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Political Insider

Looking for a new police chief, before he’s even gone

10:15 pm September 13, 2009, by jgalloway

All four candidates for mayor of Atlanta swore on Sunday evening that furloughs of police and firefighters _ to the point of closing down all but essential services to keep them on the streets.

The promises were made at a 90-minute forum in downtown Atlanta and hosted by the Atlanta Police Foundation. The audience count was about 275, surprisingly strong for a weekend, and appeared evenly divided between black and white. Gauging by the applause, no candidate was a natural favorite _ but neither were any of the four dismissed.

WSB-TV broadcast the first 30 minutes. The remaining hour was also streamed on it’s Web site, and broadcast on WSB Radio (750AM).

Attending, from left to right, were Councilwoman Mary Norwood, former state senator Kasim Reed, City Council President Lisa Borders, and Atlanta attorney Jesse Spikes.

Among all four, the departure of Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington _ not known for a tight relationship with rank-and-file officers, _ was an assumed fact.

But there were interesting differences among the candidates about replacing him.

Spikes, first to address the issue, said he would consider the appointment of a public safety commissioner, unifying command of the police and fire departments. “So we can have someone who can handle the big picture,” he said.

Borders, who last month won the backing of the Atlanta police union, said the next chief should be found through a national search. But she added this caveat, which could be considered aimed at Pennington: “The last thing I want is someone to come into this city again, who has another agenda, who’s using Atlanta as a stepping stone to move to the next job. That’s not acceptable to me,” she said.

Reed focused on what he called Atlanta’s changing brand of crime. “I want a police chief who has concete experience where you have had a rise and a change in the nature of the violence. We have a gang problem in the city of Atlanta,” he said. “We’re going to have to draw a line in the sand on this issue.” Reed also called for a police chief with a record of retaining officers under his campaign.

Things got more interesting when it came to Norwood. “I want a tough top cop who comes from within the department. i have seen over the years, as we have brought people in from the outside _ they think the city of Atlanta is two miles east and west of Peachtree Street,” Norwood said. “I want someone who’s won the trust and respect of the men and women in the department. We have departments that are absolutely demoralized and it breaks my heart.”

The natural follow-up question: Have any of you engaged in discussions with future candidates for the job of police chief.

Reed said any contact would be “premature.” But he promised rank-and-file members a role on search and vetting committees. “I favor a national search, but I prefer having local individuals from both the police department and the fire department, because as mayor I want to send a very clear signal that any man or woman in the police or fire department can become the chief.”

Cracked Mark Winne, one of the panelists: “A national search that results in someone hired from within. That’s kind of the best of both worlds.”

Norwood may have created some news with her answer. “There are people that have talked to me within the department. There are several that have,” the councilwoman said. Norwood said she’s preparing a list of possibilities, and that officers _ including the union _ will be asked to weigh in.

Which may have caused Borders _ remember that she’s got the union endorsement _ to jump in with this final word: “Let me say this _ that I did not make any promises to the union, police or fire, about who will be my police chief or my fire chief,” Borders said. “And so i will challenge all of my competitors to do the same.”

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46 comments Add your comment

Chloe

September 13th, 2009
10:46 pm

Choosing a new chief is definitely premature right now. What was Norwood thinking?

Native

September 13th, 2009
10:58 pm

Norwood performed poorly in tonight’s debate. At times, I didn’t think she understood the question. Borders did well early, but became abrasive and emotional. Reed had a solid debate and was very detailed. Spikes was on the attack, but never really articulated his vision..

Mary

September 13th, 2009
11:03 pm

Mary wasn’t at her best, but she’s a fighter and Atlanta’s best option. Lisa was dodging questions and being catty as usual.

ATL4ever

September 13th, 2009
11:06 pm

I wish that more pointed questions had been asked about Reeds relationship with Franklin and about his selection of Chief Pennington as a part of her team.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w147/BlackPix2007/BlackPixV/atlfdn1.jpg

Rochelle Covington

September 13th, 2009
11:26 pm

@Chloe- I think Norwood gave an honest answer to the question about choosing a police chief, and I appreciated that. Of course the leading candidates are all thinking of who they’d want in that position. It’s refreshing for a politician to be real on something and no completely rehearsed all the time (like Borders).

