The Cobb Chamber brought business leaders and local officials together on December 12 for its latest Conversations in Democracy event, an award-winning program designed to strengthen civic engagement and foster healthier political dialogue. The event featured a bipartisan panel of respected voices offering real-world perspectives on how communities can agree and disagree better in today’s polarizing climate.
Panelists included former U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, former Cobb GOP Chair Jason Shepherd, and Mableton Mayor Michael Owens, with moderation by former State Sen. Don Balfour and journalist Dr. Rashad Richey.
The conversation centered on the importance of restoring trust, listening authentically, and leading by example on social media, in the workplace, and in government.
Sen. Chambliss stressed that progress starts at the individual level and expressed concern about the divisive role of online culture, suggesting that “we have to figure out a way to put some guardrails around social media” to counter misinformation and conflict.
Mayor Franklin urged attendees to remain engaged and open-minded when approaching difference. “Public life requires us to stretch beyond our comfort zones,” she said, emphasizing that real civic health relies on the willingness of residents to participate and work across lines of difference.
Mayor Owens reflected on how leaders can set the tone for respectful engagement, adding that “people may not agree with you, but they will respect you if you show up, listen, and stay consistent.”
Jason Shepherd spoke to the need for courage in difficult political conversations, noting that “disagreement is not a problem—disrespect is,” and encouraged attendees to model the kind of dialogue they expect from elected officials.
Moderators Balfour and Richey guided the panel through reflections on polarization, media pressures, and how local communities can build trust despite national tensions. Dr. Richey emphasized the need to “see the humanity in one another before the politics,” calling it a necessary foundation for any meaningful debate.
The event revisited themes from the Chamber’s January kick-off session and challenged attendees to consider “where we go from here” as the 2026 election cycle approaches. The discussion underscored practical steps businesses and residents can take—from seeking diverse viewpoints to engaging with local government—to strengthen Cobb County’s civic fabric.
Earlier this year, Conversations in Democracy received the Georgia Civic Excellence Award from the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network for its innovative approach to fostering informed, respectful civic participation.
The Cobb Chamber will continue the series in 2026, bringing together civic leaders, policy experts, and community members to build a stronger, more connected, and more civically engaged Cobb County.
For more information about the Conversations in Democracy series, contact Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President, Advocacy & Government Relations at 770-859-2322 or aseals@cobbchamber.org.
