|
|
|
 MABLETON IMPROVEMENT COALITION
NEWSLETTER
February 17, 2014
|
|
|
|
|
From the President...
Greetings!
The Mableton Improvement Coalition, or MIC, would like to thank the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for its recent vote to oppose a discussed change and bill in the state legislature that would take two precincts along Floyd and Nickajack Roads and move them to Commission District 2, now represented by Commissioner Bob Ott and thus, split the community of Mableton into two separate areas. The key concern is that under such a map, Mableton would be divided into more than one Commission District.
An almost identical proposal was attempted almost two years ago, only at that time, it could at least be argued that the work being proposed was due to the requirements pursuant to the Census and/or Constitution that political districts and re-districting be performed. Then, as now, MIC rose up to oppose this proposal, as we stated earlier this month at the Town Hall at the South Cobb Library.
Simply removing Mableton precincts 3 and 4 and placing them into a new and different Commission district assumes that the remaining portions of our community are the only concern of our organization or that this segment of Mableton is somehow weighted more heavily in our minds than other segments of Mableton. Nothing could be further from the truth.
By the very terms of our own Bylaws, our area of concern is focused on the entirety of the zip code 30126. The reason for this definition of our area is because Mableton is one seamless community, or character area, with common interests. For example, our area has one zip code, its own post office, its own library as well as the Mable House and Amphitheater. Our leadership in Mableton is not premised on representing the interests of one part of Mableton bur rather on the entire community of Mableton. Since we're not a city like Smyrna or Marietta, to use them as an example, we don't have city staff, a Mayor or City Council to whom we can also address our concerns.
The fact that we are not a city means that we lack the same support structure that these cities do. Some might argue that Mableton would benefit from having more than one Commissioner to represent our interests. However, the citizens and voters of Mableton, through our organization, are saying with one clear voice that we do not see our interests as being served through such a division. One cannot strengthen a community by injecting division into it.
Mableton is one community with shared interests and made up of the same citizenry. Our opposition to this map for the Commission boundaries is based on the fact that Mableton is one seamless community made up of citizens with common interests and should be preserved as such through the political boundaries which the elected officials create.
To be clear, MIC's stand in this matter is not motivated for, or against, anyone. This is quite simply a stand taken by MIC in favor of the unity and wholeness of our community.
It is unclear what is motivating this most recent proposal but one thing is clear - it is not a case of elected officials fulfilling the wishes of the citizens who are affected by the proposed change. This 2014 effort is not about the census - there is no data that says the Cobb County Commission Districts are unbalanced.
So, in closing, we again say "thank you" to the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for their stance.
Sincerely,
Joel Cope
MIC President
(404) 550-0475
[email protected]
P.S. Click here to read the Sunday, February 16th Marietta Daily Journal article about redistricting.
|
MIC Annual Community Meeting and Board Elections
| |
Thursday, March 13th at 7pm
|
MIC's Annual Community Meeting is Thursday night, March 13th at 7pm, at Vinings Lake Church, 75 Cooper Lake Road in Mableton. With the South Cobb Community Center closed for renovations, MIC appreciates the hospitality of Rev. Pete Hixson and his congregation. Please plan now to attend and remember the new location!
At each Annual Meeting, we bring you the results of our work from the past year and engage you in a discussion of our plans for the future, as we elect new members to the MIC Board of Directors. Just a reminder, applications for the MIC Board are due today, February 17th. Click here for more information. As a nonprofit, membership-based corporation, MIC's direction is set by our members' selection of the Board of Directors. Be there to meet the candidates and cast your ballot.
The Annual Meeting is also a good time to consider how you'd like to be involved in Mableton's future. MIC is powered by volunteers and we have opportunities to help that fit everyone's time and talents.
Questions? Contact Joel Cope.
|
MIC's Nonpartisan Status
| |
2014 is an Election Year
|
As a nonpartisan, nonprofit community organization, MIC maintains a strict policy of not endorsing any political candidate for office. Our role is to provide forums and voter education, so that voters can make informed choices and then cast their ballots. MIC's name, logo, and image are solely the property of the Mableton Improvement Coalition and their use by any political party or candidate is prohibited.
In election years, MIC presents Candidate Forums so that area voters can meet the individuals running for important offices such as County Commission, School Board and the State Legislature. Strong turnout at these events shows elected officials that Mableton is a committed, involved and vibrant community.
Because MIC is so active in our community, our officers and board members are often photographed with office holders and candidates for office. This can occur at public meetings and events and at our own Candidates Forum. We would ask that all candidates refrain from using such photos in their campaign materials. However, should such publication occur, please know that it does not represent any endorsement by MIC.
If anyone has questions about MIC's policy, please contact Joel Cope.
|
Chattahoochee River Line Preservation Plan Draft Available
| |
Comments Due by February 22nd
|  The draft Preservation Plan for the Chattahoochee River Line Battlefield, which runs from Mableton through Smyrna north to Vinings, has been posted for public comment. Click here to view the draft Plan, which is under development by MIC's consultant, Thomason and Associates. The draft Plan contains recommendations on additional property acquisition, how county-owned property can be used for passive recreation and more! Click here to submit comments and suggestions by February 22nd. In other news about the Battlefield, the 127 acres of battlefield property owned by Cobb County will be considered by the State Historic Preservation Office's review panel on February 28th for an updated listing on the National Register of Historic Places. We are hopeful of their approval, which will then send this application on to the National Park Service for their final approval. Click here to learn more. |
Classes, Camps and Fun at the Mable House Arts Center
| |
5239 Floyd Road in Mableton
| 
There is so much happening at the Mable House Arts Center! Registration for Spring Break Camp is open now for kids aged 6 to 12 for the week of March 31st through April 4th. On Friday night, March 7th, come to the first "Canvas and Cocktails" event from 7pm to 9pm. The fun turns back to youngsters again when The Theatre Project presents "Honk" the story of the ugly duckling. Tickets are on sale now. With the arrival of spring comes the Mad Hatter Tea Party on Sunday, May 5th. A fun dress-up event for kids of all ages.
Want more information? Call the Mable House at 770-819-3285.
|
Learn More about the Affordable Care Act
| |
Workshops at Cobb County Libraries
|
With a certified health navigator approved by the State of Georgia, in cooperation with Mental Health America of Georgia, the Cobb County Public Library System is offering a free workshop covering the details of the new law. Mental Health America is a powerful voice for change that is made up of thousands of individuals nationwide who take an active role in protecting America's mental health. Certified navigators will work with individuals to better understand their new health insurance options and assist with enrollment.
Online registration is required. You can register by clicking the time of the workshop you would like to attend in the schedule below:
|
Welcome to MIC's Newest Sponsor
| |
Thanks to All our Business Partners
|
Leland Veterinary Clinic is MIC's newest corporate sponsor, joining other local businesses in showing their support for our community-based organization. Dr. Melissa Carreker is celebrating 20 years in practice by breaking ground on a new Clinic at the corner of Veterans Memorial Highway and Allen Road. Until the move, though, Leland Veterinary Clinic, in business in Mableton since 1979, will continue to see four-legged patients at their current location at 302 Veterans Memorial Highway. Thanks, Dr. Carreker!
|
|
Thanks to our Sponsors
|
Please patronize our sponsors and other local businesses.
If you'd like to become a MIC Sponsor, please contact Joel Cope.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
