Residents of the Cherokee County Avery Community Speak Out Against Rezoning Application

March 20, 2025

THE UPDATE 3/20/25- Another Avery Corner update - Chair Commissioner Harry Johnston introduced the idea of rescinding the decision made to rezone the property since the property is already on the market to be sold. (Thank you Harry).


Steve West was a hard no. He was not willing to revisit this property zoning just because "a few" people did not agree with the zoning. (Yes, we were 4 there today but what about the 1,145 signatures that were submitted ask for the request to rezone as commercial be denied). He actually said that this zoning was important to "protect the other corners" (WHAT???)


Richard Weatherby didn't support rescinding the decision. He didn't think that the property was up for sale. He thought that Mack Development was only looking for investors (I had incorrectly said tenants). Harry pointed out that wasn't what the ad Norton/CJ Harman was running made it sound like.


Corey Ragsdale was not in attendance.


Thank you everyone for our continued vigilance in this matter. The community has spoken and needs to be heard


=========================================================================


Submitted by a concerned citizen of the Avery Community (posted 3/3/25)

The Avery community is a rural area nestled in between Hickory Flat and Macedonia in Cherokee County. It is home to family farms and residential neighborhoods. With one exception, all of the property in the area is zoned either agricultural (AG) or residential (R-40). The single exception is the Union Hill Flea Market, formerly known as the Carmichael Store, which was built in 1946. The people who live in Avery call it their little slice of heaven.


There is an application to rezone the property at the 7658 Union Hill Road to allow for 50,000 sq ft of medical office space bringing a commercial designation to the area. This property is at the intersection of East Cherokee Drive and Union Hill Road and is adjacent to the Avery Elementary School. Rezoning this property as commercial would set a precedent for any rezoning on the other three corners of the intersection. This would, in time, also carry on through the East Cherokee corridor from Hickory Flat to Macedonia.


The current land use plan and the future development plan both have this area designated as Country Estates with a zoning of agricultural. There is a commercial node defined as the Highway 20 East Overlay District within a couple of miles of this property.


Residents initially learned about these plans in July, 2024 when Ethan Underwood of Miles Hansford, LLC attorneys for Mack Development sent out an announcement for an informational meeting. A second meeting was also required because of a clerical error in notifying all interested parties for the first meeting. The community showed up at both informational meetings with concerns of such a large commercial enterprise in the middle of a residential area and next to an elementary school. Concerns included traffic, safety, health, lower home values of surrounding properties, quality of life and non-conformance of the current and future land use plans. Residents attending these meetings thought that our commissioners would never consider approving this proposal.


Letters of opposition were written by members of the community and an opposition petition was circulated. Some members met and discussed opposition strategies to present at the Planning and Zoning public hearing. Plans were made as to who would talk and what they would say so not to repeat the same information.


The Public Hearing on the application was set for November 5, 2024 (yes, election day). There were 3 out of the 5 commissioners present to hear the public input. Missing from the meeting were Commissioner Steve West – District 1 (The property in question is in District 1) and Commissioner Corey Ragsdale – District 4. (November 5, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting)


The Avery Community showed up to oppose this proposal. A slide show with all the opposition points was presented by members of the Avery Community Neighbors along with a few other speakers from the community voicing their opposition reasons.

The original application included two variances to buffers. The first would have reduced the buffer between this property and the elementary school to a 5-foot buffer. The second variance reduced the buffer between the property and the school bus lane and residences to an 11-foot buffer. The Planning and Zoning members stated that the plans were too large for the property. Mr. Whitaker, the chairman, stated that this was a market issue not a zoning issue. That the property was too expensive. The applicant was asked to resubmit a plan without any requests for variances. A motion was made to table the decision until the next meeting.


The next meeting was held on December 3, 2024. This meeting did not include any public input. But again, the Avery Community showed up. The applicant did submit a plan without the request for variances but still had two 25,000 square foot buildings. In the end, the motion to deny the application passed 5-4. (December 3, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting)


Prior to the Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner West was quoted as saying that this (the medical facility) was the best we could get. That there had already been interest in the property to put a car wash, a gas station or even a port-a-potty business. The Avery Community knows that it can be better than any of those options. Residential would work. It would provide a reasonable economic use to the property owner and contribute to the character of the area. On a 7 ½ acre lot, at AG zoning there could be 3 homes, at R40 there could be 6-7 homes and at R30 as many as 9 homes. Any of these zonings would be acceptable to the community.

The property has access to sewer which is unusual in this area. This makes it attractive to businesses.


The application was added to the Board of Commissioners January 7, 2025 agenda.


There could be 4 possible outcomes


1. Vote to affirm the Planning Commission’s recommendation of denial.


2. Vote to accept the applicant’s withdrawal of the case, which would avoid the one-year lock-out of new zoning applications for the property that comes with a denial. The applicant would have to agree to withdraw the case and give up the right to sue the county for failure to approve it. This would leave the door open to explore other options for the property that might be more acceptable, and to file a new request relatively soon. That would start the entire process over.


