The ATL mayoral candidates grade Shirley Franklin
V-103 and WAOK just finished a marathon debate with the six candidates for mayor of Atlanta – it had been scheduled to run two hours, but the radio stations ended up adding an extra 30 minutes.
Mayor Shirley Franklin this week made news by weighing in heavily against front-runner Mary Norwood, questioning her competence.
But in his last question, moderator Frank Ski noted that, over the debate’s 150 minutes (minus commercial breaks), Franklin had barely rated a mention.
How much blame does she deserve for the current state of the city? he asked.
This isn’t a new question. Remember that, back in July, the candidates were asked to grade the incumbent. Lisa Borders gave her a 90, Mary Norwood and Jesse Spikes awarded Franklin an 85. Kasim Reed gave her an 88.
But in the last few weeks, TV ads by Norwood have essentially turned the mayoral race into a referendum on the Franklin years. So the question was well-timed.
Borders was first to answer.
There have been some extraordinary things that have been done. Completing of the fifth runway, completing of Atlantic Station, the federally mandated (sewer) consent decrees – one completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
We have a police system and public safety system that’s not working, though. The mayor, whoever he or she is, in this case Mayor Franklin, has total responsibility, clearly.
What I have said is, I rank her well, because she has set this city on a course for development and for growth for the next generation. I’m happy about that. What I’m not happy about is the staffing issues that we have had. A revolving door on the CFO. The chief operating officer did not do a great job – the very first one that we had.
So my suggestion would be, vast improvements were needed, and continue to be needed, with the people that lead the departments at City Hall. Building the team, measuring what we’re doing and making the changes in a timely fashion…were the greatest downfalls of this administration.
However, Borders added:
….I don’t take the one failure and say that paints the entire picture.
Kyle Keyser, a late entry into the race, was the most critical:
I believe Mayor Franklin started out strong. I voted for her both times. I think through the course of her administration, she checked out. I would rate it as a solid “D.” I think that’s being nice. It is her fault, and it is a lack of vision. And I think her combative tone has been very divisive and not healthy for the city.
Norwood, as the prime target of Franklin’s jabs this week, has been careful not to respond. But she made it very easy to read between these lines:
I’m only focusing on the future. I will run an administration where I will interact with every single councilperson, not just my favorites. If you’re going to be the mayor of a major U.S. city, you need to engage every member of your legislative body. You need to be out in the city, communicating with citizens all the time….
Reed, who managed Franklin’s election campaign, made it clear he took no pleasure in Ski’s question, but gave this answer:
A career should be judged on the career. It’s not about having one good season. It’s about the career. And that’s the way I that I believe that Mayor Franklin should be judged. Not as a one-hit wonder with a hit record, but with a lot of albums. There have certainly been extraordinary challenges. There have been disappointments. But I believe over time, the platform is set for this city to move forward.
Atlanta attorney Jesse Spikes may have offered the kindest assessment of the Franklin years:
Mayor Franklin came into the mayor’s office facing challenges on a number of different fronts. The most critical one initially was the fact that this city had lost faith in its government, and its integrity and its honesty and its candor. And she’s restored that…
She’s also done some good things getting us on the beginning of a sound financial footing…where I think she’s failed mostly in establishing the kind of accountability that would prevent us from having the types of surprises we’ve had in terms of our finances.
The debate also included interesting exchanges on police furloughs and the current job held by Reed’s brother at City Hall. We’ll try to add those later.
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62 comments Add your comment
Krooked Kasim
October 27th, 2009
11:41 am
http://www.notkasim.blogspot.com
newA
October 27th, 2009
11:44 am
I do not understand all of the jabs at Franklin when the reality is the World Economy is broken, not just Atlanta!
Robert J
October 27th, 2009
11:45 am
Kasim Reed really did well in today’s debate! He won my vote!
Citizen A
October 27th, 2009
11:46 am
I was skeptical at first, but Reed separated himself today. He’s a serious candidate.
Concerned Citizen
October 27th, 2009
11:50 am
I’m wondering why Brownlowe and Keyser keep getting invited to speak at these debates… I would rather hear the candidates who have the most viable chance of winning the election discuss the issues and have a real DEBATE, than to hear 30-60 second sound-bites from all the candidates. They never get a chance to truly have a CONVERSATION about the issues.
Simone
October 27th, 2009
11:50 am
You can tell Kasim Reed’s time in the state legislature really paid off. He has a superior grasp on the issues and a more effective debating style than the rest of the candidates. Borders did fairly well too.
PoliticOracle
October 27th, 2009
11:54 am
I am now headed to Fulton County Government to cast my vote for Kasim Reed. He has clearly demonstrated his understanding of the issues we’re faced with, a plan to move forward, his ability to lead and build relationships across the ideological spectrum and at the state level.
Ms. Borders’ time has run out and Ms. Norwood just doesn’t cut it.
Ray Pugh
October 27th, 2009
11:55 am
Krooked Kasim,
Please inform the buffoon who writes that blog of the difference between “secession” and “succession.” That will be all…
Better Atlanta
October 27th, 2009
11:55 am
I’m glad I finally had an opportunity to hear one of the debates. I thought Frank Ski did a good job as a moderator. Kasim Reed blew the competition away today. He seems like a very promising young man and hopefully our Atlanta’s next Mayor.
Dash Riptide
October 27th, 2009
11:58 am
Keyser’s analysis is dead on. Franklin herself has indicated in the past week that she has regrets about becoming mayor in the first place. At some point she just decided to crawl into her shell and not lead anymore. It’s a shame.
Please quit calling Atlanta ATL
October 27th, 2009
12:00 pm
Please quit calling Atlanta ATL………….
Sick of it...
October 27th, 2009
12:04 pm
Why didn’t you include a quote form Jesse Spikes? He had a great response but you’re trying to shut him out of this race…
Nov. 3
October 27th, 2009
12:10 pm
Kasim Rocked!!
Reality
October 27th, 2009
12:11 pm
Please quit calling Atlanta ATL, is that like referring to the District of Columbia as DC?
Tea 4 2
October 27th, 2009
12:14 pm
Sounds like Kasim Reed is in bed with Franklin, Norwood has my vote, time for change. The Jackson power structure has got rich enough off the people of Atlanta.
Mayoral caliber?
October 27th, 2009
12:23 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AS0ekhf6PHM
Ready for a New Atlanta
October 27th, 2009
12:25 pm
Kasim Reed equals more of the same we’ve had with Shirley Franklin. I have voted for Mary Norwood beacuse she is the only candidate up to the challenge. As a side note, I too want everyone to stop calling Atlanta “The ATL”. That, too, stemmed from the miserable failure of Shirley Franklin’s “Branding Campaign”. I hope she’s looking forward to moving back to Philadelphia in January.
Bert
October 27th, 2009
12:27 pm
Mary Norwood said she couldn’t remember which President she voted for. This is either a lie or dementia, both of which should disqualify her from being mayor.
Why are so many morons supporting such a totally empty vessel? I guess thats why the’re morons.
Question
October 27th, 2009
12:28 pm
How come when a black person endorses a white person its assumed that the white person bought the endorsement?
Clincher
October 27th, 2009
12:29 pm
This comment section is obviously filled with Kasim trolls. No one really believes that he did that well in the debate. Voting for Kasim is the equivalent of voting for Karl Rove for president. Why, if you are unhappy about how the city is being run, would you vote for the man who helped make it happen behind the scenes? It amazes me how people can be wowed by talking points and empty promises. He is telling you what you want to hear so of course you like it.
Sherrell
October 27th, 2009
12:32 pm
Mary Norwood has my vote, the other two candidates will be status quo. Mayor Shirley Franklin gave up after one year in office or after her daughters and ex-husband continued to have legal problems with drugs and money laundering. This left us without leadership, and a very dysfunctional Water Department.
