EDITORIAL: Rep. Sandra Scott: Why I Opposed HB 1567

By State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex)

(325 words)

I am sounding the alarm on House Bill 1567, legislation that would mislead voters while creating a dangerous pathway to eliminate the City of Quitman.

This bill gives the illusion of a vote, but it builds a backdoor to eliminate the City of Quitman whether residents agree or not. That is not democracy, that is manipulation.

HB 1567 proposes a referendum on consolidating the governments of Quitman County and Brooks County. However, the bill goes much further. It would establish a process that could ultimately dissolve the City of Quitman, transfer its powers to Brooks County and strip residents of their local governing authority-even if voters reject consolidation.

This is not just about consolidation. This bill would create a clear pathway to dissolve a city, shift power to the county and leave the people of Quitman without a voice in their own community. That is unacceptable.

I am raising concerns about the financial impact on Quitman residents. The bill would require citizens to shoulder the city's existing debts through a special tax district-even after losing their municipal government.

Let's be clear: under this bill, the people of Quitman would still be on the hook to pay off the city's debts. They would pay the bills, but they will no longer have the power. That is fundamentally unjust.

Under HB 1567, the City of Quitman could be dissolved, even if voters do not approve consolidation. All local authorities would shift to Brooks County, and Quitman residents would be required to pay off outstanding city debts and obligations through special taxes. City employees would have no guaranteed protection or local representation, and decision-making would be eliminated.

This is a dangerous precedent. If we allow this to happen in Quitman, what city is next? We should be working to strengthen communities-not dismantle them. I am urging my colleagues to pursue solutions that provide oversight, transparency and support-without stripping communities of their identity and self-governance.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

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