Dominque Wilkins switches to Kasim Reed

Hope Kasim manages the City of Atlanta’s money better than Dominque managed his. Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor.

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interesting…. why the flip flop?

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Meanwhile – You STILL haven’t uploaded the mailer Norwood sent out against Reed.

What’s it been? 4 days? But the anti-Norwood mailers were up on your blog within HOURS.

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http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0546.html

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“Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor.”

I’m sure that comes as a surprise to its white and non-black minority constituents.

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How does this mean Norwood’s campaign is falling apart? What I see is a “coalescing” of black power players/brokers in Atlanta around the black candidate Kasim Reed. Even though I don’t live in Atlanta, I am hardly surprised at this. I’m originally from Detroit, MI (lived in Metro Atlanta for the past 9 years) but this happened in Detroit all the time when it looked like a non-black had some momentum. The black political machine would ramp up and PRESTO, the non-black candidate will start losing black endorsements. It’s a time honored ploy that black, white, and latino politicians have used when they have the numbers. Not surprised at all.

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http://www.blackcommentator.com/178/178_cover_negro_corporate_politician_dixon.html

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Watch the commercials for Reed and Norwood. She is walking around the streets with old black folks, while Reed is sitting and talking with old white folks. Tell me this campaign isnt about race..

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One can only imagine how bad things are at the Reed camp now, with the people who are disgusted with the strong arm tactics of the more militant members of the Reed staff.

The fear that Reed is losing grassroot support among people who are completely turned off by his campaign tactics can’t be making for happy times in his camp.

It looks like Reed is putting all of his eggs in the endorsement blanket as an open admission that Reed is simply not getting it done when it relates to his dealings with the average voter in Atlanta.

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We are a family that lived in the forgotton side of the city – Southwest Atlanta on Campbellton Road. Kasim Reed did not once come in to my neighborhood to see what my needs were but Mary Norwood did. Trash litters the streets, gunshots litter the sky but yet we keep electing a mayor that gladhands to the black elite in this city. Unfortunately we will continue to end up in the same situation over and over…if you keep on the same thing and getting the same response and clearly you need change it’s time you changed it up to get a different response.

It’s unfortunate that “black” Atlanta can’t see beyond the color of someone’s skin and feel that “black” Atlanta has to band together to elect a black mayor not the best canidate. Kasim Reed is part of the same old same old that has keep Atlanta late to every party…but some of Atlanta doesn’t care because it’s fashionable to be late…it just doesn’t work for our family anymore – we have left the egotistical political machine that makes up Atlanta. Atlanta will be stuck in the same grind till they stand back and take a fresh look, not follow the crowd.

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What is Chaos talking about?! Every time I have been around the Kasim campaign, there are more and more new people asking how they can help!

Of course Wilkins changed his mind once he learned about the candidates! Reed is the only one with a record of doing anything other than visiting people and having tea or a bite to eat. And it is a very compelling record. Mary has done nothing for any corner of this city. All she has done with her time and money as a council person is run for mayor. That’s a big 8-year waste of my considerable tax dollars, if you ask me!

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Is the Reed camp so worried about the infighting among staff coming out that they have taken to the blogs to try to limit the damage?

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If Dominique had any business acumen at all, he would have had his endorsement flip-flop sponsored by the Waffle House.

The endorsement has already proven to be an embarrassment for the Reed campaign, which failed to thoroughly vet his statement, which led to the following debacle that spilled out of Dominique’s mouth.

“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”

Now the Reed camp has got to figure out a way to undo the damage caused by Dominique tying Reed in the voters’ minds to the likes of Bill Campbell.

Not a good day for the Reed campaign, to say the least.

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Wilkins’ endorsement has become yet another disaster in a series of recent disasters by the Reed campaign. Not only has Wilkins been ridiculed for his flip-flopping, he made it even worse by implying Reed will be a good mayor, just like Bill Campbell was!

No word yet as to if the Reed camp will release a statement to minimize the damage.

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Bill Campbell was a great mayor, we together partied in the VIP lounge of my club many times. My good friend, Kasim Reed, will be just as good as Bill Campbell.

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What a joke! Dominique lost his black street cred and had to get it back.

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I also wish to endorse Mr Reed.

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k. reed is a black,evil thug associated with some of the top criminals from as far north as DC and south as FL…I know them…they are threatening people in the community…e-mailing people to voluteer for $10.00 an hour…the money being paid out is coming from these criminals who have a hold on k. reed… and if he wins k.reed has to follow these criminals orders in running the city…who do you think allowed s. franklin’s daughter to skip jail time…they are all in this together…atlanta is about to become a city run by big city criminals… he can go to jail right now…we got the goods on him; he will be shocked k. reed is really not smart enough to cut the deals s. franklin cut

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Kasim ‘Baby Bill Campbell’ Reed…watch out for people who vote for this man as they are supreme supporters of crime, thievery of your city money, coverup, corruption, bad neighborhoods…etc. they are greedy for themselves only and very racist; non-christian and very manipulating.. no self-esteem or pride in themselves, family or Atlanta.. they are a ‘cancer’ on our society..no matter the ethnicity.. this statement has no eyes for race or ethnicity; it is for ‘Citizens for a Prideful Atlanta’…ALL CITIZENS.. if the above does not identify you, then we know you and Norwood will lead us out of this sewer the REEDS and past regimes have put us in and will clean up our precious Atlanta..!!!

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Where is the guy who stole the signs?

Can we put up a reward to find him? All we need is that guy and we will know who is a lying scumbag and who isn’t.

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Raygunius, you are nothing but a racist…period.

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I honestly don’t think either Norwood or Reed will make a good mayor for Atlanta. Norwood seems to be good at talking a good talk and convincing people that she cares about their problems, but I’m not so sure she’ll do much of anything in office. I mean, look at her record. She did as little as possible on city council. I think she’ll do anything– including lie, cheat, steal, smear–to get elected as mayor because she wants the title and the prestige and maybe she wants to bring in her friends (Republicans) to run the city and run out all the blacks. I just don’t trust her. And I don’t trust Reed either. I think he’s pretending, too. I just don’t think he has the citizens’ interests at heart. He’s made a very nice living as a corporate attorney, defending them against “the little guy”. As mayor, who do you think he will align himself with? And I have yet to hear either one of them talk about what they propose to do, as in a plan, for Atlanta. Norwood–all she does is point out the problems, but has offered no well-thought-out solutions. Reed–he doesn’t say much of anything that seems well-thought-out. He just repeats what the others have said in debates. Neither one of them is worth supporting, as far as I can tell. I hope I’m wrong about..well, whoever ends up getting elected, I guess.

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Does Dominique live in Atlanta?

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cugtdSrr4zM
Here’s my new video.

Poor Dominique. He probably received more than his share of hate for the prior endorsement…

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People please learn to read. The quote from Dominique above reads:He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”

How does anyone who has at least a 3rd grade education relate his quote (1) to just black mayors; (2) to Bill Campbell: If one does not think that Bill Campbell did a good job, well he is not in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta PERIOD Stop grabbing at straws, there is no damage control that needs to be done!

Congratulations, Dominique for waking up and smelling the coffee. Anyone who reviews the records of achievement for the City of Atlanta by Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed, knows that her record cannot come close to what Kasim accomplished as a State Representative and State Senator.

Furthermore, Atlanta is a great cosmopolitan city, an international city and a city too busy to hate! We need the expertise of Kasim Reed who is articulate, knows policy and is known for working across party-lines to achieve on behalf of the people. As our State Senator, he was accessible, easy to approach, and delivered for seniors, teachers, youth, and all citizens of Fulton County and Atlanta.

Mary Norwood visited our neighborhood many times over the past 8 years, but did not speak-up not one time as a Council person. It is amazing that she has so many complaints now that she is running for Mayor, but never addressed these same issues as a member of the City Council for the past 8 years! She wasted taxpayers money by running for Mayor for 8 years!!! Speaking of machine support, what about the biggest Machine behind Mary Norwood who once served as Mayor??

If I recall correctly, the next Mayor will be the 59th for the City of Atlanta. Four (4) have been black. Do you want me to believe that among the 54 white Mayors there was NO corruption, the city advanced, and blacks were given their fair-share of progress? Well I did my homework and it just didn’t happen that way.

I am not voting based on race, but on qualifications, readiness to lead our great city forward, and who can best represent Atlanta, on the local, state, national and international levels. Based on his record, Kasim will get the job done.

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IdaHere

“the next Mayor will be the 59th for the City of Atlanta. Four (4) have been black. Do you want me to believe that among the 54 white Mayors there was NO corruption, the city advanced, and blacks were given their fair-share of progress?”

YOU ARE SO WRITE, ATLANTA IS A BLACK CITY & NEEDS A BLACK MAYOR..

