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Beyond the Comment Section: How to Truly Make Your Voice Heard in Mableton

  • Writer: Matthew Stover
    Matthew Stover
  • 11 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Last week, I shared a quick thought at the end of the newsletter: it can be a little disheartening to scroll through social media and see so many neighbors venting about local issues without a clear path forward.


A Facebook comment rarely changes city policy.


That’s exactly why I'm dedicating this post to uncovering the actionable, real-world ways you can make your voice heard by our city officials.


First, make sure you know what district you're in. Click here to find out.


1. Reach Out to the Mayor and City Council Directly

If you have an idea, a concern, or just want to discuss the direction of your neighborhood, you can reach out directly.


Mayor Michael Owens



Request a meeting with the Mayor by clicking here

Request the Mayor to attend an event by clicking here

Find the Constituent Concern Form by clicking here


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Ron Davis

Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember District 1



Email Councilman Davis by clicking here

Phone: 404-927-9489


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Michael McNeely

Councilmember District 2



Email Councilman McNeely by clicking here

Phone: 470-682-9068


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Keisha Jeffcoat

Councilmember District 3



Email Councilwoman Jeffcoat by clicking here.

Phone: 404-927-9497


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Cassandra Brown

Councilmember District 4



Email Councilwoman Brown by clicking here

Phone: 470-687-3585


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T.J. Ferguson

Councilmember District 5



Email Councilman Ferguson by clicking here

Phone: 404-927-9508


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Debora Herndon

Councilmember District 6



Email Councilwoman Herndon by clicking here

Phone: 404-927-9468


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2. Subscribe to City Council newsletters

Stay informed straight from the source by subscribing to direct newsletters from the mayor and your city council member.



3. City Council Meetings



Make Public Comments at a City Council Meeting

Want to speak directly to the council? You can easily sign up to share your thoughts in person.


Look for the signup sheet near the agenda packets when you walk in. Just write your name on the list before the meeting starts. You will have exactly 2 minutes at the microphone. Keep in mind there is a 30-minute total cap for all speakers combined,, so get there early to get your name on the list.


Submit Public Comments (Even if You Can't Attend the Meeting!)

If you can't attend a meeting in person, email your public comments to officeofcityclerk@mableton.gov at least 24 hours in advance. Be sure to include your full name, phone number, email address, and the exact comment you want read on your behalf.


Weigh In During Public Hearings

Before the council votes on major decisions like zoning or new ordinances, they hold a Public Hearing. Unlike general comments, this is your chance to speak specifically for or against the issue on the table right before the gavel falls.


4. Attend a District Town Hall



District Town Halls are designed to be open community conversations. These events provide a much more relaxed environment to ask questions, share feedback, and interact directly with your specific district representative face-to-face.


If you live in District 6, Councilwoman Deborah Herndon is hosting a town hall on Thursday, September 17, from 6-8 PM at Grace City Church (4293 Austell Road).


5. Join a Board or Commission



Ready to do more than just share feedback? Apply for one of Mableton's boards or commissions. These groups do the ground-level work of shaping community initiatives and advising the city council.


Find opportunities here on the Boards and Commissions Page


Building a thriving community is a team sport, and it requires all of us to step up and participate. Next time you see a neighbor frustrated online, gently point them toward these resources.


Let’s keep moving Mableton forward, together!


 
 
 

1 Comment


Talex3
6 hours ago

Thanks for this, Matthew. Please share on Nextdoor!

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