Atlanta Guy
October 27th, 2009
12:33 pm
Right on, Clincher! Kasim’s followers are clearly those who are easily manipulated and naive as to how much he worked with Ms. Franklin and contributed to our problems. The majority will speak and Mary Norwood will soon be able to start taking Atlanta in a better direction. We can finally take our city back!
Sherrell, M.
October 27th, 2009
12:33 pm
Enter your comments here
Eric
October 27th, 2009
12:35 pm
Here here Clincher.
Eric
October 27th, 2009
12:38 pm
I have to say that I’m not convinced Norwood is the answer. Jesse Spikes is by far the smartest guy in the room and has the chops to get us through this time. I believe if everyone voting actually listened to what all the candidates said Jesse Spikes would win in a landslide. Too bad that isn’t how elections work out.
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 27th, 2009
12:39 pm
I was at the debate today (thanks for asking my question, by the way), and here’s how it shook out:
Borders: A
Brownlowe: D-
Keyser: C-
Norwood: C
Reed: A
Spikes: C
Frank Ski was a dogged moderator, haranguing both Borders and Norwood with their questions. I think they gave Brownlowe a milk crate to sit on since he looked about a head shorter than everyone. There were a few crazy people in the audience, and a lot of overcaffeinated campaign staffers. Plus, the debate was 2 1/2 hrs long! On a Tuesday morning!
No real winners here except Borders and Reed really. Norwood continues to come off like an idiot.
John Doe
October 27th, 2009
12:44 pm
If you believe in the future, vote Norwood!!
She truly will work for all races in Atlanta…
Reed and Borders are more of the same…
It’s clear most of these Kasim Reed followers are from outside the city any ways…The majority of Norwood’s contributions came from within the city limits
CJKatl
October 27th, 2009
12:45 pm
Our City was called “The ATL” long before Franklin tried the failed branding initiative. It’s like Los Angeles being called “LA” or New Orleans being called “The Big Easy.” It probably came into usage in recognition of the airport’s importance. So many people interacted with with Atlanta through the airport that it made sense for people to use the airport code.
I travel throughout the country/world for work and often refer to places by the airline code. (Even places like MCO and ORD.)
Please stop, what objection do you have to people calling this “The ATL” anyway?
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 27th, 2009
12:47 pm
Atlanta was called the ATL well before Brand Atlanta. At least since the mid 90s from my recollection. Ever think it might stem from the airport code? Or maybe the first three letters of the city’s name?
E-Roll
October 27th, 2009
12:47 pm
Can some one tell me where I can go online to hear or see this debate?
Kevrock/Smarty Jones
October 27th, 2009
12:48 pm
Kasim is the next Bill Campbell YOU Folks need to realize this…His brother will be on the Staff….good god thank goodness I left Atlanta
(Buckhead) to right across the river to Vinings. One of a few 5 star bonded counties in the state. Way to go Atlanta….
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 27th, 2009
12:49 pm
@CJKAtlanta I think the objection comes from inner city yuppie ennui.
Please quit calling Atlanta ATL
October 27th, 2009
12:50 pm
Reality, I just don’t think the term ATL enhances our city. In fact I think it is a negative moniker. I call it Washington DC by the way.
The AJC is the one who does this all the time and I’m not sure why they do it. I’m guessing they are trying to be hip and appease a certain audience. I just hate it.
THE REAL Shin Jasher
October 27th, 2009
12:52 pm
@PQCAA: Sounds like a personal problem. You should see the nearest person who cares about how you pronounce city names. The election is a week away! Stop with the diversionary tactics.
JiMi!
