A debate between supporters and opponents of the upcoming East Cobb Cityhood referendum is being organized by the East Cobb Business Association.
The event takes place on Tuesday, April 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Olde Towne Athletic Club (4950 Olde Towne Parkway) and is open to the public.
The debate is free but attendance is limited to 275 people and according to the ECBA website, nearly 100 people have already signed up. Registration is required and you can do that by clicking here.
The ECBA sponsored a debate in 2019 between Committee for East Cobb Cityhood and the East Cobb Alliance, which is against cityhood.
Shortly after that debate, cityhood supporters announced they would not be pursuing legislation in 2020.
But a new bill was submitted in the Georgia legislature in March 2021, and it passed and was signed into law, calling for a May 24 referendum.
Earlier this month, the pro-cityhood group held a town hall at Olde Towne and the Alliance conducted public information sessions.
The format of the ECBA debate will be for both sides to answer “the most commonly asked questions” about cityhood and the referendum.
But there won’t be direct questioning of the debate participants by the audience.
Also, the ECBA is saying that campaigning and political signs will not be allowed.
Overflow parking around Olde Towne includes nearby office building lots and the Northside medical building.
Another East Cobb Cityhood forum is being organized by the Rotary Club of East Cobb on May 4 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Pope High School. The moderator will be longtime Atlanta journalist Donna Lowry.
Attendance is limited and citizens wishing to attend must register by clicking here.
Related:
- Cobb Cityhood town hall focuses on East Cobb public safety
- East Cobb Cityhood group: ‘We’re low density fans’
- East Cobb Cityhood foes ramp up efforts to defeat referendum
- East Cobb Cityhood supporters defend police and fire plans
- East Cobb Cityhood bill signed into law; May referendum set
- Cobb officials question East Cobb police and fire proposals
- Editor’s Note: Why the rush with Cobb Cityhood bills?
- Cupid speaks out on cityhood, redistricting issues
- East Cobb News Cityhood page
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What is there to debate? If you want to pay more in taxes (I.e city taxes that include fire, police, road works, street lights, ect) then vote yes. If you don’t, vote no.
Sorry Ken, you’re wrong. I don’t have any skin in the game here but used to be on the cityhood committee when it initially began. Moved out of town, but I would say that more of the tax dollars and zoning decisions would be localized to those in east Cobb, look at some of the zoning decisions being made currently( JOSH) for example. More cities are popping up because people are tired of mis representation. Taxes won’t increase, your current taxes will be going to your area instead of those that don’t impact you. Follow the tax dollars and where they’re spent!
So true!
Totally agree.
The county will still take a cut of everything. So we are now paying county AND city taxes. We are paying for “elected” individuals to tell us how to live already on the county level. Now add however many more for this madeup city.
Beyond taxes, just more regulations. We already have county regulations and now we will get new regulations by the handful of people sitting on the board and mayor. Disgusting, especially in this time where we need LESS government intrusion and robbery.
Absurd that so many can’t critically think or just picture the obvious.