SCENE
VOTE 2012
Fireworks will grace the night from Stone Mountain to Atlanta as metro residents celebrate the nation’s birthday. A8
Voters will have to make a decision on a controversial traffic plan in addition to a spate of local races. Early voting starts July 9. Section B
Light up the skies
Election season gearing up
EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER
Copyright © 2012 CrossRoadsNews, Inc.
June 30, 2012
Volume 18, Number 9
www.crossroadsnews.com
Cell phone towers story wins prestigious national award A story about the DeKalb School Board’s controversial decision to allow cell phone towers on nine school property has won CrossRoadsNews a prestigious Miller-Coors A. Philip Randolph Messenger Award. “Cell Towers Going to Schools,” written by Jennifer Ffrench Parker, who is also the paper’s editor and publisher, was published on July 23, 2011. It won in the Breaking News Category, and a cash prize of $5,000. The story covered the DeKalb School System’s contentious decision to allow 150foot cell phone towers on the grounds of nine schools, amid public outcry. The award was presented to Parker on June 22 during the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) – the Black Press
CrossRoadsNews editor and publisher Jennifer Parker (right) receives the Miller Coors Messenger Award from Danyele Davis at the NNPA’s Summer Conference.
of America – annual Summer Conference at the Hyatt in Atlanta. It was the 22nd annual Miller Coors A. Philip Randolph Messenger Awards, named in honor of the late labor leader and founder of The Messenger magazine (later the Black Worker), which campaigned for civil rights. The annual ceremony honors some of the brightest and most talented writers who not only serve as resources to their respective publications but are the story tellers and voices of urban communities throughout the United States, MillerCoors and NNPA said in a June 22 statement. The competition acknowledges outstandPlease see MESSENGER, page A3
‘A victory for people all over’
Supporters of Barack Obama’s healthcare initiative rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court while challenges to the law were being heard. The court upheld the healthcare plan by a 5-4 vote.
Supreme Court upholds health care reform law By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
Healthcare reform, which has been in the making for three years, got a nod of approval from the U.S. Supreme Court, but that was not enough not silence opponents. To the dismay of Republicans, the Affordable Care Act, disparagingly called Obamacare by opponents, emerged June 28 from the nation’s highest court with a narrow 5-4 victory. Pre s i d e n t B a r a c k Obama, who first pitched the plan in 2009 and has been trying to make it law since 2010, called the court’s approval “a victory.” “They’ve reaffirmed a fundamental principle Barack Obama that here in America – in the wealthiest nation on Earth – no illness or accident should lead to any family’s financial ruin,” the president said. “Whatever the politics, today’s decision was a victory for people all over this country whose lives will be more secure because of this law and the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold it.” In its rulingThursday, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, which was challenged by 28 states, including Georgia. Fourth District congressman Hank Johnson applauded the decision. “After decades of choosing between buying medications and putting food on the table, after decades of living in fear of bankruptcy caused by an unexpected illness, Americans are entering a new era of reliable access to quality, affordable health care,” he said. Johnson, whose district includes South
DeKalb County praised the President and Congress for taking the lead and succeeding where other congress and administrations had failed. The Affordable Care Act will put health insurance in reach for the more than 50 million uninsured Americans and make it more affordable for everyone. Gov. Nathan Deal saw things differently. He called the court’s approval “a huge setback for fiscal sanity and personal liberty.” “Today, the highest court in the country let the American people down,” he said. Deal and Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens called for Congress to repeal “government takeover of health care,” and said the law puts crippling mandates on the taxpayers of Georgia. Deal said the will cost Georgia taxpayers millions and pledged to continue fighting
it. President Obama said the law won’t affect the more than 250 million Americans who already have health insurance will keep it but that the law will only make it more secure and more affordable. “With the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies can no longer impose lifetime limits on the amount of care patients receive and they can no longer discriminate against children with preexisting conditions and drop your coverage if you get sick or increase your premiums without reason. Starting in 2014, the 30 million Americans who don’t have health insurance, will have an array of quality, affordable, private health insurance plans to choose from. The President said each state will take the lead in designing their own menu of options. Once states set up these health insur-
ance marketplaces, known as exchanges, the President said that insurance companies will no longer be able to discriminate against any American with a preexisting health condition. “They won’t be able to charge you more just because you’re a woman,” he said. “They won’t be able to bill you into bankruptcy. If you’re sick, you’ll finally have the same chance to get quality, affordable health care as everyone else. And if you can’t afford the premiums, you’ll receive a credit that helps pay for it.” State Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, who represents House District 94, said the court could have bent to corporate and Republican pressure to deny millions of Americans the right to access affordable health care. “But it didn’t,” she said. “ and I couldn’t be more of a proud American.”
A2
People Tree planting in memory of victim Family, friends and members of the Church of God of Prophecy will plant a tree on June 30 in the memory of 4-yearold Marquel Peters who died after a New Year’s Eve ceremony at the church. Marquel was killed by a stray bullet on Jan. 1, 2010, as he sat beside his mother Nathalee during a Watch Night service at the Decatur church. The bullet pierced the roof of the church and struck him in the head. He w a s d e c l a re d dead at the hosMarquel Peters pital. The shooter, believed to be a New Year’s Eve reveler, has never been identified. The tree planting takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. and is sponsored by DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis, the DeKalb Office of Public Safety and the Church of God of Prophecy along with Nalley Automotive and Trees Atlanta. In the wake of Marquel’s death, DeKalb launched “Marquel’s Pledge: Stop Celebratory Gunfire,” a community campaign to reduce celebratory gunfire in the county and throughout Georgia. The pledge is two-pronged. First, the county is encouraging ammunition dealers to refrain from selling bullets on the days leading up to the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and other holidays. Secondly, the county is working with citizens, neighborhood groups, community organizations, churches, and businesses to educate their neighbors, community and patrons about the dangers of celebratory gunfire and to encourage citizens to refrain from the practice, which can lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Pledges can be submitted at www.dekalbcountyga.gov. The Church of God of Prophecy is at 333 Covington Drive. For more information, call 404-371-2881.
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
““His intelligence, many years of experience and dedicated commitment to public service will serve Georgians well.”
S. DeKalb Rotary installs new officers DeKalb Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson was inducted as the new president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club on June 26. She received her presidential pin from District 6900 Assistant Governor Durl Jensen. Georgia Power’s Patricia Seals and Willie Hinton were also inducted on the board for the 2012-2013 year. Lawson has set membership growth as the lynchpin of her presidency. The service club meets at noon Wednesdays at This Is It BBQ restaurant in Lithonia.
Appellate judge tapped for seat on Ga. Supreme Court Appellate Judge Keith R. Blackwell has been named to the Supreme Court of Georgia to fill the vacancy left by outgoing Justice George H. Carley of Decatur, Carley, who will turn 74 in September, has served on the court since 1993. His resignation is effective July 17. Blackwell’s appointment is effective upon his swearing-in on July 19. He is Governor Nathan Deal’s first appointee to the court. Deal said Blackwell’s experience on both sides of the bench fits the Supreme Court. “His intelligence, many years of experience and dedicated commitment to public service will serve Georgians well in his new role on our state’s highest court,”
Keith Blackwell
George Carley
Nathan Deal
Deal said in a June 25 statement. Blackwell has more than 10 years of litigation and appellate experience and as an associate with Alston & Bird LLP for three years, representing clients in criminal and regulatory investigations, class-action lawsuits and complex commercial litigation. He expressed gratitude for the chance to serve
on the state Supreme Court. “To be appointed as a justice is a humbling experience, but that is especially so when the appointment follows after a jurist as distinguished and respected as Chief Justice George Carley,” Blackwell said. “I also wish to express my gratitude to the chief justice for his many years of fine service to the people of Georgia.” Blackwell pledged to adhere to the high standards of impartiality, independence and integrity on bench. “I will faithfully apply the law as it is, not as I might wish it to be; and that I will respect the separation of powers, bearing in mind that the judicial power, though indispensable to our system of government, is a limited
A3
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Community
“The leadership, knowledge and expertise provided by this inaugural board will be an asset to the Stonecrest Business Alliance.”
Board of directors named for Stonecrest Business Alliance The Stonecrest Business Alliance has an inaugural board of directors. Former pro football player and restaurateur Van K. Jakes is president of the alliance, which promotes and cultivates sustainable economic growth within the Stonecrest community. The Stonecrest area received a $100,000 Livable Centers Initiative grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission in February to study a growth strategy for a live-workplay community anchored by the Mall at Stonecrest. Alliance board members include Sheila Denise Cobb-Williams, designated principal for SAQ Enterprise Inc. doing business as Zaxby’s.; Jetha Wagner, vice president of commercial development for Euramex Management Group; J.P. Singh, co-owner and senior vice president at Duke Hospitality; Sarah Kendall, real estate development director for Cadillac Fairview, which helped develop the 1.3 million-square-foot mall; Betty Van Gerpen, founder and president of the home care company Menders Inc.; and District 94 state Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick, owner and managing partner of Kendrick Law Practice LLC.
Jetha Wagner
J.P. Singh
Dr. Albert Scott, president and CEO of DeKalb Women’s Specialists, serves as vice president; Samuel Armstrong Jr., who owns and operates two primary care offices and a medical spa in DeKalb County with his wife, Dr. Chandra Britt Armstrong, is treasurer; and Sabrina Scott, medical practice administrator for DeKalb Women’s Specialists and wife of Dr. Albert Scott, is secretary. Jakes, a former NFL cornerback and owner of several McDonald’s, including a restaurant at Stonecrest, praised the diverse board. “As we build a strong community focused on sustainable economic growth, we look to
Sam Armstrong
Sarah Kendall
our board of directors to reflect the needs of the community and to set the priorities that drive our growth,” Jakes said in a June 21 statement. “The leadership, knowledge and expertise provided by this inaugural board will be an asset to the Stonecrest Business Alliance.” Jakes was a star cornerback in the NFL and USFL from 1983 to 1990, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, the New Orleans Saints, and the Green Bay Packers. He became a McDonald’s owner/operator in 1992 and owns and operates five McDonald’s restaurants in the Stone Mountain and Lithonia areas of DeKalb County.
Jakes holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Science from Kent State University. The alliance of business owners and landowners in the Stonecrest area and surrounding communities was formed Van Jakes in 2011 to maintain an adequate public safety presence throughout the district, ensure strict code enforcement compliance in the area, improve transportation flow, promote pedestrian access, enhance marketing efforts to promote area businesses and attract potential developers, and increase visibility and improve access to the area’s natural and tourist attractions. Meetings are held quarterly, and the next session is scheduled for July 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Fairfield Inn near the Mall at Stonecrest. All business leaders and landowners in the Stonecrest Overlay District are invited to attend. DeKalb Sheriff Thomas E. Brown
Awards recognize outstanding journalism, commentary and more MESSENGER,
from
A1
ing journalism in categories such as Breaking News, Commentary, Feature and Sustainability. The 2012 competition also recognized the Best Online Presence saluting publishers with outstanding digital platforms. The winners of each category received
$5,000 and each finalist received $500 for a total of $30,000 in monetary awards. Other award winners were Lekan Oguntoyinbo, the Atlanta Voice; Thelma Sardin, the Chicago Citizen Group; Christian Morrow, the Pittsburgh Courier; and the St. Louis American. Randolph was among speakers at the
1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom that included the Rev. Martin Luther King of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Floyd McKissick of the Congress of Racial Equality, John Lewis of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Roy Wilkins of the NAACP, Whitney Young of the National Urban League and
Walter Reuther of the AFL-CIO. King was the final speaker and made his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. The NNPA, or the Black Press of America, includes more than 200 black community newspapers across the country. For more information, visit https://millercoorsmessenger.com.
