Loganville Council Member Pushes for Drug Testing of Council Members

Councilwoman Melanie Long suggests random drug testing for city council, sparking debate

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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During a Loganville City Council work session, Councilwoman Melanie Long proposed that council members should be subject to random drug testing, arguing that public servants should be held to a higher standard. The discussion began with the city attorney advising the council to update the city charter to align with state law on residency requirements for local office, but Long pushed back, saying the change was not in the city's best interest. She then made the unexpected suggestion about drug testing, which received some support from other council members.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the tensions and disagreements that can arise within a city council, as well as the challenges of balancing state laws with local priorities. The drug testing proposal also raises questions about the appropriate standards and expectations for elected officials.

The details

The Loganville City Council discussion began with the city attorney advising the council to update the city charter to align with a state law that requires only one year of residency to run for local office, rather than the two years currently required by the city charter. Councilwoman Melanie Long strongly objected to this change, arguing that it would allow people who don't know the city well to be elected. She suggested waiting to see if the state legislature addresses local residency issues in upcoming legislation. During the discussion, Long unexpectedly proposed that council members should be subject to random drug testing, saying public servants should be held to a high standard. Several other council members indicated they were open to the idea of drug testing.

  • The Loganville City Council work session took place on Monday, February 20, 2026.
  • The city attorney advised the council that the charter change conforming to state law would need to be in place prior to qualifying for the 2027 elections.

The players

Melanie Long

A Loganville City Council member who regularly takes a firebrand stance on council issues.

Paul Rosenthal

The Loganville City Attorney who advised the council on the need to update the city charter to align with state law.

Branden Whitfield

The Mayor of Loganville.

Lisa Newberry

A Loganville City Council member who indicated she had no objection to random drug testing.

Wes Johnson

A Loganville City Council member who said he thinks the council should have random drug testing.

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What they’re saying

“Because at the end of the day, when our city goes sideways, and there's a bunch of people sitting up here (as council members) that don't even know the street names (due to a shortened residency requirement), and they're running our city, and somebody goes back and does their research, (asking) 'How did that happen?' the current council will get the blame.”

— Melanie Long, Loganville City Council Member (monroelocal.org)

“I would just like to see if we have any support for random drug testing among ourselves. Because I'll go right now and use that restroom. I don't have a problem. And I think if you're willing to sit up here and represent the people of Loganville, that you should be willing to hold yourself to the same or a higher standard.”

— Melanie Long, Loganville City Council Member (monroelocal.org)

“I think we should.”

— Wes Johnson, Loganville City Council Member (monroelocal.org)

“I have no problem with random drug testing, except when I take my gummies when my knees are hurting me.”

— Patti Wolfe, Loganville City Council Member (monroelocal.org)

What’s next

The city attorney said he would research whether the council could legally require random drug testing of its members.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the complex dynamics and disagreements that can arise within a city council, as members balance state laws, local priorities, and their own views on appropriate standards for elected officials. The drug testing proposal in particular raises questions about the balance between personal privacy and public accountability for those in positions of public trust.