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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