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
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
But Rick have you ever asked your council people to help you? Any council person? It does make a difference…and believe me neighborhoods do change rather quickly. Just look at Vine City
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Ok now, I am sick of the Norwood jackers stealing my i.d. I am the real Rick and the Norwood people are out in mass posting under my name to make me and other Reed supporters look bad.
I am tired of this lady and her shady tactics. How in the world was she able to pay her own company $90,000 and nobody say anything about it?
shirley
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Rick, please stop with your bad grammer when supporting Kasim. It’s confusing and does not add to the debate for those still undecided in voting tomorrow with your rhetoric. Thanks!
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:29 pm
Laura=Teela is Zee Bradford Norwood campaign advisor she use to work for Bill Campbell now she working for Norwood machine politic’s.
Laura I bet one thing I smarter then Norwood I know how to lie good.
Teach Norwood how to announce words on the debate correctly and please teach her how to lie>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Teela.
She was lieing so bad on the debate, Norwood starting shaken so bad when bust her out on the robocalls, furlough, recreation center closing, and the city pension, and no vote for same sex beneficiary.
Laura=Teela this what you need to laugh at a complete fool like Norwood
Be the change you want to see in office.
November 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
James Doyle, parts of South Fulton are within the city limits of Atlanta. I am enjoying both sides of the debate, today. However, please make certain that you have all facts in place before you make a claim. It helps your argument.
Also, it is good to see a healthy, clean debate. When you are hitting below the belt with comments in regards to grammatical errors, it makes us no better than the mud-slinging politicians that we all claim to hate. Be the change you want to see in office.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
Shirley,
I am the real Rick and I think the Norwood supporters are using my name to make me and other Reed supporters look bad.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:30 pm
The fourth ward is home to more affluent people than not….I would not need to call my council people living there unless I was off boulevard
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:31 pm
Well thanks for the compliment whoever you maybe…its a shame no one uses their real full name on this post. Its also a shame people hide behind stolen names…what does that say?
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:28 pm
Ok now, I am sick of the Norwood jackers stealing my i.d. I am the real Rick and the Norwood people are out in mass posting under my name to make me and other Reed supporters look bad.
I am tired of this lady and her shady tactics. How in the world was she able to pay her own company $90,000 and nobody say anything about it?
This what you call Norwood supporter doing on the blogg,
I wondering if she paying my tax money to her staff to come on here to attack voters.
Look how they trying to attack me.
Ha Ha Ha Norwood campaign staff is disgrace to atlanta
Laura
November 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
@James Doyle
This is a nonpartisan race and if Kasim Reed were an upstanding politician he would’ve refused the Democratic Party’s money and campaign materials.
His manipulations of the racial tensions in Atlanta have helped him, but potentially cause long term damage to the city’s racial climate.
He is either directly instructing his volunteers and campaign workers to remove Norwood signs and harass her supporters or turning a blind eye to their actions. When presented with evidence of these transgressions he hasn’t even made a show of trying to rectify the situation.
These examples and more show the kind of politician and man he is.
@Rick. White Racist or not, it doesn’t change your situation. Go take a class somewhere. The only reason I can imagine you have so much time to continually write comments on these blogs is you don’t have a job, your command of the English language may have an impact on that.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
I know Reed is more qualified, but aren’t you all tired of black leaders in Atlanta. They’ve messed up enough.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:32 pm
Its a shame no one uses their own name on this thing…What does that say about people>?
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:33 pm
again….my name is being used…this mayor run has nothing to do with race. its about the neighborhoods of atlanta
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:34 pm
James, this is Atlanta, it is chocolate city, why vote for unsmart white lady just cause she white. Kasim is the best candidate, black or white, glad he black tho.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:35 pm
Unfortunately Laura…I am not the one saying anything about Race. I am the James Brennan Doyle who lives in Vine City at 665 Delbridge Street I have nothing to hide. I am the lawyer who represents several police officers against the city in workers compensation cases. Someone is using my name…I do not think race has anything to do with the run for mayor. Its about the people….its about the neighborhoods…its about all the neighborhoods.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
Once again….I moved here because it was chocolate city…so my wife of 10 years would feel more comfortable and we wouldnt feel like being any interracial couple was such a big deal. I was wrong about some things…but all in all Atlanta has been good to use…except for the job market at one point for both of us…someone is using my name. I would definitely like to see them at my house tonight at 665 delbridge…and maybe I can give them a lesson or two about the improper use of people’s names.
