Wednesday Check-in: Talkin' Home City & Dwayne Turner; Trump; The Epstein Files

 Shalom & Peteetong, Fearless Readers! 


So C-Town is starting to settle into its New Normal. 

It's looking as if Dwayne Turner is starting to realize the old adage of:

Be Careful What You Wish For

Some of the old-guard COV types who actually voted for him are fully expecting him to live up to his uber-Conservative campaign hype & rhetoric. 

(I know, they're dumb; the usual suspects...)

When he doesn't, it's gonna get real ugly, real fast. 

Case in point: 

The Stormwater fees.

As anyone who has just a basic understanding of the situation could tell you, this involves federal government mandates. The previous city councils for years have been kicking this can down the road but now we're about to get to the point where the Feds are going to start fining us & withholding grant monies if we don't comply. And a significant portion of the city's funding does come from the Evil Empire. 

Pretty sure Dwayne wasn't aware of that. 

But, if he doesn't get done what he's promised to get done, he's going to quickly become Persona Non Grata w/ those east ward types who put their faith in him. 

I think it's gonna be quite interesting to see how things start to unfold beginning in January. 

I'll just say this:

I'm glad I'm not Dwayne Turner. 



TRUMP!!1! 


That shambolic buffoon. 

SMH. 

He needs to keep Rand Paul & Thomas Massie out his damn mouth! 

It's as if he's making all the wrong decisions. 

At this point, I think it's probably intentional. 

Maybe it's some of that patented 4-D Chess? 


The Epstein Files 


And I think of my George Carlin: 

There's a club - and you ain't in it! 

Are a majority of our federal politicians caught up in a Mossad blackmail/leverage operation (and are possibly kid-diddlers)? 

What do you think? 

And do you think that a 427-1 vote means we're actually going to learn the truth? 

If so, I've got some Iowa &/or Kansas beachfront property for you to take a look at. 

###

Okay for now, 

- MBM 

Sunday Check-in: Recapping the Election

 What's the good word, GA Piedmont? Hope it's good out there. 

So we had an election this here past Tuesday. 

First off, on the national level, I really don't care.

So a socialist won the New York City mayoral race. So what? What is interesting, though, is this: based on polling data approx 8% of his votes came from folks who voted for Trump last year. That kind of makes sense as Mamdani ran a true populist campaign. 

Plus, it's New York. 

And then Dems winning in Dem states. Not much of surprise there. 

State of GA 

Hate to rain on the parade of some of the partisans who are hailing the two PSC races as proof of a fundamental, transformative sea change of Georgia politics. That, this was not. 

What is was, though, was this: two statewide races being held in an off-year due to the lawsuit which caused them to push this election back a year (which also cost the Libertarian Party of GA its ballot status as a political body meaning they've lost access for statewide elections for the time being). 

It was also an instance of the Democratic Party of GA treating these races as vital, and really getting out the vote, while I think both GOP campaigns as well as the state party apparatus figured these were given wins (a theme we will revisit) & didn't put in the necessary work. 

Well, that obviously wasn't the case & should've been figured as such. Strong anti-incumbent sentiment out there w/ the ever-increasing utility rates we've been seeing combined w/ the aforementioned lack of urgency made both of the races foregone conclusions in my opinion. 

So now let's get to the good stuff. 

The Home City of Covington 

The two west ward races were not at all surprising. If this had been four or two years ago, Scotty, definitely, and maybe even Johnson, could've had an outside shot. But times have changed. 

When the westside Henderson Machine saw a seat slip away two years ago, they were already planning for last Tuesday. 

There would be no overlooking anything this time around. The machine mobilized and they got out the vote. Bigly. 

Furthermore, I believe the plan of attack was:  

Oh, y'all gonna steal a seat from us? We'll return in kind. 

Which leads us to...

East Ward, Post 1 

My, my, my. What can you say? 

At first glance this was a real shocker. Dwayne Turner besting Donny Cook 52% to 48%. 

But in actuality, it was not a shocker. 

As I just mentioned, there was a coordinated effort for the JC crew to pick up an east ward seat.

They found a very solid candidate. Turner has a good resume & apparently knew a good number of folks in town who were very much impressed w/ him. 

Add that to the fact that Mr. Turner seemed to've had a complete political transformation where all of the sudden he was - at least based on his rhetoric - the most fiscally conservative candidate who's ever run for office in the history of Covington. Then, running a strong, grassroots-driven campaign, and he was able to kind of steal one here. 

Gotta tip your hat. No doubt. 

With all of that said, there was no good reason for Donny Cook to have not won this race, other than the following. 

