ATL mayoral doings: Of gambling, schools for girls and Democratic yard signs
Radio stations V-103 and WAOK this morning had the last broadcast word in the Atlanta mayoral runoff, airing separate 30-minute conversations with both Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood.
The locale was a packed room at the historic Paschal’s Restaurant. Both candidates were preceded by a word from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was in town for a pair of protests against home foreclosures.
Jackson is neutral in the mayor’s race, and likened Atlanta’s contest to the Democratic primary bout between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. “It’s a good thing, so long as it’s civil,” he said.
Not much news was committed by either Reed or Norwood. (Fair warning: The Insider was the invited questioner during the portion with Reed.)
However, both candidates expounded on topics that had gone untouched. For Reed, it was whether gambling and casinos had any place in Atlanta. Said the former state senator:
I’m not in favor of it right now. Primarily, my opposition to gaming has been because of my religious beliefs, but I will share this: I think doing a gaming deal right now would be like selling your house right now. It would be a bad deal. The reason is, the offers the game companies would make to Atlanta right now would be low-ball offers that would not be worth the damage that’s done to our city long-term.
About three to four years ago, the gaming opportunities were so mind-blowing that anyone who’s reasonable would have to consider them. They would have to be back to where they were again for me to consider gaming. I think that we’re better this. I think there are other opportunities that are clearly available for Atlanta.
For Norwood, it was the topic of both charter and single-sex schools:
I have been a strong advocate for charter schools. I’ve been a strong advocate for innovation…I do love people being able to think outside the box and have some different rules….Other cities have many more charter schools than Atlanta does right now, and we have buildings that are vacant.
We need to be very thoughtful about what our resources are, and how we can best educate our children….I’m also a big proponent of single-sex schools. I went to a girls college for two years, and I understand the difference in single-sex education.
One of the more telling sights this at Paschal’s this morning could be found outside. Yard signs for both candidates were scattered up and down the restaurant’s property. But Reed’s signs included this: “Paid for by the Democratic Party of Georgia.”
Apparently to meet multi-candidate requirements that apply to spending, the fine print on the signs also encouraged votes for state Sen. Vincent Fort and state Rep. Kathy Ashe, both of Atlanta.
Neither is on the ballot Tuesday. State lawmakers stand for elections in even years, not odd ones.
The yard signs are a reminder that the state Democratic party remains a significant player in this race for mayor – though we probably won’t know how significant until after the votes are counted.
There are other indications that Reed is closing with a partisan argument. The blog Georgia Liberal has posted a Reed flyer that advertises the state senator’s status as a Democrat and also includes an image of Barack Obama.
On the flip side is the headline: “Mary Norwood isn’t a Democrat.”
If you’re in a position to send a pdf of the flyer, we’d be much obliged.
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141 comments Add your comment
Atticus Finch
November 30th, 2009
3:40 pm
@Intown lib
You make a lot of sense. There is nothing wrong with Reed and people are using the black brute, boogeyman v. the helpless white damsel against him. This is truly shameful in 2009.
asudst1992
November 30th, 2009
3:45 pm
“Rick”,
Please, please, please stop posting these idiotic and poorly written posts. WOW! I really hope you are joking around and not actually this unintelligent!
Rick
November 30th, 2009
3:46 pm
What it be like with all the people get mad at me, go Kasim Reed of Mayor!!
The Mayor After Norwood
November 30th, 2009
3:47 pm
No promises in politics should be listened to no matter the source…Now, I promised to myself that when I left the Air Force in 2006 that I would take the Mayor’s Mansion in some location where it was needed the most. I just happened to find employment here and google a little bit too much. If you think the backbone of smoke and mirror politics in web journalism go unnoticed, then you might want to consider who builds the web journalism networks.
The problem is that David Axelrod’s use of web “journalism” isn’t quite that of Air Force trained software developers with attention to detail. That guy is the most readable and predictable man in IT.
As for me being important, I’m not sure what you are implying.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
3:49 pm
It’s a joke asudst1992. I am an avid fan of political satire.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:51 pm
I live in Vine City….Mary comes into our neighborhood and has been for the past 6 years. She knocks on the crack house doors…calls code enforcement…cleans up the streets. She actually does care about everyone. I have never seen Kasim Reed in my neighborhood until last week…at the Kathryn Johnston memorial. He looked out of his element and does not understand what our neighborhood really needs. More educated people are voting for Mary Norwood. I am a lawyer and I have my masters in urban planning. Mary has the right attitude and spirit to be our next Mayor. Kasim is a career politician…who managed Shirley
’s campaigns. Sounds like Shirley all over again.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
3:52 pm
I would never vote for a lady name Mary norwood who been in office for 8 yrs and she has miss alot of vote for the city ordnance .
Norwood has furlough police dept, and she help close 20 recreation center down in the poorest neighborhood. I wondering why would someone vote for a person who dont have a clue how to run a big city like atlanta.
Kasim Reed might not the best man for the job but he is definitely better then Mary Norwood which has been in the city political machine for 8 yrs doing nothing for this city. She has accuse for everything she remind me of Sarah Palin. I bet Norwood is a republican.
Vote for Reed Dec 1, 2009
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
Mary Norwood for a better more inclusive atlanta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
Mary Norwood loves all people
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:53 pm
Mary Norwood pays her taxes on time
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
Mary Norwood is from Georgia not New Jersey
TP4U
November 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
The world will be watching the City of Atlanta residents vote for either emotional rhetoric or competence and leadership. I for one would like to hear from my friends outside of Georgia say to me that God you did the right thing and voted in competence and leadership. Even the outside world knows Ms. Norwood is not ready to lead the City of Atlanta. However, her great skill sets still could be utilized in Community Affairs or Media Relations. Not Mayor. This is not a beauty contest, nor is it a popularity contest. Experience and responsible leadership do matter.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:54 pm
Kasim just moved here within the past two years…south fulton is not the city of Atlanta
Rick
November 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
James Doyle what white woman would go in the worst neighborhood knocking on crackhead doors you can lie better then that. I have friends live in Vine City and they never seen Norwood in that neighborhood. If she a city council would you think she suppose to see what going on in her district. James you are lieing and the true should be told.
Important Voter
November 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
@Intown Lib and Atticus Finch: Reed was walking a fine line on being rude and disrespectful to Norwood in his campaign and debates. He is a thug. And, no, it’s not a racial phrase to be compared to the “n-word.” “Thug” is widely used by our darker brothers and sisters. It takes two to tango.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:56 pm
Kasim Reed is more qualified than Mary Norwood, but Mary has been in my community with Able Mable Thomas. I don’t know Kasim, but I know Mary. Kasim should stay in his place and let Mary be the Mayor, she knows the citizens in Atlanta.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
People outside of Atlanta do not understand the problems in Atlanta. People outside of Atlanta do not live in Atlanta. People outside of Atlanta have no business picking our Mayor. People outside of Atlanta would be shocked to see the real Atlanta…ie. dirty streets, more vacant homes than we know what to do with, a 7 year supply of condos, a terrible commercial real estate market. People outside of Atlanta should worry about their own City
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:58 pm
People outside of Atlanta do not understand the problems in Atlanta. People outside of Atlanta do not live in Atlanta. People outside of Atlanta have no business picking our Mayor. People outside of Atlanta would be shocked to see the real Atlanta…ie. dirty streets, more vacant homes than we know what to deal with, a 7 year supply of condos, a terrible commercial real estate market. People outside of Atlanta should worry about their own City
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
3:59 pm
People outside of Atlanta know nothing about Atlanta….if they lived here and had experienced living here…they would actually Vots for Mary Norwood
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:00 pm
Kasim is more qualified than Mary, but she has promised me that she’ll be at my beck and call when she gets elected.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:01 pm
Thankful Kasim Reed will represent the interests of black people and not you other kind who want destroy dis city. Come see me if problem wit anything I say, suckas!
