Resident Challenges Mayor over Crime

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Northwest Atlanta resident Katie Sobeck said she no longer feels comfortable in her own home.

That's why the Hills Park resident and other homeowners tried to launch a social media campaign through Facebook, Twitter, and even "polite" texts to Mayor Kasim Reed's personal cellphone to get his attention about violent crime.

She said last week’s Sumter Street home invasion, just a mile and a half from her home, was the final straw.

"When it comes to someone's life being threatened that is a whole ‘nother issue. That put in our minds that the mayor isn't stopping it. We have to encourage him to take a stand,” Sobeck's exclaimed.

The wife and mother posted a message with the mayor's number on Facebook asking people concerned about crime to call or text, while others tweeted unsuccessfully.

"Each person got the same text when they would go to tweet him, it said you have been blocked by Mayor Kasim Reed. I am disappointed that an elected city official who is charged with taking care of the city and its people is showing a lack of transparency, a lack of willingness to talk to us," Sobeck's said.

The mayor's office tells FOX 5 that Atlanta Police meet with residents on a regular basis to talk about concerns and the mayor welcomes letters, telephone calls, and in-person visits. The lengthy statement concludes by saying:

"Publishing Mayor Reed’s private cell phone number is inappropriate and crosses the line; this is not a tool to engage an elected official, but rather an act that violates Mayor Reed’s privacy.”