Mayoral bombshell #1: Sorry to burst your bubble
August 14, 2008 at 7:22 pm by Scott Henry in NewsThe departure of Atlanta City Council President Lisa Borders from the Atlanta mayor’s race earlier this week has, by political strategists’ calculation, left behind a large window of opportunity for the right candidate.
Specifically, we mean someone backed by the Atlanta business community – anointed by the Chamber of Commerce, as it were. Borders, a protege of mega-developer Tom Cousins, had been that person, but now she’s out.
Therefore, the buzz of the moment has concentrated on a well-known and universally respected chief executive, a man of unique achievement who’s arguably done more than anyone since Ted Turner to restore the vibrancy of Atlanta’s downtown business district.
But more of him in a moment.
The business community may not represent a single unified force, but in every Atlanta mayor’s race going back for decades, there’s usually been one person perceived to be the Chamber candidate. Six years ago, that role was filled by then-Council President Robb Pitts, a Buckhead resident with a business background, even though Shirley Franklin enjoyed the backing of Cousins.
(BTW, we understand that Pitts, now a Fulton County commissioner, will make another run for the office, but his star has dimmed considerably in the business sector.)
The corporate yearning for someone to replace Borders is so palpable that no less a booster than Metro Chamber President Sam Williams is frequently cited as a possible mayoral contender.
So, who is this rumored paragon that Atlanta’s business community is buzzing about?
No, it’s not retired Georgia-Pacific honcho Pete Correll. Last year, Correll stepped into the public arena as the savior of Grady Hospital. Now, Correll is obligated to stay on board as Grady’s board chairman.
Nor are we talking about penny-pinching radio host Clark Howard, who toyed with the idea of running for much of last year, but has since told CL that he isn’t likely to jump in.
OK, already. The guy we’re talking about is retiring Georgia State University president Carl Patton. Over the past 16 years, Patton transformed GSU from a second-rate commuter school into a nationally recognized research university. In the process of expanding the campus footprint, he developed a vision for the urban cityscape that is largely to thank for the revitalization of the historic Fairlie-Poplar district and for making downtown a safer, more welcoming place.
All in all, it’s difficult to overstate the esteem in which Patton is held by business folk, civic leaders and movers and shakers across the city. And, as president of the state’s most racially diverse university, Patton could reasonably be praised for his role in advancing the cause of African American opportunity, an important political test for Atlanta mayors.
There’s just one hitch: Patton isn’t going to run.
Although we weren’t able to reach the man himself, we spoke to insiders close to Patton who explained that the 63-year-old is very focused on easing into retirement in order to care for his ailing wife.
It’s unknown whether Patton has been formally approached by would-be king-makers, or is simply the subject of much wishful thinking, but it appears the business community will have to look elsewhere for its champion.
Watch this space tomorrow for Mayoral bombshell #2.
August 14th, 2008 at 8:39 pm
Two Words:
CLARK HOWARD
August 14th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Sorry to bust your bubble, but Clark “El Cheapo” Howard would never give up his huge salary with WSB to work for pennies dealing with idiots.
August 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am
Ceasar Mitchell is the right man for the job.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Nobody who has been on the council and allowed the city’s financial irresponsibility to proceed unchecked is “the right person for the job.” Failure to require independent oversight of the water-sewer program, which will probably bankrupt the city, going along with tax-diverting TAD after TAD, voting for higher employee pensions as if the tooth fairy would provide … and meantime voting as their developer puppetmasters order.
Throw the bums out and get competent people in to clear up the mess.
August 15th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
(Disclosure: I am a big supporter and personal friend of Lisa Borders)
I don’t think anyone currently in the race is equipped to handle the financial and public safety issues facing the city over the next five years. Let’s hope someone else gets inspired to run.
August 15th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Mr. T, have you ever considered suggesting to Lisa that she, too, would look good rocking a mohawk?
August 15th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
No sir but I have asked to watch this
August 15th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
link didn’t take…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be_Somebody…_or_Be_Somebody%27s_Fool!
August 15th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Councilman Ceasar Mitchell should be the next Mayor of our City! He has been a responsible steward of public funds. He should great leadership on the Water and Sewer issue to get the sity in compliance with EPA and EPD. He has fought for communities and citizens from Bankhead to Buckhead. He was born and raised and educated in Atlanta and understands the needs of All its citizens. He will put the People before personal or political agendas. He has unwavering integrity and he is a great guy. Looks Like a Win for the City! So Vote! for Ceasar Mitchell 11/3/09.
August 18th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Let’s see..Lisa Borders drops out of the race for mayor….yawn. Who cares. That is all we need another Shirley Franklin clone.
Let’s not forget Kasim “Kwame Kilpatrick” Reed for Mayor..lol.
August 18th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Kasim Kwame Kilpatrick Reed. Score one for Can’t wait to leave atlanta.