Last night, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed hosted the re-launch of the quarterly event series “Political Cocktails,” a networking mixer that brings awareness to various social and political issues. I know what you’re thinking…no, JubileeMag.com wasn’t there drinking cocktails. BUT we were there to support the Mayor and to do our part in regards to the laws of the land.

The event featured a candid “couch” interview and Q&A with Mayor Reed conducted by Egypt Sherrod, V103 midday personality and HGTV host of “Property Virgins.” Reed addressed everything from his Cascade roots and childhood to his political career and personal thoughts on marriage.

The hot topic of the night was the regional transportation referendum (TSPLOST) that will be voted on next week. Mayor Reed encouraged the audience of over 200 attendees to support the sales tax law as an effort to help the economy, ease traffic/commuting woes and improve the overall quality of life for metro Atlantans. The mayor noted that TSPLOST will help Atlanta regain its competitive edge” in the global market and create jobs and contracting opportunities, adding that his administration has already spent over $900 Million with women and minority businesses in the City of Atlanta.

Cory Ruth, Outreach Director for the Governor’s Office of Workforce Development, addressed the audience with remarks highlighting the jobs that will be created by the referendum as well as details on Governor Nathan Deal’s “Go Build Georgia” job initiative.

Following the interview and Q&A, event sponsor Untie Atlanta hosted a live Google+ “hangout on air,” where Mayor Reed answered additional TSPLOST questions from online participants.

Political Cocktails was founded by Stacii Jae Johnson (Entertainment & Special Events Director, Office of Mayor Kasim Reed), Atlanta City Council Member H. Lamar Willis and Sonja Williams (serial entrepreneur and CEO of ShockTheory Interactive). Event attendees included Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell, Atlanta City Council Member Keisha Lance Bottoms, Chaka Zulu (Disturbing the Peace), April Woodard (BET), Terrinee Briggs and more.

For more information on Political Cocktails, visit www.politicalcocktails.com. For information on Untie Atlanta, visit www.untieatlanta.com.

Photos: James Pray

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Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

Egypt Sherrod (HGTV/V-103) served as the evenings host.

Egypt Sherrod and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed

Egypt Sherrod with Mayor Kasim Reed about to sit down for a Q & A.

Press speaking with Mayor Reed as he enters the W Hotel’s ballroom.

April Woodard (BET host) introduced Egypt as the host of the evening.

Egypt Sherrod facilitates Q&A

The Q&A

Reed addressed everything from his Cascade roots and childhood to his political career and personal thoughts on marriage.

Forget what VH1 says, THIS is what young professional Atlantans do. Great convo’s took place as we came out to learn about various social and political issues.

Egypt Sherrod interviews Mayor Kasim Reed

Mayor Kasim Reed answers questions

Cynthia Williams (Parents Against Distracted Driving) poses a question at Political Cocktails

Pamphlets were given out with facts about how Metro Atlanta’s traffic will be transformed.

Remember to vote Atlanta!

Buttons were given out to promote “Untie Atlanta”.

DJ E-Clazz was on the 1′a and 2′s.

Chaka Zulu, Terrinee Briggs & guest

Mayor Reed in Google+ Hangout

Mayor Reed participates in Google+ Hangout

Councilman H. Lamar Willis and Sonja Williams (ShockTheory Interactive)

Cory Ruth – Outreach Director, Governor Nathan Deal’s Office of Workforce Development

Cory Ruth, wife Dr. Kathleen Ruth & guest

Political Cocktails founders Councilman H. Lamar Willis and Sonja Williams (ShockTheory Interactive)

Sonja Williams, Egypt Sherrod, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Stacii Jae Johnson, Keisha Bottoms, H. Lamar Willis

Sonja Williams, H. Lamar Willis, Atlanta City Council President Caesar Mitchell, Stacii Jae Johnson