The lobbying entity responsible for assisting municipalities around the state has filed a brief in support of the City of Atlanta in the legal battle over whether or not Governor Kemp’s Executive Order can nullify ordinances enacted by local governments.
The Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), an entity subsidized by taxpayers that offers training and resources for city officials, filed the brief Tuesday according to an email sent out to member municipalities.
Hello GMA Member Cities,
This email is to advise you that today, July 21, GMA has filed a brief in the case of Governor Kemp v. the Mayor and City council of the city of Atlanta. The GMA officers and leadership have made a decision to file this brief in opposition to the Governor’s actions since his lawsuit goes beyond the case against Atlanta and includes provisions that affect ALL of Georgia’s cities, including your city’s right to have a policy for your buildings and your property. This brief is to protect Home Rule for all cities and to protect the right of approximately 100 cities who have adopted a policy regarding the wearing of masks in their own public buildings in order to protect their employees and local citizens.
In the event you are contacted by the media regarding this action, please feel free to contact Kelly Bennit or myself by replying directly to this email and we will be happy to provide you with a set of talking points. You may also direct media inquiries to gMA. If you would like to access the 30-page brief, please click here.
Sincerely,
Larry Hanson, GMA Executive Director
GMA is funded by dues and training feeds paid by local governments and has involvement and appropriations through mechanisms of the legislature. According to the website, the entity’s mission “anticipate and influence the forces shaping Georgia’s cities and to provide leadership, tools and services that assist municipal governments in becoming more innovative, effective and responsive.” Whiel GMA is voluntary, all 538 cities in Georgia are currently members. A 66-member Board of Directors, composed of city officials, governs GMA. Program implementation is charged to the Executive Director and staff of 91 full-time employees.
You can read the brief here.
Jeff Hook
July 21, 2020 at 5:33 pm
What good is our system of state and federal governments if everyone attempts to invoke their own interpretations of laws and executive powers and then simply ignore the long established tiers within our governing bodies? Drunk on Power are a great number of mayors and city councilman. Powerful thing isn’t it when you are effectively telling people what they can and cannot do….. until the PEOPLE REBEL as they start to understand that they are losing control of their lives, their livelihood and of course, their freedoms.
This is a main embodiment necessary so as to obtain a sought after division of our system of government and to divide us; citizens of this great nation of OURS! Sought by those who would seek to destroy everything America has ALWAYS stood for. Disruptive behavior everywhere right now. It sure seemed like this country was doing extremely well right up until Covid and the subsequent immediate validation of COVID by the universities and medical community quickly panicking and invoking Fear throughout our nation. We must fight this attack on the very soul of our great nation. We must establish Law and Order within the Republic and then, as always, fight like hell to defend and maintain it!
God we pray to you for your guidance so we the people can be a channel to do your good works here on earth. Lord please help us to maintain Faith over Fear and Love over Hate as our Christian values seem to be under intense attack each and every day. Guide our leaders. Guide us all. Amen