Looking forward to hearing what's first for execution on the agenda. The Metro Area's revitalization depends solely on the City of Atlanta getting back on track. In my opinion, first two topics on the agenda should be addressing the Atlanta tax rate. Look at lowering the Atlanta property tax rate to encourage residential and commercial growth rates. Under Mayor Shirley Franklin's tenure she took both to max levels and pushed much of Atlanta's tax revenue base to Cobb and Dekalb.
Secondly, repeal the alcohol pouring guidelines that Mayor Shirley Franklin enforced. Atlanta's growth was due to the fact that the City offered a consistent nightlife for Atlanta's Young Professionals and Retirees. Mayor Franklin muddy those revenue streams and now the City is has lost Millions in Tourism Revenue over her 8 years. I'm sure restaurant, nightclub owners and social life businesses would not mind paying a 2% Security tax to have the chance to return to a safe environment in the heart of Atlanta. I ask that if this Security tax plan is implemented to not all it to be porked to death, but to allow it only go to increasing a Police presence around the Midtown, Buckhead and Hotel district areas.
Congratulations again Mayor Reed on your win.
Written by: Ran
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2 comments:
Wow. The congrats tactfully leads to an agenda to be honest. I think the execution of priorities will be as Mayor Elect Reed has said....Transition well, Hire a Police Chief to fight crime, define and prioritize the budget, open recreation centers that will deter youth criminals. I know that the tax hike is unfavorable but I doubt he will repeal those property taxes so as to reduce the suffering of Cobb County. The revenue and increase he did not create is unfairly his now and appeasing what seems to be a conservative desire is not top priority.
Priority I appreciate the comment and thanks for reading the site.
I mentioned reducing property taxes as a move to spur growth in Atlanta. I am not a right winger or a centrist, but I am a Financial Realist. I commend the platform to hire a top Police Chief with community and gang experience. I commend the idea to re-open every rec center and start after school program sparking an effort to youth crimes. I have a question for Mayor Elect Reed... "How does the City of Atlanta anticipate paying for these endeavors?"
It will be difficult for the city to pay for these programs even if they increase the tax rate since the tax base is rapidly declining. This decline began far before the recession hit Atlanta.
I think the first priority will be to hire a CFO with Wall Street experience. Someone who will be able to negotiate with firms to help finance a capital foundation. Secondly, the City has to focus on generating revenue PERIOD. Even with the increase of crime in several pockets of the City, the city can stem this violence through increase traffic, visibility and job creation. Statistically speaking, increases in crime and poverty have a direct relationship. Meaning an increase in one area generally will show an increase in the other and vis versa.
Through the increase in revenue the City of Atlanta will be able to pay for more than 200 additional beat forces. Through an increase in revenue the City of Atlanta will be able to focus on expanding civil services and solving the OT/Pension issues. To increase revenue on a decline tax base without a focus on creating new revenue streams or a capital reserve base will only result in another failed administration. Atlanta at one time bucked the trends of the rest of the nation due to the fact it had several things going for it. Now its been replaced with complacency and financial mis-management. I pray that Mayor Elect Reed treks a different path.
Final Note, Even if Mary Norwood won the seat, the same post would have gone up. Even if no one wants to acknowledge the 800lb Gorilla in the room, the Metro Atlanta area is at a distinct cross roads and each decision made by Mayor Reed will either teeter the scales for the Metro area in one way or another. It's unfathomable to see a city of less than 250,000 people struggle with nearly $200 million in debt.
Thank you again for reading the site and as always Feedback is encouraged.
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