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Police Say Wyclef Injured By Glass Not A Bullet [UPDATE]

Steve Harvey — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 13:30:34 +0000

Police in Haiti are saying that Wyclef Jean was not hit by gunfire during a shooting that occurred over the weekend. Wyclef suffered an injury to his hand that officials are saying was caused by broken glass.

From the NY Daily News:

Jean said he was in a car with a driver in the Delmas section of the capital at the time. He doesn’t know who fired the shots, or whether they were directed at him, the 37-year-old Grammy winner said.

Cops down-played the violence, and say the New Jersey resident – a Haitian-American who hoped to compete in the Caribbean nation’s ongoing presidential race – suffered only a minor cut to his hand from glass in an apparent accident.

“We met with the doctor who saw him and he confirmed Wyclef was cut by glass,” Vanel Lacroix, police chief in Petionville where Jean is staying, told Reuters.

Are the cops trying to cover up something or is Wyclef trying to get some publicity?

RELATED: Wyclef Jean Shot In Haiti!

Wyclef Jean Shot In Haiti

Katt D — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:00:21 +0000

Haitian singer Wyclef Jean was shot in his hand in Haiti just outside of Port-au-Prince yesterday, the day before the presidential elections.

Wyclef was a candidate for the presidential elections however, was ruled ineligible due to residency requirements. He was treated at a local hospital and was released. TMZ reports that the bullet grazed his hand and that “he’s fine now. It happened late yesterday night and he was released after a couple hours.”

When asked about the shooting, Wyclef stated that he was just leaving his car when he heard gunfire and then he noticed that he saw blood on his shirt and shoes and had no idea who fired shots and whether or not he was the target.

Wyclef recently performed at a concert given for Haitian presidential candidate Michel Martelly right before the shooting occurred.

Glad to hear he’s okay!

Wyclef & Sean Penn End Feud At Concert [VIDEO]

Wyclef & Pras Make Peace In Haiti

Roland Martin: Vote Or Don’t Complain [VIDEO]

Michael Baisden — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 19:50:56 +0000

Roland Martin joined Ali Velshi in the CNN Newsroom to discuss why Americans should get out and vote on November 2nd. Roland explained that all races on the ballot are important and you should look at the people who are on it.

Every election counts. If you don’t vote you can’t complain, or as Roland Martin said, “if you don’t vote, shut the hell up.”

RELATED: Find Out Where To Vote!

President Obama To Michael Baisden: “Get Out And Vote” [AUDIO]

Michael Baisden — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 19:30:52 +0000

President Obama called into “The Michael Baisden Show” to talk about the importance of this upcoming election.

Although he and his administration have made huge strides, President Obama states we are still feeling the Bush Administrations “hang over.”

The success of the proposed changes President Obama spoke about on the campaign trail depends on this election!

The message is clear here family: “Get out and vote!”

Audio courtesy of our affiliate station, Detroit’s Kiss 105.9:

RELATED: Early Voting Information

Early Voting Information

Denise Dunbar — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:00:46 +0000

There is a lot at stake with this year’s midterm elections.

With the Republican Party blocking every positive action that President Obama tries to take, plus the emergence of the ultra-conservative Tea Party (which many, including the NAACP, have accused of having racists in its movement), the midterm elections in November are extremely important.

Locally, Georgia has a chance to elect its first Democratic governor in years in Roy Barnes, who is running against Republican Nathan Deal.

While the midterm elections are not until November, early voting has already begun in Georgia and will continue until October 29. For a list of places to vote, look below.

And remember, GET OUT AND VOTE!!!

Early/ Advanced Voting

Ends October 29, 2010 – 8 am until 5 pm, Monday through Friday for most counties.

General Elections Date

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

7 am until 7 pm

How can I find out where I am registered to vote?
To find out which voting precinct you vote in,
you may call the Secretary of State Voter Information Hotline at:
1-888-265-1115 (This is an automated service) Or call (706) 629-7781.

or click on www.sos.georgia.gov

Why should I vote?

Your one vote shapes the government of your city, county, state and country. As a citizen, you declare your rights and privileges with your vote. Your vote helps decide the policy that will affect you and your families lives. Your vote does makes a difference.

How can I get an Absentee Ballot Application and other Election Forms ?

