The Information Gap: Bridging the Divide Between Boards and the Public

One thing I’ve noticed here in Henry County is that many things that seem new to the public really aren’t new at all.

I sit in board meetings every single month, and by the time an item reaches a City Council or County Commission meeting, it’s often already been discussed in other places and spaces. It’s not because of backdoor dealings, it’s because the loudest voices are often the most negative, and too many of us who care simply aren’t paying attention.

For example, the Airport Master Plan was shared at the Henry County Development Authority board meeting two weeks ago. There’s nothing being hidden from us, the information is out there. The reality is that most of us just aren’t aware because we’re not in the rooms where those early conversations happen.

So here’s my encouragement:
✅ Attend the meetings.
✅ Read the minutes if you can’t attend.
✅ Focus on what you can do, not just what you can’t.

And if you don’t like how things are being done, consider stepping up, meet with your commissioners or council members, or even run for office yourself.

If you live in the City of McDonough, you have three council members — two at-large and one district member. I ran for an at-large seat because I believe our city deserves better, and I’ll continue doing my part to make sure our community stays informed, engaged, and connected.

The work doesn’t stop. Let’s keep building a better Mcdonough, together.