ATLANTA—Independent candidate Mary Norwood conceded to Democrat Kasim Reed on Wednesday night in Atlanta’s mayoral race. After a recount, Reed’s margin of victory grew to 714 votes.
Norwood would have been Atlanta’s first white mayor since Sam Massell lost to Maynard Jackson in 1974, and would have been the second female mayor. Democratic Mayor Shirley Franklin served two terms. Franklin’s popularity suffered near the end of her tenure when the city furloughed police and firefighters.
Mary Norwood voted against a tax increase that would have prevented the furloughs. Reed criticized her for that vote during a rancorous campaign. He has already appointed an interim police chief and announced a wish to choose a permanent one from within the Atlanta Police Department.
On Wednesday, Reed and Norwood buried the hatchet.
Norwood would have been Atlanta’s first white mayor since Sam Massell lost to Maynard Jackson in 1974, and would have been the second female mayor. Democratic Mayor Shirley Franklin served two terms. Franklin’s popularity suffered near the end of her tenure when the city furloughed police and firefighters.
Mary Norwood voted against a tax increase that would have prevented the furloughs. Reed criticized her for that vote during a rancorous campaign. He has already appointed an interim police chief and announced a wish to choose a permanent one from within the Atlanta Police Department.
On Wednesday, Reed and Norwood buried the hatchet.
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