For all Absentee Ballot applications and others including voter registration forms, click on http://www.sos.ga.gov/elections/forms.htm

How do I know if I’m registered to vote?

Check voter status at www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login

What forms of picture identification will I need to bring to vote?

Valid Georgia driver’s license
Valid photo ID card issued by any entity of the State of Georgia, any other state, or the United States
Valid U.S. passport
A government employee photo ID
Valid U.S. military ID card with photo
Valid Tribal ID with photo
Current utility bill showing name and address*
Valid government check or paycheck showing name and address*
Valid government document showing name and address*
Current bank statement*

*Please note, the above identification marked with an asterisk (*) may only be used one time by the first time registered voter. Voting in person after that requires picture identification.

What happens if I don’t have any identification with me at the polling place?

If you don’t have any of the six acceptable forms of identification at the time of voting, you will be given a Provisional Ballot. You will be allowed to vote, but you have 48 hours to return and show an acceptable form of identification to your county Elections/Registrars Office to have your ballot counted. You will be notified by letter if your ballot is counted.

What ways are there to vote in Georgia?

EARLY VOTING – No excuses needed. It’s easy and convenient and allows you to vote on a day and time that’s convenient for you. This is great if your hectic schedule could possibly keep you from voting. So, beginning at least 45 days before a General Election or 21 days before a Municipal General Election, simply visit your county’s or municipality’s early voting site. (See county information below or click here for a list of locations and hours of operation), fill out the application, and present one of the permitted forms of photo ID. Early voting is underway right now, and will continue until October 29, 2010

VOTE BY MAIL – No excuses needed. Just fill out the application. Then, mail it or drop it off at your county registrar’s office. We urge you to request your mail-in ballot and get it back to your county registrar’s office as soon as possible. Mail-in ballots must be received by your county registrar no later than close of the polls on Election Day. And, remember, Georgia prohibits anyone other than the voter him/herself from personal delivery of a voted mail-in ballot.
ELECTION DAY – On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct and present a photo ID. To check your precinct location, click here.
MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTERS – There are special provisions for Georgia Military and Overseas Voters. Please click here for more information

Can I wear a campaign button into the polling place?

No person can wear any type of campaign material. You may not wear campaign buttons, signs, pins, stickers, T-Shirts etc. You may not distribute campaign literature of written or printed form of any kind and you will not be allowed to campaign within 150 feet of a voting location.

Early/ Advanced Voting County Information

Barrow

Barrow County Election Supervisor
233 East Broad Street
Winder, GA 30680-2206
Telephone: (770) 307-3110
Fax: (770) 307-1054
Email: kferm@barrowga.org
Website: http://www.barrowga.org/elections/?id=4

Bartow

Bartow County Election Supervisor
135 West Cherokee Avenue
Suite 106
Cartersville, GA 30120-3182
Telephone: (770) 387-5098
Fax: (770) 606-2245
Email: kirkj@bartowga.org
Website: http://www.bartowga.org/voter/index.html

Carroll

Carroll County Election Supervisor
423 College Street, Room 302
Post Office Box 338
Carrolton, GA 30117
Telephone: (770) 830-5823
Fax: (770) 214-3594
Email: elections@carrollcountyga.com
Website: http://carrollgaelections.com/

Cherokee

Cherokee County Election Supervisor
400 East Main Street
Canton, GA 30114-2802
Telephone: (770) 479-0407
Fax: (770) 479-9791
Email: jrmunda@cherokeega.com
Website: http://voter.cherokeega.com/

Clark

Clarke County Election Supervisor
155 East Washington Street
Athens, GA 30601
Telephone: (706) 613-3150
Fax: (706) 613-3840
Email: gailschrader@co.clarke.ga.us
Website: http://www.athensclarkecounty.com/elections/

Clayton

Clayton County Election Supervisor
121 South McDonough Street
Jonesboro, GA 30236-3651
Telephone: (770) 477-3372
Fax: (770) 477-4521
Website: http://www.co.clayton.ga.us/departments.htm

Cobb

Cobb County Chief Registrar
736 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 400
Post Office Box 649
Marietta, GA 30061-0649
Telephone: (770) 528-2581
Fax: (770) 528-2519
Email: info@cobbelections.org
Website: http://www.cobbelections.org/

