A late-night conversation about Atlanta’s mayoral runoff
The conversation surrounding Atlanta’s mayoral runoff between Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed has already begun. In fact, it’s keeping some very late hours.
A string of e-mails has filtered through the city’s political class over the last three days, ending with a 4:14 a.m. Saturday note from Bunny Jackson-Ransom, ex-wife of the late mayor Maynard Jackson, promising to seek out “one black [Mary] Norwood supporter each day.”
Wrote Jackson-Ransom:
During the next few weeks, I intend to do whatever I can to wake up those African Americans who have become “bamboozled” into believing that a moderately educated, southern white women will do something for them. Obviously they have forgotten what Atlanta was like for our people before we had a Black Mayor. Yes, mistakes have been made; but we are surely not where we used to be.
But let’s walk it back a bit. This is a serious conversation that began with an extensive note from state Rep. Ralph Long, a real estate broker and first-term African-American member of the Legislature — originally published on his Facebook page.
On Thursday, Long marveled at his isolation as a Norwood supporter in a city that is “near the point of anarchy.” Wrote Long:
My father often told me that leadership was lonely, but wow. It is absolutely ridiculous that I am the only elected official who has endorsed the leading Mayoral candidate, Mary Norwood. Forty-six percent of Atlanta could not possibly be wrong.
Why won’t other politicians follow the lead of their constituents? Am I supposed to believe that only my eyes see the trash, lack of development, vacant homes and absolute lawlessness plaguing my side of town? We are near the point of anarchy. I remember in 2001 when we had a surge in home values. Dumpsters were everywhere as people all over remodeled their homes. There was a buzz that good economic development was finally coming to the pockets of Atlanta that had been forgotten. At the time, our desire for a local Starbucks, Publix and other retail did not seem so far-fetched. Those are laughable ideas now.
Yet I’m “crazy” – crazy because I want effective code enforcement. I’m “sold out” because I want a better city for my son. I’ve “run away from my Blackness” because I want better for my neighborhood and all of Atlanta. I’m willing to sacrifice a little prestige and popularity by standing alone for the sake of leadership – alone for the sake of what’s right. Why can’t you see what invades our homes every night on the news with murder after murder, theft after theft, rape after rape, crime after crime?
I’m the only elected official who has endorsed a candidate who exemplifies hope through her accessibility, work ethic and vision. Mary Norwood brings hope for a better day through her plans for rigorous code enforcement in all neighborhoods. Mary Norwood brings hope for a slice of the American dream that has not been slighted by blight, despair and crime. Mary Norwood’s vision brings hope for our kids who have no direction and run the streets with their pants sagging down. I just can’t believe that my eyes are the only ones that can see the economic depression on the corner of a once proud Beecher and Cascade. Am I the only person who hears about the near daily thefts and burglaries that occur on Westmont, Greymont, Martin Luther King or Mayson Turner and other streets?
Just around the corner from my home, a man was shot thirty-one times in broad daylight. His body was severely disfigured and on display for nearby playing children. Another young man was shot execution style on the corner of Langston and Deckner. He is now just a ghost, a vapor, seldom thought of in the abyss of Atlanta’s memory. Only one of these instances received any media attention, and that was because of the horrifying fact of how many times the victim was shot. The second instance only generated ink in the police report. To add insult to murder, voter turnout at the precinct in this neighborhood, Perkerson Elementary, a minute away from the crime scenes, was abysmal. There are far too many of these stories in Atlanta.
It is ok to say that the current regime has failed us. It is ok to say that good ideas can come from someone who does not look like me. It is ok to want a better life, to want more, and to desire to be safe and even know for the sake of decency that you deserve it!!!! I am not ashamed of the choices that I’ve made nor do I harbor any bad feeling for those who don’t agree with me, but I will not stand for people acting like they are blind. The forty-six percent of Atlantans with the wisdom to vote for change deserve the respect and admiration of their elected leaders. Now is not the time to favor political convenience over destiny.
On Friday morning, Shelley Wynter, a former talk jock for WAOK, wrote this response:
My father told me that lonely leadership is probably when you are on the wrong side of an issue. If you are the only elected official endorsing Mrs. Norwood then it is because your colleagues see that the candidate has major defects: inconsistency, inaccuracy, and not very intelligent. The growth that has gone in Atlanta has occurred exclusively north of I-20 and this is primarily due to the City Council on which Mrs. Norwood sat .
However, the City of Atlanta’s problems are issues of Finances. But she has admitted her lack of understanding of financial affairs. She has described the budget as being two books and being cooked. Well, she was a paid steward of these books, so is she criminally liable for this behavior?
Or did the cooked books benefit her since she has a contract with the City of Atlanta? And is voting for someone who has a contract with a broke city, while lambasting the stewards of the budget (of which she was one) really showing leadership or is it really more self serving?
Our crime problem was caused, in part, by Mrs Norwood. She voted against a one-half mil increase (as a pure conservative, I am against all taxes, however I would pay more for protection). Cops were furloughed, your neighbor was killed and now I am paying [a three-mil increase] — RIGHT BEFORE XMAS. But that vote was entirely okay because her community had private security.
Yes, the current regime failed us and Mrs. Norwood was/is part of that regime. Mr Reed can be tied to this regime, also. However, his ties are not in the area of legislation or lack there of. Also, the most damning reason that your candidate is not being endorsed by other elected officials is that her own city council members do not respect her intellect or candidacy — they have never selected her to head a committee. Nor have any of them to date, endorsed her.
And that prompted the following early-morning note from Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, whose daughter, Brooke Jackson-Edmond, has also endorsed Reed in the mayor’s race:
Shelly, I agree with you….
I was under the assumption that I could retire from active duty of campaigns – leaving it to the next generation. I guess I was wrong. During the next few weeks, I intend to do whatever I can to wake up those African Americans who have become “bamboozled” into believing that a moderately educated, southern white women will do something for them. Obviously they have forgotten what Atlanta was like for our people before we had a Black Mayor. Yes, mistakes have been made; but we are surely not where we used to be.
My personal goal is to seek out one Black Norwood supporter each day to remind and inform them. Thanks Shelly for providing some basic information that should hit home, educate and inform my sleeping neighbors. I invite some of you to join me. We need more than the “hope and vision” coming from Mary Norwood; we need vision – with direction and hope with ethics; we need action and follow-through shown through the record of Kasim Reed.
No doubt this won’t be the last on-line debate.
