Thursday, July 30, 2009
News Franklin, Pennington blow it at press conference on crime
Posted by Thomas Wheatley @thomaswheatley on Thu, Jul 30, 2009 at 4:34 PM
Who knew train wrecks could happen indoors?
Mayor Shirley Franklin and Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington today faced heated questions from reporters on how the city plans to address residents' growing concerns about public safety.
The focus this morning was on Pennington, who spoke only briefly and appeared downtrodden throughout the press conference. The chief's been criticized for maintaining a low profile, especially after a recent spurt of crimes in the city that included the killing of a pro boxer, the carjacking of a councilman, and the shooting of a man walking into his girlfriend's house with groceries. Today was the first anyone's heard from him on the recent rash of crimes. (He said he was attending mandatory "police leadership training" in Virginia over the weekend.)
Reporters asked the chief — who will be looking for a new job once the mayor's term ends in January — if he has the wherewithal to address the crime issue.
"I have not 'checked out,'" Pennington said. "I will continue to work hard until [Franklin] leaves."
Franklin — who got testy with the press many times throughout the conference — voiced unwavering support for Pennington, whom she said has helped "reform" the Atlanta department and the New Orleans Police Department, where he formerly worked.
"I'm proud of his leadership," she said. "I'm proud of his integrity."
She added, however, that one crime is "one crime too many" — and that the city could do more.
In the coming weeks, Franklin said, police will step up all-night "sweeps" in certain police zones, dispatching officers to high-crime hotspots to crack down on illegal activity and then move on to other areas. The department's gang division now has 25 officers, up from six. Police officers will also enforce an 11 p.m. curfew for young adults that's already on the books in Atlanta.
She said the city is anticipating adding new officers to the force, due to stimulus funding and upcoming Police Academy graduates. Thanks to a controversial property-tax hike, the furloughs have also ended.
Franklin said the city's also reaching out to residents and community leaders to help prevent crime. She didn't describe a specific plan or program, however. Pennington said much of the recent high-profile crimes have been gang-related and committed by young people who are "more brazen and not afraid to shoot someone."
The mayor also jousted with reporters Tony McNary and Wendy Saltzman of CBS Atlanta. (McNary grilled Franklin yesterday about the issue and asked her if she had "checked out." Franklin said the question was "insulting.")
When reporters continued barraging Pennington with questions at the end of the conference, Franklin at one point reached for his arm to usher him away from the cameras.
(Photo by Joeff Davis)
Comments (39)
Showing 1-39 of 39
Any footage of Pennington sobbing? I'm so fucking sick of both of them, I wish they'd leave right now and let someone who want's to do the job have a go at it.
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I fully expect Franklin to go off the deep end and start blaming different groups in the city as part of her problem, that they just don't like her and that they're out to get her.
Yesterday on the way home (heading south on 85) there was at least 10 state patrol cars within a mile pulling people over for speeding. Seems to me they focus too much on making money than serve and protecting.
What would have been considered a success in your opinion? I think Pennington and the Mayor had to take the heat on this one. It was a long time coming and nothing they said would have pacified their critics.
Was this dog and pony show the perception of a Mayor and the perception of a Police Chief?
It's about time these two came out from wherever it is that they have been hiding. I voted for Shirley both times and I'm really only proud of the first time. I honestly do not know what her or Chief Pennington have been up to for the past year or so. She seemed to have disappeared after her daughter was linked to money laundering. Neither of them were professional during the press conference. Chief Pennington only seemed interested in trying to clear his name. I'm sick of the attitude the so-called leaders of this city have and I hate that I voted for Shirley the second time around. She really did to a lot of good things for the city during her first term. It's time for a complete 'makeover' of this city's leadership. No more attitudes, no more heads going from side-to-side, and no more old blood. It's time for some new blood to run this city.
