Atlanta’s Future Mayors?

The “front-runner” in Atlanta mayor’s race, eight years ago, she was the front-runner against Kasim Reed. Hillary Clinton was unable to win as a Norwood have what it takes to become Atlanta’s first white mayor in 43 years?
The general election is a few days away, and it may usher in a whole new era in Atlanta politics. Post 2 At-Large city councilwoman, Norwood remains the leading mayoral candidate with former Chief Operating Officer Peter Aman and city councilwoman, Keisha Lance Bottoms trailing behind.
Norwood joined Newsmakers Live for part two of the show’s 10th Anniversary Election series. Her fellow At-Large councilman, Andre Dickens went on before her. Norwood, intensely focused, listened to the councilman’s optimism for Atlanta’s new city government and his willingness to help the next mayor shape the city’s future, as Atlanta the tale of two cities remains.
. “Equity has eroded, individuals are still looking for a place to sleep at night, and others forced into homelessness,” Dickens said.
Known to be a champion for Atlanta residents’ quality of life, Norwood believes she has the potential to bring the city together. She is active in every community and neighborhood in the city. In a whisper of murmurs, the audience members agreed.
Norwood reflects with Newsmakers Live moderator, Maynard Eaton, of the time where she met the people where they were to ensure they knew what was happening in their community. In a neighborhood where Norwood knew predominately older Atlanta residents who do not have access to cable television or Internet, she had her team print 2,000 flyers to place on every door in the neighborhood.
“All the people are saying ‘Mary, you were here for me. I was at a neighborhood gathering last night when a co-host said ‘Mary it was in 1992 when you were in our neighborhood, and you did x’,” Norwood said. “And he has never forgotten that.”
Norwood is knowledgeable of every neighborhood in Atlanta. As an At-Large councilmember, she has to know every street, neighborhood, and community in the city. In 25 years of service, Norwood has gained support from across the entire city with yard signs in both North and South Atlanta. She has an inclusive campaign, setting her apart from the other candidates. “People know when you care about them…Atlanta has had a sewer mayor, a real estate mayor, and I think it is the time we have a community mayor,” Norwood said.
Norwood cares about Atlanta’s residents. She strives to take the politics out of politics. Wanting to move beyond the old divisions, she hopes Atlanta’s new government would be as good as the people, including prominent civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis and former Atlanta Mayor Ivan Allen, Jr.
Allen brought about much change during his tenure as mayor, helping the city to progress during the civil rights era. Norwood plans to do the same. An Internet and social media crazed world, Norwood vows to make all government transactions and receipts available online. She believes everyone should have full public access to city records; after all, they are paying for it. Norwood also wants to provide a direct line of communication with every neighborhood in the city. Every neighborhood is uniquely different and in need of certain things. Allow the people from the community tell governments what is happening in their area. The people know their community best.
In preparation for future Atlanta residents, Norwood is anxious to team up with the new commissioner to help implement his plan. Protecting the “City of the Forests,” neighborhoods will be conservation areas. The plan will help Atlanta prepare for a possible influx of 8,000 people. Future development will occur on the commercial charters of the city to preserve the community green space. Unfamiliar with development locations, Norwood lists Bolton Rd and Fulton Industrial to be one of the few areas for development.
Norwood is set to break Atlanta black mayoral streak. Unlike her competitor Aman, Norwood does not believe race is a factor in the election. The connection of service you have to the people is what matters the most for her, meeting the people where they are. The world is changing, and so is Atlanta, indeed an international city in a global region now. Norwood said, “for Atlanta to take and continue its place on the world stage, this needs to be an election where everyone votes for everyone.”
With a new mayor, city council president and council in the works, Post 3 At-Large unopposed city councilman, Andre Dickens goal is to create a well-rounded city through council deliberations and addressing the public more to hear them better. Four years ago, Dickens knocked off 12-year vet H. Lamar Willis and is now set to become the second most seasoned black member on the council and possibly, Atlanta’s next mayor to come. Dickens wants to be the guy whose mom would run two-grocery aisle over to shake his hand.
“One day, God willing, and a whole bunch other great things happen. One day, I will be able to sit in this chair as a mayoral candidate versus re-election for city council,” Dickens said.