Marietta weighs ethics complaint ban during elections

===== MDJ Script/ Top Stories for August 1st

Publish Date:  August 1st

  

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From the BG AD Group Studio, Welcome to the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast. 

 

Today is Friday, August 1st and Happy Birthday to Coolio

 

I’m Keith Ippolito and here are the stories Cobb is talking about, presented by Times Journal

1. Marietta weighs ethics complaint ban during elections
2. New police HQ, brewery, hotel highlight growth in Kennesaw and Acworth
3. Marietta school system's weapons detectors: What you need to know

 

Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on GLP-1 Foods

 

All of this and more is coming up on the Marietta Daily Journal Podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe! 

 

BREAK: Ingles Markets 8

 

STORY 1: Marietta weighs ethics complaint ban during elections

Marietta’s City Council is mulling over a proposal that would block ethics complaints during election season. The idea? To keep things from getting messy—well, messier—when candidates are running for mayor or council. If passed, no complaints could be filed between the time candidates qualify and when election results are certified.

Mayor Steve Tumlin and all seven council members are up for reelection on Nov. 4, with qualifying starting Aug. 18. But here’s the kicker: Tumlin wasn’t even at the meeting where this was discussed. Without him, the council’s Judicial Legislative Committee (led by Cheryl Richardson) pushed the proposal forward for Tuesday’s meeting.

Richardson, though, had mixed feelings. “It’s like voting yourself a pay raise,” she said, tweaking the proposal to start Jan. 1—after this election. Fair? Maybe. But it’s complicated. No final decisions yet, just more meetings ahead.

 

STORY 2: New police HQ, brewery, hotel highlight growth in Kennesaw and Acworth

It was a lively morning at the Northwest Cobb Area Council meeting, where Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood and Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling shared updates on their cities’ growth. Sitting alongside them was Jim Croft, CEO of Croft and Associates, who kicked things off with a warm nod to the mayors. “I’ve known these guys forever,” he said. “Their leadership? Top-notch. Their integrity? Unquestionable.”

Easterling dove into Kennesaw’s big-ticket projects, like the $13.9 million public safety building on Moon Station Road. “It’s going to be a game-changer,” he said, describing the two-story facility with everything from a crime lab to a K-9 space. Meanwhile, Allegood spotlighted Acworth’s bustling downtown, where parking expansions and a new Springhill Suites are in the works. “Our Main Street is on fire,” he said, grinning.

Both mayors circled back to one theme: quality of life. “It’s what makes us a destination,” Allegood said.

 

 

STORY 3: Marietta school system's weapons detectors: What you need to know

At Marietta High, Marietta Middle, the Sixth Grade Academy, and Woods-Wilkins, students will now pass through weapons detectors at the entrances.

The district approved the $554,645 purchase of Evolv detection systems back in May, following a tragic school shooting in Winder last September. That incident, along with two weapons-related scares in Marietta schools, pushed safety to the forefront.

Here’s how it works: students hand over large electronics—laptops, Chromebooks—before walking through the detectors. No need to empty pockets or backpacks. “It’s quick,” said Brian Wallace, the district’s safety specialist. “Grab your stuff, and you’re on your way.”

The detectors, equipped with cameras, can scan up to 1,500 people an hour. Superintendent Grant Rivera called it “one more layer” of safety for grades six through 12.

 

 

 

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