Incumbent Commissioner Monique Sheffield will face Republican Matthew Hardwick in the April Special General Election after last week's primary for the District 4 seat. Both defeated their challengers according to the initial vote results as reported by the Cobb County Board of Elections.
Sheffield won the Democratic race with 2,927 votes, or 72 percent, over challenger Yashica Marshall with 1,132 votes. Hardwick won the Republican contest with 463 votes, or 70 percent, against challenger Julien Grhas with 192 votes. There will be no runoff needed for District 4.
District 2 will have a Democratic runoff March 11 between primary winners Erick Allen and Jaha V. Howard. Allen had 1,669 votes to Howard's 1,568 votes. Challenger Tracy Stevenson received 432 votes. District 2 Republican candidate Alicia Adams was unopposed. There is no incumbent in the District 2 race.
The General Special Election will be held for both districts on April 29.
Board appoints new fire chief
Dr. Michael Cunningham became the seventh fire chief in Cobb County’s history after the Board of Commissioners confirmed his appointment Tuesday.
He has served with Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services since 2005, rising through the ranks to division chief before becoming chief of staff. In this position, he managed the administrative system that guides the daily operations of the fire chief and senior command staff.
An Air Force veteran, Cunningham holds a doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology, a master’s degree in Business Administration, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics, and an associate's in Applied Science in Avionic Systems Technology. Additionally, Cunningham holds the Chief Fire Officer designation from the CPSE Commission on Professional Credentialing.
A new place for training, development and revitalization
Officials celebrated the grand opening of the new Cobb WorkSource Center last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the newly renovated building in Mableton. CobbWorks renovated the Old Mableton Fire Station 1 with a more than $4 million investment, transforming it into a second workforce development center in the county.
The 10,000-square-foot facility will operate as a full-service workforce development center and co-working space, providing job seekers and businesses with a wealth of free resources and services. This includes access to a computer lab and Wi-Fi, job search assistance, professional development workshops, literacy services, employment placement, and funding support for skills training.
The center will also play a vital role in revitalizing the business sector, offering coaching, incubation, a full-service business services team, and a full range of resources to help entrepreneurs and small businesses overcome obstacles and enhance their capabilities. The new center is located at 5656 Mableton Parkway, Mableton. Go online here to learn more about CobbWorks services.
Community meetings continue
Several sessions remain in Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid's series of community meetings to discuss House Bill 581 and other issues. They are scheduled for:
7 - 9 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18 - North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 S. Main Street, Acworth
7 - 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 - Fullers Park Recreation Center, 3499 Robinson Road, Marietta
HB 581, approved by voters in November, implements a statewide adjusted base year ad valorem homestead exemption. Jurisdictions may opt out of the homestead exemption by following specific procedures by March 1. Cobb County already has a floating homestead exemption, which benefits taxpayers more.
No decision will be made on opting out until the end of the public hearing period. A public hearing is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the BOC meeting room, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. If the board decides to vote on opting out of HB 581, it must do so during its Feb. 25 meeting, just before the state-mandated deadline.
Cobb County first responders unveiled a new, life-saving procedure last week. Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services has become one of the first departments in the state to carry blood products in a program called pre-hospital blood transfusion. The program will equip select emergency response units with packed red blood cells and plasma to enhance trauma care and improve survival rates for critically injured patients.
"Every second matters in trauma care, and by administering blood products at the point of injury, we can provide life-saving interventions sooner," said EMS Division Chief Nick Adams. "This program represents a major advancement in pre-hospital emergency medicine and underscores our commitment to delivering the highest level of care to our community."
This initiative is made possible through a partnership with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, a nonprofit organization that provides blood products to hospitals and emergency responders across the region. Research has shown that early administration of blood products in the field can significantly reduce trauma-related mortality by stabilizing patients before they reach the hospital.
Celebrate Black History Month and enjoy great performances at the African Cultural Fest, 1 - 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Switzer Library. See teen dancers and other cultural presenters, then try some Jollof rice at 266 Roswell Street NE, Marietta.
The Office of District Attorney Sonya F. Allen will be hosting an inaugural event to celebrate Black History Month, to recognize educators and difference makers in the community. This event will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at the Tanyard Creek Overlook at Logan Farm Park in Acworth. WSB Channel 2 news anchor Fred Blankenship will emcee. It will commemorate the significance of Black History Month and pay tribute to those who have worked to make the community a great place for all.
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Board of Commissioners recognized the Budget Division of the Finance Department for receiving the Government Finance Officers of America's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award.
To gain GFOA recognition, budget documents must meet rigorous program criteria and demonstrate excellence as a policy document, financial plan, operations guide, and communication tool. Following a thorough evaluation by an independent panel of reviewers, Cobb County’s Biennial Budget Book won the highest form of recognition in governmental budgeting.
Additionally, Cobb received special recognition for its Capital Program, an honor granted only when all reviewers on the panel award the highest possible score in a specific category. Congratulations to all involved on their outstanding work!
You have a chance to join the Cobb County Sheriff's Office Citizen's Academy. The classes will be held 6:30 - 9 p.m. on Thursdays starting Feb. 27 and running through April 3. Explore the world behind the badge, gain firsthand knowledge, and engage with your local law enforcement. Participants must be able to attend at least five of the six days.
The last day to register is Feb. 21. Candidates must be age 18 or older, possess valid government identification, complete an application submitted to the Sheriff's Community Engagement Unit and successfully pass a background investigation. Go to this page to sign up.
Ideas percolate at networking event next week
Connect with local small businesses at Coffee and Conversations 7:30 - 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. The event is designed for small businesses and entrepreneurs to foster networking and learning. You’ll hear valuable information about the Cobb County Entrepreneurship Grant and success stories from previous grant recipients
Cobb County is conducting a needs assessment to determine priorities for the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The plan outlines the community needs and establishes the county’s strategies for using Housing and Urban Development grant funds. The analysis is a comprehensive study that identifies barriers to fair housing and equal access to housing opportunities within Cobb County.
For more information, contact Cobb County CDBG Program Office, 192 Anderson Street, Suite 150, Marieta. You can also call 770-528-1455 or email info@cobbcountycdbg.com.
Learn more about library system's performance
Explore the impact of the Cobb County Public Library System during the past year and see how it has served the community — ranging from programs to new buildings. Read the library system's annual report online at cobbcounty.org/library/about.
Get help for yourself or loved ones
Cobb County has partnered with FindHelp to create a new online resource that connects residents with local, vetted assistance programs. On the site, you can search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Residents can access this new portal by visiting findhelp.cobbcounty.gov. The initiative is funded through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.
This week on CobbTV
Subscribe to CobbTV's YouTube channel for the latest county meetings, informational videos, and live events.
Chief Magistrate Judge Brendan Murphy swore in three judges to his court in before a room packed with family, friends, and dignitaries. Watch the ceremony and hear from the judges on Cobb's "People's Court."
CobbTV brings you unedited coverage of public meetings, including the Board of Elections and Registration. Watch the board's latest meeting following a special election for Cobb Commission Districts 2 and 4.