And look, let me just say this, up until a few months ago I had never met Donny & did not know who he was. He reached out & I got to know him pretty good. We've had multiple conversations. 

I think he's a good fella w/ a good heart who had good intentions & is definitely a fiscal conservative. I think he would've been a good councilman. 

Now, was he the ideal candidate?

Well, no. The ideal candidate was Lee Mayfield who, even w/ all of the circumstances & dynamics in play, would've won by probably at least 10 percentage points. 

However, for a particular reason, he didn't run. 

Donny stepped up. And that's a big deal. And I thank him & salute him for having done so. 

So how did a race that should've been won by 10 points get lost by 4 points. 

Well, remember what I talked about w/ the PSC races? 

In my opinion, it was assumed by the Cook camp that this election was a given. That a basic campaign was all that was needed. 

That simply wasn't the case. 

So an early lack of urgency kind of set the stage for things.  About a month ago is when some started sounding the alarm & actions were taken accordingly. 

Cook did win election day, but the early voting sealed his fate. 

W/ local races, there is no substitute for old-school, real-deal REAL Politick. Specifically canvassing - door-to-door. A better job w/ that would've probably netted the 2+ percentage points needed for the W. 

And there were other things that could've made the difference. One direct mail piece might've done it. Two definitely would've, in my opinion. An endorsement from the current office holder. Ditto. Any one or especially a combination of the aforementioned probably gives a different result. 

Oh well. Would've, could've, should've. 

Once we get to January it'll certainly be a different dynamic on the council. Think we'll probably see a fair number of tied 3-3 votes. If such is the case, then Fleeta's the tie-breaker. 

Is what it is. We shall see. 

'til next time, 

- MBM 

Election Eve in the COV! Checking In on What's Going On

 Greetings, everyone, and welcome back to the Fun House! 

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION: to vote for the city election on Tuesday Nov 4th, you will vote at the City of Covington Council Chambers, 2116 Stallings Street Covington GA 30014 ***

Well, it's almost that time. The first Tuesday in November in an odd year so that means it's municipal election time & everybody's real excited, though, for those running, they might be equal parts excited & exhausted.

No rest for the weary & all. 

There are several city elections going on all throughout the GA Piedmont but I'm only concerned w/ one - the home city. The COV. 

This is the year when it's two open seats in the west ward & just one in the east. I'll start w/ where I stay at, the eastside. 

East Ward Post 1 

I'll be doing the rare TPC endorsement here, and this is the man I'll be voting for tomorrow (I always only vote on Election Day), and recommend you do the same. 

Donny Cook 

I've gotten to know Donny over the last few months & I've been impressed. This is a guy who has roots in the community, and really cares about our future. Pretty much all of his main policy positions are in line w/ mine, and I think he's the ideal addition to the City of Covington Council. 

*****

Over in the west ward we have two contested races. I don't have a vote over there but if I did I'd definitely be voting for Scotty Scoggins & Amy Johnson. 

They both have uphill climbs but I think both are in the realm of possibility. Scotty surprised everyone four years ago w/ his showing & there's no limit to what can happen in a municipal campaign if you really pound the pavement & do the REAL Politick, especially when the entrenched incumbent is assuming that the seat is a given. 

We shall see... 

Best, 

- MBM 

***IMPORTANT INFORMATION: to vote for the city election on Tuesday Nov 4th, you will vote at the City of Covington Council Chambers, 2116 Stallings Street Covington GA 30014 ***

P.S. to vote for the PSC races, you will need to go to your regular polling precinct 

Unnecessary Drama in the COV : A Tempest in a Teapot; Madam Mayor & Conduct Unbecoming

 So the big thing in terms of politics local here recently in the home city has to do w/ ghost tours & cemeteries, manufactured indignation, gadflies, an opportunistic politician, as well as a long-running vendetta said politician has had for a particular Square merchant for several years. 

The initiation of this current chain of events began a week ago Saturday last when the aforementioned gadfly surreptitiously filmed a group of people (including children) who were taking one of the ghost tours as offered by Covington Ghost Tours as they were walking towards the privately-owned portion of the Covington cemetery.

Quick aside. These tours have been going on for 11 years now. 

But back to situation at hand. 

This video was put on social media w/ the caption of "wAkE uP cOvINgtOn!!1!" (okay, so maybe I took some artistic license w/ the capitalization & punctuation). 

It got shared by several of the usual suspects & then it became indignation time w/ the comments made on the original post & also on some of the shares. 

It became quite obvious that this was a concerted, coordinated & manufactured happening as the first reading of a new ordinance prohibiting ghost tours of the city-owned portion of the cemetery happened just two nights later at the City of Covington's general meeting.
 

But then, Madam Mayor Fleeta Baggett really cranked it up when she (or one of her fervent disciples) reached out to WSB TV for them to do a story on it.

And my word, it must've been a really slow news day that day as they actually sent out a van & crew to do a piece.

The irony was not lost on some.

Way to really respect the dead by having a news crew traipsing all over the cemetery, filming video in this sacred spot & just generally making a spectacle. 

Sad. 

So, to recap.

The original video hits social media.

Two days later - the council vote.

And then two days after that - WSB.

Astroturfing at its finest, I'd say. 

*****

Ghost tours happen all over America & Georgia. Several go through cemeteries. The majority of them are done in a very respectful manner & I know that this one is because I've been on it before. They make a point to tell everyone to stay on the road, not to walk on any of the graves & remain respectful. 

So, again, this is in my opinion simply A Tempest in a Teapot, to use the old idiom.




###



Madam Mayor & Conduct Unbecoming

Mayor Fleeta Baggett 

Apparently Fleeta should've had a TPO issued against her some time back related to her concerning & bizarre behavior directed towards one of the Covington Square merchants, to the point where she was told by the CPD if she entered the premises of said business, that she would be arrested. 

This has been confirmed to me by multiple direct sources.  

Even now, she goes out of her way to create an adverse impact against various business owners here in the home city, w/ one (the aforementioned) very much in particular. 

Let's take a step back here. 

Think about it.

The mayor of our city is expending time, energy & effort in order to hurt a local business that is paying taxes, providing jobs & bringing in visitors to Covington.  

Covington's Mayor is doing that. That is just so messed up. 

Fleeta's always had her band of followers, but apparently more & more are waking up. . 

On top of all of that. 

Madam Mayor has just had another official complaint lodged against her by a city employee (she's had a few over the past couple years). 

This has been standard operating procedure for her entire tenure as Mayor. 

To wit: 

Verbally abusing city employees. 

Harassing local business owners as well as elected & appointed city officials. 

Just generally being an unpleasant & seemingly vindictive  person. 

### 

Well, it's looking as if her "Jumping the Shark," and overplaying her hand, may be about to catch up w/ her.

Maybe. Possibly. 


And as this writer understands it, there could possibly be a vote of No Confidence in the offing. 

Regardless, something's gotta give. This isn't working anymore. 

We shall see. 

You know we'll be keeping an eye on it. 

Until next time, 

- MBM 

Regarding Data Centers in the Home City & County: Thoughts by MBM & a Communique from Newton BOC Rep LeAnne Long

 Hello, friends. 

So yet another proposed data center now being considered here in the home county, those water & power sucking scourges, and now the home city of Covington is being brought in to mix as well. 

What follows is my response to a FB post by the right honorable & totally badass BOC 5 Rep of Newton Co, GA - LeAnne Long - followed by an additional comment of mine & then followed by her original post. 

The Chair of the NC Water Authority has already said we can’t take on anymore of these.

Concerns about power capacity as well.

Will definitely be reaching out to my representation on the City of Covington Council on this.

— ENOUGH IS ENOUGH —

This isn’t “NIMBY.” This is self-preservation!

I’m at the point where I’m ready for social media & AI to disappear. Those two things are the reason why we’re seeing this scourge.

Thanks for all you’re doing, LeAnne Long!

For the Home City & County!

- MBM

### My additional comment:

Also,

New York Times :

The situation has become so dire that Newton County is on track to be in a water deficit by 2030, according to a report last year.

“What the data centers don’t understand is that they’re taking up the community wealth,” he said. “We just don’t have the water.” ~ Mike Hopkins, NCWSA

(H/T Tonya Be) 

*******

LeAnne's original post: 

OKAY- District 5 ***

The Newton County Board of Commissioners received a required notice letter from the City of Covington stating that a landowner has applied to be annexed into the City of Covington's limits for a Massive Data Center. 600 ELKS CLUB RD -

The number of requests for data centers without proper planning and understanding of the community's impact is ridiculous! I am very concerned - while developers talk about potential tax revenue, those numbers don't show the big picture. The process lacks transparency, and communities aren't seeing the actual outcome for residents, which still remains unknown.

Social Circle (in Newton Co.) is attempting to annex and zone TWO large centers in Newton Co., ONE is being built now in Covington, Portdale approved ONE, and now another ONE OFF ELKS Club RD-

THIS IS INSANE! LET the City of Covington Council know your thoughts to VOTE NO!!

LeAnne! 

Here is part of the notice, as required by law

(This doesn't imply the City is in favor or not).

