Atlanta Mayoral Race: Regional Commission Chair Says Next Mayor Must Open Arms to Atlanta's Neighbors ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - It's one thing Atlanta's mayoral candidates probably won't mention much during the runoff campaign: the next mayor can't do much without the state government. And, to get help from the state, the next mayor will need political support from the suburbs surrounding Atlanta. WABE's Denis O'Hayer spoke with Sam Olens, chairman of the Cobb County Commission, and chairman of the Atlanta Regional Commission, about what it will take for the next mayor to forge a city-suburbs coalition. © Copyright 2012, WABE