City politics, SPLOST, Mableton SDS, property tax law, runoff election, business license revocation, neighborhood park debate, city property tax increase, new AED registration law, city manager search, data center moratorium, blight tax underutilization, Cobb County budget, police bonus, school board control
Key Questions
What did Governor Kemp sign regarding elections in Georgia?
Governor Kemp signed HB369, which establishes nonpartisan elections for certain local offices. The DeKalb District Attorney has filed a lawsuit in response to the new law.
What SPLOST-related activities are happening in Acworth and Kennesaw?
Work sessions on SPLOST projects are ongoing, and the mayors of Acworth and Kennesaw have highlighted the renewal of the special purpose local option sales tax as essential for local growth and infrastructure.
What decision did the council make about East Park playground?
The council approved $1.6 million for improvements to the East Park playground. This funding supports enhancements to the neighborhood park facility.
What property tax changes are planned in Kennesaw?
Kennesaw is proposing to keep its maintenance and operations millage rate unchanged while still generating additional tax revenue. Public hearings on the plan are scheduled for July 27 and August 3.
What controversy arose from President Trump's visit to Cobb County?
Trump held a rally at Wheeler High School that sparked community debate and led to tense discussions at a subsequent Cobb school board meeting. Reactions ranged from support to strong opposition among residents and officials.
How does the new AED registration law affect local businesses?
The law requires businesses to register automated external defibrillators (AEDs), creating compliance obligations for many local establishments in the area.
What is the status of the Kennesaw city manager position?
City manager Jeff Drobney plans to retire at the end of September, and an interim manager has already been appointed to ensure continuity in city operations.
What other local projects received approval recently?
Cobb County commissioners approved a new 588-bed student housing development near Kennesaw State University in a split vote. The project aims to address housing needs for KSU students.
Kennesaw property tax increase hearings ongoing; city manager search underway; Cobb budget passed; school board control battle intensifies with Post 4 race. Canvassing event for Micheal Garza (Democrat) at Noonday Park – civic engagement opportunity. Data center moratorium extended six months. Marietta data center approved despite pushback – adjacent city development. Democrat Micheal Garza outraises GOP incumbent David Chastain by $13K in Post 4 school board race, signaling momentum. New donation controversy: GOP attacks Garza for accepting SPLC-linked donations; Garza defends grassroots support and notes Tafelski is a parent – adds nuance to the race. Escalation: Congressman calls school board race 'fight of good versus evil,' tying it to SPLC indictments; Garza rejects 'evil' label, calls for focus on students.