Please be advised that the City of Covington, GA, by the authority vested in the Mayor and Council, by Article 2 of Chapter 36, Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, has received an application to annex property hereinafter described. This letter has been sent to you by certified mail, return receipt requested, upon acceptance of an application for annexation by the City of Covington, GA, in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 36-36-

6 and O.C.G.A. § 36-36-,9 and after receipt of the application for zoning pursuant to O.C.G.A. §36-36-111. The property owner's application is attached hereto as Exhibit "B."

The property owners have requested the zoning of Light Industrial (M-1) for the following properties:

600 Elks Club Rd and Elks Club Rd, (TMP#s 0100 003, 0100 003В 0100 009) 11,520 SQFT AND 18 BUILDINGS.

GIVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS -LeAnne

### Best, MBM

And A Word From Ellis Millsaps

 Fuck you, Donald Trump. 

- - Ellis Millsaps

Ellis "Da" Millsaps is a recovering Attorney but has worn many hats over the years: father, bus boy, stand-up comedian, novelist, wiffle ball player, rock'n'roll band manager, and at one time wrote a popular and funny column for The Covington News. A Fannin Co. mountain boy originally, Mr. Millsaps now stays at the mill village of Porterdale by way of 20 years in Mansfield. Usually funny and at times irreverent and subversive, he leans left in his political philosophy but can always be counted on for a pretty darn good write-up. The Chronicles are proud to have him involved...

Good Cop, Bad Cop: A Novel by Ellis Millsaps

TPC REAL Politick: Raffensperger Running for Governor. Other Dominoes to Fall?

 Hello again. 

So, the news hit today (somewhat surprisingly to this writer), that current GA Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has actually decided to run for Governor of Georgia. 

He'd previously put out feelers but many had figured he wouldn't actually do it. 

After all, his political capital in our great state doesn't seem to be overly strong.

Trump hates him, by all accounts, and two state heavyweights - Burt Jones, current Lt. Governor & Chris Carr, current AG - have already announced & declared for this race. 

So the question is begged - why would B-Rad do this? 

Well, in my humble estimation, it's the same reasoning as behind his original run for the Holder & Custodian of the Great Seal of Georgia (Secretary of State) back in 2018: 

spend a shit-ton of money & run in a crowded field where you might make a runoff. Then, w/ enough money, you might just steal the damn thing...

###

For those who know, that's exactly what he did seven years ago. 

*****

Again, he doesn't seem to have the ability to do this. Obviously, Trump hates him. An extreme majority of the GA GOP despises him; however, never doubt the ability of money combined w/ a crowded field. 

Again, that's exactly what happened in 2018. Just ask the current Chairman of the GA GOP. 

Homeslice bought that office.

Spent a shit-ton of money w/ the aim of making it to a runoff (paying big money to landowners on major thoroughfares to put up signs plus a whole bunch of other stuff). 

And as those who know, in a runoff - all bets are off.

It's all about turnout (read:  $$$). 

W/ Carr & Jones running, he knows he just has to spend enough money to finish second in the primary (Jones will be first). Then he's hoping if he does finish second, he'll be able to get enough of the Carr votes to possibly win the runoff (w/ enough of that $$$). 

Not saying I'm right on this, but...

*****

So, Trump's archnemesis will not be running for a third term for Secretary of State (SOS). 

Therefore, that means that Tim Fleming is definitely running for SOS. 

So...

that means that GA HD 114 is

W I D E   O P E N 

DEVELOPING... 

Best, 

- MBM 

[Recent City Happenings] - Covington East Ward Post 1 Now a 2-man Race

 Greetings, Fearless Readers. Hope it is all good out there. 

So, the news hit just today that Rev. Eric Threets has withdrawn his candidacy for the open East Ward, Post 1 race. 

I was actually made aware of this the end of last week but was trying to get additional information as to why he was withdrawing (had a few sources tell me it was due to a certain reason) before reporting the story. 

As has been the case a few times over the years, that other paper stole my thunder & beat me to the punch. 

According to its article, and this was confirmed by a member of staff of the Newton Co Board of Elections, it was due to "family demands," as per a letter that Threets submitted. 

Again, I was told by various sources that it was due to another issue. I have communicated w/ the City of Covington to confirm the exact reason but as of press time I haven't gotten a response (big surprise there, right? Government, what you gonna do...). 

Regardless, that means that this is now a 2-man race. 

That other paper - The Covington News by the way - erroneously reported that now there are three running but Cole Inman, as we understand it, also withdrew his candidacy, so now it's just between Dwayne Turner & Donny Cook. 

