Ceasar Mitchell’s picks for committee chairs preview Atlanta’s power shifts with an eye to 2017 mayoral election | SaportaReport

Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell’s picks of chairs to key City Council committees actually spoke volumes about the tone of city politics in 2014 and for the next four years.

Mitchell named the two new members of Council — Mary Norwood and Andre Dickens — as chairs of committees — prestigious posts available to only seven of the 14 members on Council. Mitchell is the presiding officer who votes if there is a tie.

The appointments also included several potential candidates who might run for mayor in 2017. Mitchell has made no secret that he is considering a run for the city’s top office in four years.

“There may be a number of councilmembers who are considering running for mayor who I have put in key Council leadership roles on key committees,” Mitchell said in an interview before disclosing his choices to the entire body.

“For me to shy away from getting them engaged, from having a big tent and from having them involved with other councilmembers would be shortsighted,” Mitchell continued. “Having them isolated would not be in the best interest of our city.”

Among potential mayoral candidates on City Council include Mitchell, Michael Julian Bond, Kwanza Hall, Keisha Lance Bottoms and Norwood.

“What kind of confidence would I have in my leadership as a public servant if I started playing petty political games at the city’s expense?” Mitchell asked rhetorically.

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