Coweta

Coweta County Chief Registrar
Coweta County Voter Registration Office
22 East Broad Street, Room 128
Newnan, GA 30263-1973
Telephone: (770) 254-2615
Fax: (770) 683-2800
Email: jhamilton@coweta.ga.us
Website: http://www.coweta.ga.us/index.aspx?page=208

Dawson

Dawson County Election Supervisor
96 Academy Avenue
Dawsonville, GA 30534-0436
Telephone: (706) 344-3640
Fax: (706) 344-3642
Email: gferguson@dawsoncounty.org
Website: http://www.dawsoncounty.org/page.php?id=272

DeKalb

Dekalb County Election Supervisor
Memorial Drive Complex
4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300
Decatur, GA 30032-1239
Telephone: (404) 298-4022
Fax: (404) 298-4038
Email: mwdaniel@dekalbcountyga.gov

Douglas

Douglas County Election Supervisor
8700 Hospital Drive, Room A-1003
Douglasville, GA 30134-2264
Telephone: (770) 920-7217
Fax: (770) 920-7583
Email: cbowen@co.douglas.ga.us
Website: www.celebratedouglascounty.com

Fayette

Fayette County Election Supervisor
140 Stonewall Avenue West, Suite 208
Fayetteville, GA 30214-1520
Telephone: (770) 305-5408
Fax: (770) 305-5449
Email: tsawyer@fayettecountyga.gov
Website: www.fayettecountyga.gov/elections/index.asp

Forsythe

Forsyth County Election Supervisor
110 East Main Street, Suite 200
Cumming, GA 30040-2468
Telephone: (770) 781-2118
Fax: (770) 886-2825
Email: blluth@forsythco.com
Website: www.forsythco.com

Fulton

Fulton County Election Supervisor
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 4075
Atlanta, GA 30303-3460
Telephone: (404) 612-7020
Fax: (404) 730-7024
Email: barry.garner@fultoncountyga.gov
Website: www.fultoncountyga.gov/county/elections

Gordon

Gordon County Election Supervisor
Gordon County Annex Building
101 Piedmont Street
Post Office Box 715
Calhoun, GA 30703-0715
Telephone: (706) 629-7781
Fax: (706) 629-7198
Email: shicks@gordoncounty.org
Website: www.gordoncounty.org/Home.aspx

Gwinnett

Gwinnett County Election Supervisor
455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200
75 Langley Drive (mailing address)
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Telephone: (678) 226-7210
Fax: (678) 226-7208
Email: lynn.ledford@gwinnettcounty.com
Website: www.gwinnettcounty.com/

Hall

Hall County Election Supervisor
2285 Browns Bridge Road, Suite 2
Post Office Drawer 1435
Gainesville, GA 30501-1435
Telephone: (770) 531-6945
Fax: (770) 531-3931
Email: csosebee@hallcounty.org
Website: www.hallcounty.org/judicial/jud_elections.asp

Henry

Henry County Election Supervisor
345 Phillips Drive
McDonough, GA 30253-6715
Telephone: (770) 288-6448
Fax: (770) 288-6468
Email: jshellnutt@co.henry.ga.us
Website: www.co.henry.ga.us/Registrars/index.htm

Lumpkin

Lumpkin County Election Supervisor
99 Courthouse Hill, Suite G
Dahlonega, GA 30533-0540
Telephone: (706) 864-6279
Fax: (706) 864-0731
Email: elections@lumpkincounty.gov
Website: www.lumpkincounty.gov/index.php?go=departments&dep

Paulding

Paulding County Election Supervisor
Watson Government Complex
240 Constitution Blvd., 1st Floor
Dallas, GA 30132
Telephone: (770) 443-7503
Fax: (770) 443-7548
Email: dholden@paulding.gov
Website: www.paulding.gov/living/voteregistration.asp

Pickens

Pickens County Election Supervisor
Pickens County Government Administration Building
1266 East Church Street, Suite 165
Jasper, GA 30143-1598
Telephone: (706) 253-8781
Fax: (706) 253-8782
Email: jroberts@pickenscountyga.gov

Rockdale

Rockdale County Election Supervisor
1400 Parker Road, Lobby C
Conyers, GA 30094
Telephone: (770) 278-7333
Fax: (770) 785-6932
Email: cynthia.welch@rockdalecounty.org
Website: www.rockdalecounty.org/main.cfm?id=2357