A4
Forum 2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007
www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com
Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker Graphic Design Curtis Parker Staff Writers Carla Parker Jennifer Ffrench Parker Advertising Sales Kathy E. Warner
CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsN ews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher.
Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisments, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.
L CA LO ODS! GO
AL ! LOC ICES RV SE
www.eastmetromarket.com
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
If I could personally address Superintendent Atkinson, I would ask her to be fair.
Vote for Brookhaven city is a vote for more taxes By Laurenthia Mesh
A city of “Brookhaven” from Perimeter Mall to Buford Highway is not viable. Based on the 2012 Tax Digest, revenue is down 6.8 percent. This means a deficit of more than $360,000 for the city from day one. Also, the new 59 percent HOST credit proves that taxes for a city would be greater than the taxes we now pay DeKalb County. A vote for a city is a vote for higher taxes. A city would take $30 million away from DeKalb County, yet we would still be part of DeKalb County.
“Nowhere in the Charter are specific numbers given for the budget or even what services we will have. This is like signing a contract that says, we’ll tell you later what the rent is and for which building.” Laurenthia Mesh
This means our other services would be cut 20 percent, millage rates increased 3 percent and we would have a second layer of government to deal with. Read the “Brookhaven” city charter. That is the contract we are voting on July 31st – not the promises or propaganda of politicians. Nowhere in the Charter are specific
numbers given for the budget or even what services we will have. This is like signing a contract that says, we’ll tell you later what the rent is and for which building. The proposed city would start at its maximum millage rate. This means there would be no room for growth and no reserves. We would have to vote again to raise the cap
or cut services immediately. Peachtree Corners, the newest city, warns us: We went to our first city meeting and learned the budget is more than three and a half times what we were promised by the CVI feasibility study, the Yes-city promoters and the politicians. Why the rush to make an irreversible decision? Dunwoody had three studies over 10 years. We should vote No City until we have time to get a second study. Read the charter at AshfordNeighbors.Org. We do not need to be a city. Laurenthia Mesh is a spokeswoman for the Ashford Neighbors group which opposes creating a city
Teachers shouldn’t bear brunt of cost cutting measures By Roberta Walker
I do not work in the DeKalb County School System, but I am privileged to much of what is occurring. Everyone who works in the school system and has children in the school system should be alarmed and pay close attention to the decisions the Board of Education and the Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson are making and will be making in the coming weeks. A couple of their goals are to reduce salaries and make demotions. Everyone in DeKalb doesn’t make the large salaries you hear about in the news. There are employees who have been with DeKalb for many years who have earned their pay. You can’t tell someone who makes $40,000 per year that they are overpaid, especially when they have been working in the school system for at least six, seven, or eight years. You can’t post positions that your employees have to re-apply for, not give qualified applicants an
interview, and hand pick the least qualified applicants as finalists. Loyalty should be rewarded. Those individuals who stuck through all the turmoil of the DeKalb County School System over the past few years should be applauded. Why doesn’t [Atkinson] refuse some of the perks she received being that DeKalb has money issues? On top of her $275,000 annual salary, she receives $31,200 for expenses. She can submit reimbursement requests “for all other reasonable expenses” above that amount, $750 per month for driving her car for work, and the taxpayers paid for her moving costs. I heard a report on the news where the school board was considering reducing the number of school police. The employees who monitor and service the security systems are being reassigned. Is that a good idea coming off the heels of a stabbing incident at Columbia High School and other violent situations at other schools? Fernbank was on the cutting
Quick Read
table. Make the cuts there. Where is all the outrage coming from in relation to the Fernbank cuts? Probably the people not being affected by the cutbacks. The central office staff has gone to 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday and off on Friday. This approach seems a bit juvenile. Wouldn’t a teleworking schedule make more sense and save more money? The entire budget should be reviewed with a fine-toothed comb. Who provides the food for the schools? Can we get it at a better price from local growers and distributors? Who supplies the sporting equipment and uniforms? You don’t always have to go with the most expensive and most popular brand. Raise the price of school sporting event tickets by $1. Set a standard price for school parking decals. Don’t allow the principals to set their own price. Allow large corporations to advertise on school buses, baseball, and football stadiums. This may sound extreme but a school district
in Florida raises $500,000 per year by doing so. Have the students who get in trouble at school clean up the gyms and football fields after games. Cut the least popular sports programs with the lowest attendance. If you are going to make the unpopular choice and fire people, make some of the other unpopular choices. No area of DeKalb County, geographically or organizationally, should get a free pass. If I could personally address Superintendent Atkinson, I would ask her to be fair. I would also ask her to forgo politics and procedures and give the next groups of employees who will be let go, a two-week notice even though it is not required in Georgia. Show some compassion. Have you ever showed up at work and been fired on the spot? Do you know how that feels? Any goodwill efforts on your part going forward will go a long way in improving your standing with the 68 per cent of DeKalb County parents that didn’t support your hiring.
Tree planting in memory of young victim A2
Fireworks among leading causes of eye injuries A7
Extra sales tax without rail a hard sell in South DeKalb B4
Family, friends and members of the Church of God of Prophecy will plant a tree on June 30 in the memory of 4-year-old Marquel Peters.
Each year, thousands of Americans spend part of July 4th in the emergency room due to fireworks injuries, with children under 15 accounting for about 40 percent of the injuries.
One month from now, voters in DeKalb and across metro Atlanta will decide on the first regional referendum in more than 40 years.
New date set for planned guilty plea in rape case A5 John Russell Carver, who is accused of the brutal rape of a Stone Mountain church minister, was set to enter a guilty plea on June 29.
$200K to help fund radiation therapy A6 A $200,000 donation from Press On to CURE Childhood Cancer will help fund a new radiation therapy program at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Stone Mountain Park first up for July 4 celebrations A8 The nation turns 236 on July 4 and Americans across the nation will celebrate with parades, cookouts and fireworks.
Voters won’t be purged from rolls in 2012 B8 Voters are not being dumped from the voter rolls for any of the 2012 elections.
Coalition seeks to head off Trailblazers honored for deeds election day voter issues B10 problems arise on election day, voters in work, community A8 canIfget expert legal help to understand their A pastor, two businessmen and a sheriff are among honorees for the 2012 Gala and International Trailblazers Awards at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center
rights from the nonpartisan Election Protection, a coalition of state and national allies seeking to eliminate election day disenfranchisement.
index to advertisers
Circulation Audited By Atlanta Gastroenterology..............................A6 Audrethia O’Neal........................................A10 BJH Attorneys & Counselors at Law............A10 Cash Rentals................................................. A1 Celebrity & Mr. Crab Seafood .....................A11 Executive Cuts.............................................A10 Hibachi Grill..................................................A5 Living Healthy DeKalb...................................A7 New Creations Fitness..................................A11
Porter Sanford Performing Arts Center........A8 Project Home Improvement........................A11 Quenon Smith............................................A10 Ready Rent All.............................................A11 Savannah State University.............................A9 Skyline Records............................................A11 Solution Heating and Air.............................A11 Stewart Unlimited Inc..................................A10 Suite 20 Salon..............................................A11
Team Blue Tennis........................................A11 Trinity Social Services...................................A11 Bradshaw for DeKalb.................................. B10 Burrell Ellis for DeKalb CEO.......................... B3 Committee to Elect Debra DeBerry...............B8 Committee to Elect Frank Swindle................B4 Committee to Elect Henry “Hank” Johnson.B11 Committee to Elect Judge Dax E. Lopez...... B12
Committee to Elect Lee May.........................B9 Friends of Claudia Lawson............................B5 Friends to Elect Dionne McGee....................B4 People for Gina Mangham......................... B10 The Committee to Elect John Carter............B11 Best Buy Co. Inc......................................Inserts Walgreens...............................................Inserts Walmart..................................................Inserts
A5
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Finance
A county spokesman said the baptism was performed without permission of the county Recreation Department or Exchange Park staff.
New date set for planned guilty plea in rape case
Water damage closes rec center gym
John Russell Carver, who is accused of the brutal rape of a Stone Mountain church minister, was set to enter a guilty plea on June 29 in Judge Asha Jackson’s courtroom. His case was re-scheduled from June 26. Carver, who has been in and out of prison since 1987, was indicted on 12 counts including rape, armed robbery, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment, burglary and possession of a knife during commission John R. Carver of a felony in the attack on the 53-year-old woman at St. Timothy United Methodist on Feb. 26, 2011. He was identified as the suspect after a positive DNA hit by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Carver was arrested on March 7, 2011, on parole violations. The woman, who was working alone at the church, was attacked after she opened the door to a knock. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James called the attack “an extremely violent and vicious act.” “Hopefully this guilty plea will bring resolve for both the victim of this crime and the community affected by this monstrous act,” James said last week.
The nearly new Exchange Park’s gym has been closed by water damage after a baptism by a church damaged the floor. County officials say that on May 7, the Connect Church, led by Pastor Tez Andrews, rented gym which opened less than a year ago on July 25, 2011. It brought in a pool, and filled it with water for a baptism. The pool leaked, causing the wood floor to trap moisture and buckle. County spokesman Burke Brennan said the baptism was performed without permission of the county Recreation Department or Exchange Park staff. Damage estimates were unavailable this week, but Brennan said repairs will covered by the county’s insurance. Officials await a third bid on repairing the floor, Brennan said. In the meantime, the gym’s hours have been severely limited and the facility will be completely closed for four to six weeks after repairs begin. The center has been open less than a year, opening last July 25. Pastor Andrews could not be reached for comment at a phone number listed on Connect Church’s Web site.
By Donna Williams Lewis
Workshop on protecting streams Residents can learn how to help protect DeKalb’s water resources at an Adopt-aStream workshop on July 7 at Arabia Mountain Nature Center in Lithonia. The free four-hour workshop, which begins at 9 a.m., will train volunteers on how to collect water samples from DeKalb streams and how to interpret water quality data. It will focus on how to perform bacteria monitoring and concludes with an opportunity for volunteers to earn a certificate that will allow them to enter information into a statewide database. Pre-registration is required and is limited to the first 20 people. Adopt-a-Stream is a volunteer water quality program coordinated by the DeKalb Department of Watershed Management in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Arabia Mountain Nature Center is at 3787 Klondike Road. For more information or to register, contact Michael O’Shield at msoshield@dekalbcountyga.gov or at 770-
404-288-5959
A L L Y O U C A N E AT
OUT K C E ER CH M M ! SU OUR SPECIAloLw TIMEoupon Be See
C
Downtown Decatur
lu Co ia mb ive
★
Dr
e r der nte lve Ce Be ping op Sh
Moreland Avenue
Glenwood Ro
ad
dle oa rR
Exit 41
d
Residents in the Bouldercrest, Cedar Grove, Ellenwood and Conley areas can tour the areas with District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson on June 30. Commission District 3 now includes those areas of west DeKalb after the boundary lines for Commission, School Board, House, Senate and U.S. House districts were changed during the 2012 Georgia General Assembly session. Johnson will tour the area along with representatives of some of the associations in the area. “This is an opportunity for me to become re-acquainted with the area and meet with the residents in the area,” Johnson said. “I am looking forward to working with the residents in the area and continuing the work that has already been undertaken in the area.” The tour will begin at 9 a.m. at the Bouldercrest Plaza located at the corner of Bouldercrest Road and Clifton Church Road and will cover the industrial park areas, greenspace and the Conley area industrial area. Space on the van is limited, but residents can follow along with the tour van as it travels through the area. For more information, call 404-9644936.