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The damage control has begun for the Reed supporters. It appears the strategy is act as though Wilkins never tied Campbell to Reed, though clearly he did. Not Wilkins fault, he’s not a professional politician. The Reed camp should have done a much better job prepping him.

Now it seems like they are going to go on the attack and portray Reed a man of the people, since they know they are being slaughtered on this due to Norwood’s accessibility to the voters during her time in office.

It appears that there has become a real critical mass of grassroots support for Mary, even in perceived Reed strongholds, something that can only be gained by the credibility of meeting so many grassroots people over the years. It’s why the Reed public relations machine is trying so hard to attack it, because at this late date there is really no way to reinvent Reed as a man of the people without resorting to marketing tactics.

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“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”

So ingrained they are in the political machine, they don’t even see how damaging the quote truly is. It shows, once and for all, that the Reed camp is catering to people who want more of the same in Atlanta.

Norwood’s supporters want change.

The quote says it all.

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Kasim Reed is a great man, he will be a great Mayor, just like the black mayors before him. Vote Kasim Reed early and often…

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ATLANTA IS A PROGRESSIVE CITY AND NEEDS A PROGRESSIVE MAYOR TO MOVE FORWARD!
Hoodtechie, since when is a name like Raygunius Delmacio a black person?? Get real, who even believes that you are black???
MOVING ON– one can project what one will do in the future, by what they have already done. Senator Reed served in the state legislature for 11 years, and for most of those years under a Republican governor. in the General Assembly where the GOP called the shots. Yet Reed accomplished most of his pro-Atlanta legislation through partnering with rural and suburban Republicans. This points to his leadership ability and the fact that he does not let politics get in the way of delivering on behalf of the people. He worked productively with all people, at all times keeping the interest of the people at heart. It is interesting to note that most of his fellow State legislators, black and white, Democrat and Republican endoresed his candidacy!. Atlanta will certainly have a voice at the State House, when Kasim speaks!

Reed is very humble, and the first to recognize the limits of his power, smart enough to work within the limits of that power by reaching out to those around him who are more knowledgeable in certain areas. I was impressed with how he gave Lisa Borders credit for all of her great ideas for governing the City of Atlanta. I am sure he will call upon her expertise and others as he moves forward!

Hats off to the Reed Campaign Staff, friends, supporters, who have worked hard and stayed above the riff-raff! I admire the diversity, energy and compassion you have to make our city a better place for all Atlantans. Stay focused and keep up the good work, you are just about there!!!

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Is IdaHere Sunday Paper columnist Stephanie Ramage, or just lifting her column word for word to parrot a Reed talking point.

Google the phrase, Reed is very humble and the first to recognize the limits of his power, and you can see it for yourself.

Busted!

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Dominique doesn’t live in the city, and last I heard, neither does Dr. J (Dr. J owns a golf course in DeKalb that needs a ton o’work). Not that it matters- to me- “celebrity” endorsements are the same as product endorsements: what did the endorser get?

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I’m new here, is it against the rules to copy someone like IdaHere /Stephanie Ramage just did? Do they sit in the corner or get a time out?

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@Imno – Want to find the guy who stole the signs? Mary Norwood has now hired him!! After he showed up at her campaign wanting her to pay him to say Kasim’s people paid him for the signs. Hmm. Wonder why he thought she would be the kind of person who would pay him to lie? Probably because another of her supporters paid him to make the fake video in the first place. What a joke. Clearly the campaign is that desperate for supporters to actually hire this guy, no matter what the truth was in the first place…

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It has been a long day but we are finally ahead. Too bad Atlanta will not get ahead.

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It seems there are some mad Norwood posters on this thread. Are y’all suggesting that Wilkins can’t choose who HE wants to support? Are you suggesting he owes Mary Norwood his endorsement? Well, he doesn’t. I actually think his endoresement is unimportant in comparison to those from: Joe Wilkins (R) State Rep. from Sandy Springs, State Rep. Kathy Ashe, State Rep. Karla Drenner, State Sen. David Adelman, City Council Pres. Lisa Borders, Councilman Ivory Young, Councilman C.T. Martin, State Sen. Nan Orrock, The Atlanta Police Union, Atlanta Progressive Firefighters, Rev. Joe Lowery, State Sen. Jim Martin and Gov. Roy Barnes. I could go on, but I think you all get the point. Kasim Reed has risen to the top in this race.

Its unfortunate that that the Norwooders have resorted to prejudice and bigotry to get thier point across, but when you don’t have much else to talk about I guess you’ve gotta do what you’ve gotta do.

@Raygunius Delmacio, is so transparent. All smart bloggers on this thread recognize your racist sarcasm. Your exaggerated ethnic name isn’t fooling any one and it is quite shameful that you Norwooders are resorted to these tactics. That includes you too, the late Maynord Jackson.

I like the point someone made earlier that Wilkins didn’t malign Reed in anyway to Bill Campbell. Atlanta has had 58 mayors and 54 of them have been white and they too had their share of not so honorable leaders, but Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young did a fine job as mayor. Their policies and programs put this city on an upward trajectory not seen before. I think Mayor Franklin did on o.k. Job as mayor, but as Kasim said her enthusiasm toward her role waned as time progressed. She took a very courageous stance against the corruption of the Campbell administration and reformed the city’s ethics rules (Norwood voted against the rules by the way). She also undertook the momentous task of overhauling the sewers. The jury is still out on her overall performance, but I think history will show Mayor Franklin to be a great Mayor.

Bottom line is, I hope Reed and Norwood have near fool-proof plans for election day because it will allow come down to turnout on Dec. 1.

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PoliticOracle “racist sarcasm” HELL you think a black city needs a black mayor.

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PoliticOracle…bull

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How is it, wow asks, that people keep referring to Kasim Reed as more of the same?

Simple. Kasim Reed’s endorsers tell us so!

“He has the leadership skills that make a great leader,” Wilkins said. “I think he will do a good job in a long line in the good mayors of Atlanta.”

Hey wow, if even the great Dominique Wilkins says Kasim is going to be more of the same, who are we to argue with him?

Glad to have cleared that up for you Wow.

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We the supporters of Kasim Reed, and the supporters of change for Atlanta, are pleased to announce the support of Dominique Wilkins, who promises us that a vote for Reed is a vote for more of the same.

Wait! That didn’t come out right! Where’s the staffer who was supposed to vet Dominique’s statement? Someone get the public relations staff on the phone stat!

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The sad situation is that REED supporters actually think that he is a LEADER???? he is a ‘hand picked’ candidate by the ‘political corruption regime’ that has held Atlanta and City Hall hostage for so many years… denied you services, wasted your funds, covered up corruption and family and friend patronage to waste dollars away from much needed city services… but, the people who vote for REED believe in this corruption…they have to be a natural part of that life, black or white, or they could not support REED…he is another extension of their character… they do not know any better.. they think that Atlanta has really grown and is a public servant to it’s citizenry over the last 20 years, when it has stolen you blind.. that is all that REED and his followers understand… look amongst you at these supporters…just more of the same Jackson, Campbell, Franklin… you might as well sit down and burn your tax dollars rather than pay them as it will wind up the same..!!!
Leadership is not something these people understand…they have not seen it in years and years, just the ‘robber barrons’ of city hall and REED cannot wait to stuff his pockets.. these supporters are no different… if that is the character that defines you, so be it.. but, be a proud and honest person and vote NORWOOD…for progressive actions…clean the city up and return it to the voters, not run it completely off the cliff…!!!!

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@Delmacio

Yeah, I’m full of bull. That’s why I don’t have an ignorant sarcastic handle like yours.

No one is paying attention to your unfactual, innuendo-based comments.

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Any guesses on the percentage of stupid posts here that are from people supporting one candidate are really from supporters of the other candidate trying to make the first candidate look bad? I’d say about 60% overall with 90% of the race related ones being trolls.

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@drsoul

Since I’m rambling, tell me one ethics violation that Franklin has committed. And as I’ve told other Norwood spin-doctors, I’m not a part of any campaign and even if I was CAN YOU REFUTE MY COMMENTS!

When you’re done with your futile attempts to connect me to the Reed camp, tell me what money Mayor Franklin has taken. She took a $40k pay cut coming in the door and furloughed herself, which couldve been prevented of the posturing city council had enacted the modest tax increase in 2008.

I’m no fan of Reed’s , but any wise eye can see that Norwood’s a joke. I think Franklin was the wrong personality type for a mayor, but she’s a darn good leader. You’re either ignorant or disingenious to lay the whole of this economic meltdown on her back. If that’s the case elected officials all over this country, including Sonny Perdue and the leaders in Gwinnet County, need to be out of office.

You people have proven yourselves to be nothing more than pessimistic rabble-rousers just like Ms. Daisy, I mean Mary Norwood.

