response is bad enough, but this concept of city hall as a jobs program is equally outdated and just as harmful to the city’s future. It’s time that we get a mayor – black, white or other – who will do what is best for ALL Atlantans. That means electing someone who will manage the enterprise efficiently and competently, with fairness and with compassion. That’s what I’m looking for in a candidate.
Yes, the old views of black vs. white need to go. But the concept of feeding your friends and family at the city trough – which predates black mayors, by the way – is likewise outdated, and needs to be buried. Mismanagement and waste have kept our good city from becoming the great city that it should be. We need someone who can address the waste, corruption, fraud and inefficiency that siphons off city resources, neglects poor neighborhoods, weakens public safety and holds Atlanta back from her true potential.
Instead of just focusing on a black agenda, how about we try to focus on an Atlanta agenda? It’s time for Turpeau and his crew to move into the 21st century. And it’s time for every Atlantan to consider what’s right for All Atlanta.
Outside looking in
September 10th, 2009
10:00 pm
My God! I’m glad I don’t live in Atlanta – what a mess!
kaycee
September 11th, 2009
9:08 am
Pardon me for stepping in, but did I miss something? Has anyone ever identified by name who the members of the Black Leadership Forum actually are? If these people really are “leaders,” why don’t they step forward and be named? Further, where is this so-called website that contains the videotaped interviews of the candidates? Inquiring minds want to know!!
Barry
September 11th, 2009
3:23 pm
Hey Y’all:
It looks like these black politicians are suffering, from what Maynard JAckson use to call, “SCARED NEGRO DISEASE”". Maynard said this was a disease that black people and/or politicians suffer when they do not want to offend white people. However, they do this at the expense of the policy needs and services, either social, politcal, and/or economical, of black people and minorities. For these black politicos to back away from the letter because it addressed the desired need of the black community shows we need to very wary of these black politicians. Nothing in the letter was untrue. The only controversy in it was it chosing one candidate over another. The people will decide that based on their need and who they feel comfortable with. But for black politicians to shy away from the facts of this letter is beyond me. They are playing politics with all os us, especially us in the black community, when they shy away from the facts of the letter. Every last one of the black mayoral candidates are suffring from “SCARED NEGRO DISEASE” in this regard. If they get in office, I am very afraid of what type of mayor they will be. Will they be arrogant against black people concerns and need to appeal to white constituents in serious community matters in order to “not offend” them?? This is something we and them need to think about before, during, and after the election of any of these candidates. BEWARE OF “SCARED NEGRO DISEASE.”
“HAIL MAYNARD JACKSON”