Reed says he’d block plan for ‘parallel Downtown Connector’

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Atlanta mayoral candidate Kasim Reed said Thursday he would roadblock any plan to build a “parallel Downtown Connector” through or under portions of east Atlanta.

Reed said he would vigorously fight the idea, which was suggested two weeks ago by state Insurance Commissioner and Republican gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine.

“His proposal is flatly wrong and represents the worst idea that could be put forth for the city and the region,” Reed, a Democrat, told reporters.

Oxendine has said a tunnel or roadway could be built from Ga. 400 to a location near I-675 to reduce traffic on the Connector, which is often gridlocked during rush hours. He admits the idea is “controversial.” Efforts to contact Oxendine were unsuccessful late Thursday.

Reed, a former state senator, said the plan would cost billions and potentially lower the state’s credit rating unless it got substantial federal funding.

Reed made the comments at the state Capitol, where eight state lawmakers from Atlanta and DeKalb County endorsed his mayoral bid. The legislators praised Reed’s track record in the Senate and believe his experience in the Legislature makes him the best candidate to work on regional and statewide issues such as transportation and finding new sources of water.

“Kasim Reed gets things done,” said state Rep. Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta).

Reed said he supports the idea of allowing regions to vote themselves a penny-on-the-dollar sales tax to fund transportation improvements. Some lawmakers support a half-penny approach.

Reed also dismissed a claim made Wednesday by longtime Atlanta politico Aaron Turpeau that he is “pandering” to white voters by criticizing a racially charged analysis Turpeau recently distributed that suggests African-Americans make sure their interests are represented in the next administration.

The candidate called Turpeau’s comments “sad and disappointing.”

Staff writer Ariel Hart contributed to this article.