For more info, please call
n Ca
Tour set to visit new district areas
But something of an update can be found on the site. A link on its homepage to a “Facility Fund Meter” pulls up the following message: “We abruptly lost our facility! At 5 p.m. May 18th, DeKalb County notified us they no longer had the staff to work our Church Recreation Center Rental.” As Exchange Park awaits the repairs, the staff at the Browns Mill Recreation Center is preparing for a grand reopening celebration after getting a new gym floor. The floor is part of a $430,000 facility makeover that included painting all interior walls, renovating the kitchen and classrooms, and resealing the parking lot. The reopening ceremony is scheduled for July 24 at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, a $1.4 million renovation continues at Gresham Recreation Center, whose operations have been moved to nearby Clifton Elementary School in the interim. The area’s county Commissioner Larry Johnson said Gresham’s pool is still open while the facility gets a new floor, new restrooms, a new façade and walking trails among more than $1 million in improvements. The work is scheduled to be complete by the first of August, he said.
Exit 65
3455 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032
(in Belvedere Shopping Plaza)
For more information, please call
404-288-5959
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Hours: Mon - Thur 11AM - 10PM • Fri 11AM - 10:30PM Sat 12PM - 1030PM • Sun 12PM - 10PM
5 15
$ 00 OFF
%
OFF
PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE
LUNCH OR DINNER BUFFET
DINE IN ONLY
DINE IN ONLY
Expires 6/30/12.
Expires 6/30/12.
SUMMERTIME SPECIAL FREE Meal for 1 Kid (under 10) With Purchase of Two Adult Meals.
3
$ 00 $100 OFF OFF
1
$ 50 OR
OFF
Lunch or Dinner
PURCHASE OF $20 OR MORE
LUNCH DINNER BUFFET BUFFET (Up To 4 People)
DINE IN ONLY
DINE IN ONLY
DINE IN ONLY
Expires 6/30/12.
Expires 6/30/12.
Expires 6/30/12.
A6
Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
“It will be an enormous benefit that children in Georgia and across the Southeast no longer have to travel long distances for a better quality of life.”
$200K to help fund radiation therapy A $200,000 donation from pies at the Aflac Cancer Center, Press On to CURE Childhood said groups like the Press On Cancer will help fund a new rafund of CURE Childhood Cancer diation therapy program at the help promote and advance novel Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s approaches to pediatric cancer Healthcare of Atlanta. treatment. The funding will help with “We strongly believe that comconstruction of the specialty rabining new treatments that more diation room, named in honor of specifically target tumors, given Patrick Chance, and other aspects H. Katzenstein in innovative combinations with of the MIBG service. Patrick passed away traditional chemotherapy, will lead to better in January 2012 after fighting neuroblas- outcomes in treating cancer,” said Katzentoma for more than five years. There are stein, who is also an associate professor at currently only a small number of centers Emory University School of Medicine. “It around the country that offer MIBG will be an enormous benefit that children in treatment. Georgia and across the Southeast no longer MIBG therapy is a treatment that uses have to travel long distances for a better radioiodine labeled metaiodobenzyl- quality of life.” guanidine (I-131 MIBG) to target certain The Aflac Cancer Center treats more tumors such as neuroblastoma and pheo- than 370 new cancer patients each year and chromocytoma and delivers a much higher follows more than 2,700 patients with sickle dose of radiation directly to the tumor. cell disease, hemophilia and other blood During therapy, patients need to be disorders. treated in a special lead-lined room that Atlanta-based CURE Childhood Cancer, prevents exposure to others. The MIBG founded in 1975, has raised millions of doltherapy service will allow all children lars for research and ongoing education of in Georgia to be treated in their home pediatric cancer and is focused on supportstate and will allow for the Aflac Cancer ing childhood cancer experts who work daily Center to serve as a referral center for the to discover a cure. Southeast. For more information, visit www.aflacDr. Howard Katzenstein, director of cancercenter.org or call 404-785-1112 or Clinical Research and Innovative Thera- 1-888-785-1112.
DeKalb County Board of Health Presents
Ellis drawing fire over interim director’s ‘monkey’ comment CEO’s handling of the matter. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis’ deci“It’s not over and its not acceptsion to stand by interim planning able,” Turman said Thursday. director Gary Cornell in the wake He said he had called the CEO of his “barrel of monkey” e-mail on Wednesday and Thursday to has angered some residents. discuss the issue but that Ellis had In a March 12 e-mail to a not returned the call. group of county managers about “It’s hard for me to see how our the Colony Apartments on HairCEO can fail to see the damage this ston Road, Cornell wrote: “These would cause,” Turman said. “This properties are like a ‘barrell full of Gary Cornell historical vulgarity and nasty names that monkeys.’” Ellis said in a June 27 statement that he have been bestowed on black people. There learned of the comment made by Cornell has to be backlash.” Jerome Edmondson, one of two candiabout a month ago and that he “explained that his statement was not intended to be dates challenging Ellis for the CEO seat ,said racially offensive and, given that he has no Ellis should fire Cornell. “This type of conduct is irresponsible record of racial insensitivity, I believe him.” The CEO said that Cornell has received and unprofessional,” Edmondon said. “It’s counseling regarding terms that have histori- a disgrace to our county and its thriving cal negative connotations and the perception diversity.” Cornell told WSB TV this week that he by some that his statement could be received had no intend to be racially discriminatory in a manner other than what he intended. “Mr. Cornell has apologized to his co- to anybody. “I apologise for any offense it created,” workers, the community and to me, and I have accepted his apology and believe that no he said. “That was certainly not in my heart or my mind.” further action is required at this time.” On Thursday some employees copies Gil Turman, president of the South DeKalb Neighborhoods Coalition and chairman of on the original email said that they had not the Code Compliance Taskforce said he was received either a written or a verbal apology surprised to hear of the statement and the from Cornell.
Specialists in the Detection and Treatment of Digestive Diseases, Hepatitis and Colon Cancer
Our New Decatur Location Is Now Open! 2665 North Decatur Road | Suite 350 [Located in the 2665 Professional Building on the DeKalb Medical Main Campus]
678.553.0226 Tommie Haywood III, M.D. Barry Levitt, M.D. John Suh, M.D.
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive Decatur, GA 30034
Monday, July 9, 2012
With our new location in Decatur, taking charge of your health has never been easier. For more information, visit www.atlantagastro.com or call 1-866-GO-TO-AGA [468-6242]. AGA is a participating provider for Medicare, Medicaid and most healthcare plans offered in Georgia.
Don’t Miss An Issue.
• 6 PM - Reception • 7 PM - Screening • 8 PM - Discussion To register, please visit www.OneDekalb.com Three years in the making, THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION is a four-part documentary series, featuring case studies and interviews with leading experts and with individuals and families struggling with obesity.
■ Get CrossRoadsNews
thly Mong Now Billinailable! Av THE WEIGHT OF THE NATION is a presentation of HBO and the Institute of Medicine (IOM), in association with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and in partnership with the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and Kaiser Permanente.
every week.
■ End the inconvenience of
empty newspaper stands. ■ Support CrossRoadsNews, we’re always working for you.
Yes, I want CrossRoadsNews in the mail.
Choose your desired subscription length and Save up to 30% :
* All prices plus tax.
❑ 13 weeks - $25 - $1.92/week* ❑ 26 weeks - $45 - $1.73/week* ❑ 52 weeks - $70 - $1.34/week* Name ____________________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________________ City _________________________State _________________Zip ____________
Put CrossRoadsNews to Work for You!
Call 404-284-1888 for Advertising Rates & Information
Phone ________________________ E-mail ______________________________ I prefer to pay by credit card: ❍ Visa
❍ MC
❍ AmEx ❍ Discover
Card no. ______________________________ Expiration date ____________ Billing Address (if different from above)
Street _____________________________________________________________________
City _________________________State _________________Zip ____________ Please mail to CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032. (PHOTOCOPIES OK )
June 30, 2012
Wellness
CrossRoadsNews
A7
“We hope all Americans have a wonderful holiday with their loved ones, not in the emergency room.”
Fireworks, sparklers among leading causes of eye injuries Each year, thousands of Americans spend part of July 4th in the emergency room due to fireworks injuries, with children under 15 accounting for about 40 percent of the injuries. This year, Prevent Blindness Georgia would like to see a difficult result. The non-profit group is urging families to celebrate the nation’s 236th birthday without using pyrotechnics. Jenny Pomeroy, CEO of Prevent Blindness Georgia, says they are seeking to educate the public on the potential dangers of fireworks. “The Fourth of July should be a time when we Jenny Pomeroy come together to honor our country by celebrating our great nation safely and responsibly,” Pomeroy said in a June 21 statement. “We hope all Americans have a wonderful holiday with their loved ones, not in the emergency room.” In 2010, an estimated 6,300 Americans spent part of their Independence Day holiday in the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries. In its annual fireworks report, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said that children under the age of 5 experienced an estimated 700 injuries. Most of those injuries came from sparklers, which accounted for 43 percent of the injuries. Fireworks like sparklers, fountains and other novelties, accounted for two out of five injuries treated in emergency rooms. To keep families and friends safe, Prevent Blindness Georgia offers these warnings: n Fireworks are extremely dangerous. n Do not purchase, use or store fireworks or sparklers of any type. n Protect yourself, your family and your friends by avoiding fireworks and sparklers.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says in 2010, sparklers accounted for 43 percent of injuries to children under the age of 5.
n Attend only authorized public fireworks to use firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, the eye. Use an eye wash or let tears wash
displays conducted by licensed operators, but be aware that even professional displays can be dangerous. Fireworks laws vary from state to state. The American Pyrotechnics Association says Georgia only allows individuals to have sparklers up to 100 grams each and fountains (items that say “Emits showers of sparks up to 200 grams total for multiple tube items or 75 grams for each individual tube”). The state also allows individuals to use items labeled as snakes, glow worms, snappers and party poppers. Georgia specifically prohibits individuals
Roman candles and bombs. Prevent Blindness Georgia continues to support bans on the importation, sale and use of all fireworks and sparklers, except for authorized public displays by competent licensed operators, which it believes is the only effective means of eliminating the social and economic impact of fireworks-related trauma and damage. In 2010, there were more than 1,300 reported eye injuries caused by firework. In the event of eye-related accident, Prevent Blindness Georgia recommends the following: n If there are specks in the eye, do not rub
out specks or particles. Lift the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid. If the speck doesn’t wash out, keep the eye closed, bandage and see a doctor or go to the emergency room. n If the eye or eyelid is cut or punctured, do not wash out the eye with water. Do not try to remove an object stuck in the eye. Cover the eye with a rigid shield without pressure. The bottom half of a paper cup may be used. Visit a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. For more information on fireworks safety, visit www.pbga.org or call 404-266-2020.
