“Community TEA” for February 20, 2021

Homeowners received good news from President Joe Biden this week with his announcement of the extension of moratoriums for federally guaranteed mortgages. His plan calls for a coordinated extension and expansion of forbearance and foreclosure relief programs to help homeowners stay in their homes during COVID-19.

With bipartisan support for bill HB 479, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp plans to overhaul what he described as the “antiquated law” associated with citizen’s arrest following the death of Ahmaud Arbery, a black man who was shot to death in 2020 while being chased by three white men. The overhaul of Georgia’s Civil War-era citizen’s arrest statute, has been ripe for abuse per Kemp.

Kudos to Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Brody, Jr. for his stance on restorative justice programs as he seeks a balance between punishment and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. His office has partnered with the Georgia Justice Project to open a new Expungement Desk to help people who qualify under state law to have their criminal records sealed.

Smyrna has named its former Police Chief, Joe Bennett, as its new City Administrator. Bennett was appointed to serve full-time in the position he temporarily held since September. At the conclusion of a recent Powder Springs City Council meeting, Police Chief Tony Bailey announced his resignation. City Manager Pam Conner appointed Police Chief Major Lane Cadwell as the acting police chief.

Here today, gone tomorrow is the thought for many as we learned that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson placed his Powder Springs home on the market. A resident for a noticeably short period, the actor is slated to take a loss on the property that he purchased in 2019 for $9 million. As the 2021 election season gets underway in South Cobb we are keeping our eyes on election contenders.

It is still too early, but the race to watch is that between Marietta Councilwoman Michelle Kelly Cooper and incumbent Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin. The Marietta Mayor and all Council seats are up for reelection this year.

Powder Springs is another city that will hold elections in 2021 for Wards 1, 2, and 4 which are currently represented by Henry Lust, Doris Dawkins and Nancy Farmer, respectively. Cobb County plans to host in-person ceremonies for their graduating seniors in May.

The Cobb County School District’s ceremonies for graduates are May 24 through June 4 at McEachern High School’s Cantrell Stadium. Cobb schools said it will limit tickets to comply with public health guidance.

The family of Vincent Truit and their lawyers announced plans to file a lawsuit against Cobb County for $50,000,000 following the Grand Jury’s decision to clear a police officer who shot and killed Truitt. “The grand jury determined the use of deadly force was authorized and recommended that my office take no further action,” Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Jr. announced.