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Campaign '09
(WSB Radio) -- Atlanta's outgoing mayor has announced that she will not be voting for the candidate poised to become the city's first white mayor in more than three decades.
In an exclusive interview, Mayor Shirley Franklin told CNN's Don Lemon that she plans to vote for former Georgia state lawmaker Kasim Reed in Tuesday's election.
"Is that an official endorsement?" asked Lemon.
"That's just telling you the truth," Franklin responded. "I'm going to vote for him. I think he has the best set of skills. He has really been there to do some tough things over the state. He has Republican and Democratic support. . . . even though there are other candidates who have obviously some strengths, I think, through it all, he has the best chance of working in the region and the state."
Franklin singled out Reed's work in helping Atlanta deal with its water shortage issues, adding that "there are reasons to support each of the candidates" - but added that she has previously said she does not think Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood has the skills to be Atlanta's chief executive.
What others are saying
- shirley franklinDid you expect anything less from our racist blacks in "leadership" positions?
- Thank God She Is Leaving:: S. FranklinWhat do you expect? She is black, he is black. & it's true that only whites are racist & bigots because we all know it's the evil white man holding back blacks. Maybe this will be GOOD change we can count on with her leaving office.
- Racist!Franklin's a racist!
- Mayor FranklinIs there any surprise here....And they say race relactions are better. What a crock.
- Police Dogs and Fire HosesI think we already know where Mayor Franklin stands and she is no better that the last Mayor.
- Ethics NeededShirley's part of the problem so it doesn't matter what she thinks. What we need is an ethical, honest person for the job, and someone who will have the best interests of the city in mind. The current administration has only self-interests in mind! That's why the city is such a mess!
- Blacks are the racist!I am fed up with whites getting labeled racists while blacks can run around and say that we need to keep a black mayor in office. Wake up white america
- Franklin's VoteConsidering the fact that many Whites voted for Mayor Franklin (enough to get her in office), it is no surprise that she cannot bring herself to vote for a White candidate. I would consider using the old R word, but it has been so over used, it no longer has any power, so I will settle for bigot.
- It's only racist when white folks say itI guess Shirley-girl thinks it's perfectly acceptable to support a second-rate candidate because of his skin color. Can you imagine the outcry and protest marches that would occur if a white mayor did the same thing? Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would be here for a month of protests and TV interviews.
And black folks wonder why nobody takes the people they elect into leadership seriously... - shirley's voteThe last sentence in her quote should have been "He is black enough for me to vote for him too."
- Who Cares Who she Votes For??
- SURPRISE! SURPRISE!!Wonder what the new leadership team will find when they take over?? An accounting team could find permanent employment within the City of Atlanta. (WHERE DID THE TAX DOLLARS GO????)
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