Small town politics: Spotlight on Cobb Cty., Ga., Dist. 3, USA and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell

Inger Eberhart (c), Birrell's assistant, stood listening at the meeting.

Town hall meetings give a snapshot of citizen input, political responses, promises made, dashed hopes, and limited outcomes. Investigating how a county commissioner manages her constituent's concerns provides a glimpse into the power play and public relations involved in small town politics. I attended a town hall meeting at Piedmont Baptist Church in Marietta, Ga. on November 3, 2011 and witnessed how politics is played in small town USA.

"Hello, I'm JoAnn," was the personal introduction I received from JoAnn Birrell (R), Commissioner for District 3. This seemingly low key, humble, down home politician has park development as one of her pet projects.

First Term Commissioner Birrell, however, is no novice when it comes to trying to have all her ducks in order. She has a positive demeanor despite her county facing hard economic times and personnel layoffs. When asked what she would do to improve Cobb County, she answered, "I think our county is the best. I feel that we are the best; there again, there's always room for improvement in anything. I would like to see us run more efficient for the taxpayer's money."

Even though Birrell deems Cobb County (2010 population 688,078) the best place to live in the country, on this rainy November night in Georgia, citizens had many gripes and questions. Some items on the list of complaints included mismanagement of road construction on Canton Road, the need for more 3-way stops and continuous sidewalks in neighborhoods, median mowing delays, non-synchronization of traffic lights, over mulching of tree roots on right-of-ways, SPLOST proposals leading to higher taxes, and public library hours being reduced from 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Where accountability was concerned, she came packing with all the county's heavy hitters. Those in attendance who were ready to answer questions included the county manager and many department directors as well as concerned citizens from volunteer community organizations.

"When you're a large urban area, you're going to have issues," said County Manager David Hankerson. "To me, it's how you respond to them. We have to do what the community expects...We've got to listen to citizens. We don't know all the answers. Open dialogue, communications, reacting and being responsive - that's what makes ours a good community."

Hankerson (r) talked to district residents before the meeting.

None of Birrell's staff or county department heads seemed to be taking notes, however, which led me to believe that nothing promised would be acted on unless everyone there in a responsible position had perfect memories. When asked to solve a problem, the leaders said they would look into complaints although there was no written guarantee that anything would be done.

Before the Q & A session began, Birrell methodically informed her constituents of the following concerns:

* Redistricting: lines will be redrawn in January by the State's General Assembly. Remedy given: None

* Economic development: Walmart will be opening a 40,000 square foot grocery store near Canton Road, and Chick-fil-A is planning a new store at Shallowford and Sandy Plains. Kroger will also add five fuel pumps. "Keep it in Cobb" business initiative is seeking new vendors. Many purchase orders for projects under $2,000 will be granted through a no bid process. Remedy given: Make sure people know that new job openings and congestion will result, and inform local businesses that an entrepreneurship initiative is in place.

* Beautification projects: The county is looking for individuals, businesses or groups to adopt a mile or corners to help maintain roadways. Remedy given: increase volunteerism.

* Crime: auto and residential burglaries are up, with arrests being made of neighborhood teenagers looking to support drug habits. Copper water pipes and wire in vacant homes are being targeted. Remedies given: remove valuables from your car and lock your doors. Keep an eye out for your neighbors.

Several policemen attended the meeting.

Police Chief John Houser said that he does not foresee any violence erupting in Cobb due to the Occupy protest movement. "We have not had that issue here. We understand people have the right to make their stance and let local governments know their positions on different issues."

Houser said Occupy Atlanta has been protesting in parks surrounded by residential areas, and that the police have the responsibility to protect citizen's free speech while also protecting homeowners. "It comes to a point where a government does have to take a stance and if need be, enforce laws," Houser concluded. He said there are no plans to implement additional curfews in Cobb.

While she was running for the position, The Political Vine, a website focused on political news, satire, rants, and rumors, made the following comments about Birrell. "The third candidate is not a 'regular person.' Though she is a nice person, the fact is that JoAnn Birrell works for Waste Management, Inc. as their 'community relations specialist.'" Waste Management, Inc. is one of 28 garbage collection services in the area.

Although Birrell is not a "good ole boy", she appeared to be surrounded by them, and most seemed to be conservatives. One thing is certain: Birrell did not come off as a high profile, political entertainer. The meeting ended with her folksy message, "Expect the best. We are the best!" Sounded like a high school cheer after halftime. Unfortunately, this is a Republican stronghold. Fortunately, more people are becoming Independent.
©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.