Senator Brian Strickland (Republican) and Senator Emanuel Jones (Democrat) are pushing SB359, an amendment to SB22—a bill they BOTH backed in 2022. And once again, decisions are being made that could seriously impact our community without enough transparency or accountability.
SB22 was sold as a way to create an ethics board—but it did the exact opposite. Instead of empowering citizens, it limited oversight, reduced consequences for unethical behavior, and shifted more control away from the people of Henry County.
Now here comes SB359—and concerns are growing that if this bill passes it WILL make things even worse. We’re talking about expanding control, weakening oversight, and stripping away whistle blower protections from county employees, and limit protection for citizens.
And let’s be clear—these concerns don’t exist in a vacuum. Questions have already been raised about leadership decisions involving Chair Carlotta Harrell and County Manager Cheri Matthews, along with ongoing concerns about accountability and how taxpayer dollars are being handled.
If you’re tired of feeling like decisions are being made behind closed doors—now is the time to speak up. Pay attention. Ask questions. Demand accountability. Listed below is an email template asking our state representatives not to pass SB359. I have listed the email addresses for the representatives below. Please email everyone on the list below by March the 28th.
Also Senator Emanuel D. Jones is running for Congress and Senator Brian Strickland is running for Attorney General. When you go and vote this year remember that these two senators have spent years promoting their own personal agendas at the expense of Henry County Citizens. Voting matters so VOTE NO for Senator Emanuel D. Jones for Congress and Brian Strickland for Attorney General.
📧Email Template
Dear Henry County State Senators and Representatives,
I am writing as a concerned citizen of Henry County urging you to oppose the passage of SB359.
SB22 was presented as a measure to improve ethics and accountability in Henry County. However, many residents believe it has instead limited transparency, reduced meaningful oversight, and made it more difficult for citizens to hold elected officials accountable. The structure and limitations of the current law have raised serious concerns about whether it truly serves the best interests of the public.
The proposed amendment, SB359, appears to expand on these issues rather than correct them. I am deeply concerned that it could further weaken oversight, reduce independence within the ethics process, and diminish protection for those who may need to report misconduct.
There are also ongoing concerns in our community regarding leadership decisions and accountability involving county officials, including Chair Carlotta Harrell and County Manager Cheri Matthews. These concerns make it even more critical that we strengthen—not weaken—ethical safeguards and transparency measures.
As your constituent, I expect leadership that prioritizes accountability, fairness, and the voices of the people. I respectfully ask that you:
- Vote NO on SB359
- Support measures that provide true independent oversight and protect whistleblowers
Henry County residents deserve a system that works for them—not one that limits their ability to seek accountability.
I urge you to listen to your constituents and take action that restores trust in our local government.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or District, if desired]
Emails for HC Representatives
maryann.santos@house.ga.gov; el-mahdi.holly@house.ga.gov; Regina.ward@house.ga.gov; Noelle.Kahaian@house.ga.gov; Demetrius.douglas@house.ga.gov; Robert.flournoy@house.ga.gov; Emanuel.jones@senate.ga.gov; brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov; Gail.Davenport@senate.ga.gov; Rick.williams@senate.ga.gov