In general, I thought Norwood gave a solid performance. She obviously knows the issues, and has a great way of coming across as a real person who actually lives in this city, not just some politico looking for the next notch on their resume.

ATL4ever

September 13th, 2009
11:26 pm

mary looked like a fool, a deer in headlights.

newA

September 13th, 2009
11:49 pm

As the City Council president for the past 8 years, it amazes me how Borders takes no accountability for decisions that have been made by the City’s leadership.

She says she didn’t vote on critical issues, and that she has all of these great ideas for the future… But, what about her past???

She has not been an effective City Council president, she dropped out of the race and re-entered, she does not deserve the confidence of the people to lead ATL into the future.

ATL by way of TX

September 13th, 2009
11:59 pm

@ Mary I didn’t notice Lisa dodging any questions. Can you be more specific? Someone asked when she went against the mayor and she answered. She was very clear on the subject of the pension saying city employees need to be vested for 15 instead of 10 years. If anything it was Mary who dodged questions. Jessee was on the attack, which he should be seeing that he is in last among the candidates present. And Kasim tried to suck up to voters by saying the mayor should be more involved in public schools. Give me a break!

ATL by way of TX

September 14th, 2009
12:03 am

@ Rochelle Covington Lisa was not rehearsed, she actually understands the issues. Unlike Mary, who stumbled on just about every question. Don’t get me wrong, the mayor doesn’t have to be the most polished candidate, but as the leader of our city, and one who will potentially be fighting for grants and working to attract new business, it sure would help. Mary is clearly not ready for prime time!

FernandoVAHighlands

September 14th, 2009
12:42 am

Lisa was outstanding this evening. Her closing remarks solidified my decision to back her with my vote and my checkbook.

Now Lisa Borders Supporter

September 14th, 2009
12:46 am

@new A, Lisa Borders has only been the Council President since 2004 so already your response is invalid. As for her past, she was appointed to lead the council and that is what she has done. Mary Norwood is the one that has been on the council for 8 years and has not accomplished anything. I thought I was for Mary but after tonight it is apparant that Mary doesn’t know what the heck she is doing.

@ Rochelle, if you thought Mary had a solid performance then you must not understand the issues either. Mary’s anwswer came off a little unethical to me when asked if she had been in talks about picking a new police chief. Seems a little fishy to she’s been talking to a lot of people. Any deals been made?

Now Lisa Borders Supporter

September 14th, 2009
12:49 am

Lisa Borders didn’t dodge one question tonight. She gave clear and concise answers. I am a new Lisa Borders supporter. Now I see why everyone has been attacking her. She’s just that good!

Tom L

September 14th, 2009
12:51 am

How could anyone support Mary after tonight’s showing? There is no way that lady should be allowed to lead a city. The position of Atlanta’s highest office is completely out of her skill and ability which was clearly demonstrated tonight. For so many smart people up here in Buckhead we sure do have some suckers as well.

Rachael

September 14th, 2009
12:59 am

Kasim had a good understanding of some issues but something about him screams scandal. Is he married?

Peyton

September 14th, 2009
1:45 am

LEnter your comments here

newA

September 14th, 2009
2:27 am

@Now… Me being incorrect about her tenure as president, does not make my comments invalid. She has been an ineffective president for the past 5 years. Doesn’t that make her still accountable to the City’s current condition?

Joe Wilson

September 14th, 2009
3:04 am

@ATL4ever: cute pic. Here is one from Borders for Atlanta. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bordersforatlanta/3497606912/in/photostream/
I wonder what she promised to get the police endorsement?

Borders says “under my leadership” a whole lot. Sooooo, does that mean she had influence on her council even when she doesn’t vote as Council President? She said under her leadership she ended the furloughs…. She didn’t go on record about the property tax increase until AFTER it was passed. She takes lots of credit when it’s good. What about when it is bad? What about how we are in this mess and HER council led us here.

“Doesn’t that make her still accountable to the City’s current condition?” newA hit the nail on the head.

Sen Reed say’s “I co-authored the legislation and worked across the aisle” He also delivered 5000 signatures for a $1M tax increase that would have ended the furloughs. He went on record and did the work even when raising taxes is never ‘popular’. Reed mentioned that we JUST paid a huge property tax increase and he would use that money for Police and Fire. Makes sense.