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291 comments Add your comment
mikey
November 7th, 2009
9:50 am
Bunny Jackson-Ransom is really afraid that her lucrative miinority contracts will be terminated. Why won’t she just come out and admit that her true fear is that her gravy train is about to be de-railed. Horrors. She might have to get a real job.
Rick Foxton
November 7th, 2009
10:00 am
When Atlanta starts focusing on results intead of race, our city will progess to the next level. I like what Rep Long has to say. Everyone knows the council has little power to fix the the city…the power rests in the mayors office to fix the city. Mary is honest. That’s what I really like about her. I don’t believe Maynard was. Reed doesn’t seem honest to my wife & I.
Reginold
November 7th, 2009
10:01 am
To the Jackson Family:
Please do not divide this town in order to keep your contracts at the airport. My city is too precious and delicate for it to be shaken for personal gain.
Reginold
BPJ
November 7th, 2009
10:02 am
It’s a shame that the Bunny Jackson-Ransom comments lead this article; the more thoughtful comments from the other two individuals are more noteworthy. My reasons for choosing Reed over Norwood are partly summed up by Shelley Wynter’s comments.
Shelley Wynter is right
November 7th, 2009
10:11 am
That is all.
Grant Park
November 7th, 2009
10:19 am
The Jackson machine sounds desperate, and is stirring the pot of racial politics in order to take away from the real issues of crime, finances, and economic development. I am sure either Reed or Norwood would be fine mayors, but I am voting for Norwood because she provides the spirit and the vision that Atlanta needs at this time.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:30 am
Reed is the only candidate with ethical violations. Reed was not seen in Vine City (an historically black neighborhood) after the devastating tornado. Reed just moved into the city limits less than two years ago after living in unincorporated fulton county. Reed and Mary are both qualified but I am voting for the candidate that I have seen in my neighborhood and for the candidate without ethical violations. This is not about Race…although these prominent poli-citizens would like you to think it is. How many times do you think they have actually gotten out of their car and picked up trash in these historically black neighborhoods…..oh im sorry they never did. They just rolled their windows up and went back to cascade…
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:31 am
ITs time for a change….its time for Mary Norwoood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Big Man
November 7th, 2009
10:34 am
@ BPJ,
I agree with you. I don’t endorse any candidate as I do not live in the city and do not have a vote, but these elections affect those of us outside of the city as well. I can appreciate a well articulated argument such as Shelley Wynter’s. We’ll never progress with the thinking of the old guard such as Jackson-Ransom. This is bigger than race. This is about the good for all, not just a few. I just hope we get it right so that we can make the streets safe and improve the quality of life. Atlanta isn’t the paradise it once was.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:36 am
Just saw a truckload of young reed supporters….blaring rap music that objectified black women and gays…..there were so many people on the truck the tires looked flat. Isnt reed concerned about anyone getting hurt????? Is his new campaign slogan “Bust it Wide Open” because that is what was playing….a catchy song at the club but the wrong song for a mayor hopeful to be playing in a neighborhood that has been rocked by prostitution, high hiv rates, theft, vacant/abandoned homes, mortgage fraud….etc….As they swing from the truck with their REED signs…they dance to “Bust that P*SSY wide open and tell her to bring it back” Is this the mayor you want for your city?????? WAKE up!
art
November 7th, 2009
10:39 am
Norwood= Bush. It’s just that simple. Two simple minds, money background, without a working knowledge of how to use it. I’ll vote for race any day to stupidity.
Boy you people have very short memories, the country is in it’s state because of a dumb, greedy, lying group of peoples who used scare tactics to get the vote. DON’T YOU PEOPLE GET IT! It’s happening again.
Man, you’re dumb….
South West Atlanta Progressive Thinker
November 7th, 2009
10:39 am
The bottom line is I am not proud after 8 years of wasted resources and other mess that has gone on in the City of Atlanta. I agree it is time for the gravy train to end!!! Supporting Mary Norword is not about race; it is about change and new ideas on improving the City of Atlanta. Please for the record, I do not feel “bamboozled” at all. We need to stop looking back and start working together as a thriving city that looks out for everyone. This so call black coalition of political leaders has only looked out for themselves and friends for financial gain.
What?
November 7th, 2009
10:43 am
Atlanta has been growing above the I-20 because over the years our gay residents have transformed Midtown from a run-down neighborhood to a sought-after area. Why is Shelly Wynter blaming it on Mary Norwood? Shelly, you’re blind and desperate for any argument to go against Norwood. Mrs. Norwood is garnering the most votes because of these empty attacks.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:43 am
Its very obvious that these Reed Supporters do not live in neighborhoods like English Avenue or Vine City. Bunny Jackson probably does not even know where those neighborhoods are…let alone anyone that lives there. I challenge these supporters to live in these neighborhoods until the run off….they would not last for more than a night…and if they do….they probably will see Mary in her 1998 Buick driving through and stopping to talk to my neighbors…BLACK ATLANTA NEIGHBORHOODS HAVE REAL PROBLEMS THAT THE FRANKLIN MACHINE COULD NOT HANDLE….What makes you think that REED can handle them? He cant even handle his disclosures for the Senate…..WAKE UP~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~!
bonbon
November 7th, 2009
10:44 am
we love mary
Downtowner
November 7th, 2009
10:44 am
I just want to point out that it’s NO reflection on Mary Norwood that she’s never been chair of a City Council committee. The Council President appoints these chairs–one of the two responsibilities of this office besides breaking tie-votes. The committee members DO NOT ELECT their chair.
And who has been City Council President for the last eight years? Lisa Borders….
bob
November 7th, 2009
10:45 am
MARY NORWOOD ALL THE WAY. SHE VOTED AGAINST THE MACHINE…THEY HATE HER BECAUSE SHE’S A SPIT FIRE!!! I’M BLACK. EDUCATED. WE LOVE MARY…..
CATH
November 7th, 2009
10:46 am
mary is a vote for CHANGE….WE ELECTED OBAMA…WE WANT CHANGE…VOTE NORWOOD.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:47 am
ATLANTA is not necessarily growing above 1-20 there are plenty….about twenty neighborhoods in northwest Atlanta (30318 and 30314) that have not grown….District three is depressing….and it is north of I-20. VINE CITY and English Avenue are in the NORTHWEST CORRIDOR…..they are considered NORTH areas…..just because its in the NW or NE does not mean that there has been growth….get your facts straight!
smartguy
November 7th, 2009
10:47 am
This is so pitiful.
