Bill to create city of East Cobb is one step closer to becoming a reality

ATLANTA — A bill to allow voters to decide if they want to create the city of East Cobb passed the Georgia Senate Thursday, making it the first of four proposed Cobb County cities to pass one of the two chambers.

One of the bill’s sponsors, State Sen. John Albers (R) Roswell, told lawmakers that they weren’t voting to create a new city, only to let voters in that area decide themselves.

“Ultimately, here in the General Assembly, we do not create cities,” Sen. Albers said. “We only create the opportunity for the citizens in those areas to vote.”

Opponents took to the floor of the Senate, not in opposition to the city of East Cobb, but to ask lawmakers to slow down the process for all four proposed cities: East Cobb, Lost Mountain, Vinings and Mableton.

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Many, like State Sen. Michelle Au, (D) Johns Creek, feel the cityhood movement is moving too fast.

“I think a decision of this size, affecting this many people in Cobb, deserves a little bit more time, and measured consideration,” Sen. Au said.

The proposed city of Mableton bill cruised through a Senate subcommittee Thursday.

It should be before a full committee next week with a possible vote on the Senate floor by midweek, according to the bill’s author.

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