Sarah
November 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
Rick sounds like a real racist prick.
Davis
November 30th, 2009
4:38 pm
We all know the adage, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting different results. Since when is ANY city, Black OR White?, someone making that statement should prompt voters to vote against such racism and for a new tone. It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to understsand that anyone who was a campaign manager for Frankiln is anything but a clone, you vote for Reed and NOTHING will change and the ‘inherited’, ‘birthright’ political machine will go on and on. It’s perfectly clear to me that Mary Norwood should be a shoein for the simple reason of the need to bring new blood, not black blood, not white blood BUT NEW blood to the city of Atlanta. On December 1st, stand out from the crowd. Give an outsider a chance, VOTE NORWOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:41 pm
Sarah, you don know me. I’m voting for Kasim bc he black but also bc he is better candidate, even you know that.
Laura
November 30th, 2009
4:42 pm
@Rick, yea I don’t know who those people are. I think I’ve seen Teela’s handle on here before, but it isn’t me. Lots of people comment on this board with the same opinions, it doesn’t mean they are the same person.
I sympathize with your problem of someone jacking your handle, but I would think someone with such a problem would be hesitant to make accusations about others’ handles.
I apologize for poking fun at your grammar. Another commenter pointed out by making such attacks we are no better than the mud-slinging politicians. I do however, maintain that you have poor grammar and should attempt to improve it.
Finally, this is my real name and I never have, nor will I ever, use another.
Laura
November 30th, 2009
4:45 pm
@ James Doyle- I was replying to a post obviously made under a high-jacker that actually didn’t address race.
It simply asked what kind of bad politics has Kasim Reed engaged in.
You’re a brave soul for posting your address.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:46 pm
Rick I moved her because it was chocolate city. My wife and I are an interracial couple….we wanted to go somewhere where we would grow as a couple socially, economically…and we didnt want people to judge us on the color of our shell….that is why we came to Atlanta. I am the James Doyle that lives at 665 delbridge. I am not the person on here using James Doyle’s name…I have nothing to hide. My wife and I are voting for Mary Norwood because when we need something done in Vine City…her office responds. Ivory is nice…but woefully ineffective at certain things…he is very effective around election time though
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:48 pm
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
Ha Ha Ha look how Norwood staff attacking me…..Ha Ha Ha I love it every minute I see them attacking me. Teela is sound like a fool on here trying to use her ignorant comments towards me Ha Ha Ha Teela it will be over with soon when Reed will become mayor of Atlanta
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:50 pm
I never posted anything about Kasim Reeds bad politics. That was probably someone else. Kasim reed does have his religious beliefs which is completely entitled too…but I have many gay friends who are not happy about having his religious beliefs clouding his judgement on the gay marriage issue. I believe in equal rights for all…bad politics is not furthering Kings message…..it was not long ago that a white man could not marry a black woman and vice vers…VA vs. Loving… race religion, sexuality should not stand in the way of marriage
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:52 pm
I posted my address because you know….it is my address and I am proud of myself and the neighborhood I live in. Again will the hijacker who used my name please come to my house at 6pm….I will be there with bells on. Shemeika will be home from work and we will bake cookies for your racist ass.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:55 pm
Hijacker get scared of the truth…the truth is…I am a white man—-what a surprise—-I do live at 665 delbridge—-my wife is black—-i maintain my property—-ive needed Mary Norwood a lot and she has come through….for my neighbors and I…..and if Kasim Reed does win tomorrow I will respect him and be willing to work with him. It is the responsibility of the constituents to work with the Mayor and keep them on their toes. So will the hijacker please come to my house tonight (665 Delbridge) so I can give him or her a lesson in civility. I have multiple cameras and a very strong woman at home—probably stronger than me…we would be happy to welcome you into our home…
Important Voter
November 30th, 2009
4:56 pm
James, can I pretend to be the hijacker for some cookies? BTW…Good seeing ya last night with Shemeika and Zane LOL
Rick
November 30th, 2009
4:57 pm
Look how Norwood staff on here attacking me I was leaning toward Norwood until last week. I was a Border supporter and also I was a undecided voter now I am supporting Reed because of Teela, Jackalope which work for Norwood who was on here attacking voters. They have call me stupid, dumb, literate, they call Reed a ghetto, thug, rapper.
