J.C. Bradbury, a Kennesaw State University economist, was confirmed to the Cobb County Development Authority in a split vote by the county commission Tuesday night.
Bradbury has been an outspoken critic of the public financing deal that brought the Atlanta Braves to Cobb County. The development authority influences the tax breaks offered to businesses to stay or relocate in the county.
His confirmation was delayed for several weeks when it became clear the two commissioners representing east Cobb would vote against him and Chairman Mike Boyce, the swing vote, asked for more time.
On Tuesday, Boyce voted in favor of Bradbury’s appointment, saying he supported a robust exchange of ideas on the authority’s board.
“I believe Dr. Bradbury that he is going to work in the best interest of this county and make fair and impartial decisions,” Boyce said.
Bradbury said he was happy with the appointment.
“I look forward to serving my fellow Cobb residents on the development authority,” he said.
Bradbury also received the support of Commissioner Keli Gambrill, who nominated him, and Commissioner Lisa Cupid. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell voted against his appointment, but did not state her reasons.
Commissioner Bob Ott was absent, but told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he would have voted no because of Bradbury’s views on business incentives generally.
“You would never want to put someone on a library board that didn’t believe in libraries,” Ott said.
Lance Lamberton of the Cobb Taxpayers Association had urged the commissioners to support Bradbury.
“Quite frankly, I can’t think of any candidate in Cobb County better qualified to serve,” Lamberton said during the public comment portion of the meeting. “In my opinion, he speaks truth to power and is not afraid to point out that the emperor has no clothes.”
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