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
James Doyle why have norwood disclose her taxes, Mary Norwood using black people for votes, Mary Norwood from Augusta Georgia but she not from Atlanta, Shirley Franklin from Philly but she was elected mayor here so Mr. Doyle what are you trying to come up with. Reed love everyone also did you hear him on the debate.
Norwood was so awful on the debate I had could not but to laugh so hard at her and even the host was laughing at her she sound like somebody told her what to say on the debate she got confuse what to say.
Shemeika
November 30th, 2009
4:02 pm
I live in Vine City and I am voting for Mary Norwood. Kasim really killed it for me last night. I have spoken with Mary Norwood several times at several functions and I believe that she truly cares. I have been approached by several Reed supporters who have never met Kasim or seen Kasim in our neighborhood. They told me they are voting for him because he is a black man. I completely understand their reasoning…Black men have historically been given the shaft economically, politically, socially….but it certainly is not enough of a reason to vote for Kasim. Mary Norwood helped my neighbors out after the Tornado and she continues to help out neighborhood. Thanks Mary. We love you in vine city
Important Voter
November 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
@Rick: I’m falling in love with you LOL
Satire is soup for the soul!
Shemeika
November 30th, 2009
4:04 pm
MARY NORWOOD FOR ALL THE NEIGHBORHOODS OF ATLANTA…not just buckhead, midtown, downtown, or cascade
atlantagirl
November 30th, 2009
4:05 pm
The reality is that Lisa Borders has shown up for more events supporting Kasim Reed (in a month) than she ever did for events while she was city council president (for many years).
asudst1992
November 30th, 2009
4:05 pm
“Rick”,
Thank God, but one can never be too sure these days. LOL
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:07 pm
Mr. Doyle your girl Norwood been in office for 8yrs she had plenty of time to clean up the mess in the city. Why did she run against Franklin 4 yrs ago if she knew this city was in bad shape. Why have she bust Franklin out in public eye to let us know what Shirley doing bad business for this city. Norwood had plenty time to go against Shirley in the last of Franklin election.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:08 pm
I am a successful Lawyer I do not need Mary at my beck and call. I am not voting for Kasim so Rick stop using my name. I WILL NOT BE VOTING FOR KASIM REED. He does not understand the plight of poorer less prominent neighborhoods in Atlanta. I will be voting for Mary Norwood who actually comes into our neighborhoods and speaks to everyone like they matter. Rick you are desperate to use my name….very desperate.
The Mayor After Norwood
November 30th, 2009
4:08 pm
“Thankful Kasim Reed will represent the interests of black people and not you other kind who want destroy dis city. Come see me if problem wit anything I say, suckas!”
Yeah, um, I have a problem what you are saying ya racist prick….good enough for you?
Zane
November 30th, 2009
4:11 pm
I live in Npu L…better known as the bluff area. Our councilman does not really take an active interest in our neighborhood. He is only present when he is campaigning. I have had several great experiences with Mary Norwood and she is who I will be casting my vote for tomorrow. I really do not know much about Kasim Reed other than he is quite a successful lawyer who represents corporations. I saw him last week in English Avenue and he seemed rather uncomfortable and it became apparent he did not understand what the people want in my area. We need a mayor that will concentrate on the vacancy rate and the homeownership rate. Mary understands both of those issues. No offense to Kasim…seem well qualified just a little out of touch with my area.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:13 pm
Someone answer my question why did Norwood go against Shirley Franklin in the last 4 yrs ago election against shirley franklin if she knew Atlanta was in bad shape. Norwood is scared of Shirley Franklin she was to scare to stand up to Franklin.
If I was Reed last nite I would ask her why did you Norwood run against Franklin the past 4 yrs election if you knew this great city was in bad shape under Shirley Franklin. Norwood keep saying Franklin has mess up our city but she scare to stand up to Franklin.
Cutty
November 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
A lot of people on here from both campaigns will be out of job this time tomorrow. Hopefully they will use the time to take some English classes at Atlanta Metro.