October 27th, 2009
12:54 pm
Mayor Franklin was a good mayor, with a solid record of accomplishment and achievement! And she will surely be judged as such! http://tinypic.com/r/2wqbuhi/4
Larry Smith
October 27th, 2009
1:02 pm
Atlanta has been referred to as ATL long before S. Franklin became mayor. Its the way of the youth so if you have kids you might want to start there
Ray Garner
October 27th, 2009
1:16 pm
Shirley Franklin let the city down. She lacks the intelligence and vision to govern the city. I have lived in Atlanta 40 years and never have I seen such crime. And never have I seen such loss of convention business. Visitors do not feel safe in Atlanta; and neither does the residence!
Spoke
October 27th, 2009
1:20 pm
Mary Norwood is the next Bill Campbell. The only thing keeping you from seeing that is her skin color. She has done and said nothing that indicates she has the competence or the intelligence to do this job. Kasim Reed has this white boy’s vote. He has disavowed racial politics in the strongest terms. And we as a city need to reach the point where we judge candidates based on their abilities, not on whether they are a member of our “tribe.”
NICK
October 27th, 2009
1:25 pm
Mary Norwood is the ONLY candidate who cares about the white folks in Atlanta. For the past 35 yrs., Atlanta has been run by the corrupt black political machine which has done nothing for whites but take their tax dollars and “redistribute” it to blacks who do not pay taxes at all…Well the “CHANGE” has come. The “chickens are coming home to roost.” Mary Norwood will take back this city, clean up the corruption, clean up the out of control crime and clean up City Hall…Can’t wait to hear what a “racist” she is once city employees are held “accountable” for their actions!
joe
October 27th, 2009
1:37 pm
I like the black one… oh wait…
Craig
October 27th, 2009
1:38 pm
Would someone please address the crime in the city? And while you are at it address the panhandlers that greet everyone on every corner. This could be a great city for people to visit but, the people in the ‘burbs don’t want to put up with the hassles.
Ladyvette
October 27th, 2009
1:43 pm
After listening to the debate; my vote goes to Mrs. Norwood. The City of Atlanta needs change. For you Kasim Reed followers, GET A GRIP. He is no different from Bill, Shirley, and Maynard, an IDIOT!!! If Mr. Reed is voted into office, I’ll asure everyone that is brother Tracey Reed and the other idiots within the Office of Contract Compliance and Department of Procurement will receive amuch favoritism. Considering they all are a bunch of ignorant fools.
Ed t
October 27th, 2009
1:46 pm
Before everyone anoints Mr. Reed I suggest you check out his past in this link http://therealtruthaboutborders.wordpress.com
Kevin
October 27th, 2009
1:50 pm
A vote for Reed is a vote for continuing this 30-year trend. In other words, putting Atlanta on a path to rival the success of Detroit.
As a city resident for many years, I have watched this once-thriving city turn into a crime-ridden, financially bankrupt shell of its former self. Now is not the time for a change of leadership in which only the names and faces have changed. We’ve got an opportunity to do an about-face with Atlanta.
I voted today for Mary Norwood, and I encourage others to do the same.
It's Real
October 27th, 2009
1:51 pm
Have to admit…my in-laws (seniors) are on the Norwood bandwagon. They’ve said one thing that is very true. Norwood would have no choice but to clean house and there’s a lot of cleaning that has to be done at city hall. I worked for the city in the early 90’s and it was broken then. It’s only has gotten worse. Get use to Mayor Norwood. The 11Alive survey is very telling. Please read all the details. The writing in on the wall. Mary Norwood will most likely win WITHOUT a run off. First the U.S. now Atlanta! Change has come!!!
I’ll be thrilled to death to get Peachtree Street between Mitchell and Trinity Street cleaned up.
