by Robin Kemp

Good Monday morning from the Gold Dome, where lawmakers are considering House Bill 531, which critics say would limit voters’ access to the polls, especially absentee voters, and backers say would prevent election fraud, which Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said was not an issue during the last two elections. Demonstrators are gathering outside the Capitol despite the rainy day. We’re here all day and will continue to update as events warrant.

Back in Clayton County, here’s what’s going on this week:

Tuesday, March 2

6:30 p.m.: The Clayton County Board of Commissioners holds its regular business meeting. The consent agenda contains the BOC’s legislative wish list for state officials, as well as contracts for landscaping, IT, fuel and diesel, disposition of old equipment, purchases for Clayton County International Park, and approval of a CCFES grant application to the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council 2021 Fireworks Tax Grant. Also on the list: permission for Commissioner Gail Hambrick and Reverend Joseph Wheeler to hold the 4th Annual Lovefest Gospel Concert at the Clayton County International Park’s St. Thomas Pavilion on April 17; the ongoing BOC Code of Conduct debate; a new “timber harvesting” ordinance for subdivisions that requires harvesters to give notice to the county; changes to zoning for halfway houses and drug and alcohol rehabs. Also up for consideration is who will fill Jean Claude Bourget’s seat on the Development Authority (which is Commissioner DeMont Davis’ appointment), as well as Deborah Green’s seat (Chairman Jeff Turner’s appointment). Commissioner Sonna Gregory and Davis also have Animal Control Board appointments to fill. More details are in the agenda packet.

Wednesday, March 3: TBA

Thursday, March 4

6 p.m.: The City of Forest Park is hosting an online discussion of “Unity and Healing in the Community” that features several local Christian pastors. Anyone with questions can contact Councilwoman Kimberly James at kimberly.james@clayton.k12.ga.us or (770) 473-2775.

Friday, March 5: TBA

Saturday, March 6

10 a.m.: Commissioner Gail Hambrick hosts the District 2 Community Meeting online with CCFES Chief Landry Merkison, Office of Youth Services Administrator Nicole Horne, and IT Dierector Jason Brookins. Topics include smart pedestrian pathway planning, resiliency, and vaccinations. Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/4rstdamb for a confirmation e-mail and link to the meeting. Send your questions in advance to tina.howard@claytoncountyga.gov or call (770) 473-5751.

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