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PoliticOracle….”I’m no fan of Reed’s”..talk out of both sides of your mouth don’t you? I agree Reed will be 4 more years of Franklin.

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Mary Norwood as Ms. Daisy PolitcOracle? Surely after your 6:03 post, you wouldn’t be trafficking in stereotypes.

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That should have read they intuitively understand the hesitancy to use the term birther. Kind of takes the LOL out of it when you blow the line though!

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You’re right, I shouldn’t have referred to Ms. Norwood as Miss Daisy. Its an unfair stereotype and I let the SNL fan come out of me.

Please accept my humble apoplogies.

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Still PoliticOracle, lets not distract from the overall greater point that the posts on here are truly lamentable, and in fact are downright ugly.

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Some of you keep posting about all this experience Mr. Reed has over Mrs. Norwood in politics…”Get over yourselves” This man has made a good living for himself and has possibly never mingled with the “regular” citizens of Atlanta. And sometimes the saying goes “He who knows everything; knows not a damn thing where it really truly matters” So go figure! and stop putting this man on a pedestal and lording this guy over yourselves…make you look like one of his goons; “Know what I mean” Tell your guy to clean the city of this rash of crime!!! Can’t walk outside your door or be heading home without being shot or raped or robbed or carjacked!!! This guy wants the title of mayor; but will start dodging you after he’s in!!! “Then What “REEDERS” hang your heads low when this happens, because its coming and I will be watching and reminding you guys who put him in and he becomes the untouchable to you! Think very serious with your heart and not just your minds when you point your finger to select the person that will represent you and your family members who lives all over Atlanta. Time is getting critical, issues are seriously critical when it comes to the economy and your safety and the expected tax hikes coming soon; in which i don’t mind if results are happening because of the hike. But don’t ask me for more money and pee on me and say you did’nt do it or you had nothing to do with it and it was you who pleaded your case to the citizens for more money and then act as if you don’t remember what your job is and start lording yourself over the very people who put you there!!! “Don’t forget this Mr. Reed and Mrs. Norwood; because the people trusted that you would best represent all of us in Atlanta.
“My vision is change for a better leadership and a change to unite everyone in Atlanta as brothers and sisters no matter the skin color; for common goals of working together to make things happen for the better in our everyday lives. “Vote For a Change” An 18-year old ran for mayor in another state a few years back; he had no experience; but he had a vision for his town and he won the race!
One can have all the elaborate experience in the world on paper and sometimes his friends may brag on him to make him look good on camera; but that same person can also be one with his head in the sand and knows nothing about reality; about real gut clinching life on an everyday norm’ Think clearly before touching that screen when you vote in December.

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What has Norwood done in 8 years to make her the ‘change’ candidate? Simple question Norwood supporters.

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Here is what I ant to say to Mary supporters and Reed nay-sayers alike:

“When hearing something unusual, do not pre-emptively reject it, for that would be folly. Indeed, horrible things may be true , and familiar and praised things may prove to be lies. Truth is truth unto itself, not because people say it is.” Ibn al Nafis (13th cent Physician) Quoted at the opening of the international conference on Darwin in Cairo Egypyt!

Norwood sounds great when she visits you in your neighborhood, but she had 8 years to make this city better and she slept on the job! Reed may not be the most “likable” seeming guy, but he is smart and capable and makes things happen. Look at the records. The truth is there.

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Well, we know Mary isn’t going to work at all…

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WoW… Where do you get these ideas? Still, not the truth no matter how many times or how loud you say them!

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When one is telling the truth, great minds often run in the same vein! I am glad you mentioned Stephanie Ramage’s article. I looked it up and am glad that she recognizes “Why Kisim
Reed Should be Atlanta’s Next Mayor”.

From the looks of her picture, I could be her grandmother! I am going to make it a point to meet her, since she speaks the truth that I know about Kasim Reed after knowing him for 32 of his 40 years! During his years in office, our neighborhood group were his most ardent critics. We stayed on his case and he came through with flying colors. I am proud now to say Thank You, Kasim, and may God continue to smile on you!.
I have watched him grow over the years and am proud that he grew up to be my re

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IdaHere, do you really think people are that stupid? Stupid enough to believe that you just looked up an article that you obviously already looked up so you could parrot, word for word, a Ramage talking point?

Stop it. You’re embarrassing yourself like a sloppy drunk fawning over someone at a holiday party.

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Kasim Reed is the best candidate for Mayor of the city of Atlanta, no matter how you slice it! It is all about who will make the best Mayor, Look up the records for yourself and go from there! Kasim Reed has delivered, and will deliver in the future as our next Mayor!

Give credit where credit is due. He is a young man on the move and I look forward to watching this brilliant young man continue to progress as he has in the past!

His “Centers of Hope” will keep hope alive for our youth who need a strong role model such as Kasim Reed.

Kasim is smart enough to recognize that Atlanta has to deal with the gangs that are recruiting and training our youth to be “big time” gangsters. He recognized the problem Atlanta is having with Child Prostitution and introduced legislation to deal with it. Oh,almost forgot, thanks for helping to pass the bill doubling our homestead exemption.

We Shall Overcome, Yes We Can, Keep Hope Alive, Together We Can Make Atlanta a Better Place for all Atlantans. Truth Crushed to Earth Will Rise Again, There is Nothing to Fear; but Fear Itself,

If You Can Keep Your Head When All Around You Are Losing Theirs and Blaming it On You, If You Can Trust Yourself When All Men Doubt You and Make Allowances for Their Doubting Too, Then You will be (are) the Man we need for Atlanta for such a time as this.

We look forward to your Inauguration which we will crash if we are not on the coveted list! Keep on keeping on, the race is not to the swift; but to those who endure to the end!

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why was my last comment not added to this blog? I sent it but it didn’t show up?

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Reed will overcome alright, waving from his convertible yellow jaguar.

Oh, and how much experience does he have with city government, besides having the support of those in power for the last 40 years?

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I’m for Mary on Nov. 27 said,
“I talk to a lot of people and many are pulling for Mary, there are many people who are not admitting publicly that they’re for her, all of these people are black. It’s funny how us blacks are almost ashamed to support change when it’s a white person running against a black person, but many whites proudly voted for and helped elect Obama.”
I agree that a number of blacks are for Mary Norwood but afraid to say so publicly. It’s a sad comment on our system when people can’t openly express their own views.

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Look it up. Mary Norwood hired him.
http://www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=138091
No matter how you slice it, she condones his actions. It sure seems likely that she knows Ralph Long is dirty and doesn’t want it coming out. Either way, she is now hiring criminals!

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I hope for Reed’s sake wow, the Reed campaign isn’t paying you. And I hope for all of Atlanta’s sake you wouldn’t be the type of operative Reed would ever hire.

You post a link to a news story that shows conclusively to anyone with half a brain that the Reed campaign paid someone to steal signs? And you somehow think this will reflect poorly on Norwood.

Any parent will see how Kasim is acting through this. He’s acting like a three year old who got caught with his hands in the cookie jar, and lacking the rational judgment of an aware adult, just keeps sticking to his lie, sticking to his lie, sticking to his lie, sticking to his lie in the hopes that if he just keeps sticking to it, the cookies crumbs will magically disappear from his shirt.

It’s painfully embarrassing to watch a grown man act this way, and even more embarrassing to watch his sycophants enable him.

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@wow

Even though I’m a Kasim supporter, but I must correct you on the point about Mary Norwood’s tax increase vote. Norwood went on record against it but my problem is, she voted against it without offering any alternatives. She claims herself to be a public safety warrior.

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Convenient that you all ignore the fact that Mary Norwood hired the sign stealer!! And I never said Norwood voted for the tax increase; rather the city council she was on voted it in – nothing to do with Kasim at all.

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@wow

I’m lost at your claim about Norwood hiring the sign guy. Where was that reported.

@wow that was weak wow

What are you talking about “Reed’s continued denials”? If Reed’s camp is responsible for the sign taking which, again is illegal and a very common practice, I’m sure the candidate isn’t condoning this behavior. Serious campaigns don’t have time to bother with the minutia of field strategy. Norwood’s field people also take signs. The signs are in the public right-of-way illegally and anyone that is still talking about this story is just distracting from the real issues of the day.

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If this sign taking is a reflection of Reed’s character, then what does is say about Norwood being supported by Able Mable Thomas and Glenn Thomas? They both are looking for money. Mable actually was paid $1500 for gas and Glenn Thomas propisitioned Borders for $25k in exchange for his support, which leads me to believe he did the same to Norwood and I believe she obliged.

Also, what does it say that Norwood continues to distort facts for political gain. What about the 150,000 “broken” meter tops and the Enron-like accounting. This is classic political-distortion at its best, but she was very easily debunked.