Dwayne Turner

Donny Cook 

I've had several folks that I know & trust tell me they're supporting Cook in this one. I'm hoping to have a sit-down tete-a-tete w/ him soon. I do know, based on his social media presence, that he is NOT a fan of apartments, and seems to be rather conservative regarding the spending of taxpayer dollars. 

We'll be keeping an eye on it. 

Will keep you updated if we get additional info on the Threets situation. 

Best, 

- MBM 

If You Don't Know, Now You Know: Greetings & Welcome to TPC!

The Town Square Podcast

 

Hello, all. 

I meant to publish this post last night in anticipation of today's drop of the latest edition of The Town Square Podcast hosted by old friend & current Newton Co BOE member Trey Bailey w/ yours truly - Marshall McCart - as the featured guest. 

While I know a pretty good number of folks who have listened (or will listen) to that podcast are already familiar w/ what we do around here, I'm sure at least a few are not so I thought I'd give you a bit of an intro. 

As we discussed on the show, I'm self-described as equal parts Citizen Journalist, "semi-professional ant hill kicker" & public advocate. I'm passionate about the home county (Newton), home city (Covington) & the Glorious Georgia Piedmont (particularly the quad-county area of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton). 

Politically, I'm basically a conservative-adjacent, libertarian-leaning independent; or, to quote another writer - I'm usually being liberally conservative when I'm not being conservatively liberal. Basically I'm GDI. A true independent around the intersection of a Ron-Paul-Republican & Zell-Miller-Democrat. 

I'm for good government, and wise spending of tax dollars. 

I also tend to be inclined that many elected officials need a watchful eye upon them in order for them to do the right things & do things right. 

Mainly, I try to capture the REAL Politick, and always doing my best to keep it real. 

You can peruse some previous readings if you so desire. 

As I mentioned on the podcast, my posting has been a little light here lately but I do have a few things coming down the pike. Plus, we've got the off-year municipal elections this fall so we'll certainly be keeping an eye on that. 

Okay for now & hope all is well out there. 

- MBM 

A TPC Check-in: Taxes Going UP; News on the State House & Senate Races; Odds & Ends

 Howdy, Folks! Hope it's all good out there. 

Well, TPC enjoyed its annual summer vacation (forgot to put up the Gone Fishin' sign again ), but we're ready to get back at it. 

Property Taxes Going Up 

After the summer tradition of the budget process, we've now seen everything become official in terms of the setting of the millage rates. 

Quick aside. You may be wondering - "what the hell is mill?!" A mill is one-tenth of one percent, or, in decimal format: .001. So, ten mills would be .01 (or 1%).

Why still use this archaic form of math to quote ad valorem tax rates? Good question.

It's either because of the famous 6-word motto of most governments & large institutions: "We've always done it this way,"; or, it's because they know most folks have no idea what a mill or millage is & that's exactly how they like it, folks not knowing what's going on. 

Here's some real estate Dad-type humor for you. You know the old saying - that's just the old 2 cents. You could start to say - "That's just the ole 20 mills!" Hardy hardy har. 

So, the home county's tax rate went up 10%. The City of Covington? 11%. Hell, at least we're not Walton Co. They went up 20%! 

Something's gotta give soon. We're going to really have to rethink the proper size & scope of local government. Property taxes are out of control. We're pricing the lower & middle class folks as well as seniors on fixed incomes out of our beloved home. We need to get some serious people elected willing to make serious decisions leading to serous cuts of government spending. 

We'll see... 

State House 

Right now it's still a two-way race between Wendell McNeal & Brett Mauldin though apparently a certain former Newton Co Constitutional Officer is still mulling a run. 

As many have said it would be nice to have a Newtonian representing us in the lower chamber of the Gold Dome for the first time in a decade. 

With that said, if this person were to run then naturally I would be 100% behind him. If not, I'll definitely be supporting Brett in this one. 

State Senate 

I'm going to take this opportunity to make the rare, official MBM/TPC endorsement. 

I hereby fully endorse & support Bret Dunn for this race. I've known Bret for right at 10 years & have always thought a lot of him. I've been talking w/ him a good bit lately & I'm very excited about his vision for the 42nd Senate District of the Great State of Georgia. 

Newton BOE Member Trey Bailey also endorses Dunn 

More to follow down the road...


Odds & Ends 

- Looking like they're about done getting Floyd St repaved. That's been a long time coming; however, as many have noted, they're going to have to do something about those traffic islands. 

- This upcoming Wednesday. August 13th. 9am. Morgan Co Courthouse. A battle against government overreach & the Kemp/Carr/DCA/JDA/Economic-Development leviathan. A fight for freedom & basic constitutional rights. Be there! 

- 23 days until we have UGA football! 

Okay for now, scamps, 'til next time. 

