According to the Menino Survey of Mayors, by far the most common occupation for mayors before their service is attorney. A full third of mayors hold a Juris Doctorate degree and more mayors practiced law than were in business. The only other degree that is singled out in their survey is an MBA, held by only 13 percent of mayors in the survey. Keisha Lance Bottoms is an attorney, Kasim Reed is an attorney. Andre Dickens is not. Dickens is an engineer.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
At his swearing in Monday at Georgia Tech, Dickens hoped to demonstrate some of his different thinking that might come with his administration. There were a few themes that Dickens stuck to during his swearing in speech, particularly unity, as the threat of Buckhead City hangs over year one of Dickens’ administration.
Dickens began his inauguration speech pointing out his history as a native of Atlanta’s Adamsville neighborhood and how he worked as a student usher during his time at Georgia Tech to earn extra money.
The first issue Dickens specifically pointed to was crime. His “first 100 days” pledge will be “laser focused on reducing crime.” He plans to hire 250 new police officers before the end of the year and increasing and improving training for new and existing officers. Announced during Bottoms’ administration, the city will also be adding 10,000 street lights across the city for safety. Dickens also plans to use technology like cameras and shot spotters to assist the work of police. He pointed out that some 60 percent of crime is committed by youth between the ages of 13 and 24 so the city will be partnering with schools, churches and community groups to expand opportunities that do not involve committing crimes.
Dickens returned to unity at the end of his speech, emphasizing he is going to work for the entire city. As is probably the case in many cities across the country, groups in Atlanta often hold the view that City Hall is not working for them and focusing on some other area, only to find that the “some other area” feels the same. Whatever the issue, Dickens’ challenge will be convincing Buckhead and South Atlanta that he is working for both of them.
“I’ve told you before that I draw circles, I don’t draw lines to divide us. And I’ll tell you now that I don’t want any lines dividing this great city. We need to believe in the power of drawing circles and coming together to move Atlanta, ALL of Atlanta, to a brighter future.”
Notably, Dickens takes office during some tremendous turnover at City Council, with a new group of members, perhaps more progressive than ever. The council is composed of 15 members and the City Council President, six of the members are brand new and the council president has not held elected office before. Some long time members are gone and the average age of the council is likely younger than ever as well. With a couple exceptions, crime seems to be a generally agreed on issue that will get attention but issues like housing affordability and economic development in poorer areas will be a major focus for the new council.
To see Dickens’ full speech and some of his other priorities:
