ATLANTA – State Representative Erica Thomas (D-Austell) commends the preliminary results of a local cityhood ballot referendum that is poised to create the new city of Mableton in South Cobb. According to the Elections Division of the Secretary of State’s Office website, a majority of area residents voted ‘yes’ to establish the city of Mableton.
“The people of Mableton want to see real change and real improvements in their communities that were often overlooked,” said Rep. Thomas. “Establishing cityhood simply allows residents to have greater control over the direction of their community. It also allows residents to leverage municipal services, such as code enforcement, that are solely dedicated to serving their area versus services that are shared with an entire county. During my final year as the state representative for this area I love so much, I am honored to have carried the legislation that allowed residents to make this decision for themselves. I want to thank the community for making their voices heard and express my heartfelt appreciation for the South Cobb Alliance Committee for the City of Mableton.”
During the 2022 legislative session, Rep. Thomas sponsored House Bill 839, legislation which enabled area residents to decide whether or not to establish the new city via a referendum on the November 8 ballot. The Mableton City Council will consist of a mayor and six council members, and the mayor and city council members will each serve four-year terms. The city council members must be elected through a nonpartisan municipal general election held biennially in odd years. The city council will be authorized to appoint a city manager to act as the chief executive and administrative officer of the city. The city charter will also create a municipal court presided over by a chief judge, and the charter will enable the creation of one or more community improvement districts within the city.
While 100 percent of area precincts have reported results for this referendum, the results for this cityhood referendum are awaiting certification by the Cobb Board of Elections.
Representative Erica Thomas represents the citizens of District 39, which includes portions of Cobb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2014 and currently serves as House Minority Caucus Vice Chairman. She also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.
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