- MBM 

[TPC Guest Post] --TWG/TaxDogs: [Jasper Co] BOC DECLINES TO SUPPORT RESOLUTION FOR FEAR OF STATE RETALIATION [in re Rivian]

*originally posted at TaxDogs 

 July 13, 2025

At their meeting on July 7, Commissioners were presented a Resolution Opposing the Pursuit of Legal Fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority against Concerned Citizens.  Commissioner Asher Gray (District 4) added this Resolution as the last item on the agenda.   (See copy of the Resolution below.)

When this item came up Commissioner Gray started the conversation saying that it was wrong to sue citizens fighting the Rivian plant with their own money.  He also made the point that the BOC had been lied to with emails they had received about this issue.  He wanted the Jasper County BOC to condemn the action and support the citizens’ rights to do so.

Commissioner Steven Ledford (District 5) said if this resolution was passed they would bite the hand that gave out LMIG (road) funds. 

Commissioner Rob Alexander (District 3) said this action by the JDA and State was wrong, wrong, wrong.  He added that Rivian was never vetted and he questioned if it would be a viable company.  Commissioner Alexander also asked what would happen if the JDA decided that Jasper County would be the host county for a hazardous waste landfill for the Rivian plant.  Would the BOC let that happen if citizens here in Jasper County fought it?

Commissioner Gray asked if anyone had any trouble with the wording of the Resolution.

Commissioner Ledford said he personally felt the same way as Commissioners Gray and Alexander, but was hesitant to sign a resolution that could possibly result in the county being adversely affected when it comes to money from the State.

Commissioner Gray read the resolution out loud, and then he made a motion to have the commissioners sign it. That motion failed 2-3. Gray and Alexander voted for it, with the other three voting no.

For more information on this case refer to a previous post—Pure Citizen Intimidation
https://taxdogs.wordpress.com/2025/06/21/pure-citizen-intimidation/

This court hearing will be August 13 at 9am in the Morgan County Courthouse.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”—Desmond Tutu

Resolution by the Jasper County, Georgia Board of Commissioners

Opposing the Pursuit of Legal Fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority Against Concerned Citizens

WHEREAS, six citizens of Morgan County—Edward Clay, Candance Beam, Alan D. Jenkins, Felton Jenkins III, Deborah Crowe, and James Gunn—filed lawsuits seeking judicial clarity on the legality of zoning exemptions and land use decisions related to the $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle (EV) factory slated for development on a 2,000-acre site between Rutledge and Social Circle; and

WHEREAS, these citizens—known collectively as the No2Rivian plaintiffs—acted in good faith out of concern for the environmental health, rural character, and lawful governance of their communities, particularly as it relates to potential impacts on groundwater, creeks, wells, and other shared natural resources; and

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority (JDA) of Jasper, Morgan, Walton, and Newton counties have initiated legal action to recover nearly $1 million in attorney’s fees from these plaintiffs, including $600,000 tied to the Morgan County case and $365,000 related to a near-identical case in Fulton County; and

WHEREAS, the pursuit of legal fees from private citizens—who were exercising their constitutional right to petition their government and seek judicial oversight—represents a troubling escalation that could deter future civic engagement and public accountability across the State of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, such action may create a chilling effect, sending a message that ordinary citizens who challenge powerful state-backed projects may face financial ruin for asserting their legal rights and raising community-based environmental and land use concerns; and

WHEREAS, this tactic sets a dangerous and undemocratic precedent, undermining trust in government institutions, discouraging public participation, and compromising the fundamental American principle that access to the courts must be available to all, regardless of income or political influence; and

WHEREAS, the Jasper County Board of Commissioners believes that citizens must be free to question, challenge, and participate in government decisions without fear of retaliation;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Jasper County, Georgia Board of Commissioners formally opposes the continued pursuit of legal fees by the State of Georgia and the Joint Development Authority against the No2Rivian plaintiffs;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board respectfully urges the State and the JDA to withdraw all petitions for reimbursement of legal expenses from the plaintiffs and to refrain from using public resources to pursue punitive legal actions against private citizens engaged in lawful democratic processes;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Jasper County Board of Commissioners affirms the right of all Georgians to seek judicial review of governmental decisions—particularly those that affect environmental health, public resources, and community planning—without fear of reprisal or financial intimidation;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Board encourages civic and legal advocacy organizations across Georgia to stand in defense of the citizens’ right to petition the government.

Denied  this _7th__ day of ___July______, 2025, by the Jasper County Board of Commissioners.

Citizens, be informed and stay informed!  Only by being informed, can the citizens understand what is being done and talked about, and then press our officials to make good decisions for everyone in Jasper County. 

