CL’s endorsement countdown begins with … City Council Post 2 At-Large
October 12, 2009 at 4:20 pm by Thomas Wheatley in News
Aaron Watson
It’s a shame that some of the candidates for City Council’s Post 2 At-Large can’t be farmed out to other district races with less impressive rosters. As it is, we’re forced to decide between three seemingly qualified and capable guys running for the same open seat.
There’s Weslee Knapp, an engineer and real estate broker who thinks his private sector expertise could knock down walls in City Hall’s bureaucratic maze. Amir Farokhi is a 31-year-old attorney and Grant Park resident whose smart-growth vision for Atlanta doesn’t just sound exciting, but doable. And Aaron Watson, a corporate finance lawyer, boasts a long record of leadership that includes the Atlanta Public Schools board, the Atlanta Housing Authority and the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
All the contenders have big ideas and want to effect change. But only Watson has the record to back it up.
And what a record. In 1993, Watson was recruited to reform a highly dysfunctional Atlanta school board. For eight years — five of which he served as president — Watson helped solve the system’s financial woes, building up its reserves, paying off its debt and winning approval of a special tax to cover capital projects. He also helped negotiate employee pension plans, an issue the next Council must address before the city drowns in red ink.
As an at-large councilmember representing a citywide constituency, Watson would be focused on policy issues that can transform the city. He’s concerned about affordable housing, Atlanta’s water supply, sustainable transit options and turning Atlanta’s Southside into a booming and smartly designed part of the city.
Knapp, with additional political experience, could one day streamline the permitting process that now causes businesses to think twice about moving intown. Farokhi, who embodies the youthful progressive politics the city (and state) sorely needs, belongs in public service. (On nearly every point, Farokhi and Watson match up: Wanna save money? Close the city jail. How can transit become a reality and maintain streets? Sorry, commuters, but it’s time we talk about a parking tax.)
In the case of those two candidates, it’s a decision between a political newcomer with strong potential or a polished reformer with the experience to navigate the egos and agendas he’ll encounter at City Hall. In the end, Watson prevails as the kind of demonstrated leader, coalition-builder and big-picture thinker that the city desperately needs.
Folks like him don’t come around too often. Watson deserves a seat on Council.
If you’re looking for CL’s complete endorsement package — including our endorsement for mayor — check back tomorrow morning. Here’s our pick for Atlanta City Council Post 1 At-Large. We’ll let you know who we endorsed for Atlanta City Council President later today.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
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October 12th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
His experience sounds good. Unfortunately, stacked up against Farokhi and Knapp, I have no idea who the hell he is.
October 12th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
I remember him. he was on the school board when I was in highschool. nice guy
October 12th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
So there’s two candidates worthy of the position, and Creative Loafing recommends the old guy?!! I thought this publication was progressive, not more of the same. This cit is in bad shape, we need energy, new talent, new ideas. I’ll place a smart bet and vote the young Farokhi into city hall, his website has a lot more info on him anyway.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
At a crucial juncture in the future of Atlanta as a city that either grows or as one that withers because of its inability to confront the unique challenges of the 21st century (transportation, water, crime, affordable housing, etc.), it is a shame to see Creative Loafing rely upon the intellectually lazy approach to endorse the candidate with simply the longest record rather than the one with a relevant (and impressive) record with a vision for the future of our city. If voters had the same narrow construction of qualification for public office, Barack Obama’s campaign would be but a footnote in the pages of history, rather than the dynamic paradigm shift that it is. As a city we voted overwhelmingly for change for our capital last November– let’s vote some of that same innovation, vision, passion, and energy into our City Council by electing Amir Farokhi who has demonstrated great results thus far in his professional life, public service, and political campaign.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
With all due respect to the Loaf’s consideration process for the endorsement, I think they missed an opportunity. While all the candidates come to the table with impressive credentials, Amir represents the best chance for change in the Council and substantive progress toward a more livable, humane, productive Atlanta.
His focus on transportation and budget reform, two areas in sore need of innovative leadership, are unsurpassed. Rather than fill the comments section with the details, I encourage everyone to take five minutes to consider the issues section on his site.
I’m proud of Atlanta to have put forth such a qualified array of candidates. It’s a testament to the enduring strength of our City. Many would agree with me, however, that we are at a crossroads, one that is best served by public servants who not only come to the table with experience and plans, but with the fresh outlook to see them through.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Farokhi is clearly the best candidate for this seat, he’s the only one who’s showed up consistently at community meetings and actually offered new ideas about how to move the city forward. Watson’s time is up, I’ll be voting for Farokhi come election day.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Can’t wait to read my chicken bones tonight and see who else Creative Loafing picks. I already know who they’re going to endorse of Mayor. (Hint: they’ll take the lead of their bastard step-sister, “Sunday Paper”.)
October 12th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I’m a server at a Midtown restaurant, who had to work an Aaron Watson event and had the pleasure to attend an Amir Farokhi event. The Watson event drew FIVE people, while there had to be 60 at the Farokhi event. This guy is electric, and his ideas for the city are fantastic. If this Watson guy had such big ideas, then where the hell has he been for the past decade. Amir is Atlanta’s future, and it’s ironic to see CL blast the AJC for being out of touch and then endorse a guy who can’t draw 10 people to an event. It’s too bad I can’t cancel my subscription.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
In the past I have used Creative Loafing’s endorsement section to assist in determining who to vote for in down-the-ballot elections. This year I have been carefully monitoring those elections, and your endorsement of Aaron Watson will cause me to rethink my strategy. I find the rationale behind your endorsement to be incredibly glib. When you navigate around the flowery prose, CL is saying that experience trumps youth above all else. Unfortunately, the City of Atlanta is run by numerous experienced individuals who know how to “navigate the egos and agendas” in city hall. That same turn of phrase could be used to describe any of the numerous city leaders and employees who have caused the City of Atlanta to stagnate and lose ground to peer cities like Charlotte. Given the current state of affairs in our fair city, it is my belief that individuals who would not be afraid to bruise a few egos would better serve the citizens of Atlanta.
In the interest of full disclosure, I will be voting for Amir Farokhi for City Council Post 2 At-Large.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
I agree with CL that this race has qualified candidates, but I am saddened that they endorsed the wrong contender. The city of Atlanta needs someone who is an intellect as well as someone who is entrenched in public service. Amir Farokhi is this person. Amir is running on a comprehensive platform (this is easily apparent from comparing the candidates websites) ranging from public safety & transportation to environmental sustainability. Shame on you CL for taking an effortless approach to endorsing a candidate just because they have any sort of political background. Hopefully, the residents of the City of Atlanta will take the time to learn more about Amir.
October 12th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Good grief, Loaf backs the tired old hacks who dug us into this mess – Muller and Watson.
Pitiful. Either Loaf does not understand what makes the city tick or – worse – it does.
Muller’s total refusal to exercise responsible oversight of Finance and of Sewers makes her directly complicit in the twin multi-billion fiascoes under which Atlanta residents are groaning. Ceasar may be an untrustworthy SOB, but he’s not a complete yes man.
Watson handed out taxpayers’ money to developers in school board TADs and then turned round and raised school taxes. Needless to say, he presided over one of the worst-performing and most expensive public school systems in the country. He could not give a rip about residents’ interests.
October 12th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
My prediction: CL will endorse Borders for Mayor. Looks like developers are telling them whom to back. (Though I’m a fair guy and admit the Brackman pick breaks pattern.)
October 12th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Borders on the ridiculous, I think you will be surprised.
October 12th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
it’s amazing how few people know Aaron Watson. he was president of the school board when he lowered taxes according to the newspaper I read. And unlike city council, the reason the school system isn’t on the verge of bankruptcy is because he took the economic boom of the 1990s to pay off debt and rebuild infrastructure. you guys are right, his website isn’t as pretty as Amir’s, but no one who is paying attention could ask where he has been for the past decade
October 12th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Watson was out shilling for the parking deck, that’s where he’s been. What a poor apology for a local leader.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:41 pm
I have to agree with the other commenters. This is, indeed, a very disappointing endorsement.
October 12th, 2009 at 9:49 pm
To quote CL, “Farokhi, who embodies the youthful progressive politics the city (and state) sorely needs, belongs in public service.” Indeed. I’m so tired of those who choose to take the safe route & simply back the candidate with the longest resume… How bout following your own advice and helping us get some smart, talented, and FRESH blood into Atlanta politics?
October 12th, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I’m not sure how you can say Farokhi and Watson “match up” — particularly on transportation and sustainability issues. Amir has been way out in front on that, not just in this race but for all the council candidates (or the mayoral candidates for that matter). He is everywhere, at all of the events/forums/hearings for the Beltline, MARTA, you name it. As for Mr. Watson, I don’t recall seeing him at a single such event. Maybe he says some of the right things on paper, but actually engaging with the community on these issues has to count for something.
October 13th, 2009 at 9:48 am
Mr. Aaron Watson lead the school board in a reform-minded and focused way. That in itself is a huge accomplishment considering the politics one has to navigate to get things done. His experience, gravitas and intellect will all be essential to move the city in the right direction.
I agree with CL on the endorsement, and I implore all of you who claim to not know Aaron Watson, to do some research. He has already made great change in this city and will do so again.
October 13th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Amir and Watson don’t match up?
Aaron was a founding member of Peachtree street car project, which is working today to make mass transportation more effective. Aaron was President of the Piedmont Park Conservancy when they negotiated the deal to get private funding for the park. It’s part of the reason the park is a great and growing place to visit now. Has Amir actually done anything to improve transportation, or did he just make a nice website?
October 13th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
Reading this article, it seems like Amir Farokhi is actually the best candidate. I respectfully disagree with CL. My vote is with Amir to make the city a better place to live.
October 13th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Amir has the fresh perspective we need and has demonstrated throughout the campaign he deserves to be elected. If we are tired of business as usual down at City Hall, let’s elect someone with the intelligence and integrity we so sorely need.
October 13th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Amir Farokhi is a smart and humble leader with great ideas to improve our city.
Aaron Watson presided over the Atlanta School Board and under his leadership, we went through four superintendents in two years because the board couldn’t pick someone good and had created an environment that no leader wanted to be in. Dr. Hall herself told Atlanta’s business community after six months that she was going to leave if Atlanta’s businesses did not step in and help change the situation. Ten years later, Dr. Hall is the superintendent of the year but it took Atlanta’s business community going over the school board led by Aaron Watson in order to make the changes required for us to have a great superintendent and a great school system. Do we really want to bring the guy back who led the disastrous school board in the 1990s?
I have to say I was disappointed with most of CL’s picks across the board and will be using it more as a roadmap of who NOT to vote for.
October 15th, 2009 at 9:30 pm
I have to agree with quite a few other’s: CL’s picks are off. I am backing the candidates that serve the entire community and not only the smallish constituency they believe will put them in office. I have seen Fahroki (sic?) time and time again in the community in which I live and work, not only campaigning but working with community groups on projects in a sustained way. City council needs all the help they can get and this guy looks very much like a doer.
October 19th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Aaron Watson!?? Are you kidding me CL? This guy made a mockery of the school system was he was there and he is supposed to be the face of change!? HAHAHA..thats funny. Also his son is snob and very rude. I will tell everyone I know and care about, DO NOT VOTE FOR AARON WATSON!
October 19th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Aaron Watson!?? Are you kidding me CL? This guy made a mockery of the school system while was he was there and he is supposed to be the face of change!? HAHAHA..thats funny. Also his son is snob and very rude. I will tell everyone I know and care about, DO NOT VOTE FOR AARON WATSON!