Lack of transparency continues to haunt Cupid as Cobb Commissioner Gambrell calls her out on the latest issue

An open seat on the Civil Service Board was supposed to be a joint appointment by all members of the Cobb County Commission, but as usual, only Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and those closest to her on the board were allowed to know about candidates before one was nominated and approved to serve in the role. Other candidates that were nominated were not even considered as Cupid had already made her choice.

Gambrill expressed her dissatisfaction and called out Cupid for her lack of transparency in the selection process. Transparency seems to be a major problem in Cupid’s term as chair. 

It appears that Cupid’s recent actions regarding the appointment process have raised questions and possibly surprised some community observers, given her past experience with similar situations. They point out that when Cupid was a commissioner under Chairman Tim Lee, she aggressively contested an appointment to a board that Lee was pushing. It is surprising that Cupid is doing to Gambrill what was done to her.

Cupid and select members of the Cobb Board of Commissioners named Steven Mints to the Cobb Civil Service Board. Despite opposition from Commissioner Keli Gambrill, the nomination was approved. Gambrill clarified her objection, saying it was not aimed at the appointee, but rather the process by which Mints was chosen.

Gambrill mentioned that commissioners had received an email detailing the requirements for appointees. While there were individuals who met these requirements, they were never contacted for a discussion about their potential appointment to the board or given a fair chance.

Gambrill pointed out Cupid’s hypocrisy as her approach on this matter, and many others, didn’t align with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as Cupid touts. It seemed to favor familiar names that Cupid wanted over unknown candidates.

Commissioner Jerica Richardson, presiding over the meeting in Cupid’s absence, concurred with Gambrills’ concerns, acknowledging that the appointment process needed refinement, but did nothing to resolve the concerns Gambrill raised. 

In an attempt to justify excluding Gambrill and others from what is supposed to be a nomination by the commission, Richardson went on to mention that there had been a request for commissioners to discuss the various names proposed for the open position. Gambrill rebutted Richarsdson, saying she had not received this request.

The vacant seat on the Civil Service Board was indeed intended to be a joint appointment made by the entire commission. Commissioner Gambrill’s concerns about Chairwoman Lisa Cupid’s leadership approach revolve around inclusivity and the apparent exclusion of certain commissioners from critical decisions. Gambrill, as a representative elected by the people of her district, is responsible for advocating for their interests and concerns within the commission.

Inclusive leadership and transparent decision-making, which Cupid lacks, are crucial for ensuring that all residents have a voice and are adequately represented in the governance of Cobb County. It’s essential for leaders to work collaboratively and engage all commissioners in a fair and equitable manner to uphold the principles of representative democracy.

Unfortunately, Cupid has governed in one fashion since becoming chair, my way or the highway.

Cobb citizens from all districts will be able to judge Cupid on her inability to work effectively with other commissioners during the 2024 election period.

As for Steven Mints, he is a minister from Marietta who is actively involved in community service in Cobb County. Mints also serves on Commissioner Richardson’s community advisory board.