East Cobb News

Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson sent out a newsletter Friday afternoon with a message for her former constituents in District 2.

Her seat was declared vacant by her colleagues Tuesday (she recused herself), following the adoption of state legislative-approved electoral maps that drew her out of her East Cobb home.

That action—after a nearly tw0-year-long partisan dispute—triggered a 10-day notice that will allow her to appeal to Cobb Superior Court.

Richardson will be able to serve while she pursues her last-ditch effort to stay in office through the end of her term on Dec. 31, or possibly to extend her tenure while a special election to determine her successor takes place in early 2025.

Her District 2 included a good portion of East Cobb, including her home off Post Oak Tritt Road, under maps Democratic commissioners approved under “home rule” claims that were later ruled to be a violation of the Georgia Constitution.

Now, most of East Cobb is in District 3, while the District 2 boundaries fall along I-75 and include most of the Smyrna/Cumberland area, pushing as east as the western side of Powers Ferry Road, close to where Richardson formerly resided.

Richardson is a first-term Democrat who was narrowly elected in 2020 to succeed retiring Republican Bob Ott. She decided not to seek re-election amid the map controversy and was defeated in May by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath in the 6th Congressional District primary.

Richardson hasn’t stated her plans after she leaves office, but she is expecting her first child.

Here’s Richardson’s note to District 2 citizens:

“As a district, we have been through so much in such a short amount of time. As one of the most diverse districts, we found unique ways to collaborate across party, position, location, background, and so much more. We cannot forget the model of collaboration we seek to achieve where so many communities today struggle to be civil.

“In the midst of all the pressure, we accomplished so much, and it was because our community chose to recognize there is real value in appreciating what makes us different, and building on what makes us similar. There was so much richness in our district from Johnson Ferry/Shallowford area to Powers Ferry Corridor/Little Brazil, to the Battery, to the Vinings Village, and the houses along the river at Cochise, the ever growing Smyrna, the historic Rose Garden, and winding through the subdivisions all around Walton, Wheeler, and Pope. We had members of our community from all walks of life.

“This is a community that I grew up in for nearly 20 years. It’s where my brothers took the journey from Mt. Bethel elementary to Walton High School. I recall receiving my first library card when East Cobb Library was a stand-alone building in what is now a fully grown Merchant’s Walk. I remember walks at the Avenue with my family and our visitors, visits to Cumberland Mall, and the new memories at The Battery!

“This district is where I purchased my first home, and am currently growing my family with my soon-to-come baby girl. I have so much pride in representing the community where I am from, and my heart breaks that I will no longer be able to do so. Even more so that it would be taken in a way that will not only affect me, but future district representatives all around the state. I know that’s part of the reason why the community fought so hard. I recall when this map was first drawn, the press asked me—’Are you angry?’ It took no more than a second to reply with ‘I am inspired.’ I was inspired because when these maps hit the docket at the State Capitol, it was my community that called. A diverse community that at all times never ceases to amaze me.

“We fought a hard battle over the last three and a half years and faced a significant amount of misinformation, but it did not stop us or our office from serving you. You continued to show up, volunteer, ask for work to be done, held us accountable, and pushed us to work harder and bring more voices to the table.

“So, I thank you for the honor and privilege of being able to serve you as the District 2 Commissioner. While the district no longer exists as it was, it was the district I was proud to live in and even more proud to represent. On the heels of Hurricane Katrina, as a teenager, it was this community that embraced our young family. Where we struggled, neighbors pitched in to help; and to fast forward to today where I had the opportunity to represent the community that has given so much to me fills my heart with joy and gratefulness.

“Now, we must take the next step and continue our commitment in serving. We must meet our new district and never forget that what brings us together is so much greater than what separates us. My door is always open.”

Richardson’s comments after the vote to declare a vacancy on Tuesday are included below.

Related:

• Cobb DAR to hold Constitution Day observance
• Richardson to appeal declaration of vacancy
• NE Cobb restaurant owner withdraws liquor store appeal
• How Cobb commissioner maps look after ‘home rule’
• Cobb property tax bills due Oct. 15
• Cobb FY 2025 budget, millage rate approved amid tax relief pleas
• Cobb revokes health spa license for Canton Road business

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