The Right to Vote on Brookhaven Cityhood Mulled by House Committee (Video, Photos)

To referendum or not to referendum?

That is the question facing the House Governmental Affairs Committee following testimony from dozens of residents Tuesday afternoon on whether to forward out of committee. The bill is the legislation introduced by State Rep. Mike Jacobs that would allow a referendum to create a charter for the proposed city of Brookhaven.

Tuesday's hearing was the second of three meetings for the committee to hear this issue before making a decision.

Residents and other key stakeholders packed Room 341 at the Capitol Tuesday to testify before the committee. Those who opposed the bill argued that the economic and social impacts of the new city had not been fully studied and that the effort should slow down until residents are able to learn more about the impacts, while those in favor of the bill argued that they simply wanted an opportunity to vote either way.

Linley Jones, a board member of city advocacy group Brookhaven Yes said that those who want a new city simply want the same rights as every other citizen, "the right to vote. That's all we're here for, is the right to vote."

Other neighbors said they were neither for or against the proposed city, but simply argued that the new city should be renamed to something other than Brookhaven.

"I already live in Brookhaven," said John Hinckley. "Brookhaven is already a well-organized, well-recognized community that is known in the city of Atlanta. I think it could be a very unique area in the city, but it needs a unique name, not one that is already taken."

Other elected officials who testified were:

• DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis
• DeKalb County Police Chief William O'Brien
• DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Rader
• Chamblee City Councilman Thomas Hogan
• Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis
• Rep. Mike Jacobs
• Rep. Elena Parent

The committee is expected to meet again next week. The date and time have not yet been determined.