CNN

ATLANTA (CNN) - Atlanta's outgoing mayor announced Monday that she will not be voting for the candidate poised to become the city's first white mayor in more than three decades.

In an exclusive interview, Mayor Shirley Franklin told CNN's Don Lemon that she plans to vote for former Georgia state lawmaker Kasim Reed in Tuesday's election.

"Is that an official endorsement?" asked Lemon.

"That's just telling you the truth," Franklin responded. "I'm going to vote for him. I think he has the best set of skills. He has really been there to do some tough things over the state. He has Republican and Democratic support. . . . even though there are other candidates who have obviously some strengths, I think, through it all, he has the best chance of working in the region and the state."

Franklin singled out Reed's work in helping Atlanta deal with its water shortage issues, adding that "there are reasons to support each of the candidates" - but added that she has previously said she does not think Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood has the skills to be Atlanta's chief executive.