A sobering thought for anyone who cares about Atlanta:
An expert in land use and urban development, Leinberger outlined how metro Atlanta has fallen out of favor nationally as a business hub and is now competing with cities like Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Dallas, cities once overshadowed by Atlanta.
My hometown, competing with Orlando West, Romenyville and the city that houses George W. Bush’s presidential library? Next stop Birmingham, and we’ll get there sooner than you think if the tea party’s campaign to defeat the imperfect Transportation Investment Act is successful.
Atlanta has been gutted by spectacularly stupid and venal politicians for more than a generation. You have watched much of this from a ring-side seat, and continued to vote for them. Don’t act surprised.
Correction — we have voted for them. Atlanta is the state’s economic engine but Republicans like Sonny Perdue have chosen to invest in Middle Georgia fish ponds while ignoring urban interests. I’m not going to defend the leadership of Atlanta, but the state has done its best to promote the city’s malaise.
That’s a fair statement, but Atlanta should be able to look out for itself. The rest of the state doesn’t have the economic leverage the City enjoys.
Jefferson County, Alabama declared bankruptcy in November, even though the incorporated parts of the county have a 10% sales tax. Atlanta is headed the same place. Too many thieves, not enough leaders, year after year.