Spaulding

Spalding County Election Supervisor
119 East Solomon Street, Room 110
Griffin, GA 30223-3341
Telephone: (770) 467-4245
Fax: (770) 467-4278
Website: www.spaldingcounty.com/voter_reg.htm

Walton

Walton County Election Supervisor
303 South Hammond Drive, Suite 111
Monroe, GA 30655
Telephone: (770) 267-1337
Fax: (770) 267-1408
Email: elections@co.walton.ga.us
Website: www.waltoncountyga.gov/elections

Wyclef Jean To Run For President Of Haiti; Announcement Next Week

SiMan — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 16:00:50 +0000

Hip-Hop star Wyclef Jean will announce his bid for the President of Haiti, a source has confirmed with AllHipHop.com exclusively.

Sources close to Wyclef confirmed with AllHipHop.com that the rapper will announce his bid for the country’s highest office next Thursday, on August 5th.

The 37-year-old was born in Haiti, but immigrated to the United States at the age of 9-years-old, when he landed in Brooklyn, before settling in South Orange, New Jersey.

The rapper sprung into action on January 12th, when his native land was leveled by a 7.0 earthquake that left 300,000 people dead over a million others displaced.

The rapper will make his official announcement just two days prior to the country’s August 7th deadline to submit his plan for running for President.

Analysts are predicting that Wyclef Jean will easily win the race with his financial connections, influence among the Haitian youth and his political influence around the world.

Jean, who maintained his status as a citizen of Haiti, was in the country yesterday, where he was preparing for his upcoming campaign.

Elections are slated for November 28th.

Read the whole article on AllHipHop.com!

Kasim Reed Claims Victory In Atlanta Mayor’s Race, Norwood Calls For Recount

Denise Dunbar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:00:48 +0000

VIA: AJC.com

As Kasim Reed began making plans Wednesday for his first term as Atlanta’s mayor, opponent Mary Norwood still had not conceded defeat and said she will seek a recount.

“If I didn’t think there’s a possibility things mights change, that would be different,” said Norwood, who trails Reed by 750 votes. Mark Henderson with the Fulton County Elections Office told the AJC Wednesday all but about 700 provisional ballots had been counted. Those ballots cannot be tabulated until Thursday, the deadline for those voters to provide verification they were eligible.

“I think a recount, when you’re this close is appropriate, absolutely appropriate,” Norwood said during a Wednesday morning press conference at her headquarters.

“We came within a razor thin margin of not being able to say we’re the front runner today.”

Norwood said she has not heard from Kasim Reed, who declared victory shortly after midnight. In an interview on WAGA-TV, Reed said that if he is indeed the mayor-elect he “would like to have Mrs. Norwood involved in an important way if she would like to continue to be involved in municipal government.”

“I think that she has an important voice and I think that it’s vital that we work together to unify the city that we both love,” Reed said.

Norwood said Wednesday she would be open to working with Reed. “Any way I can help this city I would definitely consider it. “.

Reed said his first priority will be finding a new police chief.

“I’m looking for two things,” Reed said in a 6 a.m. interview on WSB-TV. “First of all, I want to find the best chief that we can possibly find in America, but I want a chief with specific expertise in dealing with organized gang activity. I believe that Atlanta has a growing gang problem that we’re not confronting enough in an aggressive enough way.”

Reed said he is also looking for a chief who “enjoys being among the citizens of Atlanta. I want a person that likes being on the ground, someone who is very present, active and involved in our local community … a chief that will be in neighborhoods, that will be at crime scenes directly.”

His campaign platform included hiring 750 police officers in his first term, fixing the pension crisis and providing more after-school activities by opening all of the city’s recreation centers.

The 40-year-old attorney said he would “respect the process” of a recount, though he sounded confident his lead would hold up.

“The fact of the matter is, Fulton County has counted all of the available ballots, including all of the absentee ballots and early vote ballots, and I have more than a 750-vote lead,” he said. “There are about 600 provisional ballots outstanding. If all of those provisional ballots went in favor of Mrs. Norwood, which is not likely, then she still would not have enough votes to become mayor.”

Reed, who was in single digits in the polls just three months ago, greeted an ebullient crowd at the Hyatt Regency Hotel downtown after midnight, announcing the razor-thin election results and adding, “And guess who’s going to be the 59th mayor of Atlanta?”

Reed led Norwood by 758 votes out of a total of more than 83,000 cast – a margin of 0.92 percent. It is a sign of how hotly contested this race was that nearly 11,000 more voters turned out for the runoff than for the general election in November.

“It is my hope tonight that we will unite this city and make Atlanta the city shining on a hill,” Reed told about 300 supporters at the Hyatt. “Tomorrow we have hard work to do to make Atlanta the best city in America.”

Under state law, a candidate who loses by less than 1 percent of the votes cast has the right to request a recount. Norwood has two days to do so after the vote is certified, which is expected on Saturday. As it became clear that she and Reed would nearly tie Tuesday night, Norwood said she would seek a recount if the count remained close and she came in second.

“We are not going to know for hours,” Norwood told supporters at her chosen election-night venue, The Varsity. “This is not something we will know in the next 15 minutes. . . . Tomorrow, we will see how this all turns out.”

Immediately after those remarks, Norwood got into her car and went home.

Reed’s declaration of victory early this morning drew no reaction from the Norwood camp. He announced it from a podium crowded with supporters and family, including council President Lisa Borders, who finished a distant third in the general election and endorsed Reed in the runoff.

The provisional ballots – those cast by voters who did not have proper identification at the polls and who have two days to provide ID to the county to make their votes count — will be certified Thursday. “By law we have 48 hours to certify those votes,” Garner said. “That time is spent researching those voters and verifying that they are eligible to vote.”

Kasim Reed And Mary Norwood Duke It Out In Mayoral Debate

Carol Blackmon — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:48:11 +0000

VIA: AJC.com

Atlanta mayoral candidates Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed dueled Sunday over endorsements, water meter lids, property taxes and the best way for the city to get more state funding.

The latest battle was over Reed’s suggestion that Norwood, a two-term city councilwoman, tried to avoid an important City Council vote on March 20, 2006. Reed noted during a hour-long debate aired live on Georgia Public Broadcasting that Norwood didn’t vote on an ordinance allowing gay and lesbian city workers to make their partners pension beneficiaries.

“She should have stood with the [gay and lesbian community],” said Reed, who gave up his state Senate seat to run for mayor.

Norwood said she might have left the City Council chamber when the vote occurred, but didn’t do so on purpose.

“I take responsibility for that [missing the vote],” she said.

Norwood campaign officials later noted the resolution was among many items on the agenda that were part of the council’s “consent agenda,” items that are voted upon at the same time with no discussion. Gays and lesbians are estimated to be at least 10 percent of Atlanta’s registered voters, and both campaigns see them as a vital swing vote to win the Dec. 1 runoff election.

Reed campaign officials weren’t buying the explanation.

“The one opportunity [Norwood] had to take a stand with the [gay and lesbian] community, she took a walk,” said Reed spokesman Reese McCranie.

Norwood went on the attack after Reed on his property taxes. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution review of six years’ worth of Reed’s taxes found Fulton County penalized him $837.41 for three late payments. A company that Reed is a minority holder in has been penalized about $3,500 for late payments. Norwood campaign officials say Reed is not being completely honest about the situation and argue the late payments show he should not be trusted to manage the city’s finances.

“It seems like you are part of the problem,” Norwood said at the debate, which was sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club.

Reed questioned Norwood’s ability to lead the city, noting that only one elected official, state Rep. Ralph Long of Atlanta, has endorsed her candidacy. Norwood countered that some officials “quietly” want her to win and said many of Reed’s supporters are “cronies” who have run City Hall for years and will not bring the changes Atlanta needs.

The two candidates also battled over Norwood’s recent television ad that suggested there are 150,000 water meter lids in the city “that don’t fit.” Reed said the actual number of problem lids is about 5,000, and the ad is one of several Norwood ads that have been misleading. Norwood said she’s learned that about 30 percent of the meters need to be “exchanged out.”

Reed questioned Norwood’s idea of getting more state aid for cities that have an influx of people during business hours. Reed said state lawmakers wouldn’t support the proposal.

Both candidates said they would seek state and federal help for Atlanta to improve traffic and address the region’s water supply challenges. They both said they had reservations about extending “last call” for alcohol from 2:30 a.m. to 4 a.m.

