Fighting for Tallapoosa: Why I Opposed the Landfill Proposal

Proposed Tallapoosa Landfill

In 2021, while I was in the process of purchasing my home here in Tallapoosa, I learned about a major threat looming over our community—a proposed landfill that would have drastically changed the landscape of our city. As someone choosing to make Tallapoosa my home, I knew immediately that this was a fight worth taking on.

A Bad Deal for Tallapoosa

The proposal, brought forth by an out-of-town developer, sought to place a massive landfill and industrial park just outside our city limits. It was a project that would have spanned over 2,000 acres, bringing in countless trucks, increased pollution, and potential contamination of our water and air. It was a project that prioritized corporate profits over the well-being of our residents.

Like many of you, I was deeply concerned. I envisioned a future for Tallapoosa that emphasized growth, opportunity, and sustainability, not one marked by environmental hazards and declining property values. I was investing in my home here, and I wanted to ensure that our city remained a place where families could thrive—not one overshadowed by mountains of waste.

Community Action and Victory

Tallapoosa is a city with a strong, engaged community, and we proved it by coming together to fight against this proposal. Residents voiced their concerns at meetings, wrote letters, and made sure that local officials knew exactly where we stood.

In March 2022, our voices were heard. The Haralson County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to reject the rezoning request, blocking the landfill. But the fight wasn’t over yet—the developer pursued legal avenues to push the project forward.

Through continued community pressure and legal battles, the county eventually secured the land in August 2023, putting an end to the landfill once and for all. It was a win for all of us—a testament to what happens when people stand together for what’s right.

Looking Forward: Responsible Growth for Tallapoosa

This experience shaped my vision for Tallapoosa’s future. It reinforced my belief that development must be done responsibly, with the best interests of our residents in mind. As your next mayor, I will work to:

• Protect our community from harmful projects like the landfill proposal.

• Encourage smart growth that benefits residents and strengthens our local economy.

• Ensure transparency and community involvement in all major city decisions.

Our city has a bright future ahead, but it requires leadership that prioritizes people over profits. I am committed to standing up for Tallapoosa, just as I did when I first made it my home.

Joe Glass: The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth