KASIM REED
Current Rank: 15
Previous Rank: –
This year represents an important mark in Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed’s career. This is an election year, one in which Reed will not face any opponent. While some critics see this uncontested race as a result of his talents as a fund- raiser—by January he already amassed $1.7 million—it is also a testament to the success of his administration. Since his inauguration in 2010, Atlanta has hired over 700 police officers, balanced its budget, and seen the crime rate fall by 15%. This is probably the reason why rappers T.I. and Ludacris both donated $2,500 to his campaign, as well as filmmaker Tyler Perry, who also donated $2,500 (the max personal donation). Although he has the mayoral position locked up and states that he loves his job, there is always more. People are already anticipating his participa- tion in the gubernatorial race in the near future. —James Elliott