The city government just got $2M more than needed to end the furloughs. Since it seems that most of the people posting on here are Borders supporters, what is her plan (since she said she is the ONLY candidate that has a plan for a revenue stream)….HA!

“You lie!” – Joe Wilson

TRUTH

September 14th, 2009
7:55 am

What a bunch of loosers but they may be less bad than Maynard “steal it all” Jackson and Bill “What’s in it for me” Cambell. Too bad Clark Howard won’t run, he could do a much better job.

The Real Politico

September 14th, 2009
8:04 am

Shouldn’t someone with the moniker TRUTH know how to spell “losers?”

Jon Q. Peon

September 14th, 2009
8:26 am

All of these heartfelt opinions would perhaps be more well-received by other readers if they weren’t so blatantly biased.

Some of us are actually trying to gain more perspective; not spit venom.

Unfortunately, biased undertones overshadow and diminish words and statements that would, otherwise, be considered valid points.

If one didn’t know better, it would almost appear that most of you are “campaigning” for your candidates online.

If your comments contain info that is NOT factual, insightful or enlightening, then most intelligent readers are likely dismissing or disregarding them anyway.

The same 4 or 5 talking heads are basically recycling the same words and info anyway. Tell us something we DONT know.

Oh Intown Writer...

September 14th, 2009
10:07 am

I cannot stand any of them, and will not vote for any of them. The one person who finally really raised intown crime as an issue was barred from the debate. Hmm.
He gets my vote.
I had to leave when one of them was blabbering about the number of cops, etc, and then Spikes blabbered too.
Did ANY of them address the APD Pension issues, which is one of the critical reasons why APD cannot retain seasoned officers-? You can only run on new recruits for so long; and if they keep leaving after they cut their teeth, you have nothing but a revolving door of inexperienced people making inexperienced decisions. And you never get up to full staffing levels.
Which is where we’ve been at for some time now, thank you very much Miss Shirly and Mr Pennington…
Oh, and it would have been nice if the candidates read up on the Stephanie Ramage articles regarding the City’s use of APD as a freakin’ ATM~ or would that require Borders and Norwood to fess up to their miserable showings on Council?

TRUTH

September 14th, 2009
10:07 am

The Real Politico

September 14th, 2009
8:04 am
Thanks

Women For Progress

September 14th, 2009
10:09 am

Fact: Lisa Borders is in her second term. That means eight years under her leadership–not four, not five years. Mary Norwood should get a debate coach. Yes, it is unfortunate that Jesse Spikes is the underdog and hasn’t a chance this go round. However, he is poised to do something very good and I hope he does consider something in public service. Kasim Reed has an honest grasp of the issues and will provide the outside leadership that Atlanta desperately needs. Why would folks consider candidates that have been part of the problem. It’s as if we put them in the washing machine on the spin cycle and they are now somehow clean. Let’s do our homework and consider all the facts. If Mary Norwood can’t articulate the facts, provide knowledgeable answers and give us a comfort level of leadership–she is not right for Mayor of Atlanta.

Now Lisa Borders Supporter

September 14th, 2009
10:18 am

@Women For Progrees, Fact:There was a special election held in 2004 after the seat was vacated. Lisa won during the special election. It’s 2009 now so it’s only been 5 years for Lisa. Please do your research before you make statements. Just google it the information is there.

Young, Black & Beautiful

September 14th, 2009
10:28 am

@ Women For Progress – you are wrong! Lisa is in her second term but has only been Prez of City Council for 5 years because of the special election due to Cathy Woolard resigning. So please don’t come on to this site dressed as a progressive supporting someone who suppresses. I think most of Atlanta knows the history with Kasim and women and if they don’t they sure will before Nov. 3rd. Any women who supports Kasim does not know what he’s truly like. Just ask around, the answers are not 2 far.

Cassandra09

September 14th, 2009
10:59 am

@Women for Progress. Let’s get the facts straight: Lisa was elected in a special election in 2004, so she’s only be on the Council for 5 years – not 8. But she doesn’t vote on anything, which is a legitimate issue to raise. She did speak out about the furloughs and the tax increase, but she didn’t have to vote and go on the record. I want to know what she’ll do when she actually does have to take public stands though.