 TWG    
www.taxdogs.wordpress.com
www.facebook.com/taxdogs

### 

This, to me, notwithstanding all of the other stuff going on at the national, state & local level, might be the single, most important issue right now in the GA Piedmont. My sincere thanks to Mary for being on the front lines of fighting this good fight. 

To Hell w/ Kemp, the DCA & the JDA & the all the rest of them no account bastards! 

'Til next time, 

- MBM 

An Update on Things, including Yours Truly; Local REAL Politick; Odds & Ends

 Peteetong, Fearless Readers! 

Hope it's at least okay out there. 

And these days, okay ain't half bad. 

So, after a flurry activity, the ole site's gone a little quiet the last week or so. As longtime, regular readers can no doubt attest to, that is nothing new for TPC; however, this latest break in the action was a little different. 

I won't be going into much detail but I'll just tell you that I've been dealing w/ that thing known as life. Specifically, what many have to deal w/ once you've reached a certain age & when those most closest to you are older than you are. 

For the last week most all of my time has been dedicated to familial responsibilities & that seems to probably be the case for a good while moving forward. I will try to do my best to do some pieces here & there but am certainly not promising anything. 

Appreciate your understanding. 

Local REAL Politick 

Fleeta. 

I'm tempted to just leave it at that. 

So apparently she's been telling folks for quite some time that she never has voted for or been involved w/ any of the approvals of the plethora of multi-family developments we've seen over the "last six years." Interesting timeline as that's when she was first elected to the Covington City Council. 

However, this is obviously a falsehood as she did vote for the rezoning of the Billy Fortson property to facilitate the apartments behind the west-side Ingles/Five O'Clock shopping center (along w/ ole "Dirty" Don Floyd). Furthermore, she voted for the apartments next to the east-side Ingles across from the old Newton Package Shop (it obviously ain't NPS anymore, is it?) naturally as it benefitted one of the old money families. 

So, by all accounts, a misrepresentation. 

And even though we're TWO years away, Sista Mayor has already announced she's running again for Mayor because she has to.

I've been seeing some very interesting screenshots from some who've communicated w/ the ole gal. Some late night (alcohol-induced?) rants & screeds. 

Sad. 


Movin' & Shakin' 

As some have known for months, Tim Fleming has officially announced for the Custodian of the Great Seal of Georgia - the Georgia Secretary of State. Apparently he's got Trump's endorsement as well as the GA GOP power elites. We'll see. But most likely it's a slam dunk for him. 


State Senate 

As previously reported, Newton BOE member & righteous dude Trey Bailey has decided that his passions remain w/ the Board & he is not running for this seat. With that development, I think Bret Dunn is a lock. 


HD 114 

As previously reported, Newton BOE member & righteous dude Trey Bailey is not running so for now we have Wendell McNeal & Brett Mauldin who've officially announced. I know both of these gentlemen & I like both of them. Wendell is a big mover w/ the state GOP. Brett seems like a really good man. The wild card for this one would be a certain former constitutional officer of the home county that is seriously considering a run. 

It'd be nice that have Newton Co folks representing us in the GA General Assembly again for the first time in years. 

Was planning to get into the July 3rd celebration & a couple of other things but I've changed my mind. 

Best, 

MBM 

[TPC] - Around Town & REAL Politick, 6/30/25: Talkin' 3rd of July, Apparently Georgia Hates Its Citizens, Fleeta, Odds & Ends, etc

 

 

Hello, friends, and welcome back. 

So, apparently in order to placate Fleeta (more on her in just a bit), the City of Covington has decided to hold its 4th of July celebration on the 3rd of July. 

More on her later. 

Georgia Hates Its Citizens, as well as Free Speech, Apparently 

When the news broke a few weeks ago that the State of Georgia was actually going to do this - to try to harass, punish & silent those citizens of the GA Piedmont who rightfully tried to redress their grievances against our state government for this egregious violation of home rule - so many were so appalled. 

Surely, given the context & the optics, Chris Carr - especially since he's running for Governor - would NOT actually do this?

UPDATE: Apparently Carr the AG is not involved at all. Mainly, as I'm told, this is Kemp along w/ possibly the DCA & GA Director of Economic Development. 

We're going to be researching this further & will report more later.  

Sad. 

Madam Mayor Fleeta 

So, as maybe a few of you already know, that gal was the guest of the latest rendition of a local podcast. 

It was everything Fleeta wanted, apparently, while her hosts, by all accounts, fully facilitated it. 

She was in full-on "bad ass, bad momma, boss mayor mode." 

Allegedly.

I sure as hell didn't waste my time listening to it. 

