Kasim Reed, the former Atlanta mayor who faced scandal in his administration in 2018, has reemerged as a candidate for a third term, leading a crowded field of lesser-known contenders. Reed's focus is on addressing the increase in violent crime in Atlanta, emphasizing his experience and track record as the solution. He has promised to strengthen law enforcement while also considering grassroots demands for a change in policing culture, including adding 750 officers to the police force. "He said in a recent television ad that they are going to train them in a post-George Floyd manner." Reed's opponents in the nonpartisan race, who mostly identify as Democrats, are also sharing a similar message, which is different from the defund-the-police stance of progressive activists during the 2020 protests. Reed's success in the November election will show how much voters are willing to overlook in politicians as long as they believe they can achieve peace and order. Reed's time in office was marked by a confrontational style that some viewed as bullying, as well as scandals involving kickbacks, theft of public funds, and weapons violations. Felicia Moore, a top rival for mayor, is urging voters to consider the corruption cases involving members of Reed's administration. She stated that the leadership must accept accountability for the actions of their organization, as he was the one in charge. However, in Atlanta, crime has become a major issue. The number of homicides investigated by Atlanta police rose from 99 in 2019 to 157 in 2020, a year when the US saw its largest one-year increase in homicides on record. This year, Atlanta is on pace to have an even worse year. Some particularly shocking homicides have occurred in the past year, such as an 8-year-old girl being shot and killed in a car with her mother last summer, and a 27-year-old bartender being kidnapped at gunpoint and killed while returning home from work last month. A 40-year-old woman and her dog were brutally killed while on a late-night walk near Piedmont Park in July. The violence in Atlanta is becoming more random and widespread, with incidents occurring throughout the day, according to mayoral candidate Sharon Gay. The impact of these crimes reaches beyond the mayor's office, with Georgia Republicans using the violence as a campaign issue, despite similar rises in crime in cities led by both Democrats and Republicans. Brian Kemp has allocated a significant amount of funding for a new "crime suppression unit" in the city. The affluent Buckhead neighborhood is considering breaking away from Atlanta primarily due to concerns about crime, a move that could have negative repercussions for the city's tax revenue. Some critics are holding the current mayor, Keisha Lance Bottoms, responsible for not effectively addressing the crime issue. Earlier this spring, just days before Bottoms decided not to seek reelection, former Mayor Reed criticized the high crime rates in the city, suggesting a rift with Bottoms and hinting at a potential return to politics. When it arrived, it brought a large amount of excitement and attractiveness. Mayor Reed stated at a glamorous event at Tyrese Gibson's home in Buckhead that the future of Atlanta is on the line. He confidently declared, "Atlanta, inform LA, New York, Charlotte, Dallas, Chicago, and especially Miami - I have returned!" Within a few weeks, he had collected around $1 million in campaign donations. However, the notion that Atlanta would benefit from returning to the years of 2010-17 under Reed's leadership is controversial. Reed claims responsibility for maintaining low crime rates during that period and takes pride in bringing in numerous police officers. According to FBI statistics, violent crime in the city decreased starting in 2012 and continued to drop during Reed's time as mayor. This decline was part of a national trend that began in the early 1990s. Despite this overall decrease, there has been a recent uptick in high-profile crimes in Atlanta, causing concern among residents. Reed was known for his strong leadership, as seen in his decision to dismiss the city fire chief for making derogatory remarks about homosexuality, and his handling of union protests to address the city's pension issues. However, his administration was marred by scandals that resulted in guilty pleas from several officials. The former human services director, watershed management head, and chief financial officer have been indicted and are currently waiting for trial. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported in June that Reed may be under federal investigation for using campaign funds for personal expenses, although Reed stated in an interview that his lawyers were informed by the Department of Justice that he was not being investigated. The US Attorney's Office in Atlanta declined to provide any comments. Reed acknowledged his responsibility for the issues that happened during his tenure and mentioned that despite years of scrutiny, no charges have been brought against him. He stated that he has undergone intense vetting and security measures that few people experience and survive, emerging with a clear reputation. He implied that racism may have played a role in the scrutiny he faced. He mentioned that federal investigations, like the ones in Atlanta, are often targeted at Black political leaders, particularly mayors. A recent University of Georgia poll showed Reed leading the mayoral race with roughly 24% support, but 41% of likely voters were undecided. Reed's opponents are trying to persuade these undecided voters that there are better options. Some voters are tired of Reed. Bruce Maclachlan, an 85-year-old landlord residing in Inman Park near where Gay was mugged, expressed concerns about corruption surrounding Kasim Reed. He mentioned his support for Moore, the City Council president with around 20% support in the polls, noting her perceived honesty and lack of scandal. Criminal defense lawyer Robert Patillo has experienced the crime issue firsthand. Recently, his sister's car was stolen, his laptop was taken from his car, and a friend's house was burglarized. He mentioned that everyone has been affected by this crime wave. Despite this, he still plans to vote for Moore as he feels he is more reliable and capable of addressing crime and civil rights. However, he acknowledged the appeal of Reed, noting that people tend to lean towards strong leadership when feeling fearful. Pinky Cole, the creator of Slutty Vegan, a popular local restaurant chain, had a contrasting opinion. Cole, a well-known young African American entrepreneur in the city, stated that Reed had assisted her in resolving legal issues her business had encountered. She believed that the problems of crime and the city's business atmosphere were closely connected, a common perspective in Atlanta nowadays. This connection had a significant impact on her, as two of her employees had been shot in recent months, with one of them losing their life. Despite concerns about corruption cases involving Reed, she trusted in his integrity and recalled how he had previously made the city safe. Cole expressed confidence that he would be able to accomplish this once again.