3. Vote to schedule, advertise, and hold a second public hearing before the BOC to consider an outcome other than denial.


4. Vote to postpone any action until a future meeting.


Commissioner West said that he had been sick and had not reviewed the material received from the community. He chose option 3 above and made a motion was to have a public hearing at the February 18, 2025 meeting. Commission Chairman Johnston made a motion to take retail off the table and introduced OI (Office and Institutional) zoning consideration. He did not receive the support of any of the other commissioners. The original motion from Commissioner West passed 4-1 with Commissioner Johnston being the only one to vote against it. (January 7, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting)


Members of the Avery community did their due diligence and discerned fact from speculation. When they were told that houses couldn’t be built by a school, they went to different schools and looked at neighboring houses. One example was the Owens Mill subdivision which is a one road subdivision in line of sight to both Creekland Middle School and Creekview High School. Avery Elementary is a much quieter neighbor than either of those schools. When the statement was made that traffic would divert from Highway 20 onto East Cherokee Drive making it a road that nobody would want to live near, a call was made to the Cherokee County Traffic Engineer who said that the Highway 20 widening would not increase traffic on East Cherokee Drive. The same Traffic Engineer warned against creating a destination within a rural area that it would bring traffic from outside of the area. Wouldn’t 50,000 square feet of office space qualify as a destination? What about safety? Most crime is committed by people from outside of the area. Didn’t we just invite them into the area with this destination.


More letters were written to the commissioners. Another petition was started. A new presentation with the facts was created. Representatives of the Avery Community were able to meet with 3 of the commissioners to express all of the concerns. The Avery Community was prepared. Many of the Avery families with school aged children expressed disappointment that the meeting was scheduled during the CCSD Mid-Winter Break.


Just before the February 18th meeting, the applicant submitted some additional stipulations to limit what they would be allowed to build and what businesses were allowed. The application was modified to ask for Office and Institutional (OI) zoning. The community still believes that residential is the best use for the property. Commercial zoning does not fit the character of the Avery Community. That type of zoning was not planned and is not welcomed into this rural community.

The first opposition speaker presented a narrated slide show from the Avery Community Neighbors. Avery Community Neighbors BoC Presentation (that links to a YouTube of the presentation). The next speaker updated the commissioners on the latest count of Cherokee County residents who signed the online petition. This count was emailed to all of the commissioners prior to the meeting. The count on February 18th was more than 950 and it continues to grow. The final speaker spoke about the inevitability of growth and how that type of growth was not appropriate at that corner but better suited in the commercial districts. There were more in attendance who wanted to speak but time ran out.


Once again, the Avery Community turned out to show their opposition. The main meeting room was filled and the overflow room had an estimated 70 more attendees. Unfortunately, there was an issue with the sound in the overflow room so those in attendance did not get the opportunity to hear everything. The commissioners were not aware that there were so many in attendance. Unfortunately, once again, Commission West made a motion to postpone the decision on this request until the next meeting on March 4th. (February 18, 2025 Board of Commissioners Meeting)

Four of the five commissioners were in attendance at the meeting on February 18th. Commissioner Ragsdale was not there. He had not been in attendance at the public hearing on November 5th either yet he will be able to vote on this rezoning at the next meeting.


The commissioners are not listening to their constituents. The residents in the area have called, emailed and spoken to all of the commissioners. Residents have gone to the commissioners’ offices and met with Commissioner Johnston, Commissioner Carter and Commissioner Weatherby. Commissioner West met with a few from the community once before the first BoC meeting.


Commissioner Ragsdale responded that he was not able to meet on this subject.

The Avery Community is continuing to reach out to all of the commissioners asking for their support to deny this application. The petition link is still active and continues to grow with more than 1000 signatures from Cherokee County residents. Flyers are being distributed. There are email blasts within different groups asking for community members to go to the Board of Commissioners meeting on March 4th at 6pm. Posts are being made to multiple Facebook groups. Neighbors are talking to neighbors. The information is being spread throughout the community.


To help the Avery Community retain its rural look and feel, you can help by doing the following


· Sign the petition

· Contact the Cherokee County Commissioners - You can send your commissioners an email from their website. https://www.cherokeecountyga.gov/boc/

· Come to the Cherokee Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 4th at 6pm at The Cherokee Conference Center 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114



Source: This story was originally reported by CLER Scorecard.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Brice Futch’s Questionable Voting Commitment & Campaign Personal Piggy Bank

