Part II | Who is (Really) Making Decisions in our Gwinnett County Government
Is the defeated TSPLOST looking for a backdoor opportunity?
As a follow-up to our recent GAP post, Who Is (Really) Making Decisions in Our Gwinnett County Government?, we want to highlight another appointed board operating under the direction of our Board of Commissioners—the Gwinnett County Transit Advisory Board (GTAB).
To read the initial GAP post:
On Saturday, March 8th, over 130 current members of the Gwinnett County GOP received the following email.
Let’s set aside, for a moment, the concerns raised by some members about the appropriateness of using this database to promote activities outside county business—especially during the ongoing Gwinnett GOP Executive Committee election process, in which Ms. McClain is running for Gwinnett GOP Chairman—or the potential conflict of interest in leveraging one position to promote unrelated county business and offering a standing opinion.
Instead, we want to focus on the information presented to GwGOP members.
As concerns over government overreach in Gwinnett County continue to grow…
Is this a workaround for the Regional Transit Authority (through ATL Express) to gain control of our Gwinnett County Transit System—despite voters decisively rejecting the TSPLOST referendum in November? The email states, “we will not be dragged through another referendum any time soon.” Does this undermine the voice of the voters and circumvent the will of We, the People?
Many concerned Gwinnett citizens worked hard to defeat this referendum (all or in part), fearing unwanted regional control over our county.
Do Gwinnett voters want to relinquish county operations to an outside regional authority through this “backdoor” option? Many would say—NO!
What changes would (or could) result from giving up operational control? What now? What about the future?
What is the so-called “partial” cost savings for Gwinnett, and is it truly worth it?
On the November 5th, 2024 ballot:
What is the Gwinnett County Transit Advisory Board (GTAB) and their influence in the county?
Current members serving a four-year term include:
Who are the current appointed members of GTAB?
Ms. Marsha Bomar is the Executive Director of MentorSmarts and works part-time as a Strategic Transportation Advisor with GHD, a global network of multi-disciplinary professionals providing clients with integrated solutions through engineering, environmental, design and construction expertise. Our future-focused, innovative approaches connect and support communities around the world, resiliency and sustainability for generations to come.
Mr. Akbar Ali is an independent graphic designer and First Vice Chair of the Gwinnett Democratic Party, stating in part, “As Vice Chair of my local Democratic Party, I’ve had the privilege of working with community leaders, elected officials, and dedicated volunteers to advance progressive policies and improve the lives of those around us.”
Mr. Preston Frazier - no definitive information found.
Mr. Mark Tapp is a Contracting Officer at US Fish and Wildlife Service (unconfirmed)
Ms. Laurie McClain is a CPA and the owner of McClain & Company, P.C. and the current First Vice Chair of the Gwinnett County Republican Party.
On Wednesday, March 5th, the appointed members of the GTAB held their first meeting of the year. During this meeting, they were presented with trasit details, and was followed by the GOP email blast encouraging support on Saturday, March 8th and announcing a deadline for public comment on Wednesday, March 12th.
Results from an Open Record Request for information on the meeting presentation given to GTAB follows (in part) offering transit statistics:
A follow-up communication with the Board of Commissioners on this topic revealed that they (or certain members) had no prior knowledge of this proposal and “opportunity”!
As concerned citizens, we must remain vigilant against any attempts to circumvent the will of Gwinnett County residents, even in small increments disguised as “partnerships” or “shared costs” that diminish citizen input in the operational control of our county.
As always, our goal is to provide facts and information to empower Gwinnett’s conservative voters to make informed decisions.
Disclaimer: All information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge and obtained through public sources and Open Record Requests. This information is provided for educational purposes.
Thank you for all your research & sharing it with us! (Also good to see you the other night)