I recieved this note from Atlanta's Mayor-elect Kasim Reed.  I actully live in Cobb County, but wanted to share his thoughts.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Thank you very much for all that you have done throughout this hard fought campaign. We could not have made it to victory without you.

At long last, it is official.  I am now the 59th Mayor-Elect of the City of Atlanta! Yesterday, the electoral process finally drew to a close as the recount reaffirmed its initial outcome and Mary Norwood graciously called me to concede. Furthermore, she pledged to work with the new administration both to unite the City after a close election and help bring solutions to the challenges Atlanta faces.  I expressed my respect for Mrs. Norwood and appreciation for her service to this City.

The results of the election are final, and Mrs. Norwood and I are prepared to move forward in a way which unites our City and begins its resurgence. Campaign season is over and I want everyone to know, I have the utmost respect for Mrs. Norwood and I took  no personal pleasure in her concession yesterday. She entered into the Mayor's race for no reason other than because she has a true heart for the City of Atlanta. I look forward to the benefit of Mrs. Norwood's support, counsel and above all friendship as we work to make Atlanta the best it can be.

So, now it is on to the business of governing. Former Bain & Company executive Peter Aman has been nominated to be the Chief Operating Officer. Deputy Chief George Turner has been named Acting Chief of the Atlanta Police Department.   These two appointments will take effect on January 4th when I'm officially sworn in as Mayor.  These are the first of a number of top officials who will be helping me carry out my administrative priorities.

Again, none of this would have been possible if it were not for your hard work, support and faith in a victorious outcome. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Kasim Reed
Mayor-Elect

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I just ran across a great post from Tom Crawford who shares a historical perspective about the significance of the Atlanta run-off election for Mayor between Kasim Reed and Mary Norwood.

 

from Blog from Democracy

 

Atlanta made history in 1973 when Maynard Jackson was elected the first black mayor of a major southern city. The majority black populace has elected black mayors ever since, although the changing demographics have made it possible for a white candidate like Norwood to have a realistic shot at winning.

 

Read More Here

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email from Liz Flowers

(Atlanta, Ga.) - February 8, 2010 - Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed announced today the members of his Transition Team. The group is tasked with providing advice and counsel to him and to provide oversight to five committees that will search for key departmental leaders, including new police and fire chiefs.

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.

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