DEKALB COUNTY, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
Residents in northern DeKalb County will vote July 31 on whether or not they want to become the city of Brookhaven. Many residents have taken sides already, putting out pro and anti-Brookhaven signs on their front lawns.
The ballot option arose from a movement last year by citizens who believe they are under-represented in DeKalb County politics. Linley Jones was one of the leaders of that movement.
"We don't have a single elected DeKalb County politician who even lives in the footprint of Brookhaven," Jones said. "So we don't have anyone looking out for the interests of Brookhaven."
She said a new city would mean lower taxes, better police representation and better management of city services with a new mayor and city council.
The Ashford Neighbors group is the primary voice of opposition in the debate. They argue exactly the opposite on many of the points presented by the supporters of a new city.
The Ashford Neighbors contend that a new city would actually mean bigger government, because there would be the new layer of a city mayor and city council.
Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.