August 25, 2025
CANTON, GA – As Cherokee County voters prepare to head to the polls tomorrow in the special election for Georgia State Senate District 21, questions are swirling about Republican candidate Brice Futch's true allegiance to conservative values and his adopted home state. Despite portraying himself as a homegrown Georgian with "deep roots" in the community, research obtained by Metro Republican News reveals that Futch is anything but a lifelong Peach State resident. Originally hailing from Florida, Futch spent years in New York before relocating to Mexico in 2017 and only arriving in Georgia in August 2018 – just in time to potentially make a difference in a pivotal election, but choosing to sit it out instead. Futch's move to Canton in late 2018 came amid claims of building a life here, including registering his business, Futch Communications, LLC, with the Georgia Secretary of State on August 20 of that year. Yet, despite having ample opportunity to register to vote by the October 9 deadline, Futch failed to do so for the 2018 general election. That year, conservatives across Georgia were locked in a fierce battle to elect Brian Kemp as governor against radical Democrat Stacey Abrams, whose agenda threatened traditional values on everything from election integrity to Second Amendment rights. Futch, however, stayed on the sidelines, leaving America First patriots and Christian conservatives to fight without him. This pattern of absenteeism isn't new. Records show no voting history for Futch in Florida or New York during his time there, including the critical 2016 presidential election where Donald Trump faced off against Hillary Clinton. When the MAGA movement needed every vote to secure a victory against the Clinton machine, Futch was nowhere to be found in the voter rolls. Fast forward to 2024, and the story repeats: Despite being registered in Georgia, Futch skipped the Republican presidential preference primary, refusing to cast a ballot for President Trump. Now, as Futch campaigns for the state senate seat, promising to champion conservative causes like opposing gambling expansion and protecting the unborn from abortion extremism, local voters are rightfully skeptical. "If we can't count on him to show up at the ballot box when it mattered most, how can we trust him to stand firm in the legislature?" asked Sarah Jenkins, a longtime Cherokee County resident and homeschooling mother of three. "We've seen too many politicians talk a big game on life and family values, only to fold under pressure. Brice's track record makes me wonder if he'll be there when the chips are down." Echoing those concerns, local farmer and veteran Tom Harlan expressed shaken confidence in Futch's reliability. "I served my country because I believe in showing up for what's right," Harlan said. "But this guy moved here from up North and didn't bother voting against Abrams. He didn’t even vote for President Trump! Now he wants our vote? It feels like he's just another carpetbagger looking for power, not someone who's earned our trust on issues like stopping the gambling lobby or defending pro-life laws." Other residents pointed to Futch's anti-Trump rhetoric from 2016-2018, documented in social media posts where he criticized the former president, as further evidence of his opportunism. While his campaign now touts "Trump-aligned" credentials, critics argue it's a convenient flip-flop to appeal to District 21's staunchly conservative base. "When America First needed him, he left us hanging," added Jenkins. "Cherokee County deserves a senator who fights for us every time, not just when it's politically expedient." Adding fuel to the fire are recent revelations about Futch's campaign spending, which raise serious questions about his stewardship of donor dollars – particularly from Christian supporters who expected their hard-earned contributions to fund a genuine conservative fighter. Campaign disclosures show repeated expenditures on trivia nights at the Canton Cigar Club, where Futch reportedly used supporters' money to sip bourbon and puff cigars with his friends. These outings, billed as "networking" or "community events," smack of personal indulgence rather than strategic campaigning, leaving many to wonder if Futch views the campaign trail as a social club funded by others. Even more eyebrow-raising is Futch's nearly $1,000 expenditure on a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, over Memorial Day weekend in May 2025. Despite the hefty price tag – covered by campaign funds – no public records or explanations detail any campaign-related activities during the visit. Was it a legitimate effort to advance conservative causes, or just another excursion on his supporters' dime? Voters are asking for transparency, especially when funds could have been directed toward grassroots efforts. Compounding these concerns are Futch's repeated statements that his primary political objective is to eventually win Rep. Barry Loudermilk's congressional seat, paving the way to Washington, D.C., where he could cash in on a six-figure salary and generous expense account. Sources close to the campaign say Futch has openly discussed this ambition in private gatherings for years, framing his state senate run as a mere stepping stone to federal perks rather than a heartfelt commitment to Georgia's values. One donor, a church employee who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal on social media, expressed deep disappointment after reviewing Futch's campaign disclosures. "As a church employee, I gave what I could because I thought Brice would be a conservative fighter for us – standing up for life, family, and faith," the donor said. "But seeing how he's spent our money on cigar lounges, bourbon, and unexplained trips? It feels like a betrayal. We entrusted him with our hard-earned money, expecting him to battle the left, not live it up with his buddies." With election day tomorrow, August 26, 2025, voters in Cherokee County are urged to make their voices heard in this special election for Senate District 21 and the Board of Commissioners District 1. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. To find your assigned polling precinct, visit the Georgia My Voter Page at https://mvp.sos.ga.gov or check the Cherokee County Elections website at https://cherokeegavotes.com/election-day-2/ for more details. As the race tightens, Futch's supporters are increasingly frustrated by these revelations, viewing him now as an unreliable insider despite his "outsider" claims. Ties to political action groups like Stand for Georgia Values and fellowships with organizations such as Club for Growth only reinforce the narrative that he's more connected to the establishment than he lets on. For conservative voters prioritizing steadfast leadership on gambling, abortion, and election security, tomorrow's choice could define the district's future.

