Sheffield Sails to Victory in South Cobb Commission Race

MDJ Script/ Top Stories for April 30th 

Publish Date:  April 30th 

   

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

  

Today is Wednesday, April 30th and Happy Birthday to Isiah Thomas 

***04.30.25 - BIRTHDAY – ISIAH THOMAS*** 

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

1. Sheffield Sails to Victory in South Cobb Commission Race
2. Murph's Restaurant to Close for Galleria Remodel, Future Uncertain
3. Cobb EMC Directors Look Back on Scandal, Discuss Looming Term Limits

 

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: TIDWELL TREES_FINAL 

STORY 1:   UPDATE: Sheffield Sails to Victory in South Cobb Commission Race 

Incumbent Commissioner Monique Sheffield secured a decisive victory over Republican challenger Matthew Hardwick, winning 64.46% of the vote to Hardwick's 35.54%, ensuring south Cobb's District 4 remains under Democratic representation. Sheffield, first elected in 2020, celebrated the win at her Mableton home and emphasized her commitment to serving all constituents, regardless of party affiliation. Her victory, alongside Democrat Erick Allen's in District 2, restores the Cobb County Commission's Democratic majority. Hardwick, the first Republican to run for the seat in years, narrowed Sheffield's early voting lead but fell short. Sheffield's next term will focus on health and wellness in her district. 

STORY 2:   Murph's Restaurant to Close for Galleria Remodel, Future Uncertain 

The future of Murph’s, a restaurant and bar opened by Braves legend Dale Murphy in 2017, is uncertain as the Cobb Galleria Centre undergoes a major remodel. The Galleria’s renovation, set to begin this fall, includes demolishing the space where Murph’s is located. Initially assured they’d be part of the remodel, the Murphys were recently informed their restaurant is no longer in the plans. Despite strong community support and success, Murph’s is set to close in August. The Murphys hope to negotiate a solution in an upcoming meeting with Galleria management but are also exploring other location options near Truist Park. 

STORY 3:  Cobb EMC Directors Look Back on Scandal, Discuss Looming Term Limits 

Cobb EMC has rebounded from a decade of scandal under former CEO Dwight Brown, who was accused of self-dealing and mismanagement, leaving the co-op in financial turmoil. Since then, a new board elected in 2011-2012 has transformed the organization, achieving some of the lowest electric rates in Georgia and top national reliability. However, term limits approved in 2012 mean the entire board will be replaced between 2026 and 2028, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge. While directors support term limits, some suggest staggering turnover to ease transitions. The co-op remains in strong standing,