Cobb County residents are giving their take on today's surprising announcement from Sen. Johnny Isakson that he will resign from his seat at the end of the year.
The three-term Republican said Wednesday that health challenges are taking a toll on him, his staff and his family. Along with the progression of his Parkinson's disease, Isakson said he is recovering from a fall last month in his Washington, D.C., apartment and surgery this week to remove a growth on a kidney.
“It goes against every fiber of my being to leave in the middle of my Senate term, but I know it’s the right thing to do on behalf of my state,” he said in a press release.
Cobb County residents who spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Wednesday praised Isakson for his service and dedication to his constituents.
Pam Lindley, an employee of Shillings on the Square in Marietta, said she would on occasion see the East Cobb statesman around the square and when he stopped by the restaurant. She said he always made a point to stop and shake her hand. Lindley said Isakson’s decision to retire is “probably best if his health is in decline.”
“Altogether, he seems like a fair politician, and we need more of that,” the Marietta resident said.
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Square Threads owner Boozer McClure said he knew Isakson had some “health bumps” over the years, so his announcement wasn’t too surprising. McClure said his mother-in-law worked for Isakson in his Northside Realty office. McClure said Isakson’s service has been “stellar,” and he’s had a positive impact on Cobb County and the state of Georgia.
“We’re going to miss him,” he said.
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin, who has known Isakson for decades, said he’s saddened for Georgia and the Senate, but happy for the Senator.
“He’s earned a rest,” Tumlin said.
Tumlin said Isakson has a knack for remembering a person’s name and making “level-headed decisions.” He is also respected by leaders in both Republican and Democratic parties. For example, Tumlin said former Gov. Zell Miller saw Isakson as a man of good character when he in 1997 appointed him to serve as chairman of the State Board of Education. Isakson led the board until 1999 when he took office in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“He’s a first-class person and served his constituents well,” Tumlin said.
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