Last November, it was announced that the Braves were coming to Cobb County. Immediately, the Cobb Chamber, Cumberland CID, and Board of Commissions went into advertising and propaganda mode stating repeatedly that it was 'a home run for Cobb.' The county commissioners held town halls that were packed with special interest groups passing out free "Cobb Home of the Braves" t-shirts to get the sports frenzy going.
Two local businessmen, who are Chamber members likely to benefit financially from increased sales in their plumbing and security services, stated "No new sales or property taxes." About two weeks later, the Cobb Board of Commissions (BOC) voted 5-4 to move forward with the Braves 'deal.' According to the BOC, time was of the essense and a voter referendum was not going to happen. It appeared to be a done deal, in their minds.
At an Atlanta Press Club luncheon, John Schuerholz, president of the Atlanta Braves, made the following statements in response to the citizen outrage surrounding the lack of transparency: