Welcome

I am back after a brief hiatus from the newsletter (just one edition). I took time off to focus on family, work, public service, and the exciting start of my daughter's new school year. I'm grateful for the opportunity to prioritize these things, and I'm happy to be back to share what's happening in Cobb County.

One of the highlights of last month for me was attending the inaugural Little Brazil Community Fair. Little Brazil is a well-known part of our community, and the name "Little Brazil" for the Cobb community was coined in Brazil. This event aims to showcase Brazilian culture and bring together the community's locally-owned businesses. My family and I enjoyed delicious food and had great conversations with our wonderful neighbors. This monthly event will feature fantastic food, music, and opportunities to learn more about the warm and friendly Brazilian culture.

Today’s Big Story will summarize the current status of the Board of Commissioners maps. While not all questions will be answered, we have reached several important milestones that are worth understanding.

What’s Happening in the District 

The East Cobber Parade!

The East Cobber Parade, now in its 27th year, returns on Saturday, September 14th, at 10 a.m. I had the opportunity to participate in the parade last year alongside Laura Judge’s parade crew. It’s really a fun event for everyone. Bring bags with you—there is a lot of candy handed out!

From the East Cobber event website: “Floats, high school marching bands and a cornucopia of East Cobb groups will march down the one-mile parade route. Starting at 10am, the parade participants will step off in front of the Princeton Lakes subdivision entrance (1223 Johnson Ferry Road), travel south on Johnson Ferry Road, and then turn onto Olde Towne Parkway.

Immediately following the EAST COBBER Parade, at approximately 11am, the EAST COBBER Festival will be held in the south parking lot of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). The Festival offers East Cobb County residents an opportunity to come together and enjoy an afternoon of local entertainment, carnival games, and good food. Booths will be set up to showcase everything from jewelry to local schools to books.”

The Big Story 

Before jumping in, it’s worth noting that every map (Board of Commissioners (BOC), School District, State House, State Senate, US House) that touched Cobb County and impacted the 2024 elections has undergone some form of legal court review. However, no other map has matched the level of unprecedented actions achieved from the BOC map.

How did we get here?
The current state of affairs is the result of unprecedented actions. A few fringe state representatives took unprecedented action that ignored over a century of tradition - a tradition that allowed the Cobb Local Delegation to create the map for the county they represent. Then, Cobb County responded unprecedentedly to preserve the power of the Cobb Local Delegation through the use of Home Rule in an untested application of this local power. The Home Rule vote put the Local Delegation’s district map in place.

What just happened?
The Cobb Superior Court ruled that the map the BOC has been operating under was found unconstitutionally placed through the Home Rule vote. The ruling also ordered the nullification of the BOC District 2 and District 4 primary elections held this past May and that a new Special Election needs to be held after this November’s General election is complete and certified.

Because of this, the BOC held two votes this week to discuss the implications of a new map. The votes were to 1) agree that we are now under a new map and 2) agree on how to deal with the vacancy created in District 2 by this new map. According to the Cobb County Attorney, the vacancy has been created because the new map places Commissioner Richardson outside of the district in which she was elected.

As to #1, the BOC voted 3-2 to affirm that they accept the judge's decision and are now under this new map.

Regarding #2, the BOC voted 2-2 (Commissioner Richardson recusing herself from this vote) that Richardson should be served official notice that the seat is vacant, giving her 10 days of due process to appeal. The BOC has no tie-breaker, so this vote was a “no decision.” Tie votes are returned to the BOC for voting in future meetings. This puts District 2, Richardson, and the BOC in yet another unprecedented position until the vote can be held again.

Now what?
The next election for the BOC is easy to answer. Once the November 2024 election is certified, there will be a Special Election for Districts 2 & 4.

If there is no runoff election:
•Qualifying: December 18 - 20
•Primary: February 11
•Runoff: March 11
•General: April 29

If there is a runoff election:
•Qualifying: January 27 - 29
•Primary: March 18
•Runoff: April 15
•General: June 17

As to what happens between now and the next time the vacancy is brought back to a vote - it is simply unclear.

BOC Meeting Recap 

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners convened for their regular meeting on August 27th at 7:00 PM. The meeting opened with a public hearing addressing two key issues: the proposed closure and abandonment of Bentley Lake Road and the second hearing for an amendment to Chapter 78 concerning licenses, permits, and businesses. Following this, the floor was opened for public comments, allowing citizens to voice their opinions. Attendees were reminded that public comments were to be directed solely toward the Chairwoman.

The agenda covered a lot of topics across several county departments. The District Attorney's Office approved grant funds for the Family Advocacy Center. At the same time, the Water System saw the authorization of various contracts related to infrastructure maintenance and equipment procurement. The Transportation Department gained approval for its Title VI Plan updates and agreements concerning CobbLinc's microtransit service and other essential operational activities. Additionally, the Public Services Agency, Support Services Agency, Public Safety Agency, and other departments received approvals for various contracts and agreements, ensuring the continuation of critical services across the county.

A significant moment in the meeting was the Board’s acknowledgment of a court finding regarding the Home Rule map, which directed using an alternative map for all future county purposes. This decision included considering instructions for notifying the sitting District 2 Commissioner of a vacancy in their office. The meeting concluded with final public comments, allowing citizens another opportunity to address the Board, followed by a public address by the Commissioners before adjournment.

Important Dates

September 9th: Board of Elections and Registration Meeting

September 10th: Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting