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| Cobb County Commission meeting - Jan. 24, 2023 |
After receiving an email invite from Cobb County Democrats, I was glad to start the political new year off right by attending a government
meeting in small town Marietta, Ga. at 200 Cherokee Street. At the top of the agenda were redistricting/home rule vs laws
signed by Gov. Kemp, a commissioner’s moving, and allegedly inaccurate board minutes.
And even though one speaker said all our troubles are because of the media, I'm writing this anyway.
The
place was packed. It was Good ‘ole times night in the overflowing meeting rooms
with everyone hugging and profiling. All the would-be and wanna be politicians
were there. No free parking in the parking deck. Chairs were locked in place
even though Covid is still on the loose, so there was no keeping 6 feet apart,
and no one appeared to be wearing a mask.
Several fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi brothers were present, dressed in “Nupe”
red and white sweaters, jackets, and hats. The crowd was racially diverse, but all the commissioners were female as well as the county manager. Wow, how things have changed since I moved to Cobb 28 years ago.
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| Commissioners and county manager are all women. 51.3% of population are female. |
This is the bedrock of local American politics in 2023. This is how local politics is performed.
SCLC, NAACP, and other community group leaders were loudly excited. Even in these serious times, with war in Ukraine and
recession looming, I feel the attendees could have been moving to a more productive outcome. An elevated police presence was observed, possibly due to the focus of the meeting and officers being prepared for any violent confrontations. At least one speaker was escorted out at the last meeting after his five minute allotted time expired, and two commissioners retreated to the back of the room.
Having graceful intentions was
proffered by a preacher giving the opening prayer. Common courtesy was absent when trying to find a seat. Signs passed around included “Home Rule Protects” and “Cobb
United We Stand/Divided We Fall” on two-sided red, white, and blue placards. Wristbands stated “Protect Local Control.”
There were no “No” votes against approving hundreds of
thousands of dollars in expenditures which will raise taxes… for transportation
improvements and legislative lobbying consultants.
Lisa Cupid, Esq., was the commission chairwoman
officiating the meeting. She got emotional when the clerk was accused of presenting inaccurate
minutes. She said that duty was the responsibility of commissioners, not the clerk.
Other business: CPR training for
schools exalted with the District 2 community cabinet, Cobb emergency services and local librarians collaborating to give 10-12 students training. Medical examiners
office finally fully accredited. Citizens helped when they brought challenges to
medical examiner office up…commitment paid off and generations of Cobb Countians
will benefit.
Public comment: 5 minutes for each speaker. Respectful courtesy
and servility to be used. Takeaways: We are a free nation; just move if you are
not in a district you ‘re elected to serve. “Just move” is a disturbing message
which connotes “You don’t belong” and “Blames the victim” some Democratic commissioners said.
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| According to U.S. Census (2021), Cobb County's population is 50.2% White and 49.8% Non-White. |
One speaker claimed that notable years in our history included events in 1917,
1955, 1964, and 2020, the year Commissioner Richardson was elected. Richardson has been “redrawn out”of her own district. Another commenter said the county would have to abide by laws enacted by the state legislature and not use home rule to
change districts. “The law is the law,” he said.
Another speaker said we’re close to insurrection, that the legislature will win, and the Commission is unauthorized and lacks authority when it comes to redrawing district maps.
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| Commissioner Gambrill called for a forensic audit of prior meeting minutes. |
District 1 Commissioner Keli Gambrill (R) who in an accountant, asked for a
forensic audit to ensure that the integrity of the commission is upheld in
regard to meeting minutes. She said the administrative county clerk didn’t perform her job, and accuracy is key. She said the county clerk should accurately record the minutes, that Robert’s Rules of Order were not followed at the last meeting, and that what really happened after the last executive session was in question.
Democratic commissioners said the video record was not synced at the last meeting, but “Truth cannot be changed, and words have
consequences!”
To watch past meetings, go to the Cobb County government website. Knowledge is power!
Correction: "Just one correction….this was the 2nd meeting of the year. It was the first meeting where Commissioners Gambrill and Birrell both refused to vote on any of the work of the evening that was the 1st meeting of the year."--- Sally Riddle, SCLC