I thought last year we made it clear that color has no place in picking the best candidate. Now, to many African Americans, it is the ONLY issue.
While the rest of us have moved past race, some of you are still stuck on it. That is too bad.
BIG MAC
November 7th, 2009
10:47 am
If anyone other than Bunny Jackson-Ransom had written that or, God forbid, someone endorsed a white candidate in the same manner, they would have been rightly called a BIGOT and probably a RACIST.
In a city “too big to hate”, there sure seems to be a focus on the color of one’s skin not the content of their character.
Obama was elected by a lot of white folk votes, how about the same courtesy in the mayoral runoff to discuss issues without a skin color reference.
tim
November 7th, 2009
10:48 am
i want norwood. we don’t care about her polotics- dem or repub. we need a change and she is it. if blacks are so racist as to insist the mayor be black, shame on you…don’t be a racist, vote mary.
doug
November 7th, 2009
10:49 am
I’M VOTING FOR MARY. ALL YOUR RACIST COMMENTS HAVE MADE A MARY SUPPPORTER OUT OF ME. KEEP IT UP….
Brad
November 7th, 2009
10:49 am
The hypocrisy coming out of the leadership of the black community is outrageous. Everyone is supposed to “see past the color of a person’s skin” until the person in question is white. YOU are damaging the efforts of those who came before you. YOU are perpetuating the race issue. YOU are dividing this city. YOU will lose this election by doing so.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:50 am
Lisa Borders has been in bed with the very same developers that have left “GHETTOS IN THE SKY” aka condo buildings that are empty. She does not care about the city…she cares about herself and her developer friends.
Morehouse Guy
November 7th, 2009
10:50 am
I seem to remember a recent campaign that spoke of “hope”, but let’s be honest — governing isn’t campaigning and it’ll take more than hope to right the City’s fiscal and public safety challenges.
It’s sad that many Norwood supporters can only point to “hope”, “energy” and “access” when justifying their support for her candidacy, but the reasons why they are left with these squishy reasons are clear: her legislative record is anemic. Mary Norwood was not a visionary legislator. She was not a well-respected Councilmember. She was a busybody. A nice woman but a busybody no less.
I respect Representative Long, but again, his rationale for supporting Ms. Norwood is telling. We know the key issues facing the City, but can ANY Mary Norwood supporter point to anything she’s done or anything she says she will do that will address our budgetary or public safety woes? Did any of you watch ANY debates? How could you come to the conclusion that Mary is most qualified and best equipped to lead the City? Or, are you just looking for something new?
Though I see where Ms. Ransom is coming from, her approach is outdated. Though I am a younger guy, I doubt older Black Atlantans need any reminding about what the City used to be like. They need to be reminded about what the City is currently facing, sell Senator Reed’s clear record of accomplishment and draw clear contrasts between Ms. Norwood’s rhetoric and his legislative RECORD (in a Republican-dominated, anti-Atlanta state legislature no less!). Some segments of Black Atlanta’s political class seem to be so consumed with the past, that they can’t see what is driving Ms. Norwood’s candidacy.
Further, I would hope that this election season brings to light this nonsensical belief that because someone is accessible or because they show up at every community meeting (or every senior facility’s fish fry or every church BBQ) that this equips them to be Mayor. I find it shocking that people would think that you can do nothing (other than call for a few audits) on the Council, but show up to every senior facility’s spaghetti supper and pander to misled black folks at the Beautiful, pay off “activists” like Dave Walker and “Able” Mable and someone take your mayoral candidacy seriously.
The fact that 46% of Atlantans voted for her only underscores what we’ve known in the City for some time — voters say their cast their votes for substantive reasons but that’s mere pretext. People think that a “new” face will somehow magically clean up City Hall. But Mary’s not new! What has she said or done to think she’ll be effective? It’s sad that a legislator can’t point to anything of record that Mary Norwood has done to address the very ills he thinks she can address.
Councilmembers are far from powerless, but some of them are ineffective, and Mary Norwood’s record on the Council, her debate performance and her platform all speak to her inability to lead the City. But then again, my critique works from a substantive basis, and this City is so consumed with race and contracts (@ Reginold — please believe that cronyism and no-bid contracts didn’t begin with Maynard Jackson), that we can’t get to the issues that truly matter and we’re possibly on the verge of electing someone who has shown she’s unfit to serve.
What?
November 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Mary is a republican? Look at her views! She’s more liberal than even a moderate democrat! Being white does not make her republican. CONDOLEEZZA RICE was a republican and so was COLIN POWELL. But there was no hate against them for their party affiliation. Race is an issue because that CARD keeps getting played. But guess what? There’s a new card to be played in America, and it’s the gay card. Sound slike some are angry they can’t be the “special” people anymore. I guess it’s time to just act like we’re all equal…Sorry it sucks for you…But, hey, it’s what we all need.
CallItBothWays
November 7th, 2009
10:51 am
Wow, we will never get past our past mistakes as a country as long as there are racists like Bunny Jackson-Ransom who have a voice. I wish racist, divisive figures like her would just go away so we can confront our problems together.
Diehard
November 7th, 2009
10:52 am
Bunny needs to remind people she’s Maynard’s offspring so she can keep hip-hopping along to the bank. Follow the money, Bunny. Follow the money.
Morehouse Guy
November 7th, 2009
10:56 am
And how did Blacks become racist when more of them have shown themselves to be more supportive of Ms. Norwood’s candidacy than whites of Mr. Reed’s candidacy? Did anyone read the AJC article from earlier in the week that showed majority black precincts and Ms. Norwood’s performance relative to Mr. Reed’s in majority-white precincts.
There are folks on both sides of this race who are voting for Mr. Reed and Ms. Norwood purely because of their race, and we need to admit it.
atlpaddy
November 7th, 2009
10:57 am
I haven’t heard a peep from Bunny Jackson these past several years while the city was being run into the ground by Bill Campbell and Shirley Franklin, but now all of a sudden she acts like she cares….
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
10:57 am
THE ALLEGED BLACK AGENDA HAS DONE NOTHING FOR THE HISTORICALLY BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS THAT RIGHTFULLY DESERVE THE SAME LEVEL OF CITY SERVICES THAT THE REST OF CITY RECEIVES>………WHY NOT?
What?
November 7th, 2009
10:59 am
@Morehouse Guy: Statistically, there are more black people in Atlanta than white. So for Mary to garner a higher percentage of black-votes then Reed’s white-votes is statistically supportive in regards to the ratio. So, in essence, Atlanta voted equally.
