Politics & Government

Ellis to Senate: Delay Cityhood Bill

The DeKalb CEO said caution is necessary.

 

Today, members of the Georgia House of Representatives, by a vote of 101 to 57, adopted HB 636, which would allow for a referendum on the proposed city of Brookhaven/Ashford. I commend the members of the DeKalb County House Delegation, led by Chairman Howard Mosby, who spoke out on behalf of all DeKalb County citizens by opposing this legislation which bypasses the local legislative process.

I am not against cityhood, because I believe citizens have a fundamental right of self-governance.  I am, however, against an unfair process which disenfranchises DeKalb County voters and allows the cherry picking of the choicest commercial districts and neighborhood amenities by cityhood advocates.

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I am calling on the State Senate to delay acting on HB 636 so the Georgia General Assembly can study the incorporation process.  Caution is necessary if we are to protect the future viability and sustainability of municipalities and counties.

 

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Burrell Ellis is the DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer.


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