Democrats “Betray Their Own” in Cobb Water Authority Vote, by #Party Changer

This article was submitted to Spotlight South Cobb News by #PartyChanger. The content and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Some within the Cobb County Legislative Delegation once again showed why Democrats keep losing ground in local politics — not because of Republicans, but because of Democrats themselves.

By a 12–6 vote, lawmakers reappointed longtime board member Dan Buyers to the Cobb-Marietta Water Authority, a seat he has held since 2013. Buyers, a Republican-leaning businessman, has had his hand on the wheel for more than a decade. Instead of bringing in new leadership and fresh ideas, Democrats gave him another four years — shutting the door on Shelia Edwards, a Democrat with deep roots in the community and a proven record of public service.

Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a case of Republicans blocking Edwards as they supported their nominee, which was expected. This was a handful of Democrats doing it to themselves. What makes this betrayal even worse is that Edwards was not a token nominee. She came with decades of experience in politics, public policy, and community advocacy. From serving as inaugural district director for Congressman David Scott, to leadership positions with the Georgia House Democratic Caucus, to her record of fighting environmental threats in south Cobb. Edwards was also the 2022 Democratic Nominee for the Georgia Public Service Commission, having beaten two other candidates in a statewide race – without a runoff. Democrats around the state felt that Edwards was well qualified, but not some in Cobb. Her professional background also includes more than six years with Lockheed Space Operations at Kennedy Space Center. Taken together, Edwards’ political, policy, and technical experience make her more than qualified. She is more than qualified to step into this role.

Instead of rallying around Edwards, some Democrats actually led the charge for Buyers, claiming he had a “good reputation” and that his committee chairmanship was too important to give up. Some even admitted that they did not even know him personally yet still vouched for him over a Democrat with proven credentials.

As if that weren’t ludicrous enough, other Democratic legislators reported receiving late-night calls from Edwards’ former political opponents in Cobb County — a sleezy, backroom attempt to poison the well and steer votes away from her. Instead of enjoying a good night’s sleep like reasonable people, these people used the darkness of night to cause havoc and create mischief — not just in the county, but within the Cobb Democratic Party itself. It was a desperate act from small-minded petty persons that revealed more about their own personal insecurities than about Edwards’ qualifications.

And this is exactly the problem with Democrats in Cobb County, too much energy spent on tearing down their own, and not nearly enough discipline to build lasting power. “Cobb Dems are the worst…they don’t want you to “talk bad” about a Black woman but will run a Black woman down to keep a white man in place, said one observer.” This is what passes for Democratic “unity” in Cobb County: backstabbing, whispered phone calls, and dirty political games — all used against one of their own. Instead of lifting up a qualified Democrat, these lawmakers and their allies went out of their way to kneecap her.

This kind of political cannibalism does not just cost Democrats appointments like this one. It weakens the party’s credibility, demoralizes its base, and hands Republicans exactly what they want: a divided, chaotic opposition.

This is exactly the problem. Democrats keep saying they want more diversity, more representation, more voices at the table — but when the time comes to put those values into action, they fold like a kitchen chair and lean towards backstabbing. They fail to set the terms and then pat themselves on the back for being “nonpartisan.”

Sen. Donzella James and Rep. Terry Cummings stood on principle, nominating and defending Edwards. They argued it was time for fresh voices and warned against turning these posts into lifetime appointments. They were right. But their voices were drowned out by a few Democrats too timid, too afraid of rocking the boat, and too willing to throw away an opportunity to build real influence on one of the most critical boards in the county. Cummings even pointed out that these were not meant to be lifelong appointments, emphasizing that other qualified leaders should have the chance to serve. Her argument, however, fell on deaf ears — lost in a sea of political cowardice and partisan convenience by several collegues.

While Cobb Democrats bicker, scheme, and trip over themselves, Republicans are laughing all the way to the board room as they quietly hold on to influence in key decision-making bodies — including the water authority. Republicans never hesitate to back their own. They never apologize for choosing loyalty and consistency. That is why they keep winning.

The Cobb-Marietta Water Authority — currently composed entirely of Republican-appointed members — oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in infrastructure projects and makes critical decisions that affect the safety and cost of water for Cobb residents. Yet Democrats squandered their chance to influence its future by sidelining Edwards, a qualified leader who actually understands how public policy impacts working families in the county.

At the end of the day, the reappointment of Buyers is not just about water. It’s about wasted political power. It’s about Democrats proving — once again — that they don’t know how to govern as a majority. They’d rather hand Republicans another victory than fight for their own.

If Democrats in Cobb keep this up, they won’t just lose future appointments. They’ll lose more elections to Republicans. And they’ll only have themselves to blame. Until Democrats learn how to unite behind their own — even when it means swallowing pride or setting aside old rivalries — they will keep losing opportunities like this. Worse, they’ll keep proving to voters that the party cannot be trusted to govern effectively.

This and other reasons are why I left the Democratic party in my “rearview mirror”. I invite Edwards to join me and do the same.

#Unapologetic Party Changer