Politics
Kasim Reed re-elected as Mayor of Atlanta
Atlanta Mayor, Kasim Reed. PHOTO/File
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed was elected to a second term Tuesday, defeating three little known challengers as he continues to raise his profile overseeing a key city in the Southern United States.
Preliminary election results showed Reed easily winning another 4 year-term in Tuesday’s election.
“Four years ago, all of you had to stay up late for the election results, but tonight you get to go to sleep early,” he said at a party at a downtown Atlanta hotel. “Our city is united.”
The city is more prosperous and unified than it was 4 years ago, Reed said. He called being re-elected as mayor the “greatest privilege” and said he plans to work to increase the city’s reputation as a logistics hub, repair roads and help start-up companies flourish.
“Today the city of Atlanta has given me the high honor of another 4 years. I promise to give you everything I got for the next 4 years with all my heart,” he said.
Reed, a former state lawmaker, is perhaps best known outside the city for his strong support of President Barack Obama and his working relationship with the state of Georgia’s Republican Governor Nathan Deal on issues including economic development and transportation.
In making his case to voters, Reed touted reforms to the city’s pension system, efforts to reduce crime and his hiring of additional police officers. Reed has faced criticism over a plan to use public financing to help support a new NFL stadium and efforts to regulate the selling of goods on public streets.
Atlanta resident Timothy White, 26, said he voted for Reed because crime rates have fallen.
“I feel as though he’s doing a real good job, and he’s been consistent and deserves another shot,” White said.
Reed has not been immune to criticism. Open government advocates have challenged him over a plan to use public financing to help support a new Atlanta Falcons stadium.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press