That one reason I switch to Reed because of the bashing coming from Norwood camp.
Reed for mayor
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
4:59 pm
Hi=jacker Shemeika is actually making her famous pot roast tonight. If you have the gumption to show up tonight….we will feed you and give you lesson in civility. I do live at 665 delbridge Street…I am extremely approachable and not interested in any sort of physical altercation just a little discourse on civility. Again the address is 665 Delbridge NW Atlanta, Georgia 30314
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:00 pm
Thanks…nice seeing you too…
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:01 pm
Rick I may not agree with you on all fronts…but I am sick of the attacks and hijackers…I have posted my address and the jackers stopped. You should do the same…if you have cameras its even better.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:10 pm
Parts of South Fulton are the in the City of Atlanta but not the part that Kasim grew up in.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:15 pm
Ok…leaving work. Have an appointment with the hijacker at 6pm. I will be waiting for you with bells on. From what I gather dinners ready at the house. I will make sure we set the table for 3. I want a better city…I am not going to resort to attacking kasim…he does not deserve it…but I believe that Mary Norwood is the best person for the job. Again that address is 665 delbridge Street for any hijackers that want to discuss civility and using peoples names without permission or reason. If for any reason the hijacker gets lost he can call me at fourOfourfourfive2one98eight3 MARY NORWOOD FOR MARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:18 pm
Hey Jim Galloway….I hope the best person for the job wins tomorrow. Its unfortunate that you have infused your own belief about who should run a city that you do not even live in. But like I said earler if Kasim Reed wins I will be the best constituent that I can be. If Mary wins….I will be the best constituent I can be. Jim worry about the burbs dont worry about the people who live in this city.
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:22 pm
Enter your comments here
MC W
November 30th, 2009
5:23 pm
One more time now…for rememberances:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cugtdSrr4zM
James Doyle
November 30th, 2009
5:33 pm
Mary Norwood for MAYOR!!!!!!!
Andie
November 30th, 2009
5:59 pm
last appeal to everyone for CHANGE from the same ole same ole to a new direction that is inclusive of all Atlanta’s Citizens. Please vote her in as the next new mayor for the citizens of Atlanta; because she will listen, she will work with you, she will not lord herself over you and hide behind closed doors from you!
This time we really do need a hands on mayor, a mayor who participate with the common folks; and not separate herself as an untouchable mayor who hides from you; and becomes secretive once in! “Vote for Mary Norwood and speak up for change”
Remember we need 911 system overhauled (fixed)
We need a local selected police chief that knows what is going on in this city; that if selected by our new mayor Mary Norwood; this chief will quickly eradicate a great number of the crimes that are going on right now!
Mary will hire the police officers needed to take care of this city all over atlanta by actually bringing back patroling officers in our neighborhoods; to cut down crimes and to deter crimes.
Mary will open back the firehouses that were shut down!
We don’t someone like reed who talk a good game to try to get in so he can get his hands on the money! Please think deep before you touch that screen and change up Atlanta for all.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
6:49 pm
Stop makin fun of my writin skils i drop out of 6th grade cause the teacha embarras me in front of the hole class.
Rick
November 30th, 2009
6:53 pm
I guess i did a good job of rufflin fethers on dis blog the truth is i will reely be votin fir mary nowood on tommorrow.
MC W
November 30th, 2009
7:17 pm
Trite and pithy attacks aside, listen to this:
Please play long and hard about who you will be voting for tomorrow…God bless