@Joe Wilson. Kasim didn’t stumble, but like he accused Jesse Spike, he does have a good view from the cheap seats too. 5000 signatures to do what everyone in the city wanted – put police on the streets – how hard. How about doing his actual job and getting the state to pay for the resources they use up in the city or fixing MARTA. hard to be a leiglslator and run for mayor at the same time i guess. Also, that 1 mill is a joke – $18 million to end furloughs plus $70 million for pensions – that’s more than 1 mill. Do the math…

@Rochelle Covington. Mary is a joke. The audits she keeps complaining that she hasn’t received are handed out to every council member every year (since 1996) and are posted on the city’s website: http://www.atlantaga.gov/government/finance.aspx?section=Finance and have been every year. It’s not called “audit” because it includes the auditors reports and the CFO’s comprehensive financial analysis – which she should also know after 8 years. But because they are long, maybe she couldn’t read them. but show me a multi-million dollar business that can do its financials on a couple of pages and I’ll show you a ponzi scheme. She can rightly complain about the truth of the numbers – but she is lying when she says she didn’t see the numbers in 8 years. Oh, and there were at least 30 amendments to budget – not one from Mary. Guess that’s “nutty”.

Donny Fairplay

September 14th, 2009
12:00 pm

Mary claims to be “purple” but she bares a striking resemblance to some of the red party’s shiniest stars. She has the simpleminded charm of Sarah Palin (minus the sex appeal) and the uncanny talent of putting her foot in her mouth like W.

Casper Jackson

September 14th, 2009
12:30 pm

I’ve always known Mary to be honest, smart & hard working. & I think she’s going to win the race. I thought she did just OK in the debate. She gets how bad crime is and that came through…I’m glad she’s been talking to APD about selecting the next chief. Makes them all want to do better today if they think they will be considered for the job.

HomeGrown

September 14th, 2009
12:33 pm

Without bashing anyone can someone make an honest opinion about who CLEARLY won the debate. I have my views but am curious to hear an UNBIASED opinion.

If I was a cop then I would only consider Borders and Reed (alphabetical order not preference) as the next mayor. This is only based on the debate yesterday.

I think honesty is great but Mary’s inability to answer questions is unacceptable for a Mayoral candidate.

I always thought Jesse was good with the finances only and yesterday proved that his strong point may also be his weakness.

Still working on Reed and Borders. I think there were instances when they both shined and stumbled.

CJKatl

September 14th, 2009
1:04 pm

HomeGrown – Whiel I cannot “make an honest opinion about who CLEARLY won the debate” the losers were the City of Atlanta residents. Each of these candidates has glaring flaws.

The Mayor has to be a leader, visionary and face of the City. Mary came across as shaky, even a little confused, at times. While she might be capable of doing a good job, she didn’t impress me as someone who could clearly communicate and act like a leader.

Lisa Borders came across as a politician. That’s not a compliment. She appeared to have rehearsed answers that were meant to let the people she’s made promises that she will not forget about them. In other words, more of the same. And, yes, her inability to stake ownership for anything that has happened in the City during her time in public office left a very bad taste in my mouth.

Each of the candidates had a different win/lose for the debate. Lisa Borders and Mary Norwood needed to show they were each worthy of the front-runner status. Mary came across as weak and Lisa came across as more-of-the-same insider. That gives each of them a lose. Kasim Reed and Jesse Spikes needed to show they are serious contenders. They each showed they belonged in the debate. My guess is more voters will take serious looks at them after the debate, which made them each winners.

Women In the Know

September 14th, 2009
2:12 pm

@CJKatl. I share your assessment of Reed and Spikes as showing they belong, but I’ve got to push back on Borders. I’d rather have a candidate who has shown that she understands the issues and has thoughtful answers about how to respond (and abides by the time limits – she can follow rules….) THey’ve had like 20 debates already, so that’s why they sound rehearsed. I’d prefer details to fluff and bullet points to more histrionics about what you don’t know and why. Plus, the way she handled the pile-on by the other candidates scored points with me. Grace under pressure is hard, especially on t.v. Norwood sure didn’t show any.

