Former Cobb County Commission Map

New Cobb County Commission Map

Dr. Jaha Howard

Dr. Jaha Howard is a board certified Pediatric Dentist and owner of A+ Pediatric Dentistry of Atlanta. Before running for the County Commission, Dr. Howard served 4 years on the Board of Education for Cobb County Schools. He now serves on Cobb Transit Advisory Board. He now lives in Smyrna with his wife of over 15 years and their three children.

Platform

Candidate Platforms are pulled directly from their campaign websites.

Greater Access to Government:

Your local government shouldn't be a private members-only club. Too often, residents and businesses find it hard to work with. From his time on Cobb's school board, Jaha understands what it means to be an accessible leader who listens. As an owner of both residential and commercial property in District 2, Jaha has navigated the zoning and permitting processes, experiencing firsthand how these could be even easier for residents to navigate.

Stronger Local Economy :

Jaha has been an employer in Cobb for over 13 years at his pediatric dental practice in Vinings. He understands the unique challenges that small business owners face, and will bring that perspective to the board. He will work hard so that both new and existing businesses in our county can thrive, as well as ensure that they train and develop local talent.

A Safe Cobb for Everyone, Everywhere:

As a family man and business owner, Jaha knows that a local government's first job is keeping residents safe. He will ensure our first responders have what they deserve so that they can give us the support we need to make our community even better! This will include working towards our first responders having needed funding, housing and resources such as behavioral health services so that they can thrive in the communities that they serve.

Learn more about Candidate Howard on his website.

Campaign Website

Erick Allen

Erick Allen is a former Representative in the Georgia State House. After a 2022 run for Lt. Governor Of Georgia, Erick was elected Chair of the Cobb County Democrats, and is now a candidate for Cobb County Commission District 2. Erick works as a management consultant and lives in the Vinings area with his wife, Dr. Tameka Allen, and daughter, Elise.

Platform

Candidate Platforms are pulled directly from their campaign websites.

Public Safety:

Public Safety is the cornerstone for any thriving community. I will continue to advocate for investing in a secure and safe Cobb. These investment are in people, technology, and security infrastructure.

Housing:

A priority must be placed on attainable housing for our growing and diverse workforce as well as the student housing crisis emerging at Kennesaw State University.

Economic and Workforce Development:

I will ensure the delivery of services from every aspect of county government. I am committed to keeping Cobb the best place to do business, but also the best place for workers to raise a family.

Environmental Justice:

I know firsthand that environmental justice is crucial to the health and well being of our families, both now and long-term. Between the fight against Sterigenics’ air pollution in my community to advocating for national environmental policy, I will always fight for a clean, safe planet.

Affordability and Mobility:

We must continue and accelerate our focus on housing affordability and mobility. This is not just a quality of life issue but also a workforce issue. We want to make sure our public's service, public safety, Healthcare, and education workforce can live in the communities they support; and be able to navigate the Metro Atlanta region with a wide array of connectivity option.

Learn more about Candidate Allen on his website.

Campaign Website

Monique Sheffield (Incumbent)

Monique Sheffield, currently serving as Cobb County District 4 Commissioner, brings nearly 25 years of residency in the district, residing in Austell, Powder Springs, and now Mableton. This diverse background provides her with a deep understanding of the unique character of each area. Before her election victory in 2020, Monique served as the District 4 representative on the Cobb County Board of Zoning Appeals. She is a graduate of Cobb 101: Citizens Government Academy, Cobb County Police Public Safety Academy, and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Cobb Class of 2023. 

Sheffield holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and always seeks what is right and fair! Her sense of fairness and equity shapes her decision-making process as a member of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Candidate accomplishments were pulled directly from their campaign websites.

Greenspace, Parkland and Trails

• Approval of Austell-Powder Springs Road Trail connecting downtown Powder Springs to downtown Austell
• Secured funding and approved two new community pocket parks and community garden
• Completion of Mableton Parkway Pedestrian Improvement Project- Phase 1 and Phase 2
• Groundbreaking and Ribbon Cutting for Chattahoochee Riverlands 100-mile multimodal project in Mableton
• Opening of Discovery Park in Mableton. 150-acre passive park along the Chattahoochee River
• Opening of the Drennon Avenue Silver Comet Trail access point in Austell
• Allocated additional funds for the reopening of Old Clarkdale Park and Community Center in Austell
• Mableton Town Square Park completion and community ribbon cutting
• Renovations to Stout Park and horse barn in Powder Springs
• Upgrades to Wallace Park to include Atlanta United Mini Soccer Pitch Park, and new synthetic turf
• Upgrades to Mudd Creek Park in Powder Springs