Jason T
October 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
Mayor Franklin is not the only politician single-handedly running the city. It is made up of hundreds of political posts and they are all failing us. I, for one, am voting for the only person running who is NOT a politician, but a self-made VOLUNTEER activist who has been taking a stand against the crime and violence in this city. No one has showed more love for the city of Atlanta than Kyle Keyser. He’s not a politician, just a concerned citizen who is stepping up to the plate. While all of these politicians have been in positions of power to influence the direction this city has taken, Kyle Keyser was organizing rallies in neighborhoods hardest hit by crime….ACTUALLY OUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE.
really
October 27th, 2009
2:09 pm
Kasim Reed will pounce all over Mary Norwood in the run-offs
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
October 27th, 2009
2:10 pm
Shirley Franklin was a Sociology major so if she paid attention – and she is highly intelligent – she knows of the false-elite run by the Big Oil Rockefeller Pyramid which used Prescott Bush to fund Nazism from the Roman Catholic collection plate, the Knight of Malta-led CIA’s oversight of Operation Ratline to secret through the Vatican’s “basement,” 30,000 Nazi SS officers (the sons of Roman Catholic Europe’s “patrician” elite) to South America and into the CIA…which then assassinated John Kennedy to keep us in Rome’s fiefdom of Vietnam and to restore Rome’s bankers of the unconstitutional Federal Reserve – of which John Kennedy’s EO11,110 had earlier ridded America – we’ve recently bailed out as an act of Welfare Fascism, after that Bush’s draft-dodging closet-queen son was cheated by the Roman Catholics on the Supreme Court into the White House to commit 9/11 and restart the Afghan heroin trade.
Being from Mobtown Philly’s “legal establishment,” Ms. Franklin knows perfectly well of “that” “world.” Most of the Black community do.
So it isn’t Ms. Franklin’s “fault” that Bush’s faction destroyed our economy and moral authority, and turned Atlanta into the Southeast’s “Wal-Mart for heroin” with all the concomitant crime and police corruption. What is her “fault” is a Chief of Police, her cousin perhaps, from the most corrupt city in America.
Nor is it President Obama’s fault that Bush has yet to be hanged for treason.
When speaking Truth is a revolutionary act, cowardice is not uncommon, and may at times be confused with discretion.
But Atlanta is where Truth can be spoken and Americans can be free.
Shirley is blessed with grandchildren and keeps her life. John Kennedy Jr.’s plane’s explosion over Long Island Sound was witnessed and reported by dozens of credible Americans during a three day period when George W. Bush’s whereabouts are yet unknown, but JFK has grandchildren through Caroline’s line.
Courage can be dangerous when evil rules…unless the People unite in Righteousness as G-d intended us.
Evil cannot prosper when the People speak its name and refuse to abide it.
Norwood has now lied of her Republican soul. New to Atlanta, Kasim thinks because he appears “Black” there is no need to apologize for his making money as an Uncle Tom fighting claims of racism by Black Americans…or that there is no “hidden” evil lurking within the soul of a forty year-old man who has never married, or taken a partner.
Mary Norwood is part of that evil. If she weren’t she wouldn’t have lied about her past votes.
Lisa Borders is a veritable “savior” next to those two.
Let’s wise up, Atlanta.
Reign
October 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
The Atlanta Mayoral race is such a joke! It’s a shame that the city hasn’t produced any intelligent, articulate, forward thinking visionaries to usher this city into the 21st century. I kinda’ sorta’ like Borders, but she’s seriously lacking in leadership abilities. She comes across as if she’s hiding something so she’s afraid to speak. Reed lacks personality, he looks unkempt and he doesn’t speak very well, and Norwood looks and acts like she just arrived from some really small backwoods town in Georgia. They all sound very unintelligible. Are we not producing any articulate, strong, progressive minded leaders in this city? Non of these candidates have been able to create a stir or motivate anyone to vote…they are extremely weak and embarrassing. Perhaps if Kasim wore clothing that fit, he’d at least look better. They all look and sound like country bumpkins…
SlobMonster
October 27th, 2009
2:13 pm
Mary Norwood is a weasel… I’ve met Mary and had lunch with her during one of her south-side visits to the hood… She’s just a bucket of spit waiting to sprew her salty drool on unsuspecting fools… Don’t drink the spital Atlanta.
If Mary wins, this city will be spliting hairs and looking to Charlotte, NC for answers because we will be without a real leader, since city council is bound to have 50% of the old guard booted out…