The Allegation: A Land Grab via Endorsement?
- Game Changers
- Oct 18
- 4 min read
written by unknown to protect the people
Rumors abound in McDonough and Henry County politics: that Henry County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Carlotta Harrell has thrown her weight behind Kam Varner in the upcoming mayoral election—and that this endorsement is part of a broader scheme to enable the county to quietly peel away land from the City of McDonough. The theory goes that Harrell and Varner are aligned in a plan to “dismantle” the city seat, or at least weaken the city’s ability to govern or control development within McDonough.
Is there merit to such claims? Let us examine what is known, what is speculated, and what remains unanswered.
What We Do Know About Carlotta Harrell
• Carlotta Harrell was elected countywide as Chairwoman of the Henry County Board of Commissioners in 2020. (Facebook)
• Under her leadership, Henry County has promoted a pro-growth agenda, citing large economic investments, development, and infrastructure expansion. (Council for Quality Growth)
• The county has begun exploring de-annexation or shifting jurisdictional control for certain areas currently in McDonough—particularly so that county staff can handle planning, inspection, and capital projects. (The Henry Reporter)
• In recent public materials, Harrell emphasizes unified growth of the county and maintaining the identities of the county’s four cities (McDonough, Locust Grove, Stockbridge, Hampton). (Georgia Trend Magazine)
But none of those facts confirm the most dramatic allegation: that she has endorsed Kam Varner in secret alignment with a “land grab” strategy.
What We Don’t or Haven’t Confirmed (Yet)
• There is no documented evidence that Harrell has openly advocated dismantling McDonough’s city seat or reducing its powers as her stated policy.
• There is no clear, documented pact tying Harrell and Varner together with a plan to expropriate land or jurisdiction from the city.
So the core allegation remains speculative—unless insiders or new documents emerge.
Tensions Already Exposed: County vs. City
Even with proof of an endorsement or without proof of a secret deal, there are signs of friction between the county and McDonough:
• The county’s push to de-annex portions of McDonough (so county agencies handle inspection and planning) is a serious shift in jurisdiction. (The Henry Reporter)
• Such jurisdictional changes, if implemented, could weaken the city’s revenue base, regulatory authority, or influence over development within its historic boundaries.
• In public statements, Harrell has repeatedly emphasized that the county must manage growth equitably across all four cities, implicitly raising the idea that county oversight may be preferable in some zones. (Georgia Trend Magazine)
• McDonough Mayor Sandra Vincent has already been characterized in media as having a different economic vision for the city—more modest growth, local control—than what Henry County’s commission is advocating. (Georgia Trend Magazine)
Thus, even absent a formal endorsement, the political currents are present for conflict.
Questions Raised: Who Is Harrell “In Bed With”? What Is Her Endgame?
If one assumes, for the sake of argument, that the endorsement and plan are real, several questions urgently demand answers:
• Who are Harrell’s key alliances with real estate developers, land speculators, or business interests?
If this is about land, money will follow. Are there developers pushing to annex or rezone the edges of McDonough in tandem with county plans?
• Has Varner publicly or privately aligned with the county’s jurisdictional agenda?
If Harrell supports Varner, one might expect campaign messaging to echo or promise jurisdictional concessions, planning authority grants, or cooperation on de-annexation.
• Why oppose Mayor Sandra Vincent?
What policy differences or power dynamics put Vincent in conflict with Harrell’s vision? Is it control over zoning, tax bases, growth patterns, or autonomy?
• Is this about long-term strategy or short-term opportunism?
Is this move part of Harrell’s multi-cycle vision for Henry County dominance, or is it a one-election tactic?
• How would residents be affected?
Would city taxpayers lose services or representation? Would county oversight replace city staff? Would zoning standards shift?
What Should Come Next (For Journalists, Citizens, Stakeholders)
• Demand public disclosure: If Harrell has endorsed Varner or backs a jurisdictional scheme, the public has a right to know.
• Investigate campaign finance and land deals: Check whether campaign contributions, real estate transactions, or developer investments cluster around Harrell or Varner.
• Review legal and municipal charters: Understand how boundary changes, annexations, or de-annexations can legally occur in Georgia, and whether the county board has the legal authority to override or modify city boundaries.
• Seek testimony from insiders: Local planning commissioners, city council members, or county staff might yield insider insights or documentation.
• Public forums and debates: Force the issue in public view. Ask Varner and Harrell to clarify their positions on McDonough’s autonomy, zoning authority, and land control.
Conclusion
At present, the claim that Carlotta Harrell has endorsed Kam Varner specifically to orchestrate a “land grab” from McDonough remains unproven. But the tension between county and city jurisdictions, the talk of de-annexation, and competing visions for growth make the allegation plausible enough to demand transparency.
If Harrell truly seeks to dismantle McDonough’s city seat—or to undermine its authority—citizens deserve to see the evidence, understand the motives, and hold elected officials accountable. The questions of alliances, hidden deals, and power dynamics should not stay in backroom whispers—they must see the light.
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