A8
Scene
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
The annual Fourth of July Celebration at Lenox Square kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music from bands including Sons of Sailors and Party on The Moon.
Stone Mountain Park first up for Fourth of July celebrations Fireworks will light up the skies over Stone Mountain Park, downtown Decatur, Lenox Square and other venues as metro Atlanta celebrates the nation’s 236th birthday.
The nation turns 236 on July 4 and Americans across the nation will celebrate with parades, cookouts and fireworks. The festivities begin July 3 with Stone Mountain Park’s 45th annual Fantastic Fourth Celebration on the Memorial Lawn. The two-day event, July 3-4, begins at 10 a.m. daily. Fireworks will shoot nightly at the end of the new 42-minute “Lasershow Spectacular in Mountainvision” featuring surroundsound music, colorful lasers, flame cannon and special effects precisely choreographed to music. The 9:30 p.m. show is followed by a special, patriotic fireworks finale. The event is free with a $10 park entry or $35 annual parking permit. Stone Mountain Park is at U.S. 78 in Stone Mountain. For more information, call 770-498-5690.
Downtown Decatur Downtown Decatur is celebrating the nation’s birth with its annual Pied Piper Parade, fireworks and musical concert. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Ave., and ends at the Community Bandstand on the Decatur Square, 101 E. Court Square. Decatur commissioners will lead the parade in a mini fire truck. Neighborhood and community organizations can join the parade by either making a float, riding a bike, skating or walking. At 7 p.m. the Callanwolde Concert Band will perform, followed by a fireworks show at 9 p.m. from the top of the DeKalb County parking deck. For information call 404-3718386 or email Katie.Abel@decaturga.com. Peachtree Road Race For the 42nd year, 60,000 runners and walkers will participate in the 2012 Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July. Spectators can cheer runners along the 6.2-mile course down Peachtree Street from Lenox Mall to 10th Street near Piedmont Park in Atlanta. There will also be a wheelchair race, which begins at 6:45 a.m. The footrace begins at 7:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.peachtreeroadrace.org. Lenox Square The annual Fourth of July Celebration at Lenox Square kicks off at 6 p.m. with live music from bands including Sons of Sailors and Party on The Moon. Lenox Square boasts the largest fireworks
MARTA offering extra bus, rail service for holiday July 4th revelers can ride MARTA buses and trains to events celebrating the nation’s 236th birthday for $2.50 each way. The transit system will operate a weekday rail schedule with special event service added throughout the day to accommodate the celebrations. Service will be available from 4:45 a.m. to 1 a.m. to accommodate the Peachtree Road Race, Braves game, fireworks displays and other events. Additional staff and police will be available to assist commuters. Peachtree Road Race participants can take the Gold Line train to Lenox for the start of some races at 6:45 a.m. MARTA will operate extra trains to Lenox to get runners quickly to the starting line. Shuttle buses will also be available at
Lindbergh Center Station before the race to transport runners close to the starting line – Buckhead Loop – and at Midtown station after the race to bring participants back to Lindbergh Center Station. Parking for less than 24 hours is free at all MARTA’s daily parking facilities. To receive free daily parking, motorists who park in the decks at Lindbergh Station must park in MARTA designated areas and validate their parking ticket at machines inside Lindbergh Center Station. MARTA has some designated lots that charge a fee. Some bus routes will be re-routed for the Peachtree Road Race and other scheduled events. For more information, call 404-8485000 or visit www.itsmarta.com.
Families can be eligible to win a $100 show in the Southeast. The display takes place at 9:35 p.m. with thousands of fire- American Express Simon gift card by submitworks bursting in the air for approximately ting their most patriotic family photo on the 20 minutes, accompanied by a patriotic Lenox Square Mall Facebook page. Lenox Square is at 3393 Peachtree Road musical soundtrack.
N.E. in Atlanta. For more information, call 404-233-6767.
Centennial Olympic Park Fireworks will light up the sky at Centennial Olympic Park downtown Atlanta at 9:40 p.m. The park’s 4th of July celebration includes a night of fun and entertainment for the entire family and a fireworks display synchronized to a special selection of patriotic and popular music. Park gates open at 6 p.m. Centennial Olympic Park is at 265 Park Ave. West N.W. in Atlanta. For more information, visit www.centennialpark.com. Jimmy Carter Museum Families can celebrate the Fourth of July by listening to patriotic tales told by the Southern Order of Storytellers at the Jimmy Carter Museum Theater. The hour-long presentation begins at 2 p.m. and is included in the regular museum admission. Children 16 and younger and active duty military and their immediate family can attend for free as part of the Blue Star Museum program. The Jimmy Carter Museum Theater is at 441 Freedom Parkway in Atlanta.
Trailblazers honored for deeds in work, community A pastor, two businessmen and a sheriff are among honorees for the 2012 Gala and International Trailblazers Awards at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center on July 15. The event, which is in its fifth year, will honor New Mercies Christian Church pastor Jesse Curney with its Spiritual Trailblazer Award. Gregory B. Levett, founder of Levett and Sons Funeral Homes, and State Farm insurance agent Deandre Mathis will get Business Trailblazer Awards and DeKalb Sheriff Thomas Brown will get the Justice Trailblazer award. Bonita Johnson, founder of the Enchanted Closet, will receive the Community Trailblazer Award; Cynthia Pratt, former Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, will
Thomas Brown
Jesse Curney
Greg Levett
receive the Legends Trailblazer Award for her international community service. The red carpet affair is presented by Ceasar Gaithers and his wife, Kristy, owners of Decatur-based Suite 2 Day Spa. The Gaithers say the awards are their way of recognizing the people who make our community a better place to live, work and play. Comedian Jonathan Slocumb will be
Cynthia Pratt
Jonathan Slocumb
master of ceremonies for the event, which takes place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. The Jaby Foundation’s annual scholarship raffle of a $5,000 cash prize, 42-inch flat screen TV; and a $100 gift card to the Suite 20 Day Spa will take place during the event. Tickets are $10 each and are available by calling 404-286-9664. The center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.
June 30, 2012
Youth
A9
CrossRoadsNews
“With the layoffs, the loss of money for employees – it’s a double whammy for them.”
Teachers favor higher tax over furloughs at millage rate hearing By Carla Parker
Some DeKalb teachers said they would rather have their taxes raised than get more furlough days. The teachers and their union, the Organiztion of DeKalb Educators, told DeKalb School Board members at a June 28 public hearing about a proposed millage rate increase, that they support the 1 mill increase that would cost the owner of a $100,000 house $27.50 more a year in property taxes. The millage increase would raise $14.8 million in revenues for the school district. The school board voted 5-4 on June 21 to raise taxes for the first time in 10 years. It is facing a projected $85 million shortfall for its 2012-2013 operating budget of $760 million. School officials blamed the projected shortfall on a 9 percent drop in assessed property values, increasing health care costs, and rising fuel and utilities expenses. The approved budget included more than $77 million in cuts including two extra furlough days for teachers, which brings the total teacher furlough days to six for the 2012-2013 school year.
Timothy Davis, a teacher at Stone Mountain Middle School, told the DeKalb School Board that he is in favor of the 1 millage rate increase.
Timothy Davis, a teacher at Stone Mountain Middle School, said he is supporting the millage increase with reservations. “The less we earn, the less we can do and that means the less taxes,” he said. In a letter to School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson before the hearing, Arabia Mountain High PTSA presidnet Tanya Graham said the furlough days will eat into the teacher’s pay checks, costing some up to
Singer Peabo Bryson offered a few tips to 14-year-old Thomas B ass, who plays the guitar, at the “How Big Is Your Dream?!” music camp.
Noted crooner drops in on camp By Carla Parker
Romantic crooner Peabo Bryson dropped by the “How Big Is Your Dream?!” music camp on June 27 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center in Decatur and offered valuable tips to some of the campers. The two-time Grammy award winner offered a few tips to 14-year-old Thomas Bass, who plays the guitar, and suggested that a group of girls who were trying to out-sing each other, to harmonize instead. “It’s not a competition,” he told them. Bryson, who lives in Atlanta, dropped by the center to support his drummer and producer, Jorel “JFly” Flynn who launched the “How Big Is Your Dream?!” Foundation
in March 2011. The month-long camp, offered by the foundation, opened June 4 and ends on June 30 with a free “Matinee Music” concert in which campers will showcase some of what they learnt. The non-profit foundation promotes, educate and develop youth to excel in music. Campers received instrumental and vocal training, lessons on lyric and rhymes writing, rhythm section ensemble techniques, Latin rhythms, percussion, and logic dance. Campers were rehearsing for Saturday’s performance when Bryson showed up. Doors open at noon on Saturday for the Matinee Music which starts at 1 p.m. The Porter Sanford Center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive in Decatur.
Junior academy teaches police skills Young people who live in Rockdale County can get a glimpse into the world of law enforcement during the Conyers Police Department Junior Police Academy in July. The educational academy, which takes place July 16 to 20 in the department’s training room at 1194 Scott St., is for youths ages 14 to 20 years old. During the daily sessions, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., participants will learn about the various divisions of the CPD and self-defense techniques, and identify fingerprints in a mock crime scene. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office will assist with a tour of the Rockdale County Jail and the Georgia State Patrol will participate
in a session to teach students about teen traffic laws and alcohol awareness. The free academy is limited to the first 20 applicants who meet the requirements. It culminates with a graduation and cookout on July 21. Chief of Police Gene Wilson said that the law enforcement field is one that “fascinates” young people. “The knowledge they can soak up firsthand from our officers, Explorer Unit may be the key to introducing them to a career in law enforcement,” he said. Applications are due by July 10. For more information, contact Sergeant Peggy Dunn at 678-374-5603 to request an application.
$2,000 for the year. She asked for full public disclosure of all DeKalb County Board of Education expenditures that survived the budget cuts, especially the third party vendor contracts. “It is about time that we citizens clearly see the entire picture of how funds will be spent in the event that the millage rate increase does not get the 5 votes necessary to pass, and additional cuts must be made,”
she wrote. “Instead of possibly rescinding any new teacher contracts, the School Board just may want to consider rescinding or modifying some of those third party vendor contracts before making any further cuts to students, teachers, and schoolhouses.” ODE president David Schutten urged the school board to move forward on the millage rate increase. “With the layoffs, the loss of money for employees – it’s a double whammy for them,” he said. School district chief financial officer Michael Perrone said that even with the higher millage rate, the school system will take in less money from property taxes than previously. For 2012, the district’s 22.98 mills generated $395 million. He said the proposed 23.98 mills for 2013 will generate $365 million because of the lower assessed values of homes. The school board will vote on the millage rate increase at its 6 p.m. meeting on July 9. Its final public hearing into the millage incease takes place at noon that day in the Administrative and Instructional Complex, 1701 Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Stone Mountain.
‘Mature Plus’ project targets teens Teens can learn to build healthy relationships at a “Mature Plus Summer Project” healthy relationships skills camp in July. The camp which is hosted by nonprofit More than Conquerors Inc., will be held in Conyers. From July 9 to 13, teens ages 14-19 will get lessons in life skills. For July
16-20, they will have classes in communication, conflict resolution, violence prevention and financial management. The camp meets weekdays 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1309-A Milstead Road. Lunch and snack are included. For more information, call 770-483-3299, ext. 202, or email Tina Thomas at tthomas@mtcimp.org.