Economic Development

• Provided ARPA funding for CobbWorks Development Center in Mableton
• Redevelopment of Old KMart Plaza in Mableton
• Redevelopment of Hobby Lobby Plaza in Mableton to include Floor & Decor
• New eateries and job creation in Mableton (Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Olive Garden, Eggs Up Grill, Johnny's Pizza, and Agave Mexican Cantina)
• Approved zoning application for Chick-fil-A on Veterans Memorial Highway
• Denied zoning applications for used car lots on Veterans Memorial Drive and Austell-Powder Springs Road
• Approved revision of the Unified Development Code
• Approved Cobb County Strategic Plan for future planning and efficient government 
• Host monthly "In the Zone" community zoning meetings to engage the community in the zoning process

Community Improvement

• Initiate and implement policies for mandatory apartment inspections to ensure habitable living conditions for residential tenants
• Approve funding for Magistrate Court's tenant eviction diversion program
• Approved ARPA funding for South Cobb Medical Center in partnership with Cobb Douglas Public Health at the former Magnolia Crossing
• Apartments site in Mableton
• Approved allocation of ARPA funds to assist residents, non-profits, and build communities in Cobb County
• Approved funding for Cobb County's Family Advocacy Center for domestic violence survivors
• Secured $2 million alongside U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for the South Cobb Transit Center
• Secured funds alongside U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff for the Chattahoochee Riverland Project
• Secured funding for Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton for two consecutive years
• Unveiling of the Riverside community garden at the South Cobb Community Center to promote community health and well-being
• Approved funding and traffic signals for intersection improvements and pedestrian safety

- Buckner Road and Veterans Memorial Highway

- Riverside Pkwy and Factory Shoals

- Riverside Pkwy and Premier Lane

• Acquired assemblage of 20 acres for the establishment of the Milford/Osborne Recreation and Community Center 
• Secured funding from the Braves Foundation for the Austell Youth Innovation Center
• Utilize Board of Commissioners' contingency to fund improvements at Austell Senior Center
• Utilize Board of Commissioners' contingency to fund the expansion of the South Cobb Regional Library
• Utilize entire $1 million Board of Commissioners' contingency to fund the expansion of the South Cobb Medical Center
• Played a key role in acquiring an additional mammography unit at Vinings Health Park, bolstering resources for breast cancer detection
• Completion of numerous sidewalk and road improvement projects throughout the district
• Host annual community events (Districtwide Community Cleanup, Career Fair & Tenant Forum, Senior Holiday Basket Class, MUST Have      Holiday Cheer Food and Toy Distribution 

Public Safety

• Approved and implemented Step and Grade salary pay for law enforcement personnel to enhance retention efforts
• Partnered with the Cobb County Sheriff to establish a satellite office in Mableton to increase law enforcement presence in South Cobb
• Approved funding for Cobb County Police Real-Time Crime Center technology to expedite crime resolution
• Approved funding for License Plate Readers to enhance efficiency in apprehending suspects

Learn more about Commissioner Sheffield on her website

Campaign Website

Yashica Marshall

Yashica Marshall is an attorney, wife, auntie, daughter, sister and a dog mom. She comes from a long standing family of veterans. Her grandfather, an Army vet, was awarded a purple heart and her father and sister have also served in the same branch. Her aunt and her husband recently retired from the Navy after serving over 40-years.

Marshall has multiple degrees (JD, MS, BS), owns a sports league, and sits on the board of directors for a non-profit, but does not feel defined by any of those things. She loves to write poetry, cook, watch old black and white shows, spend time with her family and give counsel to those in need.

In 2018, she and her husband, nephew-son, and two malti-poos, chose to purchase a home in Mableton.

COBBUNITY PLAN

Candidate Platforms are pulled directly from their campaign websites.

Enhanced Public Safety

Establish robust partnerships with law enforcement and community stakeholders to ensure the enduring security and serenity of our neighborhoods.

Economic Empowerment

Champion the growth of small local businesses and attract investment, thereby creating a vibrant economic landscape that offers abundant employment opportunities.

Environmental Sustainability

Advocate for and implement green policies and practices that safeguard our natural resources, promoting a sustainable and healthy environment for all.

Transportation Infrastructure

Advance comprehensive improvements in transportation infrastructure that makes sense for Cobb.

Attainable Housing Initiatives

Strive to substantially increase the availability of attainable housing options, fostering a community that welcomes and supports a economically diverse populace. 

Educational Advancement and Workforce Development

Propel our education system and workforce development programs to equip residents with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a rapidly evolving economy.

Fiscal Responsibility

Uphold stringent fiscal management to ensure the effective allocation of resources, securing our community's financial stability for future generations. 

Support for Community Pillars

Enhance backing for veterans, educators, first responders, and seniors recognizing and uplifting the critical role they play in our society’s fabric.

Cobbunity

Let's bridge our differences and work hand in hand, making our community a better place for everyone across Cobb county!

Learn more about candidate Marshall on her website

Campaign Website