Early Voting For December 1st Runoff Elections Begin Today

Carol Blackmon — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:39:46 +0000

Early voting for the December 1st runoff elections began today for Fulton and DeKalb counties. The mayoral races of Atlanta, East point, Roswell, Clarkston and Stone Mountain will be decided. Also several council posts will be decided on December 1st. The Atlanta mayoral race is being closely watched around the country. The candidates are Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed. Mary Norwood had the most votes in the primary and Kasim Reed has recei... Read more..

Lisa Borders Endorses Kasim Reed For Mayor Of Atlanta

Denise Dunbar — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:20:44 +0000

VIA: AJC.com Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders endorsed Kasim Reed for mayor Wednesday, saying he was the best candidate to improve the city's finances. Reed, a former state lawmaker, is in a Dec. 1 runoff with Councilwoman Mary Norwood. Borders, who finished third in last week's general election for mayor, was courted by Norwood and Reed for her endorsement last week. "(Reed's) ideas for after sch... Read more..

Mayor’s Race: Reed And Norwood In Runoff December 1

Denise Dunbar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:36:21 +0000

VIA: AJC.com

Atlanta has one more month and one more election to go before it chooses the city’s next mayor: Councilwoman Mary Norwood and former state Sen. Kasim Reed will face each other in a runoff Dec. 1.

With 100 percent of the vote counted, Norwood led the race with 45 percent. She maintained a comfortable margin throughout the vote counting Tuesday night but was unable to muster the 50 percent required to put the race away. Reed finished a strong second, with 37 percent, and City Council President Lisa Borders faded to a distant third with 14 percent in the eight-way race.

“I will hit the ground running,” a smiling Norwood vowed late Tuesday night, addressing a buoyant crowd at the Varsity, the unusual site of her election-night gathering. “I feel wonderful. We are 10 points ahead. I think that’s a great place for anyone to be.” (Norwood wound up seven points ahead, although she was 10 points up when she made that statement.)

Reed emerged to greet supporters at the Hyatt Regency at 11:15 p.m., saying that Norwood had run her best race, and that the trajectory of his campaign showed that he was on the road to be the next mayor.

“I’m not going to turn this into a victory speech,” Reed told the cheering crowd. “I’ve got to save some fire for the next few days. Our best days are ahead of us. Greatness is within our grasp, Atlanta!”

Both Norwood and Reed said they will ask for Borders’ support in the runoff.

When the city council president emerged to address her troops at 11 p.m., her voice was cracking and her eyes filled with tears.

“This has been a tremendous journey,” she said. “We’ve fought the good fight. It’s not over. We still have to take care of this city.”

She said later it was premature to discuss whether whom she might support in the runoff.

The race gained national attention in recent weeks, largely because of the prospect that Norwood, who is white, might win in a predominantly African-American city. If she does win in December, Norwood will be the first white mayor of Atlanta since Sam Massell left office in 1973.

Reed said that he didn’t think the runoff threatened to divide the city on racial lines.

“It is going to be on us to avoid that mess,” he said. “The responsibility for how the campaign is conducted is on the candidates.”

Norwood campaigned on combating crime, cleaning the city’s streets and improving its finances. Norwood, a Buckhead resident, looked to her home turf, which is about 77 percent white and the most politically conservative part of the city, for much of her support.

But she also built an effective coalition with those white voters and African-American community leaders and senior citizens who saw the councilwoman often over the past eight years.

She led the polls throughout and spent about 40 percent of her $1.5 million campaign war chest in October primarily on television and radio ads.

The candidates focused much of their attention on crime as many citizens complained they didn’t safe although police department data showed violent crime was dropping in the city. Finances have been the other big issue. Two-term incumbent Mayor Franklin furloughed city workers, including police officers, last December to help balance the budget. The furloughs ended in June.

Reed had to spend much of the campaign building name recognition. He often joked about how people mispronounced his first name. He spent about $1.5 million on the campaign, more than any candidate.

Reed, who managed both of Franklin’s successful mayoral campaigns, ran on a platform of hiring 750 police officers in his first term, attacking street gangs and reopening 22 recreation centers.

Borders, the City Council president since 2004, had connections across the city. Her grandfather was a prominent pastor who forced the city to integrate its police force. She worked at Cousins Properties, the city’s powerful development firm. Borders focused on appealing to female voters, who make up 54 percent of the city’s electorate, and said she was the only candidate with specific plans to pay for her initiatives.

