Atlanta council selections suggest hints of political futures… | www.myajc.com

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell, widely seen as a possible candidate in Atlanta’s next mayoral race, flexed his strongest political muscle when he announced a swath of new committee chairmen appointments.

It’s who was not named that is raising the most eyebrows.

For those who follow this kind of political maneuvering, it’s hard not to notice many of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s closest remaining allies on the council are without a prominent position. They include Councilwoman Keisha Lance Bottoms, Councilman Ivory Young or Councilwoman Joyce Sheperd.

The same can be said for a few high-profile leaders including Councilman Kwanza Hall and Councilman Michael Julian Bond, who, like Mitchell, are believed to eye a mayoral bid.

“It’s no secret that we’re likely to see a mayoral run from Ceasar in 2017,” said Nick Juliano, a public affairs consultant and former city council aide. “There are quite a few other talked-about contenders from the ranks of council: Keisha Lance Bottoms, Kwanza Hall, Mary Norwood and Michael Julian Bond.”

Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts, who served as the president of the council in the 1990s and lost his bid for mayor in 2001, said now is the time many will begin stretching their wings ahead of the 2017 race. He believes that inevitably plays into committee appointments.

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