Norwood has gone down in flames and Reed was the last person she wanted to be in a run-off with and I hope you can all see why. Reed has run circles around Norwood in this run-off. He has consistently garnered the support of the political leadership, while upping his name i.d. and introducing him on the grassroots level. Honestly his team has shined throughout this politcal season and he deserves credit for being a good candidate and letting them lead. All this comes from his experience running the big races in this town. Experience matters on all levels folks.

Nowood’s got a bunch of political amatuers and it is showing. There were several areas where I would’ve stayed on the attack. This jumping from debunked issue to debunked issue has killed her, but it reflects her style – no focus.

I wish all the candidates well and my earlier pledge remains the same – whoever wins will have my support because I want our city to prosper.

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politicleoracle it’s not that the sign stealing is a reflection of Reed, as unfortunately these things happen. It’s that the continued denial of it, once caught is a scary sign of a Reed character flaw.

Say what you want about the Thomas and Thomas endorsements, Norwood hasn’t lied about accepting their help. It might be a case of political expediency, but it’s not a sign of a major character flaw.

The water meter ad is a sign of what you have pointed out is some concern about the Norwood camp’s competence. They are completely right about the water meters being a fiasco, but they turned what should have been a homerun into a bunt single by getting their facts and figures screwed up. Amateur hour, as you would call it.

I would say it comes down to one thing for many voters. Do you trust over time Norwood will become more competent, or do you trust over time Reed will become more ethical?

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@wow is in denial

I’ve never seen 11 Alive assert that Reed is responsible for the sign fiasco. I’m pretty sure they’re referring to Mitzi Bickers as being questionable. Besides, Long’s story is just as fishy. All the damning evidence he supposedly has is non-existent. I saw no one beating on his car, threatening him or being paid. All of this sign business is a dumb waste of time and only Norwood stands to lose from it. Because while Reed is looking more and more mayoral by the day, she is steadily losing ground in the free and earned media race.

@Worst case scenario

You sound really ignorant in your post. Are you suggesting we risk electing an incompotent candidate based on innuendo and rumor? If so, you may want to do better. That really makes your candidate look bad. Time and again Norwood falsities have been ripped to shreds by the media and she stands there looking dumb and making no net gains in support.

I’m telling you, Norwood’s campaign was totally run wrong by her team. They shouldve closed the deal in Nov. because Reed was the last person she wanted to be in a run-off with. With all the momentum she had, the right campaign team wouldve sealed the deal for her.

Kasim Reed will win on Tuesday. By the way, I haven’t heard from Jackalope in a while.

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In a worse case scenario politicOracle, yes I am suggesting that. When it comes to tigers, they generally don’t change their strips.

Kasim’s continued denials, which fly in the face of all logic, that his campaign had nothing to do with the sign stealing, signify a major character flaw, something no amount of alleged competence can cover.

I’m not sure how pointing out how Kasim’s denials might very well point to a major psychological dysfunction is ignorant. I’d say it’s far more ignorant that people ignore the warning signs, because people are enamored with the glitz of celebrity endorsements and desperately want to live vicariously through them.

So yes, in a worse case scenario, I think you are better off investing with Mrs. Average broker, even if she hasn’t totally distinguished herself among her peers, than you are investing with Bernie Madoff, no matter how many celebrity endorsements he had in the business community.

Character counts, and ignoring that could cost Atlanta big time.

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And look where voting skin color has gotten you all these years? Rat infested neighborhoods, crime riddled streets unsafe to live on, increased drug dealers and gangs taking over your children, lost jobs, no meaningful development on the southside and higher taxes and higher cost of services if you can get them. Wake up Sucker Falls citizens !!!! YOU ARE BEING TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS ONCE AGAIN IF YOU VOTE FOR REED!!! It is all about him and his little band of greedy men and women (white and black) who want more of your hard earned money. The best endorsement Norwood got was when Shirley said “she lacks integrity, ethics and competence” to do the job. By golly Mary’s support and volunteer list doubled that day.

Norwood didn’t pay anyone to steal signs for God’s sake. Mitzi Bickers, Reed’s right hand woman did. Long has been threatened cause he is a black legislator and is supporting a white female 5′ dynamo for Mayor. He took that video to prove what all have known about this campaign. Reed has hoddie thugs working for him. $60 a day plus lunch. Cause Long is the smart one. He knows that black citizens, along with all the white, have been ignored and used for the past two decades by black leadership. It has been a snatch and grab free for all down at 55 Trinity. Black intimidating black voters …. what a change. I know that a large % of black voters are voting for Mary even with
the threats from the Reed thugs. Norwood will win Tuesday as the more that comes out about Reed, the more you see his lawyer slick ways on TV, the more you see and evaluate who is behind him with endorsements (Roy, Shirley, Kathy, Nan, et al), the more you know he isn’t the right person to lead us out of financial ruin. WAKE UP SUCKER FALLS, GEORGIA!!!!

As for those water meter covers, it started out as 150,000 and they are down to 5,000? I don’t care if it was 500 not fitting. All of them should have fit on the first go round. You and I paid for the rework of that program, twice !! Where is your 15% drought surcharge roll back? Still paying huh? It is theft while you roll over and slam the one person who is trying to correct the corruption and stealing of your money …… Mary Norwood.

As for Mary on council, I know she was outnumbered on most issues. She is only one voice. You can’t get anything done on that council if you aren’t up shirley’s skirt. Don’t you understand how it works down there? 8 votes, 8 votes, 8 votes. Council Prez appoints all the committees and chairs. Of course Mary was never appointed a chair. She asks questions, she wants documentation!! It is the position of Mayor that runs this city, not the impotent council. In 8 years Mary found out how bad it really was and is now stepping up and out to make real change happen. WAKE UP SUCKER FALLS citizens!!

We should all be so lucky to have a new Mayor like Mary Norwood. If she runs the city half as well as she has run this fiscal responsible campaign, our city will be all the better. VOTE MARY NORWOOD DEC.1. GIVE ATLANTA A CHANCE. CHANGE OUR NAME BACK FROM SUCKER FALLS TO ATLANTA ONCE AGAIN!!!! VOTE MARY NORWOOD …. ETHICS, INTEGRITY, HONESTY, AND COMPETENCE……….WHAT A GLORIOUS DAY IT WILL BE DEC. 2 !!! There will be lots of high paid folks at 55 Trinity getting their resumes updated and looking for jobs elsewhere. Don’t let the door revolve too fast…and don’t bother to interview for your position again. Mary Norwood is cleaning house.

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Montrell M
4:13 am
Man you are up late but you know what you are talking about.

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I was driving over by Lenox Mall yesterday and there was a black guy running away from Filene’s Basement with an arm of clothes on a hanger and box of shoes. What would you think if you saw this? I read the AJC and article after article talks about crime after crime. The perpetrator? Often a black man. What is wrong with this city? Why can’t black men behave decently? Why can’t anyone seem to set role models for these thugs to become men and functioning members of society? Do we owe them a free lunch? No!

Nor do I owe anything to Kasim Reed. As a lawmaker, I expect him and his record to be beyond reproach. It is not. He has been delinquent in many of his taxes. This is his responsibility, but he chose not to accept it…just as these black men above engaged in a much more “visible” crime and chose to to accept responsibility for themselves.

I moved to this city completely open minded. I leave this city feeling like the racial stereotype is being ingrained in my head in every possible imaginable way. There is a big problem. It IS about race. It is clear by published memos, flip-flopping of political machines, that the ONLY motivator in this political race is RACE. Quite frankly, it’s sickening and every single person who is going to vote Dec 1 and considering voting for this candidate based on color is a racist.

In this deluge of comments on this article, there has been mention of Detroit. Although we have industry that hasn’t been equally and adversely affected as they, our crime is right up there, and the thug-mentality is there. It’s sad to see where this city is heading. Clayton County could be blown from the map and our crime statistics would be cut in half…one county. Clayton County constituents who have voted for their own…and look where it got them…a loss of accreditation…WAKE UP ATLANTA, before we become Detroit…before we become the “Clayton County” city…or perhaps it’s too late. After reading these posts, it would suggest that it IS too late.

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Mmmm yes, the endorsement of an old basketball star – very important. I wonder who the rest of the Hawks are voting for?

Rich professional athletes! If ever there was a good example for voting patterns, it is rich basketball stars.

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If Atlanta voters want more of the same vote for Norwood. Norwood campaign staffers and consultants are knee deep with Bill Campbells adminstration. Zee Bradord and Michael Langford are lead strategists, communiications and consultants for Norwood. My goodness google their names and you will find a great deal about them and their High level positions with Campbell adminstration. If norwood wins, you might as well say Campbell wins. You Norwood folks have been hoodwinked by Norwood. She makes u think she represents change all the while laughing with Campbell’s cronies. Norwood=CAMPBELL.

