During a recent Fulton County government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding a proposed $99,000 election monitoring contract ahead of the November 2024 elections. Speakers, including Kevin Modowney and Matt Roanczak, criticized the proposal, arguing that it lacked transparency and accountability, particularly given the involvement of individuals previously associated with election controversies.

Modowney highlighted that the contract's timeline was already compromised, with work slated to begin in August, despite being in September. He questioned the credibility of the proposed monitoring team, which includes members linked to past election failures, such as Ryan Germany and Carter Jones. Modowney emphasized that the same personnel who had previously failed to ensure election integrity were being relied upon again, calling the situation \"putting the cart before the horse.\"

Roanczak echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the State Election Board (SEB) had not yet resolved ongoing investigations related to election violations from 2020. He expressed concern that the county was prematurely initiating a costly monitoring effort without the state’s approval, potentially burdening taxpayers unnecessarily.

Lucia Fraser also voiced her disapproval, stressing that the current proposal had not been sanctioned by the SEB and urging the board to wait for a finalized list of monitors that would ensure election integrity. She criticized the county's spending practices, suggesting that funds could be better allocated to reduce waste in various departments.

The meeting also addressed the suspension of services by Strategic Security Corp at the Fulton County Jail due to unresolved invoices. CEO Joseph Sortie expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from the sheriff's office and reiterated the company's willingness to resume services if a resolution could be reached.

Commissioners discussed the importance of having a monitoring team in place to ensure election integrity, with some expressing support for the proposal while others raised concerns about the lack of consensus among the involved parties. The chair of the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections, Sherry Allen, defended the proposal, stating it was a necessary step following a reprimand from the SEB and aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced a critical decision on whether to approve the monitoring contract amid ongoing debates about its necessity and the qualifications of the proposed team. The discussions underscored the complexities surrounding election oversight in Fulton County, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.