A GOP view: Legislature needs gestures of respect from the next Atlanta mayor
Eric Tanenblatt, former chief of staff to Gov. Sonny Perdue, has an interesting Republican take on the Atlanta mayor’s race in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, which includes these paragraphs:
It is highly likely that Georgias will elect another Republican governor, and they will definitely have a Republican-controlled Legislature. These political realities should cause our new mayor — whether it be Mary Norwood or Kasim Reed — to take pause, recognize that Atlanta is part of Georgia, and build ties with the state for the good of the city, the region and Atlanta’s home state.
By the time our next governor takes office, he or she will have formed a perception as to whether Atlanta’s elected leadership has tried to build these ties statewide. State and county officials, other mayors and opinion leaders will have formed their own impressions as well. The new mayor can make cooperating with Atlanta more politically tenable for the governor, legislators and other officials by building goodwill early and often….
Upon the arrival of the General Assembly early next year, the mayor should be a welcoming host and build new relationships with key state representatives. These gestures will be seen as a sign of respect by Georgians who sometimes regard Atlanta as prideful and distant from the rest of the state.
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© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
38 comments Add your comment
Mary
November 12th, 2009
12:55 pm
I’d hate for Mary Norwood to be the person representing this city. If she can’t get any respect from public officials she’s worked with for 8 years in Atlanta, she surely won’t receive any from officials on the state level.
VHighlands
November 12th, 2009
12:57 pm
Another reminder that Norwood just isn’t built for the job. She only builds relationships with those she pays:
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2009/11/02/able-mable-pockets-1500-from-norwood/
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/borders-charges-former-rival-177008.html
Kasim Reed for Mayor!
November 12th, 2009
12:59 pm
Good thing Kasim Reed has already built strong relationships under the Golden Dome. Mary Norwood can’t even remember if she voted for George W. Bush and Reagan…Can we really expect her to learn the ins and outs of big time politics?
I Voted
November 12th, 2009
1:01 pm
Translation: Bow down to the current and future, incompetent leadership across the street or else. Let’s see what Sonny still hasn’t finished on his ‘Sonny Do’ list then get back to me about building goodwill. And if the Governor doesn’t need a permit to perform work on his property, then why do I need one?
Mrs. Purple
November 12th, 2009
1:03 pm
While Mary’s trying to find her way to the State Capitol, Atlanta will be going further and further into the rut she helped build in her 8 years on the City Council.
Agent007
November 12th, 2009
1:07 pm
I agree w/ above sentiments. In the two debates that I’ve attended, Mary throws her hands up in the air and complains that she could never get the budget information she needed from the mayor or the finance department. To me, that is a red flag showing that she may not have the political capital to get things done.
Clamoring
November 12th, 2009
1:09 pm
I wonder what silly excuses Mary Norwood would make after being as ineffective working with state government as she has been in the City Council. Maybe she’ll talk about how she’d been clamoring for Sonny to answer her phone calls, but he just kept saying that he didn’t know who she was. LOL
WTF
November 12th, 2009
1:14 pm
@Agent007 – Shirley Franklin can’t even get correct numbers, so I’d hardly fault Mary. These are her departments and she can’t get correct numbers (or she makes them up). This City is a mess because of the crooked, shady politics that have been going on for years.
Concerned Citizen
November 12th, 2009
1:16 pm
Mary Norwood might throw cute community parties (with taxpayer money), but she isn’t ready for the big time. Kasim Reed can make a personal call to anyone at the State Capitol…Mary would have to go through Able Mable hahahaha
Fair and Balanced
November 12th, 2009
1:25 pm
Somebody tell Eric Tanenblatt that without Atlanta, Georgia is a sad combination between SC and AR. Atlanta knows its part of Georgia, but does the rest of the state know its not 1861?
Lucas
November 12th, 2009
1:26 pm
“…prideful and distant from the rest of the state” – uh, yeah. We’re pissed that our tax base gets distributed across the State instead of staying in the Metro 10. Those guys use our tax money to improve frontage roads around country clubs in the boonies instead of paying for police officers in our town. Some nerve, goobers.
Angus
November 12th, 2009
1:27 pm
You guys are kidding yourselves.
Translation – “You’ll have a Republican governor and a Republican legislature – send another Democrat our way and you’ll get the same cooperation you’ve been getting – nada!”
On the other hand, Mr. Tanenblatt, that’s a helluva way to extend an olive branch. Atlanta is “prideful and distant”? No mention of Georgia’s dependence on Atlanta? Nice. Generally when you are seeking cooperation, you must concede something in order to get something. Who’s prideful?
William
November 12th, 2009
1:29 pm
The next Atlanta mayor needs gestures of respect from the GOP legislature is what this article should read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The next Atlanta mayor needs gestures of respect from the GOP legislature is what this article should read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The next Atlanta mayor needs gestures of respect from the GOP legislature is what this article should read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The next Atlanta mayor needs gestures of respect from the GOP legislature is what this article should read!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am sure that if Mary Norwood was to win the election she would get a little more respect(and I do mean just a little more) from the GOP Legislature than Shirley Franklin got simply because she looks more like them than Shirley does, however she won’t get too much more than Shirley because she is still a woman and when you start dealing with these racist older men from outside of the Metro Atlanta area they will treat a woman just as disrespectful as African Americans and Mexicans no matter what race they are, Georgia politics has yet to move into the modern age, we need new younger blood to step up and join the politics in this state, until this happens Georgia will never move ahead, our state will continue to be run by the undercover racist good ol boy system….
SO?
November 12th, 2009
1:30 pm
What a load of crap. All the legislature does is dump all over Atlanta. They have NEVER tried to work with this city. And now they want respect? Go back to the country…
please
November 12th, 2009
2:22 pm
Please. You ever step outside (or live outside) metro atlanta? I spent 14 years living outside the metro area and I can tell you that the perception of Atlanta is that they don’t care about the rest of the state. And in some ways, it’s true. Just look at the comments here.
Anyways, does it really matter if its Kasim Reed or Mary Norwood? We will just end up despising them by the time they are out of office. The shady politics that have run this city into the ground only churns out more garbage. You think someone like Norwood or Reed, who are products of this, is going to be any different? Who cares if you think Mary is a Republican or not, she’s going to be terrible just like Kasim “I Swear I will not just be Shirley’s 3rd Term” Reed.
ATLborn
November 12th, 2009
2:31 pm
@ Fair and Balanced – Good post. I agree fully!
Why does that statement reek of the “those uppity negroes in Atlanta” sentiment that many state officials from outside of the metro ATL area have of the city? This is one of the only states in the union that does not wholeheartedly support it’s largest and most revenue generating city. LA is a world a part from the rest of California but it enjoys state support. So does Chicago from Illinois and NYC from NY state. But the bumpkin leadership in GA seems to be out to ruin the ATL. I think Mr. Tanenblatt has it backwards.
John Doe
November 12th, 2009
3:12 pm
Obviously the Reed trolls are on here (hence the above posts trashing Norwood). I do agree though that the state neglects Atlanta. The sad thing is both the state reeks with corruption as does the city of course…Really two peas in a pod, they should get along better. Both are about special interest…
For The People - ALL the people
November 12th, 2009
3:15 pm
Hey Republicans – when you start showing respect for ALL the people, even the little guy, then maybe you can demand respect. In the meantime – kiss my *** because there isn’t a Republican out there that cares about the little guy that struggles from month to month. Worked all my life from the time I was 14, paid taxes, never received a darn thing from the government and now that I’m retired and raising two grandchildren and could use a little help you ignore me and others like me.
Morehouse Guy
November 12th, 2009
3:16 pm
I’d love to know what Tanenblatt means by “goodwill.” How should Atlanta go about recognizing that it’s a part of Georgia, and when will the rest of Georgia recognize that Atlanta is the state’s economic engine? This is silly. Respect is a two-way street, and I simply don’t see enough of it from the Georgia GOP, and I doubt things will change no matter who wins the mayoral election.
Thomas
November 12th, 2009
3:17 pm
Without Georgia, Atlanta would be even more of a crime infestested poverty ridden city than it already is. You can thank the conservative leglislature and governor for attracting business. So show respect.
Jacksonville Beach
November 12th, 2009
3:18 pm
Hey ATLBorn,
You picked three pitiful examples of threee cities that are currently broke! Now I know why……I was born and raised about 50 miles west of Atlanta and for the past 30 years or so this city that I still love has been ran into the ground by your political kind. Oh and one last thing, nice way to run the City Water Works!
The Snark
November 12th, 2009
3:20 pm
True, the perception outside of Atlanta is that Atlanta doesn’t care about the rest of the state.
But setting “perception” aside … when has anyone outside of Atlanta given a damn about Atlanta?
Lucas
November 12th, 2009
3:22 pm
Secession, plz.
IC Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
3:23 pm
Agree with John Doe – are Roy Barnes and Shirley Franklin busy posting today? Shirley had 8 years to run the city and she did a poor job – particularly the last 4. My biggest concern with Kasim is will he be part of the same ole same ole Shirley, Maynard, Bill Campbell cronyism incompetent machine.
I do want to add that the Ga. Legislature under Glenn Richardson’s guidance is a joke – the guy is a pathetic baby. The Tom Murphy want to be needs to go, but this Ga and we will put up with incompetent idiots in our state leadership.
Paul Camp
November 12th, 2009
3:34 pm
Building ties involves the state too. It isn’t just a matter of the lowly mayor supplicating the mighty. The governor and the Republican party also need to recognize that Atlanta is a part of Georgia and is the economic engine that allows them to distribute patronage to their political base in the rest of the state.
Jair
November 12th, 2009
3:37 pm
I’m reminded of an old mafia movie where the don request a tribute to show gratitude and respect. Mr. Tanenblatt is the former chief-of-staff, so I have to wonder what weight, if any, his comments carry. If he were the CURRENT chief-of-staff, maybe then I would be interested in his comment. Otherwise, he is just another non-elected, tax-paying citizen with an opinion, which, unfortunately, makes the state GOP look more like the don in the mafia movies. Not a good look.
Michael Johnson
November 12th, 2009
3:41 pm
Who cares about politics at the state level. The state with Kasim Reed didn’t resolve Atlanta transporation and water issues, and with four generation of black mayors, communities are still divided. As a black voter I’m going with Mary Norwood. It’s time for a real change and for blacks and whites to truly come together, and show the world how far Atlanta has come by electing Mary Norwood in a predominatly black city.
How Many Different People Are Actually Posting Comments?
November 12th, 2009
4:35 pm
Judging from the endlessly repeated catchphrases in these comments, it sounds like there are maybe two Kasim Reed staffers posting dozens of comments under different names.
Does this strike anyone else as silly?
Andie
November 12th, 2009
4:48 pm
But is not Kasim Reed running for mayor for the city of Atlanta…”Just part II of Shirley franklin running this city!!!
Atlanta need a fresh start and Mary Norwood is ‘CHANGE’ and change is excellent in this mayoral race. Mary will win this race for the betterment of fresh starts in Atlanta.
ATL Advocate
November 12th, 2009
4:58 pm
Respect has to flow both ways. Every year, without fail, the City of Atlanta is directly attacked in the legislature, usually on multiple fronts due to a complete lack of respect for the City’s burdens and achievements. The amount of animosity toward Atlanta from the rest of the State (no matter who is Mayor) is mind-boggling and undeserved.
Where is Mary Norwood
November 12th, 2009
5:08 pm
Mary Norwood is running from her staff and media ….Mary Norwood is going to run away from the citizen of atlanta. Norwood how you going ask for a press conference and you didnt show up and your staff dont know where you at. Vote for Kashim Reed
Andie
November 12th, 2009
5:29 pm
Kasim Reed states that he will hire more police officers and put the firemen back to work by opening up the firehouses that was closed by Shirley Franklin!!! I speak for myself only; but he will continue the same ole “politicks” from this past mayor and I don’t trust him no matter how many partners he has lined up for favors later on if elected. He scares me because hes has not expressed any real substance for the citizens of Atlanta! FIX the 911 SYSTEM!!! HIRE more POLICE OFFICERS and keep your promise not to EVER cut the protection of the CITIZENS of all of ATLANTA!!! OPEN all the FIRE HOUSES back up; STOP putting the CITIZENS OF ATLANTA in DANGER!!! I believe Mary will put the three items listed above on her top mandatory list in her agendas for Atlanta. Reed is just another Shirley Franklin, a frriend of hers and Borders so you see where this is headed…Same ole*******!!! of past mayor.
Andie
November 12th, 2009
6:57 pm
I am so angry about this city’s ( ATLANTA) 911 system and its breakdown; that I can Spit!!!
For the citizen’s sake….”Please make this top priority along with the police officers that are surely needed all over the city and not just Buckhead or downtown Atlanta!
Crime is growing very rampant in Atlanta; and this is so sad when one (I DID!!!) dialed 911 for help in June of this year 2009 ( because a guy run up on me while sitting outside where I reside; and he sexually assault me and climb into the back seat of my car and relieves himself sexually in my car!!! I make it inside so I can call for help!!! and is put on hold by an automated 911 operator stating if I hang up I will have to get back in line on the damn phone!!! needless to say…the guy got away! Mind you that this was a stranger upon stranger attack! So who do I sue??? the city or the mayor??? for putting my life in danger when I pay my tax dollars for the service of 911 look on your phone bills! You failed me as a citizen of Atlanta! Please fix 911 I’m a grandmother that was attacked on that evening by a young person!!! “FIX 911″ “HIRE MORE POLICE OFFICERS”
Make this issue a top priority when you get into office as mayor because this was a total letdown and I’m left with the nightmares and anger of what happened to me! Thanks a lot Ms. Franklin.
Cliff
November 12th, 2009
10:32 pm
The problem with “Atlanta” showing “gestures of respect” idea is that the city of Atlanta is only a small part of a much larger metropolitan area. Atlanta is not a city of 5 million people with a single leadership focus. The city only has one tenth of the people living in the region and a lot fewer resources. So, it would be easy for Cobb, DeKalb or Gwinnett or pieces thereof to negate any kind of gesture Atlanta might make. If, however, all the leaders in the various units of government in the metro area could ever work in accord, then they might be able to accomplish great things for the whole region.
Dr. Tenenbaum
November 13th, 2009
10:39 am
Well…if the state legislature stopped beating up Atlanta I am certain the relations would be better.
Kaipo
November 13th, 2009
3:39 pm
Let’s get real and straight here: Atlanta is just like the other black run cities like Detroit, Newark, New Orleans etc; incompetent, corrupt and always run by black democrats. Often times these leaders are just plain incompetent, idiotic and vain like Kwame KirkPatrick who is languishing in jail and who saw leadership as hip hop and swagger. This is how Reed will likely be if he is elected – we hope he is not elected. Other times, where they have intelligence and seasoned, they are so liberal,disengenous, corrupt and arrogant that they loose there way and end up in jail like Bill Campbell. Then we have the likes of Franklin who promoted everything unseemly as Mayor. Franklin literally ran the city under. The fact and the truth is that the City of Atlanta will continue to be seen by the State government as unserious.
When democrats where in charge they cuddled the city no matter how bad
and irresponsible the city was because they needed the black vote.
The state of the black leadership in this country mirrors the same disastrous leadership African countries and their leaders exhibit.
There is not one African country that you can point to and say that is developed. What a a sad story.
To people who don't get it
November 13th, 2009
6:46 pm
Mary Norwood is just going to roll over while Glen Richardson takes his pills and goes for her jugler when she goes against anything at the state. You are stupid if you think the city has no influence at the state level. Do you know we have state officials elected from Atlanta and they are mostly supporty Reed. I think Reed has a lot of work to do but I really don’t think Mary can galvanize her colleages to step up to the state legislature. Mary needs to come clean with her leadership on Council-I never even given her a leadership roll. Doen’t council president pick these leaders? Why hasn’t she spoken out to the media before running on not recieiving information? I had to really think about the things she was saying because it seemed odd for her to be so talkative and not have taken her thumb out of the dam to say something about it. Why was she having her thumb in the dam anyway? How did she do that on what issues? This lady has taken me for a loop and I need to straighten this out. I can’t believe we allowed this lady to get to be number 1 of 2. This should have been clark howard and kasim-that would have been a race!!!!!!! about saving and conserving resources, not race!!!!!!!!
heartofdarkness
November 17th, 2009
9:41 pm
With any luck, the State of Georgia and the City of Atlanta will both be able to declare bankruptcy, soon, and the estate can sell the whole kit and kaboodle to Kazakhstan for the production of future Borat movies.