Harald
November 7th, 2009
10:59 am
@art
Gee… I think this country is in better shape than the City of Atlanta…having lived here most of my adult life and seen mayor after mayor run the city finances into the ground, race bait every chance they get, blame it on everyone except themselves, use the City as a personal piggy bank for them and their cronies, etc…
We all know where Kasim Reed is coming from and where he is going…Bill Campbell the Second.
Oh and Mary Norwood = Bush??…why, because they are both White? Absolutely pathetic…and I’m sure you are the one who screams ‘racism’ every chance you get.
Ward
November 7th, 2009
11:00 am
Did you expect any different from Maynard Jackson’s widow? She’s fighting to preserve the old order, and her prejudice fairly oozes from every word. Bunny, it’s NOT 1972. I find it amusing how local Dems are all about ‘change’ and equal opportunity… except when it works against them.
Vote for Reed if you to continue cronyism and more appointments like Richard Pennington.
Bill
November 7th, 2009
11:09 am
Regarding the comments from Bunny Jackson-Ransom: The changes seen by blacks in this city may be less from thirty years of black leadership than simply from thirty years passing. Our country is very different (thankfully) than it was in the 1970s. You will be hard pressed to find citizens of Atlanta (any color) who wish to go back to those days. However, the idea that blacks can only be served by black leadership is a notion that is stuck in the 1960’s.
I leaned strongly toward Kasim Reed until 3 weeks before the election. The attacks on Norwood, the democratic paty’s interference, and the negative tone of Reed’s campaign at the end moved me to the Norwood camp. I am not thrilled with her, but I do believe we need a change.
If we keep doing what we have always done, we will keep getting what we have always gotten. Reed does appear to be a continuation of the Maynard Jackson dynasty. I do not like dynasties, regardless of their color.
Several commentors have said that Norwood lacks intelligence. She is not rocket scientist, but she is not stupid. In our current situation, other qualities such as diligence and hard work may be more important.
Shirley Franklin had vision for this city. That was her strength. The same can be said about Maynard Jackson. Reed makes the same claim. But what we need right now, is not vision. We need someone who will work in the trenches, and make the city work. Vision is fine, but someone has to make it happen. The beltline project is a great example of vision. But what good is that if the streets aren’e safe, the trash isn’t picked up on time, and codes aren’t enforced. We need to make the nuts and bolts of this city work like they are supposed to. We need to make all city services efficient, effective and accountable. I don’t know if Norwood can do that, but I am willing to give her a chance.
John
November 7th, 2009
11:12 am
Let’s ask some questions about our city.
Anybody been by City Hall East lately? Are you proud of it’s appearance? Anybody been down on Central Avenue recently? How about Five Points? See any panhandlers or trash – raw garbage – chcken bones, etc, littering the streets? How’s the city’s budget doing? Any furloughs planned before the holidays? How’s our homeless situation? And crime – up or down? Anybody feel safe in downtown Atlanta after dark? How about the good folks who live in Fourth Ward? Do you feel safe from the drug dealers and gang-bangers who plague your community?
How about students at Spellman, Clark and Morehouse. You feel safe walking across campus?
I got news for you fellow citizens of a once-great city. What we’ve got here is a reverse good ol’ boy system. Keeping Atlanta’s power structure black is all that matters to some folks. That mentality has given us 16 years of criminal behavior (Bill Campbell) or incompetence (Her Honor, Shirley Franklin).
One of Atlanta’s strengths USED to be diversity. Education, commerce and prosperity that crossed racial lines were hallmarks of the community. But gone are the days of enlightened leaders in City Hall. We need another Sam Massell or Maynard Jackson. These were men of vision; they were consensus builders, not scallywags looting the public coffers or playing up racial differences to mask their piss-poor management.
Hell, if pigmentation is all that matters, why not see if we can lure Eldrin Bell away from Clayton County? He seems to qualify based on Ms Jackson-Ransom’s standards. By the way, are Clayton County’s schools accredited yet?
We estranged ourselves from – then ultimately lost – the predominantly-white communities (i.e. tax base) with indifferent public services – they’re just a bunch of rich white folks. Why should they stay and suffer our perpetual incompetence and foolishness?
Some folks call Atlanta the New York City of the south. Maybe once. But now we’re a helluva lot closer to Newark, New Jersey.
Me personally, I don’t give a flip about the ethnicity of our mayor. A dedicated and capable public servant would be nice for a change, though. I ain’t holding my breath.
Bill
November 7th, 2009
11:14 am
Re: all the talk of race and accusations of racism.
If you are black and vote for the black candidate, that does not make you racist.
If you are white and vote for the white candidate, that does not make youi racist.
But, If you vote for the black or the white candidate BECAUSE of their skin color (or that of the opponent), that is a different story.
You cannot determine racism, or the lack of it, by counting how many blacks voted for the white candidate, or how many whites voted for the black candidate.
Morehouse Guy
November 7th, 2009
11:15 am
@ What: You’re misunderstanding what I’m saying. I’m not talking about absolute votes but comparative performance. Comparatively, Ms. Norwood performed better in majority-black precincts than Mr. Reed in majority-white precincts, see: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-mayor-race-2009-185261.html. Compare Norwood’s performance in Districts 10,11, 12, 3 and 4 and compare that with Reed’s performance in 7 and 8. Again, we’re talking RELATIVE performance and not ABSOLUTE numbers.
Jamesbrennandoyle
November 7th, 2009
11:15 am
The young generation is just not going to listen to this outdated rhetoric…white and black people alike are suffering in this city….open and vacant structures, armed robbery, etc. Crime is not race based in this city…it affects us all….
At this point...
November 7th, 2009
11:17 am
Reed is doomed.
Morehouse Guy
November 7th, 2009
11:18 am
@ Bill: If you believe that there aren’t voters in both camps who aren’t voting for either Norwood or Reed because of their race, you’re delusional. Further, you can’t definitively prove racialized voting from the raw data, but the racialized patterns of voting across the City does at least suggest that race is certainly at play IN SOME FORM in the City’s voting patterns. That’s my contention, and I doubt most people would disagree that race IN SOME FORM is informing voting patterns in the City. Let’s not be naive.
Rockin Bob!
