Carson Hosts Raucous Town Hall Meeting in Cobb.

State District 46 Representative John Carson hosted a town hall meeting on Monday, February 20^th at the Mountain View Public Library in a standing room only situation with over 100 people present. Tension was high throughout the meeting due to the presence of #Resist: Marietta at the meeting.

The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer. The meeting started with a request for respect and civility, which, with the exception of a couple of loud outbursts, held for most of the meeting.

Topics covered included the 2018 Budget being voted out of the House. There was a $514 million funding increase for k-12teachers.

There was a $160 million for a 2% pay increase for teachers.

Quality Based Education (QBE) was discussed.

HB 65 medical cannabis was discussed. This is specific to cannabis oil products and is favored by Carson.

2^nd Amendment issues were discussed and included Constitutional Carry, Campus Carry, and Reciprocity.

Mary Margret Oliver’s ban on assault weapons was also discussed.

Discussions continued over the repeated interruptions of a protester named “Trevor”, who grew impatient with Carson’s summary.

Mercy billing was discussed, it is currently being reviewed by the Insurance Committee.

The summary continued with the controversial topic of Casino Resort Senate Bill 79/ HB 158 for “Destination Resorts”. If these bills are voted out of committee and passed, it will require a Constitutional Amendment.

Finally, School Choice, and the Auto Policy Insurance Bill were discussed.

After the summary, Carson entertained questions. The first came from Tanya Peterson, who expressed her concern over guns.

Other questions involved School Choice, the proposal for a State appointed “turn-around” consultant for failing schools, and transportation for the Public-School System.

I found the meeting very informative in spite of the occasional shouting and interruption and have a feeling we may see more of the same at Carson’s next town hall on Monday, March 20^th.

Additional Information:

Town Hall Meetings

Monday, January 30th, 7-8pm

Monday, February 20th, 7-8pm

Monday, March 20th, 7-8pm

Mountain View Regional Library 

(not the community center!)

3320 Sandy Plains Road

Marietta, GA 30066 

Contact Information:

Capitol Office
607-A Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg.                                                        
Atlanta, GA 30334                                                                                                          
Capitol Office Phone: (404) 656-0287                                                                  
john.carson@house.ga.gov
Legislative Assistant: Vanessa Turner                                                       
vanessa.turner@house.ga.gov                                                                  

District Office
3605 Sandy Plains Rd., Suite 240-123
Marietta, GA  30066
Office Phone (404) 520-8826
john@votejohncarson.com