Media Center

By Michael French
Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

SMYRNA - Hundreds of Cobb residents descended upon a Regions Bank branch to welcome U.S. Rep. David Scott (D-Smyrna) to his new congressional office here Monday.

Open parking spaces were few and a line of people that rivaled crowds at a Star Wars movie premiere snaked outside and around the bank as people waited for a chance to snap a picture with Cobb's newest congressman.

"It is overwhelming," Scott said. "It goes to show that Cobb County is a county of such high quality, people are very much involved."

About 250 people packed the office at 888 Concord Road inside the Regions Bank building, including elected officials from across Cobb.

"This is one of the premiere counties in Georgia," Scott said. "I am deeply, personally touched and humbled by this outpouring."

Scott thanked Cobb's elected officials for making his representation of the county possible.

Last year, district lines were redrawn and Scott's 13th Congressional District gained parts of south Cobb, including Smyrna and Powder Springs.

"Our new office joins with our other district office in Jonesboro to better serve constituents throughout the 13th District, which now includes Cobb, Douglas, Clayton, Fulton, Henry and DeKalb counties," Scott said.

Powder Springs Mayor Pat Vaughn said she's excited to work with Scott.

"We want to issue a heartfelt welcome to our district," she said.

Wallace Coopwood, a lobbyist with Waste Management in Smyrna, said Scott's arrival is an "excellent opportunity" for Cobb.

"Congressman Scott's bringing a wealth of experience about the legislative process," he said, adding that Smyrna would be "well-served" by Scott's presence.

Coopwood called Scott "a great advocate" for defense and said he would be a good ally for Lockheed Martin's Marietta plant.

State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan (D-Austell) said she is pleased with the results of the congressional redistricting.

She said she plans to work with Scott to help resolve Cobb's transportation issues and hopes to establish a "better relationship with federal representatives."

"I'm glad he's here," she said.

Cobb Commissioner Annette Kesting said she is proud to have Scott in her county.

"We can ask for nothing better," she said. "I know he can do his job."

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens said Scott would "work hard for our county" and do an excellent job.

"He's a great guy," Olens said. "He's very eager to help us and a great addition to our county. He's constantly giving time and wanting to help. We are most appreciative."