Per the word, she basically told the entirety of the home city to suck it.

Either recall her, run against her, or just simply STFU. 

Quick sidebar. 

For the life of me, I can not figure out why some of our fellow citizens bow down to this woman. 

I mean, I can get that she's a natural politician, but I just don't get how some of the people in our orbit - decent, seemingly smart folks that I have respect for - are so enamored w/ her. 
I really don't.

It all seems to be a cult of personality.



 




Also, as I've been told by multiple sources for some time, she's allegedly still bragging about how she still has me blocked on social media (what a bad, weak look for her. Not to mention the fact that she's using her personal FB page in her official capacity of Mayor [LAWSUIT potential, anyone?]). 

To that point. 

Fleeta is a magnet for lawsuits.

As has been reported by the other local news outlets, -- allegedly Fleeta was the main reason for a lawsuit brought by a former Fire Battalion Chief against the home city a few months back. 


Allegedly a gal pal of Fleeta's got an inappropriate picture from someone. Purportedly, she then shared it w/ Fleeta.

Fleeta, being Fleeta, naturally, shared it w/ half of Covington, supposedly. 

Just a profound lack of judgement. 

And, people - as some of you know - that's simply Fleeta. She just can't seem to help herself, or get out of her own way.  

I know it.
You know it.
Everybody knows it. 

Sad. 

At least she's not browbeating city employees as much these days as I understand it.  

Also, I'm hearing that Fleeta has told folks that she's had nothing to do w/ any of the multi-family development we've seen over the last six years (interesting timing considering six years ago was when she was first elected to the council). Well, I know for sure there's one that she did vote for. Will be doing a dedicated piece on that soon. 

Odds & Ends

Well, the news recently hit that Trey Bailey bailed on running for either State House or State Senate. 

Sad, but not all surprising. I don't think his heart was fully into it. The BOE is where he wants to be. 

Regardless, he would've had a tough row to hoe taking on Bret Dunn in the Senate race, but I believe he could've. Now, barring a big name jumping in, It's looking as if Bret's going to be a lock for the upper chamber of the Georgia General Assembly. 

And, considering this news, this writer is assuming that there's a former county constitutional officer of the home county who is running for the State House seat. 

We'll keep an eye on it. 

###


Until next time, 

- MBM 

20 June 2025: 15 Years of The Piedmont Chronicles

 

Friends, welcome back to The Chronicles, and - as always - it's so good to be back w/ you. 

15 years. Wow.

Man!

Hard to believe. 

Going back all the way to the very beginning, here's this oldie: 

From Salem to Buckhead 

(and yes, this was first published to Blogger on June 28th, but June 20th was when I first made TPC officially official, which, not necessarily coincidentally, coincided w/ my birthday)

Back then, I'd set up a Blogger website in order to share my pieces from About Covington to Madison magazine on the World Wide Web. 

In the first five years of the site's existence, I only had 47 posts, ranging from local history to local people. 

It was 2015 when TPC would really truly become TPC. 

The Top 5 most read pieces from TPC all time: 

#1 - John Williams Saga (Peonage Murders) 

#2 - A Primer on Driving Around The Square &  in Covington 

#3 - Brunswick Stew: What Is & What Should Never Be 

#4 - [Ellis Millsaps] - The Russians Are Coming & Kansas City Shitweed 

#5 - Tommy Craig Continues Ridin' the  Newton County Taxpayer Gravy Train 

Acknowledgments


There are so many I wish to thank. 

First & foremost would be my better half - my wife. Always understanding, always accommodating.  Right from the start, she always knew how important & vital, for me, what I was doing was. 

Thank you, Babe. I'm such a lucky man. I love you so much. 

*****

Next, it is YOU - The Reader. 

None of this happens w/out you.; you mean everything! 

Thank You! 

Moving on... 

### 

- Ellis "Da" Millsaps. Editor Emeritus of TPC 

Da was key to TPC truly becoming TPC. 

----------

My Sista from another Mista 

- Kayla Leasure 

Author of dozens & dozens of great pieces at TPC. An amazing & beautiful soul - inside & out - I think so much of her & am so grateful for her contributions over the years. 

******* 

And, of course, my old Terry College of Business (UGA) classmate & former CF Floyd Feature Writer of National Affairs, Mr Perrin Lovett. 

And to all other former & inactive contributors: 

Ryan Ralston
Bess Tuggle 
Melissa Parker 
Alisa Johnson Brown 

And all Guest Writers: 

- Fred Wheeler 
- Sam Hay 

Etc & Et Al 

15 years. Wow. Here's to 15 more! 

- MBM 

For The Home City! 

GMD 462!