A10
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Marketplace Reach More of the People Who Matter Most – Local Customers! Call 404-284-1888 to Advertise in the CrossRoadsNews Marketplace attorneys
Burroughs Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC “EXPERIENCED LAWYERS, EXPERIENCED MINDS”
auditions
barber shops
Casting
EXECUTIVE CUTS
Movie - Comedy
dental
finance
DENTURES $0 CO-PAY
OPEN YEAR ROUND
Must have Medicare and Medicaid to qualify. Call for Free Report 1-800-704-3307, 24hrs
Professional Income Tax, Referrals and Connections Yolanda Faye Stewart
Stewart Unlimited Inc
5300 Memorial Drive, Suite 224-F Stone Mountain, GA 30083
Office: 404-549-2501 Cell: 404-934-5639 www.stewartunlimitedtaxes.com
counseling
3316 Snapfinger Rd., Ste. J Lithonia, GA 30038 (next to Mable’s BBQ)
July 7 4pm-7pm Exchange Park in Decatur Audrethia
strdetpro@att.net
Bring picture/monologue.
Bankruptcy • Personal Injury & Workers Comp • Family Law/Divorce/Custody Wills/Probate/Trusts • Criminal Defense • Corporate & Business Law • Real Estate Law
4262 Clausell Court | Suite A | Decatur, GA 30035 P:404.289.2244 F:404.289.2888 www.bjhlawyers.com
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Sun: 12-6pm • Mon: 12-8pm Tues-Sat 8-8pm Walk Ins Avail • Appt. Preferred
770-696-2938 Cell: 404-754-9223
In-Home Counseling to Children/Adolescents Behavioral & Emotional Disorders | Mental Illness | Substance Abuse NO COST TO THE FAMILY! Call us today for a FREE Intake-Screening
678-824-6590
When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information
One-order, one-invoice, multi-newspaper placement service!
Reach more than 15 million households served by over 1,020 suburban and community newspapers around North America and Canada. 25-word ad starts at $240 weekly. Discount Contact Rates Available. For more information, call 404-284-1888 Autos DONATE YOUR VEHICLE Receive $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION. Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info FREE Towing, Tax Deductible, Non-Runners Accepted. 1- 800-728-0801 CASH FOR CARS! Any Make, Model or Year. We Pay MORE! Running or Not. Sell Your Car or Truck TODAY. Free Towing! Instant Offer: 1-888-545-8647
Personals Meet singles right now! No paid operators, just real people like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and connect live. Try it free. Call now 1-888-744-3699 Curious About Men? Talk Discreetly with men like you! Try FREE! Call 1-888-559-1255
Business Opportunity Make Up To $2,000.00+ Per Week! New Credit Card Ready Drink-Snack Vending Machines. Minimum $4K to $40K+ Investment Required. Locations Available. BBB Accredited Business. (800) 962-9189 !! Home-Based GOLDMINE !! Young Growth Co. Creating Millionaires! Started P/T 6 mos ago will earn $40K this mo. Everyone
earns money! Fee required. MUST watch video first. www. EarnCashDailyFromHome.com Timing is Everything! We have the system! Call for details. 800541-5983 $294.00 DAILY MAILING POSTCARDS! Guaranteed Legit Work. Register Online! www.ThePostcardGuru.com Internet Referral Agents Needed! $20-$95/ Hr www.FreeJobPosition.com $1497 Checks Stuffed In Your Mailbox! www.DankMoney.com Big Paychecks Paid Every Friday! www.LegitCashJobs.com
Business Services or similar Accept Credit Cards on your Smart Phone. FREE equipment. No monthly fees. No monthly minimums. No Cancellation Fee. Takes only 5 minutes to sign up. www.smartphoneswipe.net
of Maintenance (877)818-0783
Financial SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. WIN or Pay Nothing! Start Your Application In Under 60 Seconds. Call Today! Contact Disability Group, Inc. Licensed Attorneys & BBB Accredited. Call 877-865-0180
ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-903-6658
Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 866-967-9407
Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss. Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15% off your first bottle! 888-470-5390
CREDIT CARD DEBT? LEGALLY HAVE IT REMOVED! Need a Minimum $7,000 in debt to qualify. Utilize Consumer Protection Attorneys. Call now 1-866652-7630 for help.
Health & Fitness
ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 800-488-0386 www. CenturaOnline.com
Canada Drug Center is your choice for safe and affordable medications. Our licensed Canadian mail order pharmacy will provide you with savings of up to 90 percent on all your medication needs. Call Today 888-459-9961 for $25.00 off your first prescription and free shipping.
AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Train for hands on Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute
ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get FREE CPAP Replacement Supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent
Education & Training
red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 866-993-5043
Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven allnatural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-474-8936 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days
Misc. For Sale SAVE 65 Percent & Get 2 FREE GIFTS when you order 100 Percent guaranteed, deliveredto- the-door Omaha Steaks Family Value Combo NOW ONLY $49.99. ORDER Today 1- 888697-3965 use code 45069TLS or www.OmahaSteaks.com/value75 DISH Network. Starting at $19.99/ month PLUS 30 Premium Movie Channels FREE for 3 Months! SAVE! & Ask About SAME DAY
Installation! CALL - 877-992-1237 MANTIS Deluxe Tiller. NEW! FastStart engine. Ships FREE. One-Year Money-Back Guarantee when you buy DIRECT. Call for the DVD and FREE Good Soil book! 866-969-1041 Over 30 Million Woman Suffer From Hair Loss! Do you? If So We Have a Solution! CALL KERANIQUE TO FIND OUT MORE 888-481-2610
Miscellaneous Advertise your product or service nationwide or by region in up to 12 million households in North America’s best suburbs! Place your classified ad in over 750 suburban newspapers just like
this one. Call Classified Avenue at 888-486-2466 or go to www. classifiedavenue.net SAVE on Cable TV-InternetDigital Phone. Packages start at $89.99/mo (for 12 months.) Options from ALL major service providers. Call Acceller today to learn more! CALL 1-877-7367087 Stop Paying too much for TV! Satellite is CHEAPER than cable! Packages from $19.99/mo- FREE movies, FREE upgrades & FREE HD: Limited Offer- CALL NOW! 800-371-7386 AT&T U-Verse for just $29.99/ mo! SAVE when you bundle Internet+Phone+TV and get up to $300 BACK! (Select plans). Limited Time CALL NOW! 866944-0810.
Real Estate 20 Acres- Only $99/mo. $0 Down, Owner Financing, NO CREDIT CHECKS! Near El Paso, Texas, Beautiful Mountain Views! Money Back Guarantee! Free Color Brochure. 800-755-8953 www. sunsetranches.com
Reader Notice As a service to you – our valued readers – we offer the following information: This newspaper will never knowingly accept any advertisement that is illegal or considered fraudulent. If you have questions or doubts about any ads on these pages, we advise that before responding or sending money ahead of time, you check with the Attorney General’s Consumer Fraud Line and/or the Better Business Bureau. They may have records or documented complaints that will serve to caution you about doing business with those advertisers. Also be advised that some phone numbers published in these ads may require an extra charge. In all cases of questionable value, such as promises or guaranteed income from work-at-home programs, money to loan, etc., if it sounds too good to be true – it may in fact be exactly that. This newspaper cannot be held responsible for any negative consequences that occur as a result of you doing business with any advertisers. Thank you.
A11
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
youth programs
Team B.L.U.E.
Marketplace
Business Opportunities
Ladies - here’s a great opportunity to earn some extra money or replace your income! Earn great money while helping other women. Low start-up cost with huge earning potential. 404-8294268 for more info. Ad# CR002 Become an AVON Sales Representative Why not sell America’s favorite products? Only $10 to start! Don’t Hesitate, Call Today... Remember THE COST OF LUNCH COULD CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Call Tonya 678-549-2777
FOR RENT/LEASE 1BR Furnished w/own bathroom & living room for single, female working/student. Share kitchen/ laundry. $475. July 1st. 770-3748657. 2 single rooms for rent in basement of Decatur home. $100 weekly, $100 deposit. Utilities, Cable, Washer & Dryer included. 404-408-9125.
HELP WANTED Drivers & O/Os: Home Weekly! Huge Freight Surge! We Need Drivers! Dart SE Short Haul, 1 year T/T exp. req. Call Today: 1-866-907-2385. CDL-A DRIVERS. Now Hiring for Short Haul Division/150 mile radius from Ellenwood Yard. Hourly pay. Home thru week/off weekends. Call: 1-866-215-3659 Mount Welcome Baptist Church is seeking a qualified, responsible & reliable custodian. Please submit resumes to alton.sneed@
gmail.com.
Driver: $2,500 Sign-On Bonus. Hiring Solo and Team Drivers. Great Benefits Package. Excellent Home Time. CDL-A Required. Students Welcome 888-441-9358 www.superservicellc.com
HOME BASED BUSINESS No traveling required. Earn up to $1500/month P/T, $7500+/month F/T. As heard on Ellenwood radio. Call Arthur Toll Free 1-888670-8493.
PERSONAL CARE Adult DayCare. 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Let us take care of your loved ones while you work, play, attend school or just tend to daily business routines. Meals included. Call (404)803-3689.
TRAVEL Austin Drive Senior Center. Visit the White House! September 13-18, 2012. $500. Deadline July 28th. Call 404-534-3322.
for sale
Business for Sale Well established, party rental store with excellent reputation in Decatur for sale. This busy party store provides a complete line of party needs.
Call Jeff 404-444-3092
fitness
home services
FREE SATURDAYS!
PROJECT HOME IMPROVEMENT
1st Time Ever FREE
Saturday for your 1st trial
Now You Have No Excuse
Call Today for Personal Training
(770) 882-4541
• Deck Design • Deck Repair • Porches / Repair • Pergolas • Patios • Garden Boxes • Drywall • Interior Framing • Door Installation • General Carpentry • Installations • Storage Sheds www.projecthomimprv.com
404-536-5882
$100.00 Special
Tennis Lessons! Limited space 10 one-hour lessons Exchange Park Decatur, GA
MARKETPLACE RATES Place your MarketPlace line ad here – up to 20 words for $25. Additional words are $3 per block of five words (maximum 45 words). Boxed Ads (with up to 3 lines bold headline): $35 plus cost of the classified ad. Send ad copy with check or credit card information and contact phone number (if different from ad) to MarketPlace, CrossRoadsNews, 2346 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, or e-mail to marketplace@crossroadsnews.com. Our deadlines are at noon on the Friday one week prior to publication, unless otherwise noted.
medical supplies
Home services
WANTED TO BUY
RIGHT ER IS RNER SUMMND THE CO AROU
CALL NOW! Coach Mitchell
(770) 597-1066
www.teambluetennis.com
SALONS / HAIR CARE
Beautiful Babes Hair Care for Children
Ms. Felecia
• PRESS & CURL • BRAIDS • QUICK WEAVES • HEALTHY HAIRCARE Call for Monthly Specials
678-887-6203
SUMMER SPECIAL
AC/Heating Free Diagnoses
beautifulbabeshaircare.vpweb.com ADULTS ACCEPTED
Call Today 678-985-5300
VISIT US IN OUR NEW LOCATION 4118 Snapfinger Woods Drive • Decatur, GA 30035 (Off Wesley Chapel, Near I-20)
www.solutionheatingair.com
restaurants
scholarships
NOW SERVING BREAKFAST!
