By David Pendered
The conflict between Common Cause of Georgia and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed continued to escalate Monday.
The two sides evidently have not talked since the Atlanta City Council on Jan. 3 approved a $3 billion package of concessions contracts as recommended by Reed’s administration. However, each side is making its case through written comments that Common Cause is posting on the Internet.
On Monday, Common Cause board member John Sugg posted his response to Reed’s comments about him in a letter the mayor sent to Common Cause Chairman Lesley Ward. Sugg’s letter is dated Jan. 11 and posted on a blog used by Common Cause of Georgia.
Click here to read Sugg’s letter to the mayor.
The Sugg letter follows a Jan. 9 post by William Perry, executive director of Common Cause of Georgia.
Click here to read Perry’s blog post.
Common Cause of Georgia also has posted a letter the mayor sent to the state chair of Common Cause of Georgia, Lesley Ward. The letter concludes with Reed requesting a “discussion” with Ward.
The posting does not include several exhibits the mayor referenced in his letter.
Click here to read Reed’s letter to Common Cause of Georgia.
The conflict began in June. Common Cause used the airport concessions package as a vehicle to promote its call for campaign finance reform. Reed released a statement saying he concurs with the city’s current campaign finance regulations.
In the weeks leading up to the Jan. 3 vote, Common Cause continued to press Reed’s administration for greater transparency in the bidding process and for campaign finance reform.
Reed responded from the floor of the Council Chamber, saying this of Common Cause:
“For God’s sake, Common Cause – which has driven the media inquiry – has so much stain on it that it stinks,” Reed told the council.
Perry has responded that Reed is trying to divert attention from the real issue, which Perry says is campaign finance reform.
Kasim Reed and his bullying tactics are starting to make me sick. This attack on Common Cause is silly and childish. Please grow up Mr. Mayor if you want my vote again.