Welcome

My favorite part of meeting with the community - whether one-on-one or in a group - is helping demystify what is happening in Cobb County. There are so many moving parts and a wealth of resources available, from Public Safety to Libraries, that it can often feel overwhelming. 

Over the past several months, I have made it a priority to personally meet with every director of every county agency. This ongoing effort is aimed at gaining a comprehensive understanding of the priorities and challenges that lie ahead for Cobb County in 2024 and beyond. This work is not a one-time event, but a continuous process that involves attending the Board of Commissioners meetings, maintaining a dialogue with county leaders, and fostering meaningful connections with Cobb's residents, businesses, and visitors. 

Let me be clear: I am not a politician seeking the next available seat. I am a dedicated, long-time resident who is committed to serving our community in this role. This position requires someone who can concentrate on empowering the community, streamlining operations, and building a future that benefits us all. This is not just a job, but a mission that I am fully committed to. 

Be a part of this movement. Your time and talent are invaluable in making our shared vision a reality. Visit KevinForCobb.com/volunteer and let us know how you can contribute to our community's growth and prosperity. 

What’s Happening in the District 

Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival!

Find me this weekend at Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival! I’ll be there to meet with the community and answer any questions you may have about the campaign and my vision for our future.

From the City of Smyrna: Join us for our Annual Spring Jonquil Festival on Saturday, April 27 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Sunday, April 28, noon to 5:00 p.m. in the Market Village, in front of City Hall and at Village Green Park.

The Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival features over 175 Arts & Crafts booths, 20 food booths, an entertainment stage, beer gardens and a variety of children's activities. The Jonquils will be in bloom in the midst of springtime in Smyrna. Bring the family and shop, play, eat, drink and just have a great day together. Admission is FREE. See you there!

The Big Story 

Cobb County is preparing for a vote on the proposed Mobility Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (MSPLOST). If approved, it will introduce a one percent sales tax to fund various transportation projects. The MSPLOST aims to address the county's growing mobility and infrastructure needs, including roadway enhancements, expansion of public transit options, and improvements to pedestrian and bicycle pathways. The goal is to create a more integrated and efficient transportation network that caters to the diverse needs of Cobb County's residents and businesses.

Supporters of MSPLOST argue that the additional funding is crucial for keeping pace with Cobb County's rapid growth and development. Improved transportation infrastructure will not only ease congestion and reduce commute times but also boost the local economy by attracting new businesses and facilitating smoother movement of goods and services. MSPLOST would supplement existing resources, allowing for more comprehensive and larger-scale projects that might otherwise be unfeasible due to budget constraints.

On the other hand, critics of the MSPLOST have expressed concerns about the impact of the proposed sales tax increase on consumers, and the additional tax burden could disproportionately affect lower-income households. Skeptics also question the prioritization of projects funded by the MSPLOST, advocating for a more precise justification and more detailed plans for using the funds.

As I've had the opportunity to meet with so many people in the county and district, I've identified four groups of people who are directly impacted by our transportation system:

1) Those who need it.
2) Those who want it.
3) Those who don't want it.
4) Local businesses who benefit from having a broader pool of potential employees  

The transportation system in Cobb County is not just a necessity; it's an opportunity. By enhancing the experience for all users, we can better serve our community, leading to a more efficient and safer service delivery. This, in turn, will naturally boost the utilization of a system that taxpayers have already invested so much in. As more people walk, bike, or use transit, everyone benefits from better commutes, cleaner air, and more accessibility.

To achieve this, Cobb County needs to benefit from every resource available, including Federal grants, which offer significantly more funding with a long-term local commitment. We must consider what these resources can do to optimize the effectiveness of these proposed projects while simultaneously reducing the funds required from the county. Without state or Federal help, Cobb will be on its own in investing in our transportation system. 

BOC Meeting Recap 

Honoring Community Leaders and Achievements

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on April 23, 2024, where they recognized several notable individuals and accomplishments:

• The board approved renaming the Cobb County Building at 100 Cherokee Street the David Hankerson Building, honoring his life and service to the county.

• A proclamation was presented to celebrate April 30, 2024, as National Therapy Animal Day.

• The board also recognized April 29, 2024, as End Jewish Hatred Day with a special proclamation.

• Certificates of achievement were presented to members of the Kell Longhorn boys' basketball team for winning the state championship.

Infrastructure and Public Services Updates

The meeting agenda included several items related to the county's infrastructure and public services:

• A construction contract was approved for the North Marietta Parkway Interceptor Sewer Rehabilitation project.

• Modifications were authorized for seven CobbLinc paratransit vehicles, and upgrades were approved for the lighting system at the Marietta Transfer Center and transit bus holding area.

• The board approved the transfer of funds from the Postal Services budget to the Elections & Registration budget.

• Renovations to the Sheriff's Headquarters were authorized through a temporary construction easement with the City of Marietta.

• Fencing construction was approved for the Cobb County Police Department Precinct 1.

Grants, Agreements, and Appointments

The agenda also included several items related to grants, agreements, and appointments:

• The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Atlanta Regional Commission for the acceptance of equipment, software, and supplies.

• A Statewide Mutual Aid and Assistance Agreement with the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) was approved to ensure mutual aid assistance in the event of a disaster or emergency.

• The board adopted a resolution authorizing the submission of grant applications for transportation improvement projects, including the Sardis Street Extension and Overpass in Kennesaw and the Multi-Corridor Safety Improvements project.

• Several appointments were made to the Development Authority of Cobb County, the Housing Authority of Cobb County, and the Civil Service Board.

Important Dates

April 27th-28th: The City of Smyrna’s Spring Jonquil Festival

April 27th: Fishing and Outdoor Education at Hyde Farm

April 29: Advance Voting Begins!

May 4th: Cobb Moms Helping Cobb 5K

May 4th: Taste of East Cobb

May 6th: Cobb County Commissioner Candidate Forum

May 9th: Taste of The Battery

May 14: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting

***May 21: Election Day!***