It has been said that Elizabeth "BJ" Mathis has used Nash Farm to build a political base and a platform for her candidacy for chairman. The Queen Bee syndrome has again proved that Mathis will subvert county policy and other board members. In a private agreement Mathis told James Hamm of Keep Henry County Beautiful (and Director of Peach State Recycling) that

Keep Henry Beautiful could set up shop at Nash Farm - in the renovated Museum & Exhibit Center And...
She [Mathis] would erect a sign (at county expense) designating their new digs

Not only did Mathis try to curry favor with the Chamber of Commerce, she also overstepped her authority. No single commissioner can provide office or other space on county property to a private organization without board approval. Just a few weeks ago the board voted and approved policies and procedures for caretakers and other uses at county parks - to include a lease. Her Highness has never let a small thing like adopted policy stop her before, and this was another example of Mathis' assumption of power.

As it turned out neither the county attorney, the county manager nor any other commissioner even knew that a private organization would move into Nash Farm by this weekend. However, the Director of Parks & Recreation knew because "the order" was given by a commissioner. Needless to say Mathis' political strategy was halted... on the eve of another Nash Fiasco. Kudos to the board for policing its own!

Let's not overlook the huge high-density development on the southwest side of the Clayton County Airport. Remember the airport is in Henry County, but last year the Clayton county commission attempted to expand the airport to the northeast. To abate Henry's objections Eldrin Bell offered a limited-time offer for access to the pending development. As time on Bell's proposal ran out Mathis pushed and received zoning for the development. (Ref: ACP Capital LLC, Location address:1065 Jodeco Road. Mailing address available from the Georgia Secretary of State, is listed to William Abbate)

What is so unusual? The Henry Water Authority advised the commissioners in writing that sewer would not be available for three years due to lack of capacity. But Mathis' benefactor had $100 million in borrowed money on the table, so Her Highness again violated county policy. The zoning should never have been sought or approved. Next Mathis began to push on HCWSA director and engineers to expedite sewer lines to the development. Again she was told that capacity was the problem and her demands could not be met. This story continues to unfold. This is a perfect example of back-scratching among commissioners - allowing and supporting anything Her Highness desires.

Let's not forget the Jodeco Bridge, which is now going to soak Henry Countians for about $70 million. This project has been sacred to Mathis since Shailendria Group announced a mall on Jodeco Road. (Remember that Shailendria said the bridge was a requirement for him to proceed - and Mathis sent a letter to Georgia DOT prioritizing the bridge over adding lanes to I-75) Her Highness dedicated SPLOST III funds for three roads that will service that proposed mall. For the record, Jodeco Road WILL NOT be widened past the new development east of the current bridge. The Campground Road Connector WILL NOT include four lanes, but only two. Remember Mathis' priorities next time she talks about traffic mitigation!

Speaking of the new development already under way on Jodeco. Three county sources have now told me to "check out the other commissioners" for monetary interests with this developer. It appears now, and full research is pending, that another commissioner will benefit financially.

Follow the money. As one source said, "Commission votes are a key factor here. 'He' must save Mathis in order to save himself."

We are seeing how the money trail explains the difficulty in securing anything positive at Nash Farm OR Department of Justice clearance for local legislation that requires a sitting commissioner to step down before seeking (qualifying) another seat like chairman. The Queen Bee has figured out the game - Money Talks.