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Both of these “canidates” are not going to change anything happening in the city of Atlanta. They both are more of the same for the city. It’s a shame this election didn’t have candiates would had a clear vision for Atlanta.

This “election” has never been about the best canidate, it’s been about race. One side wants Reed, another Norwood. People get pressured into supporting Reed, because of his ties with Jackson….ie. Wilkins and several other black leaders in Atlanta. The whole Clark Atlanta professor thing calling for all the black people to vote for read, so “a white person doesn’t get elected” makes me think how far we haven’t gone since the ’60s.

I often wonder what Dr. King would say about today’s Atlanta. I think he would be ashamed. His dream hasn’t been realized, and it’s the political leaders being elected in Atlanta who’s been holding it back.

The fact Reed was picked by “the Jackson machine”, as some of you put it, does not comfort me. The truth is Jackson wasn’t a great mayor. The truth is people put him in that bracket, because of his race and not his works. Just how Obama was elected. I’m sure Mr. Reed is a fine man, but I’m not impressed with his record, and frankly, he just seems to be the trendy vote for black people in the city.

Norwood is another evil. Don’t tust her; she cannot speak her goals clearly; reminds me of Pelosi “lite; and is just not ready for this stage.

Atlanta needs a person to bridge of the people of Atlanta together, but unfortunately it’s citizens are not interested in real progress just racial enpowerment.

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The last statement that Atlanta is a Black town and needs a black mayor is about the most ignorant statement that I have ever read in my life next only to Jesse Jackson’s ” if you are Black you must you must be for the health care bill statement. Some people need to use their brain before they speak;it would save them from sounding stupid.

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I can’t take it Kasim=Shirley, Andrew, Maynard, Bill and the list goes on and on and on……

Til you walk a mile in my shoes, go and talk to the folks at City Hall who work in that place every day. Then, come back and post.

Mary Norwood helped more folks than Kasim would ever and this was long before this election.

Would rather have someone who at the very least listened than someone who was not there AT ALL.

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“I can’t take it”….if Norwood was tied to Campbell, the MACHINE would have endorsed her… the whole entire group of Jackson, Campbell, Franklin is one entity, make no mistake…they are about RACE only, they do not and have never cared about the voter or the city, only what they personally and their family and close friends could accumulate… NORWOOD will end all of that over time and return the finances and money to the voters in REAL services, not her pockets like REED… the MACHINE does not want a ‘clean up’ in Atlanta..they would have to go out and get real jobs…!!! they love living off you..!!! Why would you not want a clean city and better services????

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Kasim Reed: The candidate of the black establishment. Screw the poor people. We can get rich and not care if we are black.

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I see a lot of race baiting on both sides of the fence with Reed and Norwood supporters. I want Reed to win but if Norwood wins she’ll have my full support and I think she’ll do alright as mayor.

Of the last four mayors, of course all of whom were black, Maynard and Andy were the best and are arguably the best 2 mayors this city has ever had. Who can argue against the development that they brought to the city that has made it an international business center. Maynard and Andy did that, not Massell, not even Bill Hartsfield.

Folks that claim it’s not about race from a white perspective really need to check themselves with the “thug” comments directed towards all of the past 4 mayors of this city. That term really can apply only to Bill Campbell (who was a horrible mayor). Given sweetheart deals to themselves and cronies often comes with the territory with politics, not saying its right but it’s a fact. Black pols don’t have a monopoly on this behavior. Check out our state politics…anyone remember Sonny’s sweetheart land deal worth millions that he paid a almost nothing for? Even when that topic was being hotly debated, Sonny never once was referenced as a thug.

And for the black folks on here claiming their ashamed that the black community hasn’t gotten past looking at the race of a candidate, I ask what race have you been watching? It’s true the majority of blacks in this city are lock step in behind Reed, but Norwood pulled in over 25% of the black vote, over 30% in some majority black districts. Norwood is fairing much better amongst black voters than Reed is amongst white voters. Are you black folks spewing venom towards other blacks for voting Reed doing the same towards whites that are overwhelmingly voting Norwood? I think not.

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Norwood people are so racist this is disgrace to America, I read so many comments on here, Norwood people are calling Reed thug and ghetto.
I hope Reed win this election send Norwood on her way to the unemployment line. Norwood is using black people for votes.

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Conservative White Male who are you referring to I am white man I dont like Reed and Norwood but I chose Reed over Norwood. I seen her in person and also I seen her on tv debate she remind me of Sarah Palin very slick. I will vote Reed over Norwood.

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@Idahere/Stephanie Ramage
Idahere is not me, but sure makes some excellent points, and yes, that phrase does sound familiar, but since it’s from my endorsement of Reed and is posted on his Web site there is the distinct possibility that it simply rang true with someone and he or she remembered it. If that’s the case, Idahere, thank you for reading it.

While I’m here, I’d like to point out a couple of great ideas that Kasim Reed has:

1–Posting the budget in exactly the same way that the state Senate does during budget deliberations. Under the Gold Dome, when a legislator suggests funding for a project or program, he or she has to show on the budget board where that money would come from.

2–Installing a legislation-tracking search engine such as the General Assembly has. For journalists like me, and citizens, this is an invaluable tool. Reed’s legislative record is easily traced. Simply visit the General Assembly Web site, choose “legislation” under the “Senate” side and then use the legislator’s name as the search item.

I think Mary Norwood is basically a good person and if you feel she’s the right person for the job then by all means exercise your democratic right to vote, but I am curious as to why Norwood, who promotes herself as being in favor of transparency, has never in her eight years on council suggested such a search engine for City Council legislation. It would have helped not only reporters, but also voters who just want to know more about the candidates.

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Reed’s team = Jackson Machine= Same old graft & corruption

Reed knows what it takes to lead.= different name same game plan as Shirley

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I can’t take it 2:17 pm

Are you saying the Jackson Machine is sabotaging the Norwood election?. I hadn’t looked at it that way but I think you are correct.

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Zee Bradford is the spokesperson for Mary Norwood. She was the communications director for Bill Campbell.

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As drsoul said, if Norwood was a part of the Jackson, Campbell, Franklin machine they would have endorsed Norwood, NOT Reed.

Game, set, match to drsoul

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What if you were considering two candidates to hire, one with a so called tremendous record of accomplishment and one with a good record of accomplishment.

During the interview, the one with the tremendous record of accomplishment takes a pen off your desk. You ask him if he took the pen and he says no. You tell him it’s no big deal, they are courtesy pens for customers and he still says no. You show him a videotape of him in the room by himself, with the pen on the table and then five seconds later the pen is gone and he still denies taking it.

Even if he has the so called tremendous record, would you hire this guy? Substitute a pen for a campaign sign and you have Kasim Reed.

You want to say the sign is no big deal, fine. It’s some paper on a stick. Happy? But the denial IS a big deal. It points to a character flaw. Any parent can recognize this; it’s like the three year old is gets caught with his hands in the cookie jar and continues to lie, continues to lie, continues to lie, thinking if he sticks to the lie long enough he can just lie his way out of it.

Worst case scenario, I trust someone, who as an outsider, might not have been able to get as much done, to do the right things once they are given some power, than I trust someone who appears to have a major character flaw given even more power to abuse.

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If you can define a candidate by his supporters, IdaHere is the quintessential example.

Just like Reed, when IdaHere was caught in a lie, lifting word for word Stephanie Ramage’s words and claiming it as IdaHere’s own, IdaHere didn’t just change the subject, like anyone else caught in a lie might want to do. Nor did IdaHere own up to it, like you might hope one would do.

No, IdaHere stuck to the lie, stuck to the lie, stuck to the lie, stuck to the lie claiming to have never seen Stephanie Ramage’s words.

It’s a major character flaw, not unlike the stick to the lie, stick to the lie, stick to the lie Kasim has tried to pass off when his campaign was caught stealing signs.

Don’t be fooled with all this talk about accomplishment and endorsements. Of course an insider is going to get more endorsements from the inside than an outsider will.

It’s about character, and whether or not Atlanta can afford to take a chance, not only on an insider, but an insider who very well may have a major character flaw.

We’ve seen what happens when we give the job of mayor to someone with a major character flaw. No need to make the same mistake twice.

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@I can’t take it… Since you’re so caught up in who’s on Norwood’s team, you should also know who is working for Reed. He has FAR MORE ties to the Campbell campaign, beginning with Kevin Ross– Campbell’s campaign manager and one of Reed’s top strategists. You should also know that Dan Halpern and Eugene Duffy– chief fundraisers for Campbell– are also running the Reed effort from top to bottom. The list of Campbell administration folks (those who aren’t in jail) working for Reed is deep and vast.

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I’m just waiting for the announcement from I can’t take it that Bill Campbell is hidden in a bunker somewhere in northside Atlanta, secretly running the entire Norwood campaign LOL

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State Rep. Rashad Taylor, Reed’s deputy campaign manager just admitting to the following in the AJC.

“They put Maynard [Jackson] in office and they’ll put Kasim in office,” said Taylor, who’s leading Reed’s get out the vote effort. “All of those neighborhoods will be the deciding factor.”

Reed is the MACHINE candidate. Out of their own mouths.

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In a nutshell you can’t trust endorsements b/c they only mean “quid pro quo” S.Rampage needs to stop drinking the koolaide of Kasim R. I have met him, jesse spikes and mary. The longer this campagin goes on the more I am seeing reed 4 who he really is. he is an eltitest that will not serve the needs of the poor he does not have a clue in relating to people that are not monied or in his stratus FEAR of thugs and goons he is not clean at all he is only 4 those that have something that will benefit him he is arrogant, selfish and aloof totallly void of any emotion i don’t want some one like that in the mayors office he has no sense of balance in his personal life and yes he will do anything to get elected he is a strait up politician he doesnt care about anyone but himself and his lofty goals of higher public office i have looked the man straight in the eye…scary. what did his mama teach him? he probably wasn’t listening, anyway!!! Jesse…good guy but not enuff charisma, whatever. Mary is not a career politician she is just a women who wants to serve her city there is a lot at stake here she will blow the lid off the corruption in ATL and people are scared of that. I am a black women I love atl and my black folks but we gotta do better i no there have been white mayors that were crooked and corrupt and they have had their day in court now 4 black folks over 30 years of black leadership our day in court is the RUN-OFF God bless Mary and Kasim

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Hi Lisa, since you have decided to support Mr Reed,have you changed your mind about who you think was responsible for the burglary/breakin of your condo and your house…you have to be careful on your thoughts and implications…I got it taped………..

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@Dottie-

If you have the video, post it on youtube or somewhere. People need to know exactly what kind of person they get with Kasim and his violent goons.

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Both of these candidates do not care about you people! Your vote will never count anyways. The whole election is rigged by Corporate thugs! Atlanta is run by rich criminals who are looking for a new puppet to serve them!

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Hey folks read Stephanie Ramage’s article, “Why Kasim Reed Should Be The Next Mayor of Atlanta”, and her comments on this blog! Great going and good journalism! I wholeheartly agree with the following salient points she makes about our candidate of choice:

While I’m here, I’d like to point out a couple of great ideas that Kasim Reed has:

1–Posting the budget in exactly the same way that the state Senate does during budget deliberations. Under the Gold Dome, when a legislator suggests funding for a project or program, he or she has to show on the budget board where that money would come from.

2–Installing a legislation-tracking search engine such as the General Assembly has. For journalists like me, and citizens, this is an invaluable tool. Reed’s legislative record is easily traced. Simply visit the General Assembly Web site, choose “legislation” under the “Senate” side and then use the legislator’s name as the search item.

I think Mary Norwood is basically a good person and if you feel she’s the right person for the job then by all means exercise your democratic right to vote, but I am curious as to why Norwood, who promotes herself as being in favor of transparency, has never in her eight years on council suggested such a search engine for City Council legislation. It would have helped not only reporters, but also voters who just want to know more about the candidates.

All I can say Stephanie is “Speak the Truth.” What we need for a city “too busy to hate.” is results; not excuses! Delivering services on behalf of the people; not political gimmicks and political games.

People, search the Records for in them you will find which candidate has Atlanta’s best interest in mind! You will find which candidate delivered for Atlanta as an elected public servant. Which candidate has a plan to take Atlanta to the next level as a great international city!

Great minds discuss ideas and issues, records of accomplishments and projections. Small minds discuss trivia and distractions.

On December 1st change will come to Atlanta when Kasim Reed is elected the 59th Mayor of our great city!

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I live in Vine City…I would hardly call Vine City an “intown neighborhood.” Yes Vine City is close to downtown actually the closest neighborhood to downtown but there is nothing “in town” about it. Hip Intown neighborhoods get a much higher standard of city services the “other neighborhoods.” Atlanta is not just Midtown Downtown Buckhead, Morningside, Vahi, Grant Park, East Atlanta. There are at least 124 other neighborhoods. Mary Norwood actually understands that. I want a Mayor that is willing to come to me when I have a problem. Vine City could not have recovered as quickly as it did after tornado 2008 if it were not for the help of Mary Norwood. MARY NORWOOD FOR ALL THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF ATLANTA!!

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4 more years.. Vote Reed..

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SHAME ON YOU, NIQUE.

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Nique made a smart move! All the African-American celebrities in Atlanta need to come out and show their support for Kasim, who will be the best mayor of Atlanta!!!

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that should have been VOTERS….

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@Sophie

Your comments resemble the distortions of Mary Norwood so much, it is uncanny. I will have to study the Parks issue a bit more before I comment on it, but your comments regarding the TADs and the Tax referendum are patently false and very misleading. As an active member if my NPU, the City Planning Department does a pretty decent job at informing neighborhoods about legislation and other initiatives that are being proposed and debated on the city and state level. It is at my home NPU where I stay abreast of all things political in the city.

As for you false claims that the TADs only benefitted Buckhead, if I’m not mistaken there are NO TADs in Buckhead. The closest TAD to Buckhead would be Atlantic Station and it is a cash cow for city revenue. The other TADs are: Westside TAD for Downtown, Perry/Bolton in Northwest Atl, Campbellton Rd, Martin Luther King and Turner Field. These areas are all centers of blight and delapidation and were on track to benefit the city until that Buckhead lawyer brought a lawsuit to the state challenging the constitutionality of TADs and won. His efforts were overturned by the voters in the state when Gov. Perdue let voters decided, just like Reed and others wanted to do about other tax-raising measures – let the citizenry decide. But the biggest issue of them all is : the measures you’re trying to hang Reed with – NORWOOD SUPPORTED!

Norwood has been squarely behind the TADs and letting the tax-payers decide what they want to spend their tax dollars on. This measure was supported throughout the state and have been proven to work across the country.
Part of my problem with Norwood and many of her supporters is the blatant misinformation that they spread for political gain. Listen, when this race really began to heat up earlier in te year I was open to all the candidates. Even though I was most familiar with Norwood because of her role on city council, I decided to take an objective approach to Borders, Norwood, Reed and Spikes. It was very hard, because Borders seemed very knowledgeable and Reed seemed to be a smart newcomer, but I was concerned with his ability to win because he was in the field with 2 better-known candidates. I ruled out Mary Norwood early on because her record on council was one of the weakest and I just wasn’t impressed with her attending NPU meetings and community functions. Even though I do not work in the political arena, I am very involved in my neighborhood and my views of a successful legislator is found in their ability to propose and pass legislation that benefit the jurisdidction where they are serving. I charge the chief executive with the responsibility of maintaining a good functionality on a day-to-day basis.

Honestly, Mary Norwood hasn’t done very much in her time on council. Much of the failed policies she now hangs on the administration she supported like the 2 pension hikes. Kasim Reed impressed me when he took the pension and made it his first priority next to public safety. Norwood has admitted publicly that she doesn’t understand the budget and she often complains of not being able to receive information from the city. Its funny that none of the other councilnenbers ever have these complaints. Hardworking councilmembers that aren’t looking to move up like; Felicia Moore and Howard Shook never complain about the lack of information.
Its troubling that Norwood and her ilk want there to be a magic pot of money that the mayor’s been hiding so they can show egg on the face of the administration.

Justin Weideman and a bunch of Buckhead business people (mostly Republican) want control of the city of Atlanta. This is part of the reason the State Democratic party got involved in this race, because of all the dishonesty and deceipt Mary Norwood has projected throughout this election season.

Come on now, anyone that can’t remember who they voted for in presidential elections has something to hide. I could care less if Norwood’s a Republican. I have conservative leanings myself, but to lie about it is very disheartening. To make the claim that the city finance department is engaged in Enron-like accounting and the Water department meter claims proves that Norwood has honesty issues. Her vote against the furlough tax increases also speak volumes as to her nature to pander. I’m not for senseless tax hikes either, but I like leaders to lead and propose alternatives. This is why I’m supporting Ceasar Mitchell for Council President. He didn’t just vote against the tax hike in 2008, he also found additional monies in other places to reopen the West End fire stattion.

I’m sorry folks, but Norwood just doesn’t cut it and you will all be surprised at how many white, black, gay and straight people feel the same. Kasim Reed will win and I hope everyone will come together and not try to obstruct our city’s progress.

Oh yeah, your claims against Reed using the Mayoral office as a stepping stone totally holds up to Mary Norwood’s M.O. For the past three years. She’s been using hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to “communicate” with constituents, by trinkets and food. This behavior is a shining example of a stone-stepper. I’m not claiming that Reed is perfect, but he’s much more poised to lead the city out of this morass. He’s done much more than sit on the sidelines and criticize the current administration and not offer solutions and resolve.

