How Moving to Henry County Changed the Way I See Politics
Moving to Henry County truly changed my life in so many ways. One of the biggest changes? It’s when I really started paying attention to politics and local government.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been a super voter. I voted consistently. I paid attention during presidential elections. I understood federal policies because my business works in spaces connected to government contracting. At that stage of my life, I was focused on building my company, serving clients, and making sure business was thriving.
Yet something shifted after I married my husband, a retired Army veteran, and we made McDonough and Henry County our forever home.
Suddenly, local government became personal.
It wasn’t just about taxes, roads, zoning, public safety, parks, schools, development, or elections anymore. It became about community. About quality of life. About understanding who makes decisions, how those decisions are made, and how they directly impact the people who live here every single day.
And once I started attending meetings, asking questions, reading agenda packets, learning the process, and talking to people from all sides… I couldn’t ignore how important it all was.
I became deeply interested in learning about local government.
I enjoy attending meetings.
I enjoy hearing different perspectives.
I enjoy learning how policies impact real people.
I enjoy advocacy.
I enjoy political conversations that are rooted in facts, not just emotions.
For me, it’s never simply about party affiliation. It’s about people. It’s about outcomes. It’s about understanding the issues deeply enough to have meaningful conversations, even with people I may disagree with politically.
That’s why I’m always encouraging people to get involved locally.
And today really reminded me why this matters.
Someone from Henry County called me to ask how to look up their ballot and to ask questions about the candidates and the primary process. During the conversation, I learned it wasn’t just for her, it was for her and her three children, who were preparing to vote.
That blessed my heart.
Because people are waking up.
People want to understand.
People want to participate.
People want to feel connected to what’s happening in their communities.
And that’s exactly why local engagement matters so much.
Right now, conversations are already happening around the upcoming special session called by Governor Brian Kemp regarding redistricting and election-related issues. Whether you’re deeply political or just beginning to pay attention, this is a reminder that state and local decisions shape our daily lives more than many people realize.
So let me encourage you:
Learn who represents you.
Attend a meeting.
Review an agenda.
Ask questions.
Look up your ballot before Election Day.
Talk to your neighbors.
Stay informed.
Because if you want to be in the know, you have to be in the room.
Let’s keep building a better McDonough, together. 
Montina Young Fraiser
Community & Business Advocate
Follow me (Montina for McDonough) on social media to stay connected to local government updates, community meetings, and civic education in McDonough.
An informed community is a powerful community.