Borders won the support of several groups, including the coveted endorsement of a union with about 1,100 Atlanta police officers. However, the candidate’s political fortunes seem to falter shortly after a controversial memo by two Clark Atlanta University professors said some black voters believed they should unite behind Borders as the best chance to defeat Norwood.

Until October, the campaign was described by some as a dull affair as the candidates focused on the serious issues facing Atlanta and not on slinging mud at one another.

In recent weeks, however, the race got heated as Reed and Borders labeled Norwood a Republican, although she described herself as a political independent. Borders and Reed bickered over ethical issues, and they attacked Norwood for voting in June against a tax increase, which ended the furloughs. Norwood countered that city officials didn’t give her information she requested to support a tax increase.

Jesse Spikes, a political newcomer who practices law at the firm McKenna, Long & Aldridge, argued the other three front-runners were part of the problem and he was best suited to lead Atlanta’s future. His candidacy, however, never gained momentum, and he finished Tuesday night with 3 percent of the vote.

Keep Up With Election Results

Denise Dunbar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:18:44 +0000

Precincts Reporting Votes Percentages

City of Atlanta Mayor

Mary Norwood 69% Reporting 21,429 46%

Kasim Reed 17,120 36%

Lisa Borders 6,757 14%

Jessie Spikes 1,142 2%

Kyle Keyser 408 1%

Peter Brownlowe 73 1%

Atlanta City Council President

Ceasar C. Mitchell 68% Reporting 17,225 49%

Clair Muller 14,523 41%

Dave Walker 3,398 10%

City of Marietta Mayor

Steve Tumlin 100% Reporting 3,782 80%

Chris Neill 639 14%

Bill Bolton 278 6%

City of Forest Park Mayor

Corine C. Devton 100% Reporting 622 57%

Darnell Moorer 272 25%

Christine Ellington 191 18%

City of Stone Mountain Mayor

Patricia Wheeler 8% Reporting 271 43%

Beverly R. Jones 252 41%

Sharon D. Frierson 97 16%

City of East Point Mayor

Earnestine Pittman 66% Reporting 925 41%

Joe Macon (Inc) 713 32%

Threet W. Brown 562 25%

Delana Morrissette 52 2%

City of Fairburn Mayor

Mario Avery

Betty W. Hannah (Inc)

City of Union City

Ralph Moore (Inc.)

Helen Turner

City of Sandy Springs Mayor

Eva Galambos (Inc.) 100% Reporting 6,163 84%

Bob Broiwn 964 13%

Warren Hull 114 2%

Donnie Bolena 103 1%

City of Union Springs Mayor

Ralph Moore 25% Reporting 143 68%

Helen Turner 68 32%

State Senate –District 35

Donzella James (D) 77% Reporting 2,211 24%

Torrey Johnson (D) 1,627 18%

Benny Crane (D) 1,596 18%

Rosie Jackson (D) 897 10%

Aaron Johnson (D) 859 10%

Kezmiche Atterbury (D) 657 7%

George Sneed (D) 624 7%

Cory Lynch (D) 367 4%

Demarcus Peters (D) 203 2%

State House of Rep – Dist 129

Kip Smith (R ) 90% Reporting 2,207 49%

Steve Earles (R ) 980 22%

Earl T. Davies (R ) 674 15%

Jerry Luquire (R ) 600 13%

State House of Rep – Dist 75

Ronald M. Dodson (D ) 100% Reporting 620 60%

Shawn James (R) 600 4%

State House of Rep. – Dist 58

Michael McPherson (D) 100% Reporting 547 28%

Simone Bell (D) 541 27%

Asha F. Jackson (D) 483 24%

Kevin Johnson (D) 241 12%

J. Lewis IV 162 8%

Vote! Vote! Vote!

Denise Dunbar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:35:53 +0000

The General Elections are Tuesday, consisting primarily of political races for city and county governments. Do you like what’s going on locally?

Local elections can be just as important to you and your families’ welfare as state and national contests. Locally elected officials can determine how tax dollars are specifically spent in your communities.

It’s up to you! Vote now instead of complaining later. Polls are open 7 AM Tuesday, November 3, 2009 until 7 PM.

Log onto www.sos.ga.gov/elections and click on poll locator to find out where you’ll need to go to cast your ballot. Remember to bring government issued identification.