All,

Remember to vote Kasim Reed for Mayor on Dec. 1.

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PoliticOracle … Keep up the good work and you’ll be getting a really nice minority partnership.. That’s correct you’ll be a card carrying member of the MACHINE..

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I’m an official name that the campaign uses as the alias for many people to sit around all day and type useless information on this blog.

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I listening to Norwood AD she have mention race and she keep saying the other camp. I wonder what other camp she referring. I see Norwood on tv and she in the black neighborhood with these paid voters holding her sign and they follow here everywhere but the white area I wonder why she dont take these black people in the white area with her.

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@Stuned that you for pointing out that Bunny Jackson and no other Reed supporter has brought race into this issue.

And PoliticOracle has met his or her match in Sophie. Whether you are as detailed as Sophie, or trust your gut instinct like Danny in this week’s StreetTalk in Creative Loafing who said something about Kasim just don’t flow right, no matter how you approach it, you end up with the same conclusion.

Kasim Reed simply can’t be trusted.

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The last post from @Stuned was me. I inadvertedly copied the handle from the wrong post (I do that to be sure I’ve spelled the posters name correctly). I meant to copy directly to Sophie.

I have not met my match, as this no competition to me. I am still waiting on Sophie to prove that the Buckhead projects she mentioned are TADs. I have checked ADA’s website and there is no mention of the two Buckhead developments, I’m not even sure how you are connecting the two.

Again, Norwood supporters are very gung-ho about this woman who has done nothing in her current post. I’m sorry, I’m just not buying the “she’ll be a great mayor line because she talks to the people”. I want a mayor that can do more than talk to the people. I want a strong chief executive who has a track record of leadership and tough decision making. Norwood hasn’t demonstrated any of this and you all know it. You just want this woman to be mayor because she’s white and that’s prejudiced and its become more transparent since her latest ad injects race when no one else has brought it up. Reed has lots of white supporters in my East Lake neighborhood and they don’t trust Mary Norwood. One of them has said that she never give eye contact when she speaks to people. I don’t like innuendo and rumor, but it is what it is. Mary Norwood is selling wolf tickets and so are many of her supporters. Thing is, not many are buying this crap.

She has no record and nothing to back up all the claims she makes about what she’d do as mayor.

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Bunnie Jackson has no official position with the Kasim Reed campaign. She’s a supporter like I am. I have heard some pretty disgusting remarks from both sides but the difference is, Ralph Long’s not around to capture it on video and send out emails.

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Last time I looked Bunny Jackson was part of the Jackson Machine.

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PoliticOracle
2:16 pm
That’s strange my name is always in the name block. Are you a little kid at the public library?

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I heard the Buckhead business organization are switching to Reed camp and they said Norwood is chasen people away from her camp because of the whinning and she campaign in the black neighborhood and the gay area she have left Buckhead out so think she got Buckhead in her hand she going to overwhelm win Buckhead support but they said they got rude awakening for her she going lose Buckhead.

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PoliticOracle is Kasim Reed

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Yeah, I’m Kasim Reed. Hilarious! I shouldn’t have ever explain the mis-post.

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Thank You Marie Norwood because i figure Teela was Late Maynord Jackson and she think I am Mess Up she got me wrong I dont even know that person is on here and Teela is Zee Bradford Campaign Staff and Jackalope is Ramon Levit he is Norwood Campaign manager.

Teela you wrong again you dont have a clue who I am so go find you a Norwood sign to steal

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I dont think Politic Oracle is Kasim Reed he is getting ready for the debate and I think Kasim is out getting out the message how he going to deliver Atlanta.

Norwood is out whinning and dont know how to fix her campaign before Tuesday.

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Of course there’s no machine politcoracle. That’s why everybody, including mainstream media in Atlanta, have been talking about the Jackson Machine for over thirty years.

I also heard that story about the Olympics being in Atlanta was made up too.

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Sandra, please provide us with the exact quote, the EXACT quote were Mary Norwood accused Kasim Reed of intejecting race into the election.

We look forward to you providing the EXACT quote from Mary Norwood, that implicated Kasim Reed specifically for interjecting race into this election.

Thank you in advance

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Just to set the record straight politicOracle has made a handy list of things that don’t exist in Atlanta

The Jackson Machine
The Georgia Dome
The Jackson Machine
Traffic
The Jackson Machine
The Varsity
The Jackson Machine
Turner Field
The Jackson Machine
CNN
The Jackson Machine
Coca-Cola
The Jackson Machine.

Remember, these are things that DON’T exist in Atlanta

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First off, my name is Sandra Thomas, not Sandra Beecher. And I was born at night, but it wasn’t last night. I don’t have the exact quotation from Mary, but we have all seen her commercial and I, and several other people, know that Mary is misleading people by suggesting Kasim Reed is using race to divide Atlanta. Don’t try to insult my intelligence, I am a retired educator and I know exactly what she was saying in that commercial. You are trying to be misleading just like she is. I hope she does a good job explaining tonight, because I’ll be watching.

This is not the Mary that I know, she is better than this and I was willing to give her a shot with my vote. I don’t like being mislead and the people around her need to think before they send certain messages.

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Retired educator, you should know better than to try to come on here and say the dog ate my homework when it comes to you providing proof to the bald face lie that Mary Norwood has a commercial out saying Kasim Reed has made this election about race.

You know how to use a computer right? Google her last commercial, and give us the EXACT quote where she said Kasim Reed is interjecting race.

Because right now, the only person I see trying to interject race into this election as a divisive tactic is retired educator Sandra Thomas.

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politicoracle to claim that the Jackson political machine wasn’t as ingrained or as well organized as Tammany Hall is correct. To claim therefore, that there is no semblance of organization when it comes to a Jackson birthed political structure is laughable.

And please enlighten us as to why you feel it was necessary to ask if Mary Norwood is aware of the Cracker Party.

Are there some implications with that statement that you would like to spell out us?

Ironically Fox 5 is showing the Atlanta Falcons playing in the Georgia Dome right now.

Ironic since as we know, just like the Jackson machine, neither the Falcons or the Georgia Dome exist.

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I found the quote for you Sandra Thomas. Now you can tell us what you don’t like about it.

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.

This is the quote you were talking about, right? The one that interjects race into the election.

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PoliticOracle wants us to know, that this alleged quote comes from an email that doesn’t exists, because just like the Jackson political machine, Bunny Jackson-Ransom doesn’t exists.

It’s just all a figment of someone’s imagination.

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I am watching the Falcons on FOX and PoliticOracle is correct the Falcons DO NOT exist.

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Norwood has gone this far because Reed is that bad. The voters are just sick of the Jackson Machine corruption.

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I only listen to what the candidates say in elections. Gung-ho supporters say a lot of stupid things to try and drum up support for their candidates. I was appaled at the comments Bunnie Jackson made and the Clark AU professors, but Kasim Reed didn’t make those comments. Nor did Lisa Borders or Mary Norwood. In fact, they’ve all been surprisingly civil throughout this campaign until this latest ad. I don’t like the way Mary tries to subtlely accuse Kasim Reed of injecting race into this campaign. No one has mentioned her race in this campaign and I have not been harrassed for supporting her either. I was a proud Norwood supporter, but i don’t like these tricky tactics. I don’t believe Mary is pushing these things, but the people around her need to be shown the door for this mess.

You all know this is misleading and I hope she clarifies what she meant tonight at the debate. If she was speaking toward Bunnie Jackson and the Clark A U professors she needs to call them out by name, but she and Kasim Reed had done a good job being tolerant until her latest commercial.

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I found the quote Sandra Thomas was talking about, that interjected race into the election

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.

Can you believe Mary Norwood said that? Some nerve.

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“Some white people in this town are hilarious. You get on these threads and play victim. I’m sick of it. YOU ARE NOT A VICTIM! Atlanta is a great city that needs improvement, but people are still moving here in droves and I for one am sick of all that whinning white people.”

Some of us have a fair reason to whine. For instance: being assaulted in front of a large crowd of cheering onlookers (black) by an enormous, very-well dressed rabble-rouser (black) immediately beyond the line of vision of Atlanta Police officers. This is my story, and were it not for the sixty dollars I had in my wallet I may not be in full health today, if alive.

I couldn’t help but wonder why it was that they were pointing and laughing. Some of them were married couples with children in tow. But, being in the South, I decided to use Southern “logic” to try and understand my “audience” and found that the one thing separating myself from them was phenotype, i.e. continent of ancestry, i.e. race.