Reed demonstrated a similar command of issues to Borders, but i’m concerned about his lack of actual management experience. Like Spikes, being a lawyer means you can help but you don’t actually solve business problems. If Reed can offer concrete examples of how he actually managed more than a campaign, I’ll give him a closer look. We’re talking a staff of 6,000 and senior managemetn that needs to be watched too. Running a company isn’t easy and it’s not like writing a brief or passing a bill.

Norwood just doesn’t seem to do more than refer to plans that we can’t afford and spout jargon she read on a website. She may be a good volunteer, but you don’t appoint her to head the organization. If the other candidates are smart, they’d think of putting her in charge of customer service. Clearly, she cares but she just doesn’t inspire confidence that she can read the books and get us out of this.

Spikes is smart, but his entire mantra is throw the bums out. Now is not the time for on-the-job training.

RIght now, I’m leaning Borders, but Reed could make me take a second look.

Smoking Joe

September 14th, 2009
3:19 pm

@Cassandra09 Sensitive much?

I REPEAT: Since it seems that most of the people posting on here are Borders supporters, what is her plan? (since she said she is the ONLY candidate that has a plan for a revenue stream)…

I am serious. I have gone to her website. I hear people talking about Cousin’s and Grady (both pretty questionable if you ask me). I know she was in the race… then out then back again.

I am asking for the real Borders supporters to tell me what her leadership is…and don’t count the council because the council is not a great example. It is in pretty bad shape “under her leadership”

And please, when you respond, oh lovely supporters of Borders, PLEASE DO NOT MENTION ANY OTHER CANDIDATE. Just talk about what she has done and not compare her to Mary Norwood or Sen Reed. I don’t want to hear about her claims of under her leadership. I just want to know what she has done. That is all.

Politics At Its Finest

September 14th, 2009
3:37 pm

and @Young Black and Stupid.

Anyone can say “he isn’t married so he must be shady” …just like they did to Harold Ford, Jr in the State of Tennessee for US Senate. Maybe it is his years of education and becoming the youngest elected official to the house, partner at a LAW firm, and now running for Mayor that has not allowed him to marry for ‘your’ political approval.

Isn’t Borders a single mother? Is that relevant? Not so much. Does that mean she isn’t able to do her job? Not so much.

It is a big turn off for me is when Borders (or any candidate) supporters use smear and Karl Rove techniques in the same breath of talking about their candidate. It is really a turn off. Ask any woman about Sen Reed? Shame on you for being nasty behind your alias.

Oh Young, Black, and stupid…. you are a crab. It is one thing to support your candidate but then to insinuate ugly things about another makes you look petty. Attack his record if you must. Not the fact that you used to like him and he dumped you.

I don’t know much about Norwood but I heard her maiden name is Bush. That just makes me smile. I wonder if they are related. She came off with the same charm that got elected Bush twice. She wasn’t nasty and she may not be as slick as the rest of the candidates, but don’t count her out…since she is the front-runner.

(Still waiting to hear all the wonderful leadership examples of Borders from her campaign staff blog committee)

ralph

September 14th, 2009
8:46 pm

Why not pick someone for chief within APD? I am sure there are some decent officers/command staff within APD that would make a good chief. Plus, having someone within promotes better moral. Most of these big city chiefs that are brought in are no more than politicians. Put someone as chief who has worked the streets of SW Atlanta, downtown, and earned their way through the gritty streets of Atlanta! I personally would love to see retired deputy chief Lou Archangeli get the post. He is a top notch candidate.

Logical

September 14th, 2009
11:50 pm

I was at the debate last night and can truly say arrived as an undecided. A friend that invited me there really liked Lisa Borders – and I wanted to like Mary Norwood.

I had assumed that Sen. Reed would be the next Mayor months ago.

Norwood was surprisingly unprepared for the debate. She seems like a nice lady that is in way over her head. Her lack of understanding of the budget and inability to accomplish anything in 8 years was hard to hear. What in the world would make me think anything different would happen if she was Mayor? Atlanta would waste 4 more years with Mary.

Jesse is a concerned citizen with intelligence that would be hard pressed to get anything done. By the time he figured things out his term would be completed. Nice guy. Another waste of time.

So , that left 2 candidates. Which one to trust?

The arrogant, good looking, smooth Senator that seems to think it his due? I would like to hear some plans and strategies for improvement, but did not really hear that. A new police chief? Everyone says that. Keep kids in school? OK – but not the Mayor’s job. He would find this is a more difficult job than he thinks – and might actually bring him down a notch or two when he is on the receiving end of state meddling in local affairs.

