Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin signs off (we think)

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Today, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin held what was billed as her last press conference before leaving office.

During a testy exchange with reporters, Franklin declined to discuss her two terms as Mayor.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports.

Today wasn't the first time reporters have asked Franklin to reflect on her 8 years as Mayor. And today wasn't the first time she responded like this.

FRANKLIN: "I don't have to make a judgment about how well I've done. I don't have to do that and refuse to!"

Don't even try to ask Franklin to grade herself.

FRANKLIN: "The record speaks for itself. It's either good bad or indifferent. It can be changed. Somebody else will do it."

Franklin says everyone, including reporters, can make up their own minds about her legacy. She also said every Mayor has interacted with the media differently. She also wondered if the media, after 8 years, is still not used to the city's first female mayor.

FRANKLIN: "You know women bring a different perspective to everything we do. My perspective on life is there's a beginning a middle and an end. I started. I operated in the middle and I finished. That's the end of the story."

Franklin began by tackling potholes and Atlanta's water and sewer problems. She received high praise on the local and national stage. But her 2nd term was plagued by problems with the city's finances and public safety.

Perhaps part of Franklin's reluctance to talk about being Mayor has to do with advice she got while working for former Mayor Andy Young. She says the advice came from then City Council President Marvin Arrington Sr.

FRANKLIN: "And we made a pact that when it was over, we were going to know it was over and move on. That was 20 years ago. I know when it's over. I'm moving on."

Franklin will move from Mayor to teacher. At Spelman College, she'll teach topics such as women in politics and sociology.

Franklin, who in the past has touted her tough Philly roots, says what you see is what you get.

FRANKLIN: "What do you want? You get the real deal! Here I am! I tell you what's on my mind and that's it! Just relax! You'll have new fresh meat soon."

Kasim Reed takes over January 3rd.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.