Breaking News: PSC Candidate Shelia Edwards Slams “Rubber Stamp” of Private Land Seizures Following Court Ruling

Atlanta, GA — The Georgia Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court decision granting a private railroad company the power of eminent domain to take property from several landowners in rural Sparta, Georgia—escalating a legal battle that could have far-reaching implications for property rights across the state.

The property owners, represented by the Institute for Justice, plan to ask the Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision and, if necessary, will appeal to the Georgia Supreme Court. The Court of Appeals has left in place a stay preventing the railroad from entering the land while appeals continue. “This case has always been about protecting land that has been in my family for generations, so we’ll continue to fight this for as long as we can,” said property owner Blaine Smith. “But this is also about more than just my family’s land; it’s about protecting all Georgia property owners from this type of abuse.”

The case began in March 2023 when Sandersville Railroad petitioned the Georgia Public Service Commission for authority to condemn land owned by multiple families, including Don and Sally Garrett. By May 2023, affected families—including the Garretts and members of the Smith family—joined together to challenge the action, arguing that a private company should not be granted government power to seize land.

In September 2024, the Georgia Public Service Commission unanimously approved the railroad’s request. That decision was later upheld by Fulton County Superior Court in February 2025, though a stay was issued preventing construction until the legal process concludes.

One of the land parcels at the center of this case is among the largest continuous plots owned by a Black family in Georgia. It was originally purchased more than 100 years ago by the Smith family, descendants of enslaved people, and has been passed down through generations—underscoring the historical and cultural significance of what is at stake.

Shelia Edwards, candidate for the Georgia Public Service Commission – District 5, is now calling out the decision and the role of the PSC. Edwards issued the following statement:

“I am deeply concerned by the decision to allow a private railroad company to use eminent domain to take land from families in Sparta, Georgia. Eminent domain is one of the most powerful tools government has—and it should be used sparingly, transparently, and only for clear public benefit. Roads, schools, and critical infrastructure are one thing. Handing that power to private companies to take land that has been in families for generations is something entirely different.

This decision by the Court of Appeals is alarming and raises serious questions about whose interests are being prioritized at the Georgia Public Service Commission. At its core, this is not just about one railroad or one rural community—it’s about whether everyday Georgians can trust that their property rights will be protected. When private entities are allowed to use government authority to seize land, the line between public good and private gain becomes dangerously blurred.

This is bigger than one case in Sparta. If this stands, it sets a precedent that no property owner in Georgia is truly safe from having their land taken if a private company decides it wants it badly enough. That should concern everyone—rural, suburban, and urban alike.”Edwards emphasized that the PSC must serve as a watchdog for the public—not a rubber stamp for decisions that could undermine property rights statewide.

Georgians have had enough of decisions that put powerful interests ahead of the people. It’s time for leadership that will stand up, ask tough questions, and protect our communities. In November, Peter Hubbard and Dr. Alicia Johnson were elected by Georgia voters, breaking the previously unanimous voting alignment among Republican members. We need a third vote to address the ongoing decision-making concerns within the PSC. I am running to be that third vote. I encourage voters across this state to make a plan now—vote early from April 27 through May 15, or on Election Day, May 19, 2026. Join me in bringing accountability and balance back to the Public Service Commission once I am elected.“

#SheliaE4PSC