Georgia probe continues into alleged Ponzi scheme targeting conservative Christians

August 22, 2025
A scandal involving an alleged massive Ponzi scheme that’s centered around right-wing Georgia businessman Brant Frost IV is threatening to roil Republican Party chapters across the country. Georgia’s Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, issued subpoenas Monday as part of his investigation into the alleged scheme. In July, the Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that a Ponzi scheme had been run out of an investment firm Frost launched called First Liberty Building & Loan. SEC investigators allege that approximately 300 investors were bilked out of at least $140 million and that about $17 million went toward personal expenses for Frost and his family, including more than $2.4 million in credit card payments and more than $570,000 in political donations. Frost apologized last month, saying in a statement: “I take full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down.” His actions have sent ripples through the Republican Party. Frost’s son, Brant Frost V, promoted First Liberty to conservatives on right-wing media — such as Real America’s Voice — and has since stepped down from his post as head of a GOP county chapter in metro Atlanta. And there’s a push underway to determine which conservatives and right-wing causes benefited from First Liberty’s contributions. Last month, Raffensperger called on politicians who received donations to return them: Now is the time for every elected official, candidate or political action committee who received financial support from this entity currently under investigation to stand up and help the victims. Ill-gotten gains do not belong in the State Capitol. A recent investigation by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that the money reached beyond Georgia and into states nationwide. The AJC reported that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were among those who received donations, though the newspaper noted that it’s “not clear which contributions were paid with investors’ money.” The Georgia Recorder reported that other high-profile Republicans — such as Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and then-Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida — received contributions from First Liberty in last year’s election cycle. (Johnson, DeSantis, Boebert and Gaetz did not immediately respond to MSNBC’s requests for comment.) According to the Recorder, some people in Georgia have returned money they received to a court-appointed receiver, including Gov. Brian Kemp, whose donations appear to have come before the alleged scheme began, and Raffensperger. The receiver, Gregory Hays, basically said the scheme was meant to exploit right-wing Christians’ generosity toward like-minded causes: “We call these affinity frauds, where you base it on a certain group, and this is very religious Christians and Republicans,” said Gregory Hays of Atlanta-based Hays Financial Consulting, who was appointed by a U.S. district court judge to receive the money from those returning the funds. “So most of all the victims are either in politics or very faith-based investors, and all of them that I talked to were influenced by the charitable giving and the feel-good side of the company.” Several officials in neighboring Alabama have returned campaign contributions, as well. Given how expansive these donations appear to have been, the list of such politicians seems likely to grow in the coming weeks and months.

Aggressive Door-Knocking Incident Raises Tensions in Georgia State Senate Race

August 20, 2025
CANTON, Ga. — Door-to-door canvassers supporting Steve West have drawn sharp criticism after allegedly distributing debunked materials and engaging in confrontational tactics while urging residents to vote against rival candidate Jason Dickerson. The incidents unfolded this week in neighborhoods across Canton, where volunteers handed out copies of a 20-year-old police report that accused Dickerson of a crime. The report, which was reported by Peach Pundit as later being debunked , has been a point of contention in the heated race for the state senate seat. Residents described the canvassers as persistent and, in some cases, aggressive. In one reported altercation, a young female door-knocker allegedly placed her foot in a homeowner's doorway to prevent it from closing after the resident expressed support for Dickerson and dismissed the claims in the report. According to the homeowner, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to safety concerns, the canvasser attempted to force the printed document into the home, insisting the resident "read it for himself." The homeowner's wife intervened, pushing the canvasser's foot out of the doorway, allowing the couple to shut and lock the door. Shortly after, the canvassers fled the scene. Residents say they are now monitoring the area for similar activity, with a focus on identifying the female staffer involved in the Canton altercation. The episode has left some homeowners rattled. Later that day, the same couple hesitated to answer a knock from a neighbor, fearing it might be the canvassers returning. "It shook us up," the homeowner said. "You don't expect politics to come crashing into your home like that." The West campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations. Representatives for the American Made Independent Committee, a political action group supporting West, also declined to comment. Dickerson's campaign condemned the tactics in a statement, calling them "a desperate attempt to smear a dedicated public servant with outdated and discredited lies." Dickerson, a longtime community advocate, has emphasized transparency and positive campaigning in his bid for the senate seat. As the election approaches, the incident has amplified concerns about the tone of the race. Residents in Canton, a suburb north of Atlanta known for its tight-knit communities, expressed dismay over what they view as escalating dirty politics. "This kind of aggressive, underhanded stuff is just distasteful," said Ann Donavan, a 73-year-old retired teacher who lives in the affected neighborhood. "We're supposed to be neighbors here. Steve West's team crossing that line has really turned people off—it's like they're willing to bully their way to a win." Republican activist Sarah Logan, 38, added: "Dirty politics like this erodes trust in the whole process. People are afraid to open their doors now, and that's not how democracy should work. West's aggressive tactics have backfired—even his own supporters are looking for alternatives because of it." The special election for Senate District 21 is this Tuesday, August 26th. Early voting ends tomorrow.

