Bookman gets it right about Kasim Reed

I still haven’t decided who I’m voting for in the Atlanta Mayor’s race, but AJC columnist Jay Bookman gets it right on why he’s voting for Kasim Reed:

The record of legislative consensus-building that he [Kasim Reed] describes is very real. Given that some of the metro region’s biggest challenges cannot be solved without the assistance of state leaders, an Atlanta mayor with such connections would be a major asset.

If anyone thinks that Kasim’s 11 years of service at the State Capitol doesn’t matter then they don’t understand the politics of Georgia. Some of the biggest issues currently facing the City of Atlanta, like the interstate water wars, sewer deficiencies, and education funding, will be decided not only by the person sitting at the helm on Trinity street, but also by those occupying the Gold Dome.

Unfortunately many Gold Dome occupants no likey the City of Atlanta; some view Atlanta as an island sucking up Georgia resources. In order to change this view and to increase regional and state cooperation, Atlanta is going to need a leader who can deliver concrete results. Concrete results that start and end by negotiating what is in the best interests of all Atlanta residents. Atlanta is going to need a leader who can convey that Atlanta also provides valuable resources to this State.

As Kasim says in this clip the hard work is not done just in January, February, or March; the hard work of protecting Atlanta’s interests is done by year round by working with the State Legislators.


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4 responses to “Bookman gets it right about Kasim Reed”

  1. Jules Avatar
    Jules

    And Sen. Reed receives another endorsement…. Ludacris….

    via Hip Hop Wired…

    Along with Shaquille O’Neal, they will be hosting a celebrity fundraiser to bring the political and entertainment communities behind their candidate of choice. The event is scheduled for October 25th, and will be held at Ludacris’ restaurant Straits, from 8 pm – 11 pm.

    Speaking with Creative Loafing, they formally endorsed Kasim last week, stating,

    ‚ÄúWe believe Reed deserves the edge for several reasons: his strong record of leadership as a minority-party legislator; his solid relationships with state lawmakers; and his clear-eyed, pragmatic vision of Atlanta’s future.‚Äù

    An endorsement for Reed reads:

    ‚ÄúLeaders in Atlanta’s arts and entertainment world have long been strong supporters of Senator Reed. He has worked closely with them for years to help make our city the premier center for creativity and culture in the southeastern United States. In addition, Kasim’s focus on enhancing public safety, bringing jobs to Atlanta and improving our public schools have enabled him to build a large and diverse coalition of supporters. Atlanta needs new leadership and a new direction and Senator Reed is determined to provide both.‚Äù

  2. J.M. Prince Avatar
    J.M. Prince

    OK this is seriously off topic. Find Decatur’s very own Little Bill Clinton here:

    http://littlebillclinton.csmonitor.com/littlebillclinton/

    Via the New CSMonitor.com the latest installment is here:

    http://littlebillclinton.csmonitor.com/littlebillclinton/2009/08/12/unafraid-to-talk-about-faith-a-charter-school-thrives/

    How did we all miss this one? It’s very interesting & inspiring stuff indeed & great reporting too! (I know, all that reading for inspiration, go figure). JMP

  3. J.M. Prince Avatar
    J.M. Prince

    Yep. No Time for Sergeants here. That’s about a decent rationale as any I’ve seen so far. Someone who knows & is known to the ‘rest of Ga.’ is a valuable resource here.

    On another note of ‘dirty GOP tricks’ they’re gaming the Census for partisan advantage (once again) here in Ga. [via Amy Morton]:

    Noted Here:

    http://thinkprogress.org/2009/10/23/georgia-republicans-send-census/

    & Here on Amy’s blog:

    http://georgiawomenvote.blogspot.com/2009/10/what-dem-invited-to-lead-republicans-in.html

    I wanted to make certain more folks are aware of this. Thanks! JMP

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