CL's endorsements for the city’s next leaders
Given the problems Atlanta faces over the next few years — budget shortages, infrastructure woes, crushing traffic, rampant violence — you’d have thought voters would be more energized about the Nov. 3 election, now less than three weeks away. Well, maybe they’re saving their enthusiasm for the Dec. 1 runoffs
But here at CL, we’re totally stoked about city elections! Which is why we invited a dozen candidates to tell us why they would make the best pick in their chosen race. We considered the candidates’ backgrounds — experience, professional accomplishments, political track record — as well as less objective factors. Is a particular candidate adept at building consensus, a natural problem-solver, an innovative thinker?
In sitting down with candidates for face-to-face interviews, we gained insight into their strengths and weaknesses. Those discussions, coupled with our years of following many of the candidates’ successes and failures, helped us make a call on which politicians are best equipped for the job.
And so we offer you our endorsements in the race for mayor, City Council president, and the two citywide Council seats in which the incumbent isn’t seeking reelection. These men — and one woman — have the expertise and vision needed to help save Atlanta from itself.
The Endorsement Issue
Our pick for mayor: Kasim Reed
Reed deserves the edge for his clear-eyed, pragmatic vision of Atlanta’s future
Our pick for City Council president: Clair Muller
Muller, the city’s reigning technocrat, has an unparalleled knowledge of virtually every aspect of city operations
Our pick for City Council Post 1 At-Large: Adam Brackman
Brackman is a fresh-faced candidate with an arsenal of ideas
Our pick for City Council Post 2 At-Large: Aaron Watson
Watson is a a polished reformer with the experience to navigate egos and agendas
Meet the other City Council candidates
CL offers insight in district Council candidates, through their own words
The long shots
Our series of videos chronicling the bizarre trials and unusual tribulations of political candidates you’ve probably never heard of
Overview of other City Council races
Here's a rundown of the remaining contested races, some of which might require a Dec. 1 runoff
COMMENTS
RE: CL's endorsements for the city’s next leaders
Posted by Lloyd Fritzmeier on 10.23.09 @ 12:19 PM
Given the major financial and infrastructure issues the city faces, Yolanda Adrean from District 8 will be a well-qualified, caring, and courageous council member and voice for making the tough decisions. With her financial background, neighborhood advocacy record, and strong commitment to improving Atlanta, she's going to help the new mayor and council turn our city around. I know her character and her ideas and record, so I'm totally confident she can help the council provide the leadership our city needs so desperately during this critical time.
RE: CL's endorsements for the city’s next leaders
Posted by GhettoFabulousATL on 10.18.09 @ 04:42 PM
You all are really reaching here! First to endorse Adam Brackman a local neighborhood activist( that can't even get along with people in his own neighborhood or NPU and now you want him to get along with a whole City Council); then to endorse Kasim Reed ( a younger Bill Campbell with just a different name)! You really have gone out on a limb here.
RE: CL's endorsements for the city’s next leaders
Posted by Edith on 10.17.09 @ 05:39 AM
For Fair and Balanced reporting, it would be great if all District 11 candidates were given an opportunity to complete the questionnaire. The Website for Candidate Edith Ladipo is ElectEdithLadipoToCouncil.Webs.com. Thank.