Former Georgia lieutenant governor — Republican turned Democrat — considering governor’s run

August 20, 2025
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Geoff Duncan, who recently made national headlines when he switched political parties, has confirmed he is considering making a Georgia gubernatorial run. “We’re thinking about it,” Duncan said in an exclusive interview with On The Record With Atlanta News First , which airs Sunday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. “We haven’t made any firm decisions. “There are issues after issues that I’ve got a track record of wanting to work on. I’m going to be honest and authentic and certainly I’m going to be a more moderate individual than probably other folks that are going to run for governor in 2026, if that’s a decision we make.” If Duncan does enter the race, he would join five other Democrats who are seeking their party’s gubernatorial nomination: former state Labor Commissioner and DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond ; state Sen. Jason Esteves ; state Rep. Derrick Jackson ; former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ; and businessman/pastor Olu Brown . All are minority candidates with strong ties to Atlanta. Earlier this month, Duncan - who had already been expelled from the Georgia GOP - said he has officially joined the Democratic Party of Georgia. Duncan’s party switch comes in a state that President Donald Trump lost in 2020 by only a few thousand votes, and one that he handily returned to the GOP column in 2024 on his way to an unprecedented return to the White House. Duncan was Georgia’s 12th lieutenant governor, serving from 2019-23; he chose not to run for reelection in 2024, which cleared the way for then-state Sen. Burt Jones to ascend to office. Jones is now running for Georgia governor , seeking to succeed the term-limited Brian Kemp in next year’s nationally watched gubernatorial election.  Source: This story is from Atlanta News First's reporting.

Mike Collins officially kicks off senate bid with Butts County rally

August 19, 2025
BUTTS COUNTY, Ga. - Rep. Mike Collins officially launched his U.S. Senate campaign with a rally in Butts County on Tuesday night, aiming to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in next year’s election. What they're saying: He did so by emphasizing his allegiance to President Trump and conservative values, while attacking incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff as an out-of-touch liberal. "Y'all, I am unapologetically pro-God, pro-Trump, pro-Second Amendment," Collins told the crowd of about 150 in a Jackson barn-style event hall. "Jon Ossoff doesn't relate to the average Georgians. I mean, he's a trust fund kid. He's never had a real job," Collins said. What they're saying: Collins is hoping to court Trump voters, emphasizing the passage of the Laken Riley Act, which he co-sponsored and was the first bill signed into law by President Donald Trump in his second term. "There is simply no one else in this race who deserves to be in the U.S. Senate more than Mike Collins. He is someone who says what he means, means what he says, and actually delivers results that matter," the couple said. Sen. Ossoff was among the 12 Democrats in the senate who voted for the act. At Collins' rally, Butts County Sheriff Gary Long also spoke in support of Collins, pointing to concerns over immigration enforcement. "One of my deputies stopped a car on the interstate. It was three illegals. It's not been that long ago. They all three had deportation orders, and they were trafficking in illegal narcotics," Sheriff Gary Long said. The other side: A group of Georgia Democrats protested Collins' candidacy outside his district office in Monroe on Monday. They argue that Collins would take away social services. "As Mike Collins’ constituents, we’ve seen firsthand how he’s voted to rip away affordable health care, undermine our rural hospitals, gut jobs and jeopardize our economy," said Gareth Finley, a Democratic activist, in a statement emailed by a state party spokesperson. "We’re doing everything possible to let other Georgians know that he cannot be trusted anywhere near the United States Senate." Meanwhile, Governor Brian Kemp has endorsed Derek Dooley, one of Collins’ Republican competitors. FOX 5's Rob DiRienzo saw Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones quietly attend Collins’ campaign launch, but he said he was not ready to endorse anyone in the race. What's next: Collins joins three other Republicans who hope to defeat Sen. Ossoff next year: Activist Reagan Box, Rep. Buddy Carter, and former football coach Derek Dooley. Before Collins could face off against Ossoff, he must win the Republican primary in May. President Trump's endorsement would likely dramatically reshape the course of the race. Meanwhile, Collins' supporters called on party insiders to rally the base around him. "I invite you to call it Buddy and this guy named Dooley and say, 'Hey, I see what you're doing, but you'd be better off in our camp because this is a winning camp,'" Trump advisor Bruce Levell said to the crowd.  The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5’s Rob DiRienzo who attended the Rally on Tuesday.

Steve West. Typical Corrupt Politician. Bought & paid for by Developers & PACs.

