Fulton County residents voiced strong concerns during the Board of Commissioners meeting on May 21, 2025, particularly regarding the proposed sale of an easement for high-power transmission lines by Georgia Power. Community members from Howell Station expressed their outrage over the lack of transparency and engagement from both Georgia Power and Fulton County officials. They highlighted that the project threatens their safety, property values, and overall quality of life.
Sabrina Cowan, a resident of Howell Station, urged the commissioners to reconsider the easement sale, emphasizing that Georgia Power has shown little commitment to addressing community concerns. She pointed out that the company prioritized cost over environmental and community impacts, leaving residents feeling neglected and vulnerable.
Sarah Magals echoed these sentiments, revealing that the easement was approved without adequate community debate, describing the process as "sneaky." She called for the commissioners to advocate for alternative routes that would not affect residential areas, stressing the need for proactive engagement with the community.
Other residents, including Naomi Green and Matthew Harrison, reiterated the call for transparency and accountability from Georgia Power. They demanded that the commissioners investigate the circumstances surrounding the easement agreement and ensure that community voices are heard in future decisions.
In addition to the discussions about the power lines, the meeting also addressed the nominations of Jason Frazier and Julie Adams to the Fulton County election board. Several speakers expressed opposition to their certification, citing concerns over partisanship and the need for qualified, impartial leadership in the wake of past election controversies.
Stephanie Andres, chair of the Fulton County Republican Party, defended the nominees, urging the commissioners to evaluate them based on their qualifications rather than political affiliations. She emphasized the importance of unity and integrity in public service, particularly in the context of upcoming elections.
As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were left to consider the significant implications of both the power line project and the election board nominations, with community members closely watching for their responses and actions in the coming weeks.