Star ting at
2 Pancakes, Sausage, Grits & Eggs 2 pc. Salmon, Grits & Eggs Grits, Eggs & Sausage Grits, Eggs & Bacon
Fish, Grits & Eggs Porkchop & Grits Shrimp & Grits Liver & Grits
Served fr$1.99 om 7 am – 11 am
Suite 20 Day Spa’s
JABY FOUNDATION Annual Scholarship Raffle July 15, 2012 • 9 pm
Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur, GA 30034 1ST PRIZE: $5000 CASH 2ND PRIZE: 42” HDTV FLATSCREEN TV 3RD PRIZE: $100 SUITE 20 GIFT CARD $10 DONATION
A TA S T E O F F L O R I DA
3148 Glenwood Road Decatur, GA 30032 404-288-3434
ACROSS FROM THE OLD SUNSET RESTAURANT WWW . CELEBRITYMRCRAB . COM
DRAWING AT 9PM
ON JULY
15, 2012
NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN
CALL SUITE 20 DAY SPA @ 404-286-9664 FOR TICKETS NOW! PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT :
Find Local Goods & Services
www.eastmetromarket.com
JABY INC
Decatur Army Youth Athletics St. Augustine’s College Atl Alumni
enchanted closet
A12
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
VOTE 2012 June 30, 2012
www.crossroadsnews.com
B1
Hot-button issues stoke primary election
Rhetoric will fly hot and heavy when early and absentee voting kicks off for the July 31 primary election season. Metro-wide, all eyes will turn to the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Referendum, which seeks to implement a 1-cent sales tax in 10 metro counties to fund transportation projects geared toward relieving traffic throughout the region, while closer to home, DeKalb voters like Viola Davis (below left) of Unhappy Taxpayer & Voter will make decisions about cell phone towers at schools and whether there should be a new city of Brookhaven in north central DeKalb.
B2
Vote 2012
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Do you support ending the current practice of unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators by imposing a $100 cap on such gifts?
Your Guide to the July 31 Primary Elections
These candidates are in contested races in the July 31 primaries and their names will be on the ballot. This information includes the office they are seeking, the salary, party affiliation (except in nonpartisan races) and occupation. Candidates who are running unopposed are not listed here. (D)= Democratic (L)= Libertarian (R)= Republican (I)= Incumbent
DeKalb Board of Education (Nonpartisan) Salary: $18,000 District 2 Population: 92,194 Registered voters: 63,761 Don McChesney (I), 65, Retired educator Marshall Orson, 52, Consultant/attorney District 4 Population: 92,163 Registered voters: 63,033 Tom Gilbert, 68, Sales associate Jim Kinney, 49, System’s engineer Jim McMahan, 46, Loan originator H. Paul Womack Jr. (I), 49, Chairman and CEO District 6 Population: 91,309 Registered voters: 69,989 Melvin Johnson, 68, Retired educator Denise E. McGill, 51, Business consultant Terriyln C. Rivers-Cannon, 43, School social worker Latasha Walker, 38, Personal assistant District 8 Population: 322,133 Registered voters: 206,807 Michelle “Mimi” Clark, 45, Operations manager Pamela Speaks (I), 61, Retired educator DeKalb Board of Commissioners Salary: $38,374.51 District 1 Population: 139,925 Registered voters: 46,091 Elaine Boyer (I), (R), 55, Business owner Larry Danese (R), 70, Retired District 4 Population: 138,186 Registered voters: 34,426 Steve Bradshaw (D), 49, Account manager Clyburn Halley (D), 48, Law enforcement Sharon Barnes Sutton (I), (D), 52, Educator District 5 Population:135,496 Registered voters: 90,034 Gina Mangham (D), 56, Attorney Lee May (I), (D), 36, Minister & author Kenneth L. Samuel (D), 55, Senior pastor Andre R. White (D), 47, Newspaper publisher District 6 Population: 322,133 Registered voters: 222,724 Kathie Gannon (I), (D), 63, Consultant/retired social worker Edmond Richardson (D), 31, Chief of staff DeKalb County CEO Salary: $116,749.57 Population:644,266 Registered voters: 453,970 Gregory Adams (D), 48, Clergyman Jerome Edmondson (D), 49, Entrepreneur Burrell Ellis (I), (D), 54, CEO Clerk of Superior Court Salary: $109,425.84 Population: 644,266 Registered voters: 453,970 John Q. Carter (D), 62, Retired Debra DeBerry (I), (D), 56, Clerk of court Oretha Brown-Johnson (D), 49, Retired Frank L. Swindle (D), 52, Courier/processor Cheryl D. Vortice (D), 48, Judicial case managerTax Commissioner
Tax Commissioner Salary: $109,425.84 Population:644,266 Registered voters: 453,570 Claudia G. Lawson (I), (D), 65, Tax commissioner
Melvin Allen Turks (D), 59, Senior pastor
State Court Judge (Nonpartisan) Salary: $116,749.57 Population: 644,266 Registered voters: 453,570 Division 6 to succeed Dax E. Lopez (I), 36, Judge Dionne McGee, 38, Attorney U.S. House of Representatives District 4 Salary: $174,000 Population:691,976 Registered voters: 240,438 Courtney L. Dillard Sr. (D), 49, Real estate developer/ minister Henry “Hank” Johnson Jr. (I), (D), 57, Attorney Lincoln Nunnally (D), 32, Consultant Greg Pallen (R), 43, President/CEO J. Chris Vaughn (R), 46, Minister District 5 Population: 691,976 Registered voters: 114,000 Michael Johnson (D), 43, Superior Court judge John Lewis (I), (D) 73, U.S. representative District 6 Population: 691,975 Registered voters: 99,132 Jeff Kazanow (D), 57, Business consultant Robert Montigel (D), 65, Small-business owner Georgia Senate Salary: $17,700 District 44 Population: 174,464 Registered voters: 37,544 Gail Buckner (D), 61, Communications marketing Gail Paulette Davenport (I), (D), 63, Realtor Marcus E. Davis (D), 39, Minister District 55 Population: 174,196 Registered voters: 54,760 Gloria Butler (I), (D), 70, Professional consultant Mark Williams (D), 42, Counselor Public Service Commissioner Salary: $116,452 Population: NA Registered voters: Chuck Eaton (I), (R), 43, Public Service commissioner Matt Reid (R), 56, Engineer Pam Davidson (R), 49, Energy consultant Stan Wise (R), 60 Public Service commissioner Georgia House Salary: $17,700 District 80 Population: 53,535 Registered voters: 22,722 Mike Jacobs (I), (R), 37, Attorney Sandy Murray (D), 65, Computer consulting & training District 81 Population: 53,590 Registered voters: 24,579 Chris Boedeker (R), 31, Attorney Carla Roberts (R), 50, Physician Scott Holcomb (I), (D), 39, Attorney District 90 Population: 53,620 Registered voters: 22,690 Scott Hughes (D), 31, Health care administration Pam S. Stephenson (I), (D), 54, Attorney District 92 Population: 54,205 Registered voters: 15,515 Tonya Anderson (D), 42, Consultant and pastor Doreen Carter (D), 49, Accountant Kathy L. Harvey (D), 55, Minister/counselor and consultant Sherri Len Washington (D), 42, Attorney Doreen Williams (D), 61, Educator District 93 Population: 54,333 Registered voters: 11,126 Christine “Tina” Hoffer (R), 56, Registered nurse Dexter Dawston (D), 40, Truck driver Dar’shun N. Kendrick (I), (D), 29, Attorney Glen Williams (D), 44, Small-business owner
If your voters live in DeKalb, your ad should be here!
District 94 Population: 53,570 Registered voters: 19,786 Karen Bennett (D), 56, Small-business owner Patricia Bourdeau (D), 38, Teacher Tony Lentini (D), 47, Field collector Jaye Lynn Peabody (D), 39, Nonprofit executive director and counselor Superior Court Judge, Stone Mountain Circuit (Flake) Salary: $120,552 Population: 644,266 Registered voters: 453,970 Gail C. Flake (I), 67, Superior Court judge Michael Rothenberg, 34, Attorney Special Election Referendum 1: Atlanta Regional District T-SPLOST Vote Yes or No Provides for local transportation projects to create jobs and reduce traffic congestion with citizen oversight. Question: “Shall DeKalb County’s transportation system and the transportation network in this region and the state be improved by providing for a 1 percent special district transportation sales and use tax for the purpose of transportation projects and programs for a period of ten years?
Non-binding Advisory Referendum Vote Yes or No “Should the local or independent school system of DeKalb County or a charter school in DeKalb County place or operate a telecommunications tower on any elementary, middle, or high school property?” City of Brookhaven Incorporation Vote Yes or No
“Shall the Act incorporating the City of Brookhaven in DeKalb County according to the charter contained in the Act and the homestead exemptions described in the Act be approved?”
Democratic Questions Vote Yes or No
n Should the Georgia Constitution be amended to allow the state to override locally-elected school boards’ decisions when it comes to the creation of charter schools in your county or city? n Do you support ending current practice permitting unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators? n Should Georgia adopt an income tax credit for home energy costs to support the economic security of our families? n Should Georgia reduce sales taxes on Made in Georgia products so as to support the growth of small businesses in our state?
Republican Questions Vote Yes or No
n Should Georgia have casino gambling with funds going to education? n Do you support ending the current practice of unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators by imposing a $100 cap on such gifts? n Should active duty military personnel who are under the age of 21 be allowed to obtain a Georgia weapons license? n Should Citizens who wish to vote in a primary election be required to register by their political party affiliation at least thirty (30) days prior to such primary election? n Should the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the paramount right to life is vested in each innocent human being from his or her earliest biological beginning without regard to age, race, sex, health, function, or condition of dependency? Sources: DeKalb County Board of Elections and the Georgia Secretary of State, Georgia Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office.
Call 404-2841888 for Rates & Information
June 30, 2012
Vote 2012
B3
CrossRoadsNews
Because of a number of precinct changes since the 2010 elections, it is important for voters to check their voting location before July 31.
Early voting period helps alleviate long lines on election day By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb voters can start heading to the polls on July 9 to cast ballots in the July 31 primary elections and special elections. Also on the ballot are the controversial penny sales tax for transportation – TSPLOST – and a referendum on the DeKalb School Board allowing cell phone towers on school property. The early polls – now limited by Georgia law to the three weeks before election week – open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays through July 27. Voters also will be able to cast ballots on Saturday, July 14 and 21, but only at the DeKalb Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. The early polls will close the Saturday and Monday before the July 31 elections. Additional voting precincts will open July 23 at Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur; Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur; New Bethel AME Church,
DeKalb voters can cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays at seven early voting precincts. Saturday voting will be available on July 14 and 21, but only at the Elections Office on Memorial Drive.
8350 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain; Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker; and Chamblee City Hall, 5468 Peachtree Road, Atlanta. When early voting closes, voters can only cast ballots at their assigned precincts.
Last week, registered voters began receiving their voter registration cards in the mail listing their precinct name and voting districts for Congress, the Georgia House and Senate, School Board, and referendums. DeKalb Elections Supervisor Maxine
Daniels said the cards are for information only. The deadline to correct address and name changes for the July 31 elections is July 2. Voters are not required to take the card to their polling stations. Voters also can locate their precinct and other information at www.dekalbvotes.com and at the My Voter Page at http://mvp.sos. state.ga.us/. Because of a number of precinct changes since the 2010 elections, Daniels said that it is important for voters to check their voting location before July 31. She said that a number of precincts changed because of school closures and because some churches no longer wanted to host precincts. To vote early or on election day, voters must have one of six acceptable forms of identification. They are Georgia drivers license, which can be expired; state or federal photo ID; a valid U.S. passport; valid governmental employee ID; U.S. military photo ID; or tribal photo ID.
July 2 is cutoff date for registering to vote on July 31 referendums, primaries The deadline to register to vote in the July 31 primary elections and referendums on a For more information: penny sales tax for transportation is July 2. Visit the DeKalb Elections Office DeKalb residents who want to weigh in at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, on the controversial Transportation Special Decatur, GA 30032, Monday-Friday, Purpose Local Option Sales Tax – T-SPLOST 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.dekalbvotes.com – and on cell towers on school properties as Phone: 404-298-4020 well as pick the next CEO, commissioners, School Board members, State Court judge, and state representatives and U.S. and state You have to be 18 years old to vote. senators must register by Monday to do it. You also can change your address and To register to vote, you must be a citi- name on the ballot if you recently got marzen of the United States, a legal resident of ried by the July 2 deadline. DeKalb County and at least 17 1/2 years old. If you are registering for the first time in
Georgia, and you register by mail, you are required to provide one of the following IDs: n Valid Georgia driver’s license n Valid photo ID card issued by any entity of the state of Georgia, any other state, or the United States n Valid U.S. passport n A government employee photo ID n Valid U.S. military ID card with photo n Valid tribal ID with photo n Current utility bill showing name and address n Valid government check or paycheck showing name and address*
n Valid government document showing
name and address Voter registration forms are available at http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/ or www. dekalbvotes.com or www.sos.ga.gov/mvp. Applicants can print, complete, sign and mail their registration to the Elections Office. If you’re registering for the first time in Georgia by mail, you must provide one approved identification in the same envelope with your application. Applications without IDs will delay your voting process the first time you go to the polls.
B4
Vote 2012
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
T-SPLOST comes out of the Transportation Investment Act of 2010, which won the support of a dozen of DeKalb’s delegation members.
Extra penny sales tax without rail a hard sell in South DeKalb By Donna Williams Lewis
One month from now, voters in DeKalb and across metro Atlanta will decide on the first regional referendum in more than 40 years. On July 31, they will say yea or nay to the T-SPLOST, the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. T-SPLOST is seeking to levy an additional penny in sales tax over the next 10 years for more than $8.5 billion in regional transportation improvements. The project list includes $556.8 million for projects entirely within DeKalb County. The county will share in another $1.3 billion worth of projects – including the $700 million Clifton Corridor Rail project from the Lindbergh Center to the Emory/CDC complex – that also will benefit the city of Atlanta and Fulton County. A long-awaited extension of MARTA rail along the I-20 East corridor is not on the project list – a factor that is killing TSPLOST’s chances among a number of south DeKalb residents.
Fairness and equity concerns State Rep. Rahn Mayo, who lives in Decatur, says that while T-SPLOST could be a “huge benefit” to the metro Atlanta region, he cannot accept it at the expense of the people he represents. “They have committed themselves for three decades and seen very little in return,” said Mayo, who represents House District 91. “I don’t believe we’ve been treated in an equitable manner in terms of our history of spending and investing in transportation.” State Sen. Emanuel Jones, who lives in Henry County, says he is voting for TSPLOST. “We recognize that it’s not perfect,” said Jones, who represents District 10. “But considering the environment we’re in, with the congestion and the lack of transportation dollars, to me this is a good approach to building the infrastructure we need in the Greater Atlanta area.”
“The beauty of this referendum is that the majority will rule. For the first time, we can ensure that there will be regional support of the MARTA rail system.”
“[South DeKalb voters] have committed themselves for three decades and seen very little in return. I don’t believe we’ve been treated in an equitable manner in terms of our history of spending and investing in transportation.”
Burrell Ellis, DeKalb CEO
State Rep. Rahn Mayo
How do elected officials plan to vote on T-SPLOST? See their answers on B6-B7.
For 40 years, DeKalb and Fulton counties and the city of Atlanta have collected a 1-cent sales tax for MARTA as the only governments that support the transit system. Through 2011, the two counties have contributed $7.5 billion to MARTA. If it passes, the penny for T-SPLOST would be added to the existing sales tax, increasing DeKalb’s sales tax from 7 cents to 8 cents on the dollar. Last week, the DeKalb School Board voted a 2012-2013 budget with a 1-mill increase that will cost DeKalb homeowners $27.50 more in taxes on a $100,000 home. The extra penny sales tax – on everything including food – without rail down I-20 to Lithonia is one of the major stumbling blocks for the referendum in DeKalb. Gina Mangham, a longtime Lithonia resident who is running for DeKalb Commission District 5, said she has to oppose the referendum on issues of fairness and equity. “The question is whether or not the entire package is equitable,” she said. “What assurance do we have that those jobs will come to our county. My understanding is that there will be state control, which will supersede MARTA. After all the investments we have made, we will have less control and less representation and no rail. I would like to see new legislation with local authority to choose projects.” Instead of rail, South DeKalb would get $225 million to build five “park-and-ride/ transit centers” billed as a precursor to heavy
rail between central Atlanta and the Mall at Stonecrest. The proposed stations would be at the Stonecrest mall, Fairington Road/Lithonia Industrial Boulevard, Wesley Chapel Road, Candler Road, and in East Atlanta. Funding is included for bus transit operations for at least 18 hours a day for the next 10 years. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson, who is presiding officer of the DeKalb Commission, is voting against T-SPLOST because of the lack of I-20 rail. He is rallying referendum opponents at www.rally4railnow.com. Lee May, the District 5 incumbent, said his support for the referendum was contingent on “fully funding” the first phase of I-20 rail from Indian Creek to the Wesley Chapel Road intersection. May said that would cost $560 million. “Today that has not been done, and none of the additional requests I’ve made were done,” he said. DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis calls the proposed I-20 bus stops “building blocks” that could leverage federal dollars to help pay for rail in South DeKalb. The cost of getting rail from Indian Creek to the Stonecrest mall has been estimated at $1.8 billion. “Rail systems are costly,” Ellis said this week. “Every one of them has federal money built into it. This is the down payment we need to extend MARTA rail further into South DeKalb.” But Jerome Edmondson, one of two opponents challenging Ellis for the CEO office in the July 31 primary, said I-20 rail would have been the best economic development driver for the South DeKalb community. “Ellis threw the African-American com-
munity under the bus,” said Edmondson, who opposes the T-SPLOST. “And if it were not for Larry [Johnson] and Lee [May], we would not even have the offer of bus rapid transit.”
Different playing field It was MARTA that brought metro counties to a regional vote in 1971. A referendum creating the transit system passed in Fulton and DeKalb counties while Clayton and Gwinnett counties soundly defeated it. The playing field is much different this time. T-SPLOST comes out of the Transportation Investment Act of 2010, which won the support of a dozen of DeKalb’s 25 House and Senate members. Some of those representatives and senators are now saying they will vote against the referendum spawned by the law. The TIA, which was approved in April 2010, created 12 transportation districts in Georgia that are led by “roundtables” of elected officials from within those districts. The metro Atlanta district comprises 10 counties – Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale. DeKalb was represented by Ellis and Decatur Mayor Bill Floyd. All 10 counties will vote on T-SPLOST, and unlike the 1971 MARTA referendum, if it passes, there’s no opting out for any city or county that doesn’t pass it. “The beauty of this referendum is that the majority will rule,” Ellis said. “For the first time, we can ensure that there will be reCONTINUED, page B5
NOW YOU CAN CHOOSE! Remember to Vote July 31st, 2012
Frank L. Swindle for DeKalb County Clerk of the Superior Court
It matters who sits on the bench!
VOTE JULY 31, 2012 www.dionnemcgee.com
RACK CARD.indd 1
Friends and Supporters: I am pleased and excited to announce to you that I intend to become the next Superior Court Clerk for DeKalb County. I am committed to providing the right leadership as we move the DeKalb Clerk’s office into the 21st Century. • 22 years of case management in DeKalb County Superior Court • DeKalb Business Owner and Employer • Longtime community activist in DeKalb County • Volunteer, Mentor, Facilitator for the children of DeKalb County, and devoted Father • Active member of various community-oriented organizations
EXPERIENCE • SERVICE • INTEGRITY 2/13/12 5:03 PM
Learn More. Visit My Website: www.electfrankswindle.com electfrankswindle2012 Paid for by Committee to Elect Frank Swindle Clerk, Superior Court of DeKalb County P.O. Box 3304, Decatur, GA 30030
When You Miss CrossRoadsNews, You Miss News You Can Use! Call 404-284-1888 for Subscription Rates & Information
June 30, 2012
Vote 2012
B5
CrossRoadsNews
Early voting for the regional transportation referendum and the Democratic and Republican primaries starts July 9.