August 16, 2025
Back in 2015, Tea Party leader Carolyn Cosby filed a formal ethics complaint accusing West of cutting “sweetheart deals” for Cowart Mulch Products, which ended up with a lucrative county contract. She alleged West failed to report donations tied to the company. https://patch.com/georgia/canton-ga/steve-west-cosbys-allegations-have-no-merit Follow the money and you’ll see why Steve West does what he does. His Senate campaign isn’t fueled by grassroots conservatives. It’s bankrolled by big developers and contractors: Jacklett LLC, Ballantry PMC Belmont LLC, PB&J Contractors, Cowart Mulch Products, HRF LLC, and more. In fact, West is known to have a weekly breakfast with his Developer handlers, of course, outside of his district in Forsyth County. Weirdly enough, Forsyth County, outside of his district, is littered with West campaign signs. Huh? https://efile.ethics.ga.gov/ReportsOutput/103/105b3ffb-4aef-4479-a648-d396466155de.pdf Realtors, property investors, and political insiders are maxing out their contributions. Meanwhile, small-dollar grassroots donations are almost nonexistent. West spent tens of thousands on Endeavor Strategic Advisors for digital ads, polling, and fundraising events. He dumped over $40,000 into one consultant firm for glossy mailers, yard signs, and banners flooding Cherokee and Forsyth neighborhoods. A developer friendly consulting firm that is known for backing candidates that are pro-growth, and anti-constituent. West’s greed knows no limits. [Georgia Campaign Finance Reports, 2025](https://efile.ethics.ga.gov/#/expenditures/search) This isn’t a people’s movement — it’s a corporate-funded, consultant-driven campaign. Funded by Developers, fueled by shady consultants and political operatives, West campaign is a classic pro-special interest machine. Steve West wants to call himself a conservative. But his record shows he’s a developer’s ally, not a defender of families. From shady ethics complaints to PAC-funded smear campaigns, West has proven time and again that he’ll serve the interests of big money over the people who trusted him. Conservative, Christian, and America First voters should reject Steve West — because he’s not one of us. He’s theirs. More revelations to come…  Source: Originally reported by Concerned Citizens for Cherokee

Baptist leaders urge Trump to ban abortion drug

August 4, 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. (BP) — Thomas Hammond, executive director of the Georgia Baptist Mission Board , and the GBMB's public affairs representative, Mike Griffin, were among 40 Southern Baptist state executives, officers, and public policy leaders that signed on to a letter encouraging President Donald Trump to take “immediate action” in stopping the mail-order distribution of the abortifacient mifepristone. The letter, sent on July 28, points out that over 60 percent of U.S. abortions come about through the use of mifepristone, which can be mailed to those living in pro-life states. In 2017, 39 percent of abortions came from pills. That figure jumped to 53 percent in 2020 as COVID shutdowns pushed the usage of telehealth options. A year after the 2022 Dobbs decision, chemical abortions had risen to 63 percent of all cases. The letter is also signed by Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. “While the number of abortions briefly declined following the Dobbs decision, overall abortion rates have since increased, driven largely by the previous administration’s lax policies on mifepristone and the expansion of mail-order access, which remain in place,” it read. “Shield laws in pro-abortion states now protect providers who illegally ship mifepristone into prolife states, in direct violation of federal law and the spirit of Dobbs.” The signers said they were “deeply grateful” for the president’s “unwavering defense of the unborn” during his first term. Now, they request three steps: Restore and strengthen Food and Drug Administration safety protocols for Mifepristone, including ultrasound requirements. Direct the FDA to reevaluate the drug’s approval. Instruct the Department of Justice to enforce the Comstock Act to protect the rights of states’ pro-life laws. The Comstock Act was established in 1873 and bans the mailing of obscene materials as well as “every article or thing designed … for producing abortion[s].” The administration of President Joe Biden chose to interpret the act as narrowly as possible, allowing the use of abortions through the mail to expand, reported The Washington Stand. The letter itself pointed to “abortionist Margaret Carpenter, who shipped abortion pills to Louisiana and Texas, [and] illustrates this growing threat. Yet governors like New York’s Kathy Hochul refuse extradition and enact new laws to further shield violators.” Pro-life advocates say the adverse effects of Mifepristone are grossly underreported . A report in April stated that the number of women suffering adverse reactions could be as much as 22 times higher than previously revealed. Southern Baptists responded to that news, too. “[W]hat we now know is that the abortion rights movement was using a very small sample of outdated information and was pressing politically on the powers that be, especially after the Dobbs decision, to legalize medication abortion, the abortion pill, out of the declaration that the nation faced an abortion and health care emergency,” said Southern Seminary President Al Mohler on the findings by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, based in Washington, D.C. Mifepristone was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2000.  Source: This story from the Baptist Press was reprinted in the Christian Index.