Franklin is insulted?! OH PLEASE. She has insulted every single tax paying citizen in this city over the last two years. The issue of violent crime in this city did not just crop up over the weekend, it has been going on for several years and neither she nor Pennington ever bothered to show one iota of leadership. This is the FIRST time she has gone before the people of Atlanta top address this problem. I thought she was the real deal when she took over City Hall... how disappointed I am today.
It is past time to show them both the door. I have no confidence in either of them. Never had it for Pennington. Lost it for Shirley several years back. What's the next step when our so called leaders are no longer capable of leading?
It's funny reading these posts. If you watch the news and read blogs like this you would think Shirley was the most disliked politician in the city. Conversely, my friends in the mayoral campaigns tell me she has a favorability rating of over 80% among blacks and over 60% among whites, which is why the candidates aren’t criticizing her. Where are the people that like her? Judging from this blog, the polls clearly have it wrong.
South Dekalb Voter: I voted for the Mayor twice. In fact I think she did a damn good job in her first term, but over the last couple of years he has evaporated from the scene, which has lead to the perception that she just does not care any longer. Personally, I can understand her continued popularity. She is a likable person and has accomplished a lot she can be proud of. I wonder however, if those polls represent the recent growing frustration of many of her former supporters such as myself.
I'm curious to know if all the people that are upset with Franklin and Pennington would prefer a) Lower overall crime rates but a mayor and police chief the press and public deem unresponsive or b) Higher overall crime rates but a mayor and police chief the press and public think are responsive?
Note to Chief Pennington: When you have a camera pointed at you and you're trying to show you're not a slacker, try not to lean against the back wall. It's evocative, and not in a good way. WSB showed you pushing off the wall to stand up straight. Let's just say it wasn't a good look for someone in your position.
why does the media continue to harass Mayor Surely I can't Be Frank With You and Chief Paddington? Everyone knows they're clowns and are not the least bit intimidated by being held accountable. When you continue to address them you give them credibility. Why not address some of the Zone Captains who are making a positive difference? Ask them their opinions or for solutions. Mayor Surely I Can't Be Frank With You is certainly hiding something and i'd bet the net worth of CL Chief Paddington has had a debilitating stroke which would explain his absence and his demeanor...
Atlanta is getting what it deserves, idiots get the representation they elect. Your drowning in your own apathy; it's your just deserts. Eat up and choke it down.
Our "just deserts"? Which deserts? Mojave? Sahara? There's nothing like a smartass who is a dumbass.
As well as punctuation (deserves; or deserves: or even deserves.) and proper use of contractions (You're not your) What are you, a 3rd grader?
The mayor, don't forget, has had a lot on her plate these past few years. Just look at the torn-up streets, where crews are working to fix sewers that Bill Campbell ignored. I think she has done a good job in a situation where few people could have done better. Now, regarding Pennington: Franklin should have given him the boot years ago.
Man, I can't wait for summer to end so all these out-of-work english teachers have to go back to school.
Yeah, Satan, check your grammar. What? They don't check for punctuation in that hell where you live?
As a former atlanta resident (and current NYC resident) I find it so sad that my long-time home of Atlanta has devolved over the last decade into a crime-ridden city on the level of a Detroit. I'm sick of hearing from my friends that they are getting robbed at gun point, their homes/cars getting broken into, etc. Too bad the population will never elect a mayor who will do what has to be done.
Jay - It is not utopic to expect an administration that is effective at fighting crime while also being responsive to citizens' concerns. It is, however, utopic to imagine that you will stop being an apologist douchebag. By the way, someone else was murdered last night on Cone St, about two blocks from Centennial Olympic Park. But hey, larcenies are down so we must be safer.
Mr. T, I don't know why you felt the need to attack me personally. If you want to make a point or debate the facts that's one thing, but calling me names is juvenile and just seems representative of the whole argument coming from people who "feel" crime is increasing and are "unhappy" that the mayor and police chief aren't telling them everything is going to be better. Please give us some examples of mayors and police chiefs of cities equal in size to Atlanta who are effective at fighting crime while also being responsive to citizens’ concerns. I would love to see that it's possible, and having an ideal to strive towards can only help all of us guide the city the way we want it to be. Unfortunately someone was murdered last night. Since that makes you feel unsafe, I'm curious to know at what number of homicides per year would you feel safe?
So, if I can't point out another city that has the leadership and results which I desire, I am am being unreasonable in demanding it here? Translation - other cities suck so don't complain about Atlanta sucking. BS. I agree with T.
Yes, it's possible you are being unreasonable. You are familiar with the Atlanta city government. And you didn't provide any examples of the type of leadership you desire.
Cathy L. Lanier, Chief of Police Washington, DC and Adrian Fenty, Mayor of Washington, DC. They are blowing the doors off our dynamic duo. They actually implement real strategies not just blame the victims. The whole 'were no worse' mentality is pathetic. Anyone who argues that line should be removed from office. Shirls and Penns are just cruising to retirement fattening their pockets on the way out. Can you say free trip to Virginia on the taxpayers dime?
Thanks, Kent. I'll read up about what is going on in DC, and I encourage everyone else to do the same. If anyone else has good examples please continue to list them. If citizens study what works in those cities and could work in Atlanta, then we can tell the mayor, city council, and police department what exactly we want to be done.
Seriously... are they not professionals. I mean the information is readily available. All they have to do is try. They really have 'checked out' its sad. Shirley could have had a good legacy but they just did'nt want to believe what the citizens were marching in the streets telling them was true. And yesterday was her imitation of Marie Antoinette... 'Let them get video cameras'. I like living here but there comes a point where you just have to say 'I won't be robbed again, at least not in this city'.
I am not trying to defend Franklin and Pennington, despite what some here might think. I've just been pointing out the facts about the overall decline in most crimes. It's obvious there will be no productive dialog between citizens and Franklin and Pennington. I suggest that everyone who is upset about crime in Atlanta focus all their energy on the mayoral and city council candidates. Find out what programs you want implemented and make sure the candidates know it. Keep on them after they're elected.
I'm voting for whoever is less connected to the Atlanta Machine. Not sure who it is yet but that is bad news for Lisa Borders. I could care less about stats and rates. All I know is that My house has been burglarized, My cars have been broken into, hell someone has even stolen bushes from my yard. Yes Bushes are not even safe in East Atlanta! It has not always been this bad, but it is getting worse.
I can sympathize with you. I was the victim of a violent crime. I think people should care about crime statistics and rates. The police focus on them. To ignore facts is never wise when trying to improve the situation. If you want to avoid the Atlanta Machine then don't vote for Borders, Norwood or Reed. That doesn't mean you can't talk to them and encourage them to implement certain programs. It also doesn't mean they don't have good ideas. Everyone should pay close to attention to Norwood's focus on how the courts handle offenders. Citizens fighting to make Atlanta safer will have to include pressure on the new mayor, city council, police chief, and most importantly our DA and court system.
Jay What works isn't really that complicated AT ALL and there are MANY cities that are doing it right. Its called leadership and with the right priorities. 1, Public safety, 2, clean water and 3, the quality of life of the citizens. I think Franklin may have genuinely wanted to do well for the city but here priorities are ALL wrong. When times were good this city spent money on hiring thousands of workers, making the pension plan outrageously expensive, and creating an add campaign with a stupid jingle. Franklin even BEFORE the recession. Instead they should have been spending money repairing infrastructure (sewers notwithstanding), adequately paying the police, and doing projects that will actually improve the quality of life in the city. We had to have a freaking stimulus check to do streetscape improvements downtown in the middle of the convention district when it has looked like a third world country for YEARS. This city couldn't come up with $8 million to do a simple streetscape projects. Now for this crime wave, it is a direct result of the unnecessary furlough. How do you need a $56 million tax increase to end the furlough when the 6 months of furlough saved the city $6 million?
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