November 7th, 2009
11:19 am
Some people are right at home living around trash and dilapitated buildings. They keep rats as pets.
dewstarpath
November 7th, 2009
11:33 am
Out of all the mayoral candidates, Kasim Reed seems to be
the most credible. He’s the only one who is not a “Southern
stereotype”, who can be taken seriously.
dewstarpath
November 7th, 2009
11:34 am
- Rockin Bob! – needs to stop smoking meth.
GladtobeOTP
November 7th, 2009
11:38 am
@John:
The Clayton County Board Of Commissioners does not play any sort of role in the day to day running of the Clayton County Board Of Education and the running of the school system. The members of the BoE are elected and they hire and fire the Superintendent.
Eldrin Bell moved to Clayton County because he knew that he would never be able to get elected for any elected position within the City of Atlanta as he was not part of the system that elected Franklin and Campbell. The voters in the City of Atlanta had their chance to bring him in as Mayor, but didn’t. Their loss was Clayton County’s gain. He’s actually been a pretty decent Commission Chairman for Clayton County. He has a lot a support from not only black voters but also white voters in the county. Imagine how screwed up the county would be if the Lee Scott political machine took over his seat? The voters saw through the b.s. he was spouting, and also voted his wife out as D.A. and Victor Hill as Sheriff, both also part of his political machine. Perhaps they ought send those three Atlanta’s way as a bit of thank you gift for getting Bell to move down here.
This race doesn’t do much to improve the impression that those who may live OTP or in “the other Georgia” (AKA outside of Metro Atlanta) have about the city.
I have to say that any black candidate that tries to pull the race card in an election deserves to be defeated. The race card when it comes to political campaigns is a one-trick pony, and at this point, said pony has been dead for years. The carcass is really rotten and needs to be buried.
When Mayor Franklin was elected, her commercials stated that she was “Going to make us proud.” At this point, it turns out it was business as usual for the City of Atlanta.
Those that are trying to turn the mayor’s race into a partisan race ought to be ashamed of themselves. If they want to make it a race where party affiliation is an issue, then let the city spend the money (Which they probably cannot afford to do.) to hold primaries for any Democratic and/or Republican candidates. As it currently stands, the Mayor’s race is a non-partisan race and should always remain so. Any candidate or political party that wishes to drag party affiliation into such a race ought to be censored and/or fined for such comments.
General Sherman
November 7th, 2009
11:41 am
Wasted article and comments.The blacks are going to stick together .They do not want to lose the sugar tit.
Same old same old
November 7th, 2009
11:44 am
Bunny is a racist!!!!!!!!!! Shame, shame.
John
November 7th, 2009
11:50 am
GladtobeOTP,
I stand corrected on Commissioner Bell. I guess I cling too long to past transgressions.
I’m encouraged too that things are looking up in Clayton County.
Best regards.
JPfromtheA
November 7th, 2009
12:00 pm
I’m a black man, grew up in the heart of Atlanta. My entire family is from Atlanta, my great grandfather founded a black insurance company which I won’t name. So my roots go way back. I grew up under this so called black leadership here in Atlanta and I really don’t see where it’s gotten us. I’m proud to say i’m voting for Norwood but it’s not because of her race but because we need a change from what we’ve gotten over the last 30 or so years. We need a real change. Norwood to me is that change. I think Reed is a good man and and some point may do a good job as Mayor but I don’t think it’s his time just yet. I think Norwood can turn Atlanta toward a new direction and I wish her the best.
Confused
November 7th, 2009
12:00 pm
So it seems to me. that like so many others, the Jackson family is for racial equality only as long as the African Americans get MORE equality than the whites. They fight against segregation when it is imposed by the white man BUT actually CALL FOR SEGREGATION if it suits their cause?
Sad!!!!
Raquel
November 7th, 2009
12:01 pm
Mary Norwood has a Bachelor’s from Emory. I guess in Bunny Jackson’s world, only degrees from Spelman and Morehouse are sufficiently intellectual.
Douglass Astro
FAMU Rattler
Harvard Law School
Truth be Told
November 7th, 2009
12:03 pm
I don’t know how many times it must be said, but Mary never was offered a committee chair because she questioned Franklin’s financial management. Committee chairs are appointed by the council president, Borders and Cathy Woolard before her. Both of these presidents were allied with Franklin, as were a veto-proof majoirty of council. When you oppose the mayor, you don’t get committee chairs from the nod squad.
Franklin and the Jackson machine (including Reed) have run the city in the ditch.
We need a new regime at City Hall and Mary is Atlanta’s best hope for a bright future for all.
Reed will be more of the same.
Wake up, Atlanta, it is TIME to WAKE UP.
VOTE NORWOOD.
TruthHurts
November 7th, 2009
12:12 pm
As an African-American, I could careless about what Maynard Jackson’s EX-wife or daughter has to say. They don’t have the ability to sway my decision on who I’m voting for. Personally, I think Mary is the lesser of the two evils. However, I voted for true change…Jesse Spikes.
Pat Pullar
November 7th, 2009
12:17 pm
Does anyone know the true percentage of African American contracts with the City of Atlanta or the Airport? Less than 30%. White women enjoy 38% of the contracts. If you knew the percentage would you still be hollering about anyone African American having a contract? Should white businesses just get all the contracts? Is that what you are saying? Look at the state of Georgia contracts? Do you know what the percentage of African Americans that have received contracts? less than 5%. That means White businesses are enjoying 95% of the state contracts that are let. Does this mean you want 100%? Getting a contract means you are creating jobs. Jobs sorely needed in the African American community. You fools keep talking about no-bid contracts within the City of Atlanta procurement process. There is no such thing. Stop talking like birthers. It is really irritating. Unless you have researched the procurement process, have some understanding of the process it makes you sound ignorant and racist when you don’t know the numbers. Check it out for yourself. This is all public information. Go to this Executive Summary that details the disparity studies that have been conducted regarding the discrimination of minority females (black and Hispanic) and the implemented remedies. http://www.atlantaga.gov/client_resources/mayorsoffice/contractcomp/microsoft%20word%20-%20final%20executive%20summary%2010.30.06.pdf. When you look at the numbers you should be ashamed of yourself. We need more Bunnie Ransom. African Americans need equal opportunities–not less.
RealDeal
November 7th, 2009
12:22 pm
It took over 28 years for a black Mayor to address our crumbling sewer lines and then was only
done so because Washington DC said you MUST DO IT NOW!
Yeah lets keep those regressive black mayors coming .
