Mableton and Our Future
Mableton residents deserve accurate information, responsible use of their tax dollars, and a meaningful voice in their community’s future.
As a Mableton homeowner, taxpayer, and your State Representative, I am committed to listening to residents, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring that decisions about our city are based on facts—not misinformation.
Where I Stand on Another Referendum
I am willing to consider legislation that would establish a fair, legally sound process for Mableton residents to vote on the city's future.
Before any vote, residents deserve an independent financial and operational analysis explaining how each option would affect taxes, public safety, county services, employees, contracts, assets, debts, and other obligations.
Any referendum must include neutral ballot language, public participation, and a realistic transition plan. It must also respect those who voted for incorporation and continue to support the city. Depending on the proposal, participation by affected unincorporated Cobb County residents may also be necessary.
Considering a referendum is not an endorsement of dissolution or a promise that legislation will pass. It commits to a responsible process that allows residents to make an informed decision.
Protecting Taxpayers and Improving Accountability
While the city's future is being debated, residents need practical solutions today.
My priorities include:
Targeted property-tax relief for qualifying seniors and lower-income homeowners.
An independent review of Mableton's finances and service responsibilities.
A transparent accounting of city and county public safety funding to identify duplication and opportunities for appropriate adjustments.
Some residents support a locally controlled police department and are willing to fund it. Others oppose the additional tax or question the city's direction.
Both perspectives deserve respect, and every taxpayer deserves accountability.
Understanding the Legislation
Three bills are frequently mentioned in discussions about Mableton's future, but they address different legal circumstances.
HB 839 (2022) — Mableton's Original Charter
Established the city and authorized the original incorporation referendum. It passed before I took office. I did not introduce or vote on this legislation.
HB 374 (2023) — Property Deannexation
Established a process, with restrictions, for individual property owners seeking to leave municipal boundaries. I voted against the final bill because of concerns about barriers facing property owners. Deannexation of individual properties is not the same as dissolving an entire city.
HB 1567 (2026) — Quitman–Brooks County Consolidation
Established a conditional process involving consolidation, voter approval, financial audit compliance, and possible dissolution. Quitman's circumstances differ significantly from Mableton's.
The distinction matters: Quitman's legislation is not a ready-made solution for Mableton. Any proposal affecting our city must be evaluated on its own legal, financial, and operational merits.
Setting the Record Straight on Public Safety Taxes
I did not introduce the legislation creating Mableton, establish its Public Safety Special Service District, or set the 4.5-mill tax rate.
The City of Mableton made the decision to establish a municipal police department, and its City Council approved the 4.5-mill rate in July 2026.
My support for requiring public safety tax revenue to be spent exclusively on public safety should not be confused with supporting the tax itself. Protecting how taxpayer dollars are spent is not the same as imposing a tax.
Residents deserve an accurate understanding of who made these decisions and how their money is being used.
My Commitment to Mableton
Whether you support our city's current direction or believe changes are needed, you deserve representation that listens, asks difficult questions, and puts residents first.
My commitment remains the same: accurate information, meaningful taxpayer relief, transparent government, and a responsible examination of Mableton's future.