Kasim Reed: “I have another election in me.” (Atlanta: deal, town)

[bu2]

Originally Posted by jeoff

I've lived in Georgia my whole life--between Atlanta, Dekalb, Gwinnett, Athens, and most of young summers in middle-Georgia -(where Nathan Deal is from). Before 1980 (and in some ways, quite a bit after that) the idea of "metro Atlanta" is pretty irrelevant--Gwinnett County was the boonies, and Forsyth County was something out of "Deliverance"--and Dekalb county was mostly segregated. I am old enough to remember JB Stoner running for office, having the KKK plan to rally outside of my school (it rained, so they moved it to Stone Mountain), and my first vote for John Lewis in his first run for Congress (met him years later at a Piccadilly Cafeteria--he was warm and genuine, although his entourage?/bodyguards? we're less than thrilled to see me dropping by to say hello). As a youth, I remember seeing the "black side of town" at my Grandmother's and thinking that the homes could have been the same shacks that slaves lived. I have some experiences further out in modern Georgia, and have seen how, some poor to lower-middle-class whites see themselves a bit closer to poor-to middle class blacks than they see themselves to more affluent whites, and you could probably say the same about wealthier, more educated whites. I don't think it is a majority thing--but I do think it is a trend--and it's definitely not all good--I think a good bit of poor/lower-middle class folks of all races hate the affluent whatever the race.

I get the impression hate is spreading. People get bent out of shape about the smallest thing. The popular thing to hate a couple of years ago was soccer moms driving SUVs. I don't know how many times I've read millenials say they will be glad when all the boomers die off (on many different forums and types of forums). In Atlanta you see a lot of hostility directed towards other neighborhoods (in many cases the same ethnic group and "class"). See the various cityhood and school redistricting debates in the area. Far more than political structures that makes working together difficult.

[jeoff]

Originally Posted by bu2

[/b]

I get the impression hate is spreading. People get bent out of shape about the smallest thing. The popular thing to hate a couple of years ago was soccer moms driving SUVs. I don't know how many times I've read millenials say they will be glad when all the boomers die off (on many different forums and types of forums). In Atlanta you see a lot of hostility directed towards other neighborhoods (in many cases the same ethnic group and "class"). See the various cityhood and school redistricting debates in the area. Far more than political structures that makes working together difficult.

I just think that it's just human nature to try to find your "group", and to find comfort in blaming your (or the "world's") woes on another "group"--it really does not matter if the blame is earned or not, there is a comfort in it. In a way, the Internet can make it worse--it's so much easier now to totally insulate yourself with people that "think" exactly the same way you do (of course, at that point it is hardly "thinking" at all--more of a circle-jerk). While, it sometimes gets a little ugly--I like that this forum is pretty much the opposite of that--you hear a lot of viewpoints--and while minds aren't changed that often--you have to at least think about your own ideas a little bit, and maybe have a little more respect for someone who does not share your worldview.

[bu2]

Originally Posted by jeoff

I just think that it's just human nature to try to find your "group", and to find comfort in blaming your (or the "world's") woes on another "group"--it really does not matter if the blame is earned or not, there is a comfort in it. In a way, the Internet can make it worse--it's so much easier now to totally insulate yourself with people that "think" exactly the same way you do (of course, at that point it is hardly "thinking" at all--more of a circle-jerk). While, it sometimes gets a little ugly--I like that this forum is pretty much the opposite of that--you hear a lot of viewpoints--and while minds aren't changed that often--you have to at least think about your own ideas a little bit, and maybe have a little more respect for someone who does not share your worldview.

There are 3 or 4 who regularly get rude who I put on ignore. But others like jsvh I find interesting even though we almost never agree on anything.

[space cadet]

Originally Posted by jero23

I'm of purview of that vote and action before Atlanta City Council, that wasn't to sabotage anything. That was an amendment as just a way for other areas of the city to get funding for transportation initiatives. It still passed and Reed will not veto it. Moores Mill Road extension will occur and so will the Publix-anchored shopping center redeveloping the old Moores Mill Shopping Center site along Marietta Blvd.