Atlanta will inevitably be a southern Detroit as it won’t be long before the CT Martins of the world
run off Delta. Other fortune 500 companies will soon follow.
tp4u
November 7th, 2009
12:32 pm
Is there any demonstrated change you can point to that Mary Norwood has accomplished in her eight years of governing on the Atlanta City Council? Don’t be bought out for some chicken wings and red velvet cake. yeah, Mary is so sweet and nice. Yeah, she gave you a hug and remembered your name. Yeah, she hollered “no new taxes” when you needed the police off of furloughs, Yeah, she spent all of your tax dollars buying the chicken wings and red velvet cake you all ate up. yum! yum! NOW STOP DRINKING THE KOOL AID SHE GAVE YOU! Vote for Real Change! Someone that has already demonstrated a commitment to the City of Atlanta. Vote for Kasim Reed.
Keep it real
November 7th, 2009
12:40 pm
I believe that Norwood’s RECORD does not prove that she’s the change Atlanta needs. Many people are voting for her simply because she represents someone different. However, REED seems to have valid plans to reduce crime, bring back prosperity, and create better environments for Atlantans. Is is fair to overlook his great plans simply because the previous African American mayor failed in some way? I believe REED really cares about all of Atlanta, not just the North. I feel that Reed may be getting the shorter stick just because he’s an African American. Get real! Being African American is not the problem. This city is majority African American, and it is a great city!! It’s done well before under the supervision of African American politicians. Citizens need to come together, support a candidate with a proven track record and history, and not be against ANYONE because of their race. Also, more people need to vote Dec. 1!!!
Chris - Black for Norwwod
November 7th, 2009
12:41 pm
All of this from the mayoral race and the comments here really show why the rest of the country looks and laughs at Atlanta, the state of Georgia & the South as a whole. It always ends up being about race in this supposed “city to busy to hate.” Wake up and realize that the only way to truly move beyond race is to never consider it in the first place. Yes white people have taken advantage of minorities it’s the rule of nature; the larger stronger group of people will rule over the smaller groups and take advantage of them. But lets not sit here and think that blacks are all innocent of corruption and misdeeds in the realm of politics. Stop trying to win one for just blacks, start looking at winning one for the entire CITY OF ATLANTA.
What’s really sad is that the rest of Georgia laughs at Atlanta even though Atlanta economically made Georgia into what it is today. Poor leadership has made Atlanta the most backwards major city in this country. Atlanta should be holding much more power and influence in this state than it does. Too long have we tried to cater and pander to the Good ol Boys and the Black Urban Elite. We need to take our city back and stop this endless cycle.
Bicycle
November 7th, 2009
12:48 pm
I don’t understand why so many people don’t understand why Norwood voted against raising taxes. Our funds have been grossly mismanaged and the jobs program we provide need to be fixed. Then we will have plenty of money to funds more, police with no criminal history. We pay entirely too much in taxes in Atlanta for the quality of service provided. If we had just a few people involved that understood how to run a business, we may have a chance. We need a real choice for mayor, none of which that ran are quality candidates.
Keep it Real!
November 7th, 2009
12:52 pm
First, let me start by stating I am not a resident of the cit of Atlanta. Second, I believe so many on this blog are putting too much emphasis on these candidates and what they are going to be able to do once they become the mayor!
The City of Atlanta has 3 incredibly costly problems to overcome!
1. Pension obligations
2. Repairing the sewer system
3. Gangs
4. Drugs and crime
In my opinion all citzens of Atlanta will have to do their share of getting the City of Atlanta going in the right direction.
Thew new mayor will not make much of a difference without a revenues increasing and a comprehensive plan to reduce expenses and hire competent workers. I have yet to see a politician make good hiring decisions. Memo to the candidates this practice of hiring those who worked for your campaign must end you cannot hire unqualified people because they worked for your campaign.
Worried
November 7th, 2009
12:58 pm
I worry about Atlanta with folks like Jackson-Ransom. Protecting the racial identity of the mayor is the most important thing for her, more important than crime or development, or jobs or cooperation or moving ahead. She will do anything to preserve the racial status quo from which she profits. It’s ok for her if the city is in ashes on December 2 as long as there is a black mayor How sad that she is not driven from the public square for her racist comments which are simply unacceptable.
Art Vandalay
November 7th, 2009
1:02 pm
If Kasim Reed does not denounce this right away then he should lose even more votes. This is absolutely disgusting, if the black political machine continues to operate in this city I am leaving it will usher in the official end to Atlanta as a world city. I’ll go to NYC where at least they realized race and party affiliation are very superficial reasons to allow your city to chronically not live up to its potential, and now they’ve relaized theirs while Atlanta continues to be a glorified Birmingham.
Perhaps the growth has occured north of I-20 because that is where people have the civic pride, and desire to improve their communities. If Southwest Atlanta developed ,the local “heroes” the drug dealers and gang leaders would lose their customers and minions. They look down upong anyone who want to better themselves as “uncle toms” you arent allowed to be anything more than hood trash and they glorify, guns, gangs and violence. If we continue to let this black political machine operate this will never change listen up south Atlanta BLACK LEADERS DON’T WANT YOU TO IMPROVE…because if you do then you might not vote for them.
Audrey in Georgia
November 7th, 2009
1:03 pm
General Sherman and the other posts who are statistically challenged, please stop writing
black people are only voting for black people. The truth is the majority of the white people
voted for Norwood. Less white people voted for Borders and Reed combined compared
to the percentage of black voters who voted for Norwood. Even though Borders had the
edge on republican backing and the business community, she got less votes of white
people. Norwood, on the other hand, has compared being a republican to trying cocaine.
Whatever! You white republicans still voted for this woman simply because she is white.
Look at the maps!
Keeping it real!
November 7th, 2009
1:18 pm
Citzens of the ATL! What are you going to do to help get this city going in a positive direction?
tp4u
November 7th, 2009
1:18 pm
Keep it Real – I appreciate you and your honesty. What a breath of fresh air. Educate and inform
Marcogreek
November 7th, 2009
1:21 pm
50 years ago, we learned that racism doesn’t go away by avoiding it. The same holds true today. In one way, Bunny’s comments are accurate…Black Atlanta has been “bamboozled;” but not by Mary Norwood. Instead, they have been conned by black leadership that constantly preaches the only people who will look out for their interests, are “their own kind.” Thirty-five years of scoundrel after scoundrel…Including the Jacksons…Prove they care little, and regard even less, people who look like them.
