The Atlanta Forum Network just posted the video of Monday's Atlanta Mayoral forum at he Woodruff Arts Center.
This was a great debate. This was my second debate and unlike the first one that focuesed on transportation, public safety, and the budget issues, this time around, the candidtates have about everything from creating an affordable arts district to public funding for the arts.
I used my iPhone to capture most of the conversation, but now that the video is up, you can watch it in its entirety here.
Voters are heading to the polls today, but its more than election day for my family. It's also my son's first birthday. Last year on this day, President Obama was voted into office. As exciting as it was, my wife and I were in the hospital enjoying Devin Alexander's first few moments.
What kind of change is coming this year? Atlantan's are voting for a new mayor, and there are plenty of local, and state seats that are up for grabs.
Do you have any election stories to share? What are your top priorities and what kind of change is needed in your local community?
Some of the metro area's favorite bloggers have a meeting of the minds on the GaPoliticalPodcast.
In this episode Joseph Gellerman (DoraBlog), James Williams (GiftDrift), Rusty Tanton, Jason Pye (PeachPundit) and Catherine Smith (BlogforDemocracy) share their thoughts on the upcoming Atlanta Mayoral runoff between Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood.
And speaking of the Peach Pundit, blogger Buzz Brockway wants your help. He's looking for questions for Atlanta's runoff candidates.
He doesn't say if the questions are for a blog post or part of a debate, but check out the post if you have any burning questions.
Tags: mayor campaign election atlanta city city atlanta politics government election tuesday mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff
I had the opportunity to attend the inauguration ceremony for Atlanta's new Mayor Kasim Reed.
Though I planned to video some of the event, I found that the quality of my trusted cell phone wasn't good enough from where I was sitting.
A packed crowed filled the Atlanta Civic Center to first listen to the soulful sounds of the Howard University Choir. I used Twitter to share what I saw and heard.
The swearing in ceremony included newly elected municipal judges, Atlanta City Council members, City Council President Caesar Mitchell followed by Kasim Reed.
Click here to read the full transcript of his inaugural speech.
Reed pledged to get right to work, and afterwards spoke about the key issues at the monthly Kiwanis Club of Atlanta meeting where he made his State of the City Address.
Meanwhile, City Council President Caesar Mitchell went right to work as reported by Maria Saporta.
When I moved to Atlanta in 2006, Shirley Franklin has just been elected so this will be my first experience with a new city administration.
The key issues facing the city are: finances; water; education; crime; and transportation. I currently don't live in the city, but all eyes tend to focus on the Atlanta since it's the capital, and the main economic engine for the state.
Tags: mayor campaign election atlanta city city atlanta politics government election tuesday mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff city county mayor atlanta news politics government
The 18-member Transition Team is co-chaired by former Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders and Attorney Lawrence Ashe, the Chairman and a partner with Ashe Rafuse & Hill.
Borders and Ashe worked with Reed to develop a team that represents the diversity of Atlanta from gender to geography and a mixture of experiences and backgrounds. The members include an array of constituencies, interests and skill sets.
"It is vital that all of Atlanta be represented, as we build our city teams and find the right departmental leaders. I chose Transition Team members who I trust will have the best interests of Atlanta as a central guiding principle when they make recommendations to me. I am focused on moving Atlanta toward prosperity and progress," Reed said.
The Reed Administration Transition Team includes: Ashe, Borders, Henrietta Antoinin, Claire "Yum" Arnold, Stephanie Blank, Charlie Fleming, Sonya Halpern, Charles Huddleston, Phil Kent, Lt. M. Scott Kreher, Rafael Maldonado, Elisabeth Omilami, State Senator Nan Orrock, Alicia Philipp, Tara Perry, Yvonne Robinson, Beth Schapiro, and Lani Wong.
"Lawrence and I are privileged to work with such a thoughtful, committed and experienced group. The people selected link communities across the city, and their expertise spans the issues we will face. I am particularly encouraged to see that Mayor Reed has engaged so many women to participate in this transition," Borders said.
Reed also announced the members of two key search committees charged with interviewing and making recommendations on the city's new police and fire chiefs.
The Atlanta Police Department Chief Search Committee will be chaired by Georgia State University Police Chief Connie Sampson, who will serve with Rev. Joanna Adams, Lou Arcangeli, Rosel Fann, Rev. Walter Kimbrough, Lt. Scott Kreher, Robin Loudermilk, Kyle Keyser, Tiffany Williams, Philip Rafshoon, Irene Richardson, Earl Williamson and Dave Wilkinson.
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Search Committee will be chaired by Cobb County Chief Sam Heaton, who will serve with East Point Deputy Chief William Ware, David Allman, Professor Bahareh Azizi, Marcia Bansley, Johnny Dixon, Vonda Henry, Charles Johnson, former State DHR Commissioner Jim Martin, Helene Mills, Hon. Mary Norwood, and Ken Prince.
"We've worked hard to find folks who have not only a clear concern for our community, but also a real desire to ensure the city's success. We are ready now to get to work and assist Mayor Reed in finding the best and brightest to help run our city," said Ashe.
Tags: mayor campaign election atlanta city city atlanta politics government election tuesday mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff city county mayor atlanta news politics government city atlanta govenment mayor kasim reed
Is Publix abandoning an Atlanta neighborhood that depends on the grocery store chain as its main source of fresh food?
People who live in Sothwest Atlanta believe that's exactly what the company is doing.
Creative Loafing reported on the controversy recently ago after Publix announced that it is closing the Historic Westside Village Publix on Christmans Eve.
The Publix has been an important part of the community for about seven years and was part of a larger redevelopment project that has stalled.
The company maintains that the store has never turned a profit and broken promises from the city of Atlanta let to the decision to close down.
This situation highlights a larger trend in U.S. inner cities according to some. Low income communities generally have had a lack of access to fresh nutritional food due to corporate economics. I found this study from 2003, that explains why grocery stores don't serve poor inner cities.
It looks like Atlanta's Historic Westside residents aren't going to go without a fight.
I received an email recently from a community organizer who shared the following the following information:
"Boycott Publix where Shopping is not a pleasure ....until they will revised their decision and extend their presence.
If you are a customer of Publix, anywhere, let your local Publix manager know that Publix action is unacceptable.
Call Publix Corporate division and let them know it is unacceptable at:
Mr. William Crenshaw, CEO
3300 Publix Corporate Parkway
Lakeland, Florida 33811 (863) 688-1188
Come to the Rally planned for Saturday December 18, at 12:00PM (location not yet determined stay tuned)"
What are your feelings about this issue?
Is Publix doing the right thing by closing its doors?
Tags: mayor campaign election atlanta city city atlanta politics government election tuesday mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff city county mayor atlanta news politics government city atlanta govenment mayor kasim reed publix closing atlanta historic westside village inner city fresh food
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