As First Liberty empire crumbles, new lawsuit seeks class action status

July 22, 2025
Weeks before federal regulators accused Brant Frost IV of orchestrating a $140 million Ponzi scheme , he was still recruiting investors with polished pitches promising steep returns. One of them was Manu Gupta, the principal of a Georgia investment firm, who was introduced to Frost and his politically connected First Liberty Building & Loan firm in early 2024. According to a lawsuit filed Monday , Gupta and his firm, Butterfly Capital Group of Suwanee, invested $50,000 in May of this year — just weeks before First Liberty collapsed and Frost publicly admitted in a statement earlier this month to defrauding investors. It was Butterfly’s second investment with Frost and First Liberty, following a $100,000 commitment last year into what Frost touted as a high-yield loan tied to a Middle Georgia medical practice, the lawsuit said. Now Gupta is leading a legal challenge in Coweta County Superior Court that seeks class action status on behalf of other investors. The complaint adds to the growing web of civil and regulatory scrutiny surrounding Frost, his family and their Newnan-based business. The firm’s sudden collapse in late June sent shock waves through Georgia’s political establishment . Frost IV and his relatives were prominent conservative activists with deep ties to the Georgia GOP and influential political figures. On July 10, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed a civil complaint accusing Frost of using investor funds to enrich himself and his family. The agency said Frost funneled more than $5 million to himself and relatives, paid off $2.4 million in credit card debt and spent $335,000 at a rare coin dealer, among other personal expenses. Frost IV is the only individual named in the SEC complaint. Regulators also said he directed more than $570,000 in investor funds toward political donations as the Frost family sought to build clout in Georgia’s conservative movement. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution review found the family spent nearly $1.4 million on campaign contributions over two decades. Frost IV didn’t return multiple requests for comments. But he previously told the AJC in a statement that he takes “full responsibility for my actions and am resolved to spend the rest of my life trying to repay as much as I can to the many people I misled and let down.” He urged investors to allow the court-appointed receiver , S. Gregory Hays, time to “do his best to repair the damage I created.” Frost’s attorney, Joshua Mayes, said he expects the receiver, whose job is to recoup funds for harmed investors, to temporarily block private lawsuits for now. The Georgia Secretary of State’s office, the state-level regulator for securities, has also opened an investigation. Gupta’s complaint includes a May 8 email from Frost promising a 12% return on a $50,000 investment in “First Liberty Notes” — financial instruments that claimed to offer pieces of short-term, high-yield business loans. The firm shut down June 27. Gupta’s lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages, a full accounting of investor funds, and an order barring Frost and his associates from launching similar ventures. “While Mr. Frost has stated to the media that he takes full responsibility for his actions, his actions have not spoken as loudly as his words,” said Kevin Epps, Gupta’s attorney. “This lawsuit gives him the opportunity to make every victim whole again financially. With this lawsuit, his victims will know in the coming months if he will finally take responsibility — or if his statement is yet another con.”  Source: This story is from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's reporting