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:31 pm
AJC – If y’all not endorsing anybody then why don’t you put up a better picture of Kasim Reed? That old style “subliminal criminal” politics is so transparent Stevie Wonder can see it! If Mary win’s let it be on her merit and not because the local newspaper had a had in it!
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:33 pm
BTW – that should have been “hand” and y’all turning folks off………stay out of it!
Davis
November 7th, 2009
1:34 pm
I really do not understand why most people tolerate the ‘machine’ type politics that is so prevalent everywhere. It is pervasive. IF Ms. Norwood is qualified, does not human nature and common sense yearn for change? Why wouldn’t it be clear that Atlanta was truly overcoming her racial hangups and prejudices if she would embrace change in the form of a white mayor?, why is it a set in stone requirement that the mayor of Atlanta be black? It’s time for people to stop riding on the names of their ancestors, all the while they are making no name for themselves that are genuine and lasting. The problem with the US Congress is that they go to Capitol Hill and the grim reaper has to literally snatch them from their seats. It is sad, whether anyone is corrupt or not, I can’t say, but I can say that refreshing as the mighty wind would be a vote for the most qualified and honest person, regardless of the top skin they sport. I will interject that anything that has become a sure bet or rote expectation will encourage compacency and corruption. Think Atlanta, before you mark your ballot, know why you are voting, not just for a person the same color as you are, that never ensures anything.
atlresident
November 7th, 2009
1:35 pm
Atlanta gov’t is a joke, its like a bad BET reality show, bring in Norwood.
drsoul
November 7th, 2009
1:36 pm
Jacksons, Campbell, Franklin, Reed….see a common thread there???? wake up Atlanta.. the Bunny’s and the Shirley’s do not want Norwood in because they know the dirty laundry will get ‘bleached’ and they may wind up in the same sandbox with Campbell..that is the only politics that Reed knows is the Campbell/Franklin era…he only wants to continue the coverup and benefit of a few behind the scenes… they are only making it a racist issue because as long as another Jackson/Campbell/Franklin/Reed type gets in there, the dirt gets deeper and the crooked politics and failed finances get larger… noone has cared about the infrastructure of Atlanta in several terms until FORCED to do something; have hidden and manipulated the finances, have made life at City Hall a patronage parlor… let’s be objective and honest..it may not be pretty, but it is time to make Atlanta government transparent and get it up to par…win respect…this will work for all races..do not be misguided by the Bunny’s, Shirley’s and Reed’s into thinking that they care one bit past your vote… they thrive off of the lack of character that we need to replace in Atlanta.. VOTE NORWOOD FOR A RESPECTABLE ATLANTA FOR ALL CITIZENS…!!!!
Keeping it real!
November 7th, 2009
1:37 pm
Citzens of Atlanta you need to ask very important questions to both of these candidates! Black or White pride needs to take a back seat because the whole Atlanta will not survive if you do not come together as one city!
Each candidate must have present comprehensive plan on reducing crime, taking the city oof the pension plan and fixing the sewer system in order to get your vote. Plus how will they implement the plan.
Also it’s time to stop will I need to pay top dollar in order to get the best workers, If that was the case unemployment in the United States would not be over 10 percent! If a person does not want to work in Atlanta then get rid of them right now! We do not need people who put their paycheck ahead of the City best interest.
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:39 pm
@Audrey – Black people are just voting for Black people……………is an inaccurate statement and not true based on the poll demographics.
Lee
November 7th, 2009
1:41 pm
Oh my Lord !!! I would say I can’t believe it but unfortunately I do. This kind of thing is what sets Atlanta back, back and back. Unfortunately, it makes black Norwood supporters look as if they are ignorant and have to have someone to tell them who they should vote for ! I think this might backfire in the African American community. Those who support Norwood (of any race), stay true to YOUR convictions and stop listening to the naysayers…..to Jackson-Ransom, Jackson-Redmond and Wynter…its time to shut up with your racist comments as you make ATLANTA look REALLY BAD!
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:44 pm
Keeping it real………….that’s what I’m talking about! Whats your plan or the strategy.
“No permanent Friends No permanent enemies, Just Permanent interest” !
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:48 pm
Reciprocity …………It would be nice if Blacks folks could get elected to the Governors office, but since they can’t………..Atlanta is the next best thing………that’s the reality.
Please Vote for Mary Norwood
November 7th, 2009
1:50 pm
The filth and hate that is continuously spewed by black “leadership” in this city only fuels the voters’ desires to vote for Mary Norwood. Keep it up and she will win in a landslide. We need a change or this city is going to waste away like Detroit.
Keeping it real!
November 7th, 2009
1:50 pm
I do not believe Norwood or Reed would make a good mayor. With-out revenues increasing both Norwood and Reed are still going to have major issues going forward!
Citzens of Atlanta what are you going to do for your city?
drsoul
November 7th, 2009
1:51 pm
‘Morehouse guy’ must be a first semester/quarter freshman..!!! Wynter and Bunny are ‘thoroughbred’ racists… and, they follow right into the Franklin/Reed political agenda..!!! These people all operate under fear of exposure for all of their misdeeds and ’same old stuff’ politics.. Norwood’s influence on the council only goes so far, so do not dismiss all of the issues that she has tried to raise and push through that were pushed out by the Franklin/Reed type regimes… dig a little deeper into this.. look at Franklin’s tone of endorsement..she is a quack..!!!
Just Saying
November 7th, 2009
1:52 pm
@drsoul – What’s respectable and fair is a colorblind world…………..I can only pray.
Keeping it real!
November 7th, 2009
2:00 pm
@Just saying… First I would first the police chief. I would have all the managers submit their strategies on how they run their departments.
I would bring in an independent accounting firm to straighten out that mess of a budget so then as we go forward I can account for every dollar received and spent by each department. I would use the incentive of the housing grants to bring in competent workers!
I would reconstruct several departments and set-up a contracts allocation department.
I would have investment companies come and present plans for 401k retirement acccounts. I would add matching funds for all participants
The pension would be stop by the end of the year.
Orlg8r
November 7th, 2009
2:19 pm
I left Atlanta 11 years ago after living in the suburbs for 17 years. I loved it early on…. hated it later. The city “too busy to hate” was awash in racial division while I was there, and it’s evident it’s only gotten worse. Can’t say I miss ya’…
Audrey in Georgia
November 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
@Just Saying you need to read my comment again!
