As the community manager, I'm charged with facilitating the conversations and discussions on Lens on Atlanta. Since this is a community that is built by conversations that interest you, the topics are wide open. Since this is a community made up of differering organizations and individuals with differing interests the challege is finding topics that the general body of members are interested in.
That being said, I'm looking for ideas from you to help me with this process. Here are some ideas:
1. Atlanta Mayoral Race
2. Atlanta Water Issues
3. The economy/job rates
4. Education Issues
5. Arts/Culture
6. Green/Sustainability Issues
Please share you ideas, and let's get some conversations going.
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.
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
Tags: lens atlanta community politics mayor mayor campaign election atlanta city atlanta mayor kasim reed politics government
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: lens atlanta community politics mayor mayor campaign election atlanta city atlanta mayor kasim reed politics government mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff
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.
Tags: lens atlanta community politics mayor mayor campaign election atlanta city atlanta mayor kasim reed politics government mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff atlanta mayor election kasim reed mary norwood run-off 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: lens atlanta community politics mayor mayor campaign election atlanta city atlanta mayor kasim reed politics government mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff atlanta mayor election kasim reed mary norwood run-off 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: lens atlanta community politics mayor mayor campaign election atlanta city atlanta mayor kasim reed politics government mayor voting campaign city atlanta election politics runoff atlanta mayor election kasim reed mary norwood run-off runoff city county mayor atlanta news politics government city atlanta govenment mayor kasim reed
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