Bridge replacement, corridor improvements among projects for south-central DeKalb Here’s a summary of the projects planned for south-central DeKalb County. For a complete list, visit metroatlantatransportationreferendum .com. TIA-M-028: Clifton Corridor Transit - Lindbergh Center to Emory University/ Centers for Disease Control – Funds rail transit service in the Clifton Corridor with five stations from Lindbergh Center to Emory University’s Clairmont campus. n Project length: 3.7 miles n Funding commitments: $700 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2020-2022 TIA-M-023: I-20 East Transit Corridor Improvements – Provides for park-and-ride/transit center infrastructure investment and bus transit operations along a route generally parallel to I-20 and connecting with the existing MARTA system either in downtown Atlanta or at the Indian Creek station. n Project length: N/A n Funding commitments: $225 million n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2022 TIA-DK-030: Hayden Quarry Road/ Sigman Road Extension from Turner Hill Road to I-20 East – New Alignment: Extends Sigman Road south of I-20 on a new alignment from the I-20 interchange (Exit 78) in Rockdale County to Hayden Quarry Road in DeKalb County. The four-
lane extension will provide an alternate route for access to the Stonecrest mall area. n Project length: 1.6 miles n Funding commitments: $27 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2016-2019
to widen Panola Road (see DK-043). n Project length: Not applicable n Funding commitments: $10.6 million in TIA funds plus a federal funding match for a total of $21.2 million. n Construction likely to occur: 2016-2019
and connectivity to existing and planned transit facilities. n Project length: 3.2 miles n Funding commitments: $5 million in TIA funds. n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015
TIA-DK-021: Clifton Road at CSX Railroad - Bridge Replacement and Associated Improvements to Haygood Road: Rebuilds and expands the bridge over CSX Railroad, adds sidewalks and bike lanes, and resurfaces and realigns Haygood Road. n Project length: 0.5 mile n Funding commitments: $25 million in TIA funds. n Construction likely to occur: 2016-2019
TIA-DK-048: Rockbridge Road from Memorial Drive to S.R. 124 (Rock Chapel Road) - Corridor Improvements: Turn lanes will be added at key intersections. Traffic signals will be upgraded. Sidewalks, bike lanes and enhanced pedestrian crossings are planned. Pedestrian facilities and bike lanes will tie into trail locations. n Project length: 9.6 miles n Funding commitments: $7.5 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015
TIA-DK-022: U.S. 278 (College Ave./N. Avondale Road) from Adair Street/Atlanta Ave. to N. Clarendon Ave. - Corridor Improvements: Provide a complete street that connects Decatur and Avondale Estates and may include bike lanes, sidewalks, enhanced crossings to transit and businesses, and infrastructure improvements. n Project length: 2.3 miles n Funding commitments: $5 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015
TIA-DK-043: Panola Road from Thompson Mill Road to U.S. 278 (Covington Highway) – Widens Panola Road from four to six lanes from Covington Highway to Thompson Mill Road. Other design elements include intersection improvements, bike lanes and pedestrian features. n Project length: 2.1 miles n Funding commitments: $15.1 million in TIA funds with proposed federal funding match for a total of $30.3 million. n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015 TIA-DK-055: I-20 East at Panola Road - Interchange Improvements: The interchange would be reconstructed within the same time frame as the separate project
TIA-DK-029: Glenwood Road from Candler Road to U.S. 278 (Covington Highway) - Corridor Improvements: Improve pedestrian access and safety and expand the streetscape project, possibly with raised medians, sidewalks, landscaping and lighting. n Project length: 4.1 miles n Funding commitments: $5 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015 TIA-DK-007: Decatur to Clifton Corridor: Redesign existing roads and intersections to create complete streets connecting Decatur residents and MARTA riders to the Clifton Corridor. Increases safety
TIA-DK-033: North Indian Creek Drive from Memorial Drive to Montreal Road - Corridor Improvements: Improve pedestrian access and safety on North Indian Creek Road, from Montreal Road in the city of Clarkston to Memorial Drive. Design elements may include sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic signal upgrades, turn lanes and enhanced pedestrian crossings. n Project length: 1.9 miles n Funding commitments: $5 million in TIA funds n Construction likely to occur: 2013-2015 – Source: Atlanta Regional Roundtable
A solution to ‘traffic nightmare,’ or fiscally irresponsible? FROM PAGE B4
gional support of the MARTA rail system.” But the law prohibits MARTA from using any funds from the sales tax on any of its system that existed before Jan. 1, 2011.
Voters and officials divided Some metro polls are showing voters almost evenly divided, and a CrossRoads News poll of DeKalb’s elected officials was no different. Of 28 legislators and county commissioners contacted over the past two weeks, 11 said they will vote for T-SPLOST, nine said they would vote against the tax, and four were undecided. State Rep. Simone Bell (District
58) called herself “neutral” on the topic. County Commissioner Elaine Boyer (District 1) said through her spokeswoman that it’s too soon for her to comment on T-SPLOST. Susan Laccetti Meyers said in a June 26 e-mail that Boyer will not comment on the referendum until July. Early voting for the referendum and the Democratic and Republican primaries starts July 9. State Reps. Stacey Abrams (District 84) and Dee Dawkins-Haigler (District 93) were the only two legislators who did not participate in the poll. They did not return a series of calls placed to them over two weeks. Groups such as MAVEN – Metro Atlanta Voter Education Network – and Untie At-
lanta, Citizens for Transportation Mobility, have promoted the referendum as a way to unsnarl traffic in metro Atlanta, create and maintain thousands of jobs, and strengthen the region’s economy. The DeKalb chapter of the NAACP has rallied against T-SPLOST over the rail issue. The Atlanta Tea Party calls it fiscally irresponsible, and the Georgia Sierra Club has come out against the referendum, saying it continues the current practice of favoring highway construction over commuting alternatives. A group called Transportation Leadership Coalition LLC has launched its own anti-T-SPLOST site at TrafficTruth.net. The coalition says the proposed rail projects will
not relieve traffic congestion and that the tax is not “temporary” because projects will cost much more than their allocated amounts. Fourth Congressional District Rep. Hank Johnson said he will vote for T-SPLOST. “I will vote yes because this 10-county solution, despite its obvious flaws, is the only thing that we can get out of Georgia’s Legislature at this time that will help untangle the region’s traffic nightmare,” Johnson said. “With matching funds from the federal government, the investment DeKalb County residents make in transit can pay off not just in the Emory University area, but also in South DeKalb, where we all want to see rail expansion from Indian Creek MARTA station to Stonecrest mall.
LET’S KEEP…CLAUDIA G. LAWSON DEKALB COUNTY TAX COMMISSIONER As your Tax Commissioner, I am committed to serving DeKalb residents with the highest quality of customer service and fairest collection practices available. My knowledge and experience earned from 30+ years of service, in all functions of the Tax Commissioner’s Office, allows me to use a practical approach in leading this office. By using a people-first strategy, I will continue to work with taxpayers of DeKalb County to ensure that my office remains the standard for tax collections in the state of Georgia. Thanks for your support! Claudia G Lawson DeKalb County Tax Commissioner A Tax Commissioner that is providing results for DeKalb County A leader in utilizing technology to enhance the services offered to DeKalb County citizens A dedicated DeKalb County public servant for 30+ years in the Tax Commissioner’s Office Georgia Association of Tax Officials – District 19 Past-Chair & current member (Metro Counties); Past-President & current Board Member Tax Commissioner Technology Development Council of Georgia; Member Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia President Rotary Club of South DeKalb 2012 – 2013; President Decatur Epicureans, National 2012-2013; Treasurer Decatur-DeKalb Drifters 2012-2013; Board Member Scottdale Child Development & Family Resource Center; Board Member A New Thing Ministry & others A devoted wife and mother residing in DeKalb County for over 30 years
PAID FOR BY FRIENDS OF CLAUDIA LAWSON
Name
B6
Vote 2012
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
“Nobody in the leadership is developing a plan for the Stonecrest area or for South DeKalb mall. The transportation SPLOST is a start.”
Elected officials run the gamut in positions on T-SPLOST The July 31 transportation referendum is the first regional vote DeKalb County will take since the 1971 vote to build the MARTA system. We asked 28 DeKalb elected officials how they will vote and their reasons for supporting or opposing the sales tax. Twenty-six of them responded. Only state Reps. Stacey Abrams (District 84) and Dee Dawkins-Haigler (District 93) did not respond to repeated telephone calls placed over the past two weeks.
DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis 3 Yes
3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “For the first time, we can ensure that there will be regional support of the MARTA rail system. This is an opportunity for us to expand a system that we’ve been investing in for 40 years. If DeKalb County takes $225 million to the table, we’re in the game. If we take zero, DeKalb’s not even on the scoreboard.”
COUNTY COMMISSION Elaine Boyer (District 1) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided 3 No comment Boyer said through a spokeswoman that she will not comment on T-SPLOST until July. However, she prides herself on having never voted for a tax increase since joining the Board of Commissioners in 1992. “I believe the citizens of this county do not elect us to go to Decatur to find creative ways to spend their money,” Boyer said in a statement when she qualified for re-election in May. Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews “Government is large enough.” Proponents say the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax will help alleviate traffic snarls throughout metro Atlanta.
Jeff Rader (District 2) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
3 No comment
“If T-SPLOST fails, the Legislature could decide to move decision-making on projects out of local officials’ hands and into legislators’ hands. Even if we reject the list that we have it doesn’t mean the next list will be any better. {Given the nature of the current legislative leadership} I don’t think that would bode well for transit.”
Larry Johnson (District 3) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
3 No comment
“Because it doesn’t have I-20. I’m for transit. I think it’s needed. We just have to go and get it right. … That [I-20] rail line would be a benefit for us economically, health-wise and community-wise.”
Sharon Barnes Sutton (District 4) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
3 No comment
“I’m not campaigning against it, but I will not vote for it. I support improved transportation in the area. Central and South DeKalb need that I-20 rail. It’s needed for economic development, community transportation, access to all the benefits of this referendum. I think it’s important for the entire region and it’s important enough to do it right. We just needed to do the right thing. South DeKalb shouldn’t be the only segment fighting for South DeKalb.”
Lee May (District 5) 3 Yes
3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment I am voting against the transportation sales tax because it doesn’t fairly invest funds in the southern part of our region that includes South DeKalb. It leaves out the most important project. I-20 is the most promised, the most studied and the most qualified to receive investment from this sales tax. We just can’t rely on federal funds to get this project done.”
Kathie Gannon (Super District 6) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
“I came from a ‘no,’ but I’m at a ‘yes.’ One of the biggest reasons is I’m a real transit advocate. I think it would be a terrible loss and shame to give up our 30-year investment in transit by not supporting this opportunity to continue transit growth.”
DeKalb Delegation to the General Assembly
3 No comment
House Stacey Abrams (District 84) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
3 No comment
Did not return repeated calls seeking comment. She voted against House Bill 277, the Transportation Investment Act of 2010, or TIA.
Stan Watson (Super District 7) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided 3 No comment “DeKalb is in dire need of economic Simone Bell (District 58) development. Nobody in the leadership 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment is developing a plan for the Stonecrest 3 Yes “I am neutral at this time. If constituarea or for South DeKalb mall. The ents see something they like, they should transportation SPLOST is a start. I don’t vote for it. I am not making recommendalike the rapid bus transit for I-20 but it’s tions on it. I voted against the transportaa start. DeKalb is due a check, but this is tion bill because it didn’t provide anything a start.” specific to the constituents I served at the time.” CONGRESS Hank Johnson (District 4) 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment Stephanie Stuckey Benfield (District 85) 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “Despite its obvious flaws, it is the only thing that we can get out of Georgia’s “I have serious reservations about Legislature at this time that will help unthe T-SPLOST. For one, it doesn’t fix the tangle the region’s traffic nightmare. With MARTA problem and I am concerned matching funds from the federal governabout the lack of full funding for the ment, the investment DeKalb County I-20 corridor. I also think the Georgia residents make in transit can pay off not Legislature should have shown some more just in the Emory University area, but leadership and simply passed a gas tax. … also in South DeKalb, where we all want We have one of the lowest gas taxes in the to see rail expansion from Indian Creek MARTA station to country. As some areas approve and othStonecrest mall.” ers don’t approve T-SPLOST, the state could end up with a ‘patchwork’ approach to its transportation problems.” John Lewis (District 5) Voted for the TIA in 2010. 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment Dee Dawkins-Haigler (District 93) “I have not really made up my mind. 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment I am biased toward transit. We need to lose our love affair with the automobile Did not return repeated calls seeking and put more of our resources in transit. comment. … For the most part, Fulton and DeKalb She voted against TIA in 2010. have been bearing the burden of MARTA. That is not fair. I am going to do my part to champion rail for I-20.”
June 30, 2012
Vote 2012
B7
CrossRoadsNews
“This is one of the biggest votes we are going to make and we turn it back to the people.”
Transit – or lack thereof – a factor in decisions for and against outstanding issues that are unanswered – control and governance, and MARTA. Why are we penalizing one system over the other? Why can the other transit systems spend their money on operations and maintenance but MARTA is being prohibited?” She voted against TIA in April 2010.
“Coach” Williams (District 89) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided 3 No comment