So I suppose Felicia Moore's opposition to the amendment, and ultimate vote against, was just political posturing? It has been clear that no one from Reed's camp is in full support of this project, or anything in Felicia Moore's district. The price for speaking up against the mayor, I suppose.

[Clayton white guy]

I think that Reed is okay (certainly better than Bill Campbell) on par with Shirley Franklin. That said, he IS too prone to baby fits. A successful politician has to develop a thicker skin.

[jero23]

Originally Posted by space cadet

So I suppose Felicia Moore's opposition to the amendment, and ultimate vote against, was just political posturing? It has been clear that no one from Reed's camp is in full support of this project, or anything in Felicia Moore's district. The price for speaking up against the mayor, I suppose.

In this city, anytime somebody shows favoritism to any area of people (legitimate or not) it will always result in controversy. I personally like Councilmember Moore, but she is too idealistic at times. Her voting against her own bill shows that she would rather stick to idealism versus realism on this issue. I've lived in far too many other major cities to know she means well, but it will never be that idealistic in this nuance world we reside in.

I heard and saw from Caesar Mitchell's mouth with my own ears that the Moores Mill Road Extension will be approved and so will the Publix-anchored proposed shopping center.

[space cadet]

Originally Posted by jero23

In this city, anytime somebody shows favoritism to any area of people (legitimate or not) it will always result in controversy. I personally like Councilmember Moore, but she is too idealistic at times. Her voting against her own bill shows that she would rather stick to idealism versus realism on this issue. I've lived in far too many other major cities to know she means well, but it will never be that idealistic in this nuance world we reside in.

I heard and saw from Caesar Mitchell's mouth with my own ears that the Moores Mill Road Extension will be approved and so will the Publix-anchored proposed shopping center.

From the Buckhead View BuckheadViewCouncil OKs Moores Mill Rd. project funds, but challenge feared - BuckheadView

"Hudson pointed out, “The city’s Law Department clearly stated, several times, that Felicia’s legislation met the criteria for use of Transportation Impact Fees and clearly stated that to divide the remaining unallocated funds equally 12 ways would not meet the criteria nor the law. All of us in the audience were able to understand these simple facts.”"

Seem clear to me she was the one being realistic in this case. If the law department is telling you an amendment is illegal, and will result in legal challenges, it seems prudent to listen. I don't see the idealism in that. Is it idealistic to believe that City Council will pass legal legislation? If so, then we are all doomed.

[jero23]

Originally Posted by space cadet

From the Buckhead View BuckheadViewCouncil OKs Moores Mill Rd. project funds, but challenge feared - BuckheadView

"Hudson pointed out, “The city’s Law Department clearly stated, several times, that Felicia’s legislation met the criteria for use of Transportation Impact Fees and clearly stated that to divide the remaining unallocated funds equally 12 ways would not meet the criteria nor the law. All of us in the audience were able to understand these simple facts.”"

Seem clear to me she was the one being realistic in this case. If the law department is telling you an amendment is illegal, and will result in legal challenges, it seems prudent to listen. I don't see the idealism in that. Is it idealistic to believe that City Council will pass legal legislation? If so, then we are all doomed.

Well, the 7 day period for a veto by the Mayor has long passed as of 6/23/15. Basically, it's awaiting the signature from the Mayor's Office. Anyways, I've seen things that are actually irrational done here and elsewhere, so we are far being not doomed.

[fieldm]

What is Kasim Reed biggest accomplishment.. bring the city police force to 2k or helping Jamestown bring us PCM?

[demonta4]

Originally Posted by fieldm

What is Kasim Reed biggest accomplishment.. bring the city police force to 2k or helping Jamestown bring us PCM?

Streetcar, Beltline, Bike lanes, bringing more investment to intown neighborhoods, etc.