ATLANTA (March 27, 2023) |Today, Senator Shawn Still (R – Johns Creek) issued the following statement in response to recent comments made during the Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting on March 15, 2023.

“The events that occurred during the previous Fulton County Board of Commissioners meeting were obvious acts of discrimination,” said Sen. Still. “During the discussion on the adoption of a resolution authorizing the Fulton County attorney to file a complaint with the Department of Justice requesting an investigation of Wellstar, Commissioner Bridget Thorne gave a description of financial issues that may have led to the closure of two hospitals in south Fulton. After listening to this hearing, many of her data points seemed accurate from a fiscal perspective.

However, two Fulton Commissioners felt the need to mock and ridicule her based off of preconceived notions regarding her race, appearance and her upbringing. I understand the recent hospital closures in south Fulton have left many frustrated and without care, but instead of focusing on Commissioner Thorne, the duty of each Commissioner should be to focus on the resolution or matter at hand. As an elected official, Commissioner Thorne is allowed to express an opinion just like anyone else.

I commend and appreciate Commissioner Thorne for her strength and composure during these negative exchanges. She represented her constituents well, and made many valid points. I am proud of how she handled such an unprofessional situation. I condemn the actions taken during the March 15 meeting, and will continue to defend any Commissioner’s right to express their opinions on a topic of concern. I encourage Board Chairman Robb Pitts to strive to do the same, and hope that this will not happen again.”

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Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Forsyth, Gwinnett, and Fulton counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.656.0044 or by email at Shawn.Still@senate.ga.gov.