Bob
November 7th, 2009
2:37 pm
Art says, you peoples are stupid, we got it art, your black, go vote black. I would love to see how blacks would react if whites wanted to merge into Sandy Springs and take all the revenue with them, blacks would be singing a differant tune. What would it take for the black half to look like Detroit, 3 or 4 years ? With “peoples” like art maybe just two.
rh
November 7th, 2009
2:41 pm
This race should not be about the color of the skin. I think anyone that had any part in the previous leadership is not the one that the city needs to be the next mayor. We need to get past the color of the skin. As you can see the color of the skin did not help all of those city workers that got laid off before the holidays and it did not help all of the people that were shipped out of Atlanta to make way for Atlantic Station. Atlanta needs a change and I think Spikes would have been the best person for that change. I dont think he can do any worst than any of the two that will be in the runoff. I think we missed out on the change we are hoping for in Atlanta.
Debbie
November 7th, 2009
2:42 pm
It is my understanding that committee chairs are appointed by the president of council, not by the other members. Mary Norwood’s absence as chair of a committee points more to Ms. Borders’ biases than it does to Norwood’s willingness or ability to serve.
Lee
November 7th, 2009
3:16 pm
Good thought, Debbie …. that didn’t even cross my mind …. on another note, Whatcha bet that Borders will endorse Reed? It will shock the hell out of me if she doesn’t.
Kris
November 7th, 2009
3:19 pm
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN
YES WE CAN ELECT AN HONEST PERSON AS MAYOR
VOTE FOR MARY NORWOOD!!!!
Roadrunner
November 7th, 2009
3:29 pm
Thank you Mr. Long. Honesty such as yours is far too rare today. You make me hopeful that we will someday move past the pettiness & politics of race. Thank you.
ed
November 7th, 2009
3:37 pm
Maynard Jackson’s widow is a shameful racist!
Justin
November 7th, 2009
3:46 pm
I think a white mayor would be fine. But Mary’s not the one. She represents the upper middle class values of Buckhead and I know for a fact she does not care about me or the people I am around because we are enjoyers of Atlanta’s much diminished nightlife. I am hoping I am able to secure an absentee ballot for dec. 1st, Mary as Mayor means I might have to move away.
My Two Cents
November 7th, 2009
3:48 pm
Atlanta, the city that has more problems that it can count. There is a need for change and it cannot come any later. The good old boy system has failed and it is time for someone to step up and clean house. Yes, when this happens the screaming is going to start. You folks talk about race now …just wait!!! Change is what is necessary. Is Norwood perfect? No, but she is miles away from the status quo. There is no telling what she will find as she begins her process to take the reins of Mayor of this town and we the people will be told of those findings. Like it or not, change is coming. At least it won’t be the same sorry leadership with pockets ready to be lined we have all become accustomed to with each previous change of leadership. Go Norwood! Clean up the trash, get rid of the gangs and thugs by hiring more police officers to put on the streets, straighten out the financial mess, fire the managers and employess that reek of incompetence, thoroughly investigate matters that don’t pass the smell test and eliminate cronyism, create a safe environment that citizens and visitors feel comfortable going to the Fox, High Museum, and other quality venues without fear of being mugged or harassment, and offer programs and incentives to residents to help vitalize and clean up unkept neighborhoods and vacant properties to create community pride. This list could go on and on but the bottomline is Atlanta is in need of a change in direction and attitude. Atlanta is worth saving and Norwood offers the first step toward this change.
SS in Atlanta
November 7th, 2009
3:51 pm
Could someone PLEASE tell me what on earth Kasim Reed has actually ever accomplished other than helping Shirley Franklin get elected? He’s been in the statehouse, but it seems like he’s spent most of his life running for something and not actually doing anything. So someone please point to one actual act, one law, one project that he is responsible for achieving. Not to mention the code words in his ads that hint that Mary Norwood would “take us back”. What the heck is that supposed to mean, huh? The other candidates had more class than to sink to that. He’d never get my vote after pulling the old firehose and dogs reference. Good grief. Mary Norwood (an Emory grad who has run a successful business while serving the City so not exactly STUPID like some are hinting) at least has helped make our city safer and more liveable by closing nightclubs earlier, opposing mega-mansions in midtown neighborhoods, fighting for financial disclosure like what happened to the missing $$millions (why Shirley hates her so much, by the way). To the black voters on this blog — admit it: if Mary Norwood were black she would have won in the first round. If Kasim were white, he wouldn’t have even received 5%. Plus, you cannot stand that some of your African-American peers actually are color-blind like they should be (and like whites were in the last Presidential election). Get over your racism and treat this woman the way YOU want to be treated – without consideration of color. I am SOOOOOOO offended by this “have to have a black mayor” business.
AstridG
November 7th, 2009
3:58 pm
When Blacks living in South Atlanta fail to get a response from their appointed council person, they often turn to Mary Norwood for help. They know Mary always delivers, and the word is spreading.
Rod
November 7th, 2009
4:00 pm
Blacks would rather suffer under a black mayor than prosper under a white mayor.
Flat out racism. But blacks never think “they’re” the racist ones.
BULL.
SEJ
November 7th, 2009
4:02 pm
I am equally offended by the white saviour idea.
Craig
November 7th, 2009
4:06 pm
Let me get this straight…we want to pin the pathetic condition of this city on a white female member of the city council? Just because she sat on the council? That same flawed logic says that the actual city in its current pathetic condition was run by both black males and a female. With this logic, are we to believe that this is truly the cause of the city’s problems? Why is it that those claiming to desire to overcome racism of the past are the ones to perpetuate it into the future? Perhaps this one reverend has actually read and lived the Bible and is living in a mode that we are all God’s children regardless of a certain level of pigment? It seems the true race baiters and the ones who have made a career out of perpetuating racism are the ones afraid to lose power. Franklin, Campbell, etc. are the ones who led this city into the toilet. It does not take much to look at the facts to see the illegalities and ethical issues hanging over both of them. For the race-baiting crowd, if we follow your logic, a string of black mayors would be solely responsible for sinking the city. Try digging yourselves out of the past and work on making Atlanta a decent city again instead of being self-serving, selfish, and bigoted. It’s a shame that there are so-called Christians who are still living this sort of behavior.
Missing: Mary Norwood's record
November 7th, 2009
4:11 pm
Who is Ralph Long supposed to be persuading? He’s never done anything…just another unemployed and broke loud mouth. His word has not credibility.
Mayor Bill Cambell - inmate # 7782516
November 7th, 2009
4:28 pm
Atlanta be needin’ more black leadership since I left.