Lisa Borders impressed me as sincere and honest. With a solid business background she was cool as a cucumber. Seemed to be able to handle a curve ball with quickness and grace. Atlanta could use a little of that. We do not agree on social issues, and come from very different backgrounds.
And both share a love of Atlanta, Georgia.

I am no longer neutral. Lisa Borders. She will make a great Mayor.

Smoking Joe

September 15th, 2009
11:36 am

I am still not sure what Lisa’s business background is that makes her the most qualified candidate.

I am waiting for someone to tell me what she has done to make everyone love her.

General Sherman

September 15th, 2009
1:25 pm

White applicants need not apply,you will not be considered!

newA

September 15th, 2009
2:58 pm

I saw the debate as well. The more I heard Borders speak the more it felt like she was full of hot air. The thing that jumped out at me was she was touting her “innovate strategy” to increase revenues for the City: it was a point of sale TAX! After Reed made it clear that taxes were raised 42% (without challenge from the other candidates), how can someone’s secret sauce be another TAX???

Borders is nuts…

Logical

September 15th, 2009
4:26 pm

POS is not another tax. It is an accounting of the sales taxes collected at the point of sale, and then returned to the area that collected them. Not lost somewhere along the way to and from the state department of revenue.

newA

September 15th, 2009
5:28 pm

Logical, thanks for the clarification. How does that tangibly increase revenues for the City?

Topjake

September 15th, 2009
5:44 pm

As a veteran of the fire department I can truly say the last two fire chiefs, both of whom are now in Washington, DC, have used Atlanta as a stepping stone to bigger and (for them) better things. Both were consummate politicians who looked good, spoke well, and were very smart. They just were not willing to step up when we needed them to and stand up to the other politicians at city hall who were making bad decisions. They WERE willing to jump ship when something better came along though. The fire department will lose as many as 200 senior members to retirement over the next few years. No one is being forced to retire, they have all simply served their time and are sick of “business as usual” in the ATL. Much of that experience must be replaced through sound recruitment by true fire service leadership, not posturing for the TV cameras or a bunch of “psycho-babble.” I implore all of the candidates to 1) NOT re-implement a “Public Safety czar” type office over fire AND police. Maynard did that and it failed miserably. 2) Allow members of both departments to assist with the search process for a chief that will serve Atlanta . . .not the other way ’round.

lizzie

September 15th, 2009
9:02 pm

If Reed is close to Franklin he doesn’t act like it. He’s taken her administration to task for months now. None of the candidates defends the mayor nor should they. She isn’t running again, or so she says.

Logical

September 17th, 2009
7:38 am

Let’s see. Millions of dollars currently collected in sales tax identified as being due to Atlanta – and other local governments – that now stays with the state. Does that explain it a little better for you?

what makes sense

September 18th, 2009
1:22 am

Police officers leave APD because they dont get raises. I have a few police officer friends who work on the department. They say that an officer with 3yrs experience and an officer with 11yrs experience make the same salary. How is that possible??????? Most officers only receive a raise upon getting promoted, no cost of living raise, no steps in grade pay. This is why officers leave, to goto the next county, to federal, to go whereever. How is it possible to have a police job, get hired making x amount of dollars, and six or seven years later be making the same amount of money,that is pathetic. Atlanta police need help asap.

Retired police officer

October 10th, 2009
4:45 pm

I don’t think that any of the council members are qualified to run the city of Atlanta.they all stood by and watched as the current mayor ran the city into the ground(according to the Media the cities finances are in shambles) Why didn’t any of these council members question the actions of the current mayor_what is the councils purpose for existing. None of these council members want Pennington for chief why didn’t the council stand up to penningtons friend shirley and get rid of him earlier if he wasn’t doing the job(according to the media Pennington didn’t have a clue as to what was going on in the APD. In my opinion none of the upper eschelon in the APD should be considered for the chiefs job,they apparently did not their jobs properly while pennington was chief–so why reward them–ask the rank and file officers for their opinion,you probably won’t like the answer

Retired police officer

October 10th, 2009
5:14 pm

In my opinion General Sherman is right