‘Handmaid’s Tale’ in real life? Georgia AG says heartbeat law not to blame

May 19, 2025
ATLANTA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr’s office has issued a clarification in response to growing national controversy over Adriana Smith, a 30-year-old woman who was declared brain-dead in February but remains on life support due to her pregnancy. What we know: In a statement released by Carr’s communications director, the Attorney General’s office said that nothing in Georgia’s LIFE Act—also known as the fetal heartbeat law—requires hospitals to keep a brain-dead woman on life support. The office emphasized that "removing life support is not an action with the purpose to terminate a pregnancy." Despite the clarification, the legal and ethical questions surrounding Smith’s case continue to stir outrage and political debate, both in Georgia and beyond. Smith, mother of a 7-year-old boy, was declared brain-dead on Feb. 19 after suffering a sudden medical emergency following days of severe headaches. Her family says she was pregnant and in her first trimester at the time, triggering confusion over how state laws apply in such a complex situation. Calls for Answers and Legislative Action What they're saying: State Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes sent a formal letter to Carr requesting clarification on whether Georgia law mandates life support in these circumstances. She also questioned whether his office would support the prosecution of any individual who authorized the removal of life-sustaining measures. On Monday, three Democratic state lawmakers—Reps. Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), and Sandra Scott (D-Rex)—issued a scathing condemnation of Georgia’s abortion law in light of Smith’s case. "This is not healthcare. This is sanctioned cruelty," said Rep. Schofield. "Adriana’s family is being forced to endure months of emotional torture. Our state has turned a woman into an incubator against her will and stripped her family of the right to say goodbye. This is barbaric, and it must end. Smith’s case has gained national attention as a grim example of how Georgia’s abortion ban is weaponized to override medical judgment, silence families and disproportionately harm Black women. Healthcare providers have cited fear of criminal penalties as a reason for inaction, despite clear signs that humane, patient-centered care is being blocked." "Whether you believe in abortion or not, critical healthcare decisions—including life-saving diagnoses and treatment—must be made between medical professionals, patients and their families," said Rep. Davis. "Politics has no place in the exam room. It will never rise to the standard of care or the sacred oath taken by doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. Georgia’s law has not only undermined medical judgment—it has inflicted trauma on a grieving family. That must change." "Georgia’s law failed Adriana," said Rep. Scott. "It failed her family. And it will continue to fail others unless we act now. This is not a debate about politics—it’s a matter of life, death and dignity." "This moment calls for immediate action," Reps. Schofield, Davis and Scott stated jointly. "We stand united in saying that Adriana and her family deserve better. Georgia must do better." Reps. Schofield, Davis and Scott are calling for legislative action to repeal Georgia’s abortion law, restore medical freedom and prevent other families from experiencing the challenges faced by Adriana’s family. The Legal Gray Area Dig deeper: While many critics have pointed to Georgia’s LIFE Act as the reason Smith remains on life support, others argue that a lesser-known law— Georgia Code 31-32-9 , part of the state’s Advance Directive for Health Care Act—may be the more immediate factor. That statute restricts doctors from withdrawing life support from a pregnant patient unless the fetus is nonviable and the patient had a written directive explicitly requesting such action. Emory Healthcare released a statement saying: Emory Healthcare uses consensus from clinical experts, medical literature, and legal guidance to support our providers as they make individualized treatment recommendations in compliance with Georgia’s abortion laws and all other applicable laws. Our top priorities continue to be the safety and wellbeing of the patients we serve. Because of federal privacy rules, we are unable comment on individual patient cases. Political Defenders Respond The other side: State Sen. Ed Setzler, the Republican lawmaker who sponsored Georgia’s 2019 abortion bill, provided the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta: "I'm thankful that the hospital recognizes the full value of the small human life living inside of this regrettably dying young mother. Mindful and respectful of the deep pain of this young mother’s family, the wisdom of modern medical science to be able to save the life of her unborn child is something that I am hopeful in future years will lead to great joy, with her child having a chance to grow into the vibrant adulthood. I would be thankful if the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act played a small part in taking the tragic, unavoidable death of this young mother and allowing at least one of the two lives now hanging in the balance to be saved." Public Reaction and Cultural Parallels What they're saying: Smith’s case has garnered widespread media attention and public outcry, with comparisons drawn to The Handmaid’s Tale, the dystopian series where women are kept alive solely to give birth. In Season 3, a brain-dead character is kept on life support by an authoritarian regime for this reason—an eerie parallel some say now reflects real-life policy. Still, others note that many women, particularly mothers, might choose to remain on life support if they believed it could save their unborn child. However, Smith’s family has declined interview requests following an initial media appearance, leaving their personal wishes unclear. What's next: While Attorney General Carr’s office has offered some clarity, some Georgia lawmakers and others are demanding legislative review. Public hearings, policy debates, and likely court challenges may follow, especially as more details about Smith’s pregnancy, medical condition, and treatment decisions come to light. In the meantime, Adriana’s family remains in limbo—mourning a daughter and sister while waiting for the outcome of a pregnancy they had no legal control over. Smith's due date is still 3 months away. A GoFundMe set up by Smith’s mother describes the anguish of the past three months and asks for prayers and community support during what the family calls "a nightmare no one should have to endure."  The Source Information for this story was provided by AG Chris Carr's office and the offices of state representatives (D-Atlanta), Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) and Sandra Scott (D-Rex); the Associated Press (linked); posts on social media; and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting. This story has been updated since it was originally published to include a full statement from Sen. Ed Setzler.

Sen. Brandon Beach Formally Resigns from Georgia Senate to Assume Position of United States Treasurer

May 6, 2025
ATLANTA (May 6, 2025) — Yesterday, Sen. Brandon Beach (R–Alpharetta) formally announced his resignation from the Georgia State Senate after 13 years of service, following his appointment by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the 46th Treasurer of the United States. Sen. Beach’s resignation will take effect immediately as he transitions into his new national role. Sen. Beach, who represented the 21st Senate District, becomes the first Georgian in U.S. history to serve as Treasurer of the United States. In this position, he will oversee the U.S. Mint, Fort Knox, and serve as a key liaison to the Federal Reserve. He will also advise the Treasury Secretary on issues impacting community development and economic infrastructure. “This is a proud moment not just for my family, but the entire state of Georgia,” said Sen. Beach. “Serving in the State Senate has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I’m deeply thankful for the trust and support of my constituents and colleagues. Together, we’ve worked to make Georgia a national model for economic growth and pro-business leadership. I’m ready to take our Georgia values to Washington and deliver for the people of the United States. President Donald J. Trump has given me the opportunity of a lifetime to help rebuild and secure our economic future as U.S. Treasurer. We are witnessing a bold conservative resurgence, and I’m proud to stand with President Trump as we restore American strength, defend taxpayer dollars and put America First. I will bring that same commitment to the Treasury Department and always remember the people and southern values that brought me here.” For more information on the U.S. Department of the Treasury, you can read here . # # # # Sen. Brandon Beach served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism. He represented the 21st Senate District, including portions of Cherokee and Fulton County. He can be reached at (404) 463-1378 or by email at brandon.beach@senate.ga.gov .  For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov .
Show More