Statement from the May 19, 2021 Fulton Commission Meeting

My name is Maggie Goldman and I live in Johns Creek, District 1

 I’m disappointed to see that the commission will not be voting on any resolutions today regarding the role of the commission in hiring & firing in regards to the elections board. We simply cannot give up any authority that will help the commission protect Fulton voters. 

When I think about the risks of the state taking over Fulton’s elections board, I think about what happens if this 1 single elections superintendent refuses to certify any of Fulton’s votes in a future election, since only the elections board holds that role. Would election tallies have to be completed without Fulton’s votes at all in this scenario? That would be truly disenfranchising our voters. 

And don’t think it can’t happen. Our former President literally called everyone he thought he could influence to “change votes”. This is a serious concern and I wish some of the commissioners would take it more seriously. 

It's my understanding that in March, the commission voted to approve certain priorities for American Rescue Plan funds. Commissioner Abdur-Rahman has carefully crafted a plan in consultation with commissioners, attorneys & Fulton staff to implement the very priorities that were approved in March. 

There was a request last meeting to wait to approve until after input could be gathered from the Mayors. I personally listened live to the May 7 meeting and this topic was barely brought up. Therefore, I don't see any major objections from the Mayors. If you say "whats the rush" I'd say, you already approved priorities, you are going to spend the money in this manner regardless of when it arrives and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared with an action plan in hand when the money arrives.