Cobb to appeal judge's ruling over redrawn commission map
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Courtesy of the Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office
Cobb County officials say they plan to appeal a ruling that says it was unconstitutional for the Board of Commissioners to redraw their own district boundaries.
Driving the news: Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris' ruling was a blow to the county, which argued that the Georgia Constitution's Home Rule powers give them the authority over redistricting.
- The Home Rule provision grants cities and counties the ability to enact certain laws without the General Assembly's approval.
- Critics of Cobb County's decision say only the state legislature can redraw district lines for county commissions and local boards of education.
What they're saying: County Attorney Bill Rowling said in a statement that Cobb respects Harris' ruling but will appeal the decision to the Georgia Supreme Court.
- "The county has already filed its notice of appeal and looks forward to making our case during the process ahead," he said.
The other side: Ray Smith III, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, told Axios that Harris "made the right ruling."
- "My clients are thrilled, and we intend to vigorously oppose the appeal and believe that the Supreme Court is going to uphold Georgia law," he said.
Catch up quick: Cobb County's unprecedented move stems from the 2022 legislative session when the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed H.B. 1154, the redrawn commission district map that moved incumbent Democrat Jerica Richardson into the same district as JoAnn Birrell, her Republican counterpart.
- After that map was signed into law, the commission invoked the Home Rule argument and replaced the legislature-approved map with its own version.
- Republican County Commissioner Keli Gambrill and Cobb resident Larry Savage then filed a lawsuit challenging Cobb's position.
- Gambrill was removed as a plaintiff because it was determined she didn't have standing, and two county residents, David and Catherine Floam, were added as plaintiffs.
- The county commissioner told Axios on Tuesday that she was glad that the judge "upheld the laws and Constitution of the state of Georgia."