Yard signs supporting the initiative to incorporate Buckhead as a distinct city. Proponents of the effort have fielded thousands of requests for yard signs during the first three weeks of availability, pictured on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 in Atlanta.

Yard signs supporting the initiative to incorporate Buckhead as a distinct city line one of its roadsides, pictured Monday, Sept. 27, 2021 in Atlanta. In March 2023, the proposal for a referendum on the issue was roundly defeated in the Georgia Senate.

Credit: Jenni Girtman, AP Images for Buckhead City Committee

The panel: 

Cody Hall, @CodyHallGA, former communications director to Gov. Brian Kemp and partner, Full Focus Communications

Kevin Riley, @ajceditor, editor-in-chief, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Jim Galloway, @JimJournalist, former political columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Rep. Michelle Au, @AuforGA, (D) Johns Creek

 

1. A new Buckhead cityhood bill was introduced during this session. 

  • The bill was introduced by lawmakers outside of the Atlanta metro area. 
  • The proposal would also give the mayor a $225,000 salary.
    • The current governor of Georgia makes $175,000. 

LISTEN: State Rep. Michelle Au on the new Buckhead City legislation.

2. Rep. Michelle Au proposes raising the state tobacco tax and gun safety boxes. 

  • Au says the bill will dissuade younger smokers and increase positive health outcomes. 

    • She wants to raise that tax for the first time in two decades from 37 to 57 cents. 
  • She also wants to increase gun safety.

3. Kemp establishes a National PAC called Hardworking Americans. 

  • A web rollout for the PAC came out this morning.
  • Also announced today, Cody Hall, the governor's former communications director, will head the PAC. 
  • Many wonder what the move says about Kemp's future ambitions. 

LISTEN: Cody Hall on Gov. Brian Kemp's future.

4. Last night, the Atlanta Police Department released body camera footage from the police training facility site where activist Manuel Teran was killed and left an officer wounded.

  • The body camera videos released Feb. 8 by APD do not directly show the incidents.

    • GBI said officers directly involved were not wearing body cameras.

    • GBI said its ongoing investigation could take 60 to 90 days to complete.

  • The release of footage comes two days after Teran's family called for more transparency from the GBI in its investigation.

 

Friday on Political Rewind: GPB's Donna Lowry joins the show. 

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