Jamesdoyle
November 30th, 2009
4:14 pm
Everyone knows that running against an incumbent is political suicide. The problems with Shirley came to light more over the past 4 years then the first. Mary was doing her job as an at large councilwoman…and was not focusing on becoming mayor at the time. She was only at large councilwoman that came into our neighborhood. I live in an area that needs someone like Mary…..we didnt see Shirley after the tornado…we didnt see young after the tornado…we saw Mary.
Important Voter
November 30th, 2009
4:16 pm
James Doyle is “Hot Lawyer”
Laura
November 30th, 2009
4:17 pm
@Rick The most confusing things on this board are your poorly written posts. Half the time I have to read what you’ve written more than once to make sense of it. Honestly I just feel bad for you at this point. Win or lose tomorrow, you will still sound ignorant and uneducated. Go back to school, help yourself to a better future.
@Michael I’m sure those workers comp victims Reed went up against in court call him a thug everyday. He has encouraged an attitude of bullying and racial division in our city. While I might not call him a “thug”, a nice suit and a excellent education doesn’t hide the act that he engages in bad politics.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Grant Park Resident you sound like the same person as James doyle these Norwood staff on here using different name to confuse voters on here.
I bet some of these bloggers using different name who supporting norwood
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:19 pm
Zane,
Is you live in NPU L, who is the chairperson for the NPU? Kasim Reed is more qualified than Mary, but it is time for white leadership in Atlanta. Black leadership has run its course.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
@Laura
What bad politics has Kasim engaged in?
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:20 pm
Laura you probably are some racist white lady voting for Norwood just cause. Kasim for Mayor!
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:21 pm
After the tornado, Ivory Young and Ceasar Mitchell responded and were on hand to offer help sponsored by Home Depot and Mary showed up for the photo-ops and press exposure.
Cutty
November 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
Norwood supporters:
“Never mistake activity for achievement.”
-John Wooden
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
November 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
People like Rick are why Kasim Reed will lose the election. They are uninformed and simply voting for the black candidate.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:22 pm
Rick…where do you live? just curious…I have been telling you where I live….just want to know….because I have to tell you…If I lived in a more affluent area of the city I may not have understand the importance of getting the right person into office. I think if I lived in Buckhead…I would not have needed Ms. Norwood at all….I would not have called her office for anything. Since I do live in a changing neighborhood I needed her….so my decision is based on the property that I own…the community I live in…and the fact that Mary does not allow her religion to get involved in her decisions about gay marriage. So Rick if you live in an affluent area I would understand why you would vote for Kasim…you probably never needed Mary.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:23 pm
I am the real Rick. Someone is using my i.d. to make me and other Reed supporters look bad.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:25 pm
I need Ms. Norwood to be at my beck and call, because she always answers the phone. She never has really done anything tangible besides tranferring me to the appropriate city department, but I needed her for that. Other councilmembers are too busy doing legislation to try to bring about real change, so I don’t like to call them because they aren’t at my beck and call. I NEED Mary to be Mayor!
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Once again someone is using my name….Mary went to 235 Vine Street, 112 Vine Street, 639 magnolia, 665 Delbridge…helped cut trees down at 205 elm street. Cleaned up debris, etc…..the money from Home Depot is a totally different story….I would rather not go into how it was spent…the community is still figuring that out. My neighbor next door had his roof repaired by the contractors hired through the home depot money and he had to have it all redone. MARY NORWOOD FOR MAYOR…the end!
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
I live right in da heart of the 4th Ward..vote Kasim and let’s put brick to Norwood and her campaign!! We bringing everyone back.
Dis is the real Rick
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:26 pm
Don’t worry about where I live. It’s not the best of places either, but I chose to live there and I know nothing changes overnight.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:27 pm
Rick….I can agree with you on something someone is using my name too. I am not using your name….as I think that is a complete waste. We are all adults..and we are all entitled to opinions.