What happened?
I was confronted by this man for no reason at all, except that he thought I threw away his mp3 player (or something). Apologizing profusely for the misunderstanding, and then told that I would receive the beating of a lifetime, I called him an idiot. Stupid? Yes. But do I deserve to die for throwing out a barb like “idiot”? I’ve been called much worse in my lifetime.

Here’s what we “whinning white people” are tired of: living in fear. We didn’t grow up marching in Klan parades, but from the treatment we receive on a DAILY basis in Atlanta an onlooker would think it were so.

Oh yea. What if I said I was tired of violent, angry, hateful black people? Would Jim receive a call for this comment to be removed? How fair is that?

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Dude, cool your jets. I deal in facts and facts suggest that Atlanta doesn’t have anything close to a political present in its political system. Understand what a political machine is, before you comment on it. Do you consider President Barack Obama a socialist? Because Fox News does, but does that make him one? No it doesn’t. There is an academic definition of what socialism is just like there is one for political machine.

I was not suggesting that Mary was a part of the Cracker Party in Augusta, in fact I don’t even know if the Cracker Party’s name has anything to do with race. Don’t give me your race-baiting. I’m not the one trying to racialize this election. It looks like Ms. Norwood has already done that and angered one of her black supporters, even though I agree that she didn’t call Reed out by name with the race accussations. What she said in the ad is fair game, because of some of Reed’s supporters.

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id should be did.. sorry

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I honestly don’t know anything about the Cracker Party, except that it was in Augusta. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have even posted about it. I never want my comments to be used as race-fodder.

If Charles Walker was a part of the Cracker Party then it has nothing to do with race.

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Actually she didn’t even say some Reed supporters, she just said some and left it at that, knowing full well that some of both sides have engaged in some ugly rhetoric. Even though the Reed camp has people of much higher profile than the Norwood camp engaging in such ugly tactics, Norwood left it at the word some.

That’s Mary taking the high road, once again!

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Ever notice when politcoracle makes a misstep, like the Freudian slip, how the civilized facade of the oh so astute political commentator fades away and the name calling begins?

I wonder if that’s why Kasim Reed resonates so well with politicoracle?

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PoliticOracle…. Call it a day, you are not helping Reed.

VOTE REED EARLY & OFTEN…

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I hope it comes up tonight politicoracle. I hope the moderator repeats the Ransom quote word for word, then asks Reed to look the voters directly in the eye and tell them whether or not he supports that statement made by one of his major supporters.

That alone would be worth the price of admission

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@The Late

You wish I would go away. I’m waiting on this debate and balancing my accounts for the month.

Why do you choose to use the handle that defiles the dead?

You’re not helping Mary Norwood either. Many of her African American supporters compare her accessibility to the late mayor.

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PoliticOracle Why do you choose to use the handle that defiles good judgement?

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Don’t answer a question with a question. Can’t you get your points across fairly, without bringing in a dead person that still has family that may read these posts. I’ve never really read your comments because of your handle.

There are many hysterical voters in this town ready to vote in Norwood, because she’s white. Its sickening to me and don’t start assuming I’m black, because you know what assuming does.

You’d probably be really surprised if you met me. I’m from a very diverse background. White or black, many in this town see past Mary’s fluff and are ready to elect Kasim as OUR mayor.

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Surely oracle you aren’t implying that the only reason anybody is voting for Mary Norwood is that she is white are you? I’m sure some are, just as some will vote for Reed for the same reason.

But let’s not imply that’s the only reason. Character counts, and as it was put so well, something about Reed just don’t flow right.

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PoliticOracle, it’s like the young lady who brings her fiancee home to meet the family. Mom and Dad love him, he’s got the degree, the fancy suit, goes to the right church, has the corner office and says the right things.

But Grandma pulls the young lady aside and says she just doesn’t trust him. Mom and Dad shoo Grandma away, because she’s not wise to the ways of the world, having dropped out of school in fifth grade and spent her life on a farm in the country.

But then it turns out he has two women on the side, and the company is about to fire him for selling documents to a competitor.

Grandma was right. She wasn’t the most learned in the room, or the most sophisticated. Just the only one who read him right. Gut instinct.

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Good as you are you’ve made two missteps in one day. First of all, I’m not basing in strictly on logic. Like I’ve said, after you look at it logically, just like any other situation, you factor in gut instinct. Like the guy in StreetTalk said, like I have said is the best single summation of Reed, something about Reed just don’t flow right.

But that wasn’t your misstep.

You just couldn’t resist playing the race card could you politicoracle? You who acts so above the fray. Is the distrust of Reed because he’s black? Did you really say that?

Did you really ask if the distrust of Reed is because he’s black?

PoliticOracle, I thought better of you. I thought you would truly be on top of your game, and go check out the StreetTalk column before using that time worn ploy.

Because if you had, you would have seen that Danny, on page 11 of Creative Loafing, the one who said it best, the one who said something just don’t flow right with Reed is

An African-American!

Oh politicOracle.

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Hey, I call it like I see it. Norwood is as fishy, if not fishier, than Reed and I don’t see these accusations hurled at her. She’s been an opportunist, but she gets a pass. She injected race in this election and now its out there. She has to shore up her base if she has any chance of winning, its a huge gamble that she’s probably going to lose.

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“She injected race in this election”

How?? I certainly haven’t heard it. What I did hear was the radio ad recorded by the Kasim campaign, featuring Maynard Jackson, R&B music (which I love, incidentally) and a comment about “passing the torch”. What do all of these things, understood together, say to their intended audience?

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PoliticOracle’s comments remind me of Reed talking points: that people are supporting Reed because he is so magnificent, and Norwood because she is white. I know he believes that Norwood’s accomplishments are thin, but then what exactly has Reed done for average Atlanta voter lately?

It’d please me to see why Reed is not the lightweight I perceive him to be, and I bet Mr. Oracle could fill in the blanks as to why he is such an obvious heavyweight, a natural executive or legislative power? How do we know your support for Reed does not flow from racism, the charge you make against “hysterical” Norwood’s supporters?

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Hey Deborah I just got to toot my own horn a little bit.

Didn’t you just know that when someone was referenced in StreetTalk saying that they just didn’t trust Reed, that a Reed supporter was going to come on here and say it’s because Reed is black? Not even thinking, in their way of thinking, that the person who said it was an African-American?

They didn’t even see it coming, did they? LOL

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Sure politicoracle, the invoking of Maynard, and passing the torch set to a background of R & B music is strictly a democratic partisan ploy, with not even the slightest hint of race involved. It’s strictly an appeal to democrats, because they one thing they are all united in is that their first choice of music is R & B.

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lets face if the republican candidate was black and the democratic candidate was white. the black republican would win in atlanta. it doesnt matter which party the candidate says they are. politicoracle you think youre so smart and know whats best for atlanta then you should run for mayor instead of annoying everybody on her by calling them ignorant.

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“Atlanta is a black city, a symbol to the world,” said Tom Houck, a political strategist supporting Reed. “Putting Mary’s face on that picture would be hard for a lot of people to stomach.”

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jAmfrB7AOrAcp7nWyoXVJkrvg74wD9C9B06G0

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Surely you don’t think Tom Houck was referring to race with that comment do you Deborah?

I’m sure he must have been referring to the amount of asphalt in Atlanta, and that the symbol of Mary driving on those roads in a ‘98 Buick, instead of a fancy Mercedes or BMW would be hard for image conscious Atlanta to stomach.

That has to be what he was referring to.

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Kasim Reed was in a car wreck after the debate. Thank God he wasn’t hurt. Repeat, he was not hurt! Elin Woods, Tiger Woods’ wife, happened to come by with a seven iron and busted the windows out and rescued Kasim before any harm was done.

Elin Woods rescued Kasim Reed. Talk about embracing diversity. Isn’t it great how Kasim Reed just brings out the best in people?

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Politicoracle: My handle “Teela” was hijacked several times. I feel your pain. We may be on the opposite sides of the barriers on this one, but the dishonesty of fools using a posters name here just is….dishonest.

It only creates chaos. Which is the intentions of the mob.

Whomever they are. And right now, it’s time to let the voters decide Tuesday.

I’ve had it with Jim’s blog. Learned some serious lessons here about ’supporters’.

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I’m tired of all this negative noise being put out by the Norwood camp about Kasim Reed. Atlanta needs black mayor and Kasim is the best candidate. Norwood’s people need to pack it up—the election is over!!!

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Kasim–clearly the best candidate! The African-American community must come out in force and elect Kasim!!!!

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“Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor”. Spoken like a true racist. The U.S. is 72% white, does that mean it needs a white president? Norwood would make a find mayor. Reed would make a good mayor. Blacks are showing their “true colors” in this election. It is very sad.

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If Mary Norwood didn’t speak, the voters could only assume that she doesn’t understand the issues and don’t have any leadership qualities… Bus as soon as mary Norwood open her mouth, she erase all doubt…

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