Shown above on the right with beloved Congressman John Lewis, Kyle Keyser, 34, longtime Kossack (UID 5134)and Atlanta neighborhood activist, has announced his intention to run for Mayor of Atlanta. Joining a crowded field of contestants, Keyser, is the epitome of a non-establishment grassroots candidate. (Disclosure: Congressman Lewis has not endorsed any candidate for Mayor of Atlanta)
More on the flip...
Above, Kyle Keyser leads a recent ATAC rally in the Kirkwood neighborhood following an incident where a local resident was shot and robbed while mowing his lawn.
Atlanta has been experiencing an epidemic of increasing violent crime. As a result of his own recent experience as a victim, as well as numerous criminal assaults upon his friends and neighbors, Keyser founded Atlantans Together Against Crime (ATAC). ATAC has been highly successful in unifying Atlanta's diverse neighborhood groups to fight crime, in generating massive media attention, and forcing local politicians to recognize the seriousness of crime issues in the city.
Keyser, who is a University of Maryland graduate and former CDC employee, also intends to place major emphasis on addressing the serious fiscal issues facing the city after years of sloppy accounting practices and lack of basic financial controls.
Kyle Keyser's announcement statement is below:
An Open Letter to the Citizens of Atlanta
September 1st, 2009
I have decided to enter my name into the atlanta mayoral race. On Friday, September 4th I will go down to City Hall, qualify as a candidate, and add my name to the ballot.
Over the past two weeks, as the mayoral race has heated up and I continue to talk with residents from across the city, I’ve struggled with the decision to enter my name or not. I deeply care about what is happening in our city. This has raised my sensitivity to the failed promises of previous, established politicians. It’s also heightened my awareness to the ideas and platforms of current candidates and their plans to see Atlanta at its full potential.
I believe all the current candidates are talented and care about the City. Still, at my core, I can’t bring myself to fully sign over to any of them. Like a Kirkwood resident I recently spoke with, I ask "how can I simply ‘roll the dice’ when the City’s needs are so dire?"
This question has compelled me to step up. Having my name on the ballot, at a minimum, can be a reminder to every candidate that all of us mean business... and there are alternatives. As they continue to campaign and ultimately go in and vote for themselves on election day, let them see my name next to theirs. Let them be reminded of the thousands of Atlantans who have joined together – from East Atlanta to West End and Boulevard Heights to Midtown – to say:
Enough is enough. We deserve a safe, functional, and well-managed city.
At most, I’ll be able to set the vision, bring in the talent, create unprecedented transparency, and let the City answer to one special interest: the community.
In order to have my name on the ballot I need to raise $4425 by Friday at noon. That is the fee to qualify. Once I do, we will go from there. If you share my concerns and desire for a truly better Atlanta, I need your help to make that happen.
I’m asking for $5, $10, or any donation that you can give. I’ve filed my Declaration of Intent and have established a campaign contribution account. You can donate by following the link below. Please also share with me your thoughts, stories, and vision for Atlanta. Please feel free to email me directly.
As a grassroots candidate with no well-heeled financial base, Keyser is starting from scratch. Following his decision to run yesterday after much encouragement from intown residents, he must raise a $4425 qualifying fee by this Friday, September 4th to enter the race. If you can spare a few bucks, let's show this longtime Kossack that the community has his back. All it takes is 200+ Kossacks who can donate $20 and Kyle can qualify. Please give what you can, even if it's only a few bucks, by donating on his website HERE.
I have known Kyle Keyser for almost five years. We actually met through a discussion on Daily Kos and I have since been extraordinarily impressed by his integrity, character, creativity, and love for his city. I believe he will add excitement and great opportunities for grassroots activism to what has so far been a dull mayoral race with few charismatic candidates. Let's help him out.
UPDATE
Local media is beginning to cover Keyser's announcement. Read about it HERE and HERE. Atlanta Journal Constitution article is HERE,
Above, Kyle Keyser at a recent event in Piedmont Park.