Parts of Roswell will have a new representative on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners after Democrat Maggie Goldman defeated Republican incumbent Bridget Thorne in District 1 on Nov. 3.
Goldman defeated Republican incumbent Bridget Thorne in District 1, receiving approximately 57% of the vote, according to SaportaReport. Merriday defeated Republican Paul Burton in District 3 with approximately 64%.
The results remain unofficial pending certification.
New representation for parts of Roswell
District 1 includes Johns Creek and portions of Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs, according to Fulton County.
Goldman’s victory reversed the outcome of her first campaign against Thorne. In 2022, Thorne won by 394 votes out of more than 72,000 cast.
Merriday will succeed outgoing District 3 Commissioner Dana Barrett. That district includes Buckhead and portions of Sandy Springs and Midtown Atlanta.
Both winners are expected to begin their terms in January on the seven-member board, which sets county property tax rates, approves budgets and funds county services.
Taxes and county services
Goldman told SaportaReport that improving the accuracy of commercial property appraisals would be among her first priorities. She wants to review technology and resource requests from the tax assessor’s office before assessment notices go out in May and June.
Her campaign platform argues that undervalued commercial properties shift costs onto homeowners. She also supports accessible elections, improvements to the county jail and courts, and better coordination of services for residents experiencing homelessness.
Merriday has served as Atlanta’s neighborhood ombudsman and previously held an ombudsman role with Atlanta Public Schools, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
In a candidate questionnaire published by Fulton Neighbor, she emphasized responsive government, responsible management of public resources and dependable county services.
A broader change on the commission
The election results position Democrats to hold six of the commission’s seven seats, leaving District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis as the only Republican, the AJC reported.
Five seats will change occupants. Alongside Goldman and Merriday, Mo Ivory won the countywide chairmanship, Helen Zenobia Willis won District 5 and Rohit Malhotra won the special election for District 4.
Malhotra can take office after certification, ahead of the commissioners elected to full terms beginning in January. SaportaReport reported that his first scheduled board meeting is Dec. 2.
