Forum Recap: State Rep. Terry Cummings and Yashica Marshall Address House District 39 Issues

On Monday, October 5, the Mableton Improvement Coalition, Vote Your Voice Cobb, and the Austell Community Task Force hosted a candidate forum moderated by former State Representative Alisha Thomas Searcy. Among the featured discussions was the race for Georgia House District 39, which covers most of Mableton, featuring incumbent State Representative Terry Cummings (D) and write-in candidate Yashica Marshall. 

Both candidates shared their backgrounds, outlined legislative priorities, and addressed issues affecting Mableton and the broader district.   

Candidate Introductions and Priorities

• Yashica Marshall (Write-In): An attorney and community mentor, Marshall stated that she entered the race after residents approached her with concerns regarding the recent incorporation of Mableton and the resulting property tax impact. Her primary legislative goal is to introduce a referendum that would allow residents to re-vote on whether Mableton should remain an incorporated city. She also proposed introducing property tax exemptions for seniors and veterans. 

• State Rep. Terry Cummings (Incumbent): Cummings highlighted several initiatives from her first term, including securing mobile banking services on Riverside, helping secure $3 million in federal funding for the Cobb and Douglas Health Center, and supporting HOA reform. Her legislative priorities include regulating facial recognition technology, enforcing mental health parity rules on insurers, defining habitability standards in rental housing, and seeking tax relief for seniors and low-income homeowners facing city taxes.   

Mableton Cityhood and Taxes

The moderator addressed the cityhood vote directly, asking whether a certified referendum should stand or if a re-vote is warranted.  

• Marshall stated that the original 2022 referendum was presented as a limited-service "city light" model where Cobb County would continue handling police services. Because subsequent negotiations broke down and required the city to fund its own police department, Marshall stated voters now face a different financial reality and should have the chance to vote with full cost transparency. 

• Cummings shared that she did not personally vote for cityhood in 2022, but viewed her duty as representing all constituents once the vote passed—both those who support the city and those who oppose it. She noted that neither the initial feasibility studies nor town halls anticipated the city having to take over police funding. Cummings stated she is open to alternatives but focused on addressing the current situation through measures to protect vulnerable residents from the tax burden.   

Education Funding (QBE)

Both candidates agreed that Georgia's Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding formula is outdated and needs revision.  

• Cummings noted that while the state claims QBE is fully funded, the formula itself has not been updated in decades. She also emphasized that state school safety funding—citing the $55,000 security grants—falls short of covering structural needs like metal detectors, staff training, and maintenance.

• Marshall, who mentors at Pebblebrook High School, agreed that QBE requires modernization to ensure all schools are adequately supported. She also referenced Senate Bill 233, noting support for scholarship options for students in lower-performing schools while maintaining that public school systems should remain fully funded.

Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion

• Marshall stated that Medicaid expansion is part of the solution, but emphasized that coverage alone does not ensure care. She advocated for addressing provider shortages in underserved areas and reducing administrative red tape for physicians seeking Medicaid reimbursement. 

• Cummings expressed support for full Medicaid expansion, noting that Georgia residents already pay federal taxes toward the program. She pointed to the closure of 18 Georgia hospitals since 2013, arguing that access to medical care should be treated as a fundamental necessity regardless of party politics.

Candidate-to-Candidate Questions

The forum concluded with each candidate posing a question to the other:

• Cummings asked Marshall how she plans to convince lawmakers across the aisle to support her bills. Marshall answered that practical negotiation relies on listening to other legislators, finding common ground, and focusing on constituent needs rather than party labels.   

• Marshall asked Cummings how she plans to ensure that residents who feel unheard are represented if re-elected. Cummings responded that she has actively taken calls and met with residents about their frustrations. She added that she understands the community's concerns and is looking into legislation to ease the financial strain on seniors and low-income families.   

As the November election approaches, voters in District 39 face a distinct choice regarding the future of Mableton's cityhood and tax structure. To review complete election and candidate information, verify voter registration, and locate resources for Election Day, residents should consult the official Georgia Secretary of State My Voter Page.