Georgia Republicans welcome state Rep. Mainor’s switch from Dems as new life of the party

Edition 2 of the brand new Paulding County News Podcast. We visit with Paulding County Tourism Director from the Paulding County Chamber, tell you about some upcoming events to get you out, and cover these news stories.

1. Mainor
   Controversial Democratic state Representative Mesha Mainor of Atlanta announced her decision to switch parties and join the
   Republican Party. Mainor, who previously supported a failed school voucher policy and appeared on conservative television
   criticizing Democrats, cited disagreements over bills and allegations of slander and hostility as reasons for her switch. She claims
   to be the first Black woman Republican serving in the state Legislature and plans to run for re-election in a district that heavily
   favored Democratic President Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Mainor's move was celebrated by prominent Republicans, but she
   may face challenges due to unified Democratic opposition, deviations from the party line on voting rights, and her district's
   voting history.
   2. School Choice
   State Representative Mesha Mainor of Atlanta's switch from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party has sparked discussions
   about the potential impact on school choice in Georgia. Mainor had previously voted in favor of the Georgia Promise Scholarship
   Act, a measure supporting state-funded education savings accounts, which faced opposition from members of both parties.
   Supporters of school choice believe that Mainor's move reflects a growing national movement in favor of educational opportunity.
   The Georgia Center for Opportunity praised her decision, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the best interests of
   constituents, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. The Democratic Party of Georgia criticized Mainor's switch, expressing the
   desire to elect a representative who will fight for high-quality public education. The Georgia Republican Party welcomed Mainor,
   stating their commitment to empowering parents and providing economic opportunities.
   3. Cameras at gas stations
   The Public Safety and Legal Administration Committee of the Atlanta City Council has approved a measure that would require
   gas stations to have surveillance cameras. The proposal aims to enhance public safety and deter criminal activities such as car
   thefts and violence at gas stations. The measure, which also applies to convenience stores connected to gas stations, is similar
   to one implemented in DeKalb County. The full city council will consider the measure at its August 7 meeting. Council member
   Keisha Sean Waites believes that surveillance cameras will create a safer environment for customers and employees, allowing
   for better monitoring of operations and identification of problem areas. The measure mandates the installation of continuous
   video recording systems at each fuel pump, with backup systems in case of malfunctions.

Georgia Safari Park

The Georgia Safari Conservation Park is scheduled to have a tentative Phase One opening in early 2024. The park, located
on a 530-acre site off Monticello Highway near Interstate 20, is currently working on road construction and lodging
accommodations, including a giraffe and rhino barn with a private suite. The park will feature animal enclosures and
luxurious safari tents for lodging. The opening was delayed due to COVID-related supply chain issues, but the project is now
progressing with conventional bank loans and private investments. The park aims to provide educational and conservation-
focused animal encounters, with initial species including zebras, ostriches, and antelope. The park has partnered with
renowned zoological consultant Rick Barongi, and upon opening, it expects around 200 visitors per day. Pricing details have
yet to be released.
5. reforms
Congressional Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk, introduced the American Confidence in Elections Act, a
proposed election reform bill modeled after Georgia's controversial legislation from two years ago. The bill aims to tighten
voter ID requirements, prohibit non-U.S. citizens from voting, and end private funding of election administration.
Republicans framed their bill as a conservative approach to election integrity and criticized the Democrats John R. Lewis
Voting Rights Advancement Act as a federal takeover of voting. The Republican bill would incentivize states to adopt the
proposed reforms and potentially withhold federal funds for non-compliance. Democrats argued against the GOP bill,
stating that there was no widespread voter fraud in Georgia and criticizing the previous election reform measure for its
limitations on drop boxes and challenges to voters. The hearing coincided with the second anniversary of Major League
Baseball's decision to move the All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to the passage of Georgia's Senate Bill 202.

Mastermind
Former Amazon warehouse manager Kayricka Wortham has been sentenced to 16 years in federal prison for defrauding the
company of nearly $10 million. Wortham and her co-conspirators submitted over $10 million in fictitious invoices for fake
vendors, leading Amazon to pay approximately $9.4 million. Wortham abused her managerial position to approve these
invoices and transfer the fraudulent proceeds to bank accounts controlled by her and her associates. Brittany Hudson, who
was in a relationship with Wortham, owned a business that contracted with Amazon and collaborated with Wortham in the
scheme. Other individuals involved in the fraud included Demetrius Hines, Laquettia Blanchard, and Jamar James Sr.
Wortham and Hudson also committed additional crimes, including forging court documents, while on bond. Restitution of
$9.4 million has been ordered, and forfeitures include $2.7 million in fraudulent proceeds, a residence, and several vehicles.
Criminal charges related to defrauding CRU Franchising Company and forging the signature of a federal judge remain
pending against Wortham and Hudson.
6. All star
Atlanta is being considered as a potential host for the 2025 All-Star Game, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. This comes
after the city lost the opportunity to host the 2021 game due to controversy surrounding Georgia's voting laws. Truist Park, is being
considered as a potential venue for the 2025 game. Other sites under consideration include Wrigley Field in Chicago and Fenway
Park in Boston. Atlanta has previously hosted the All-Star Game in 1972 and 2000. The 2022 game will be hosted by the Texas
Rangers, and the 2026 game will coincide with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in
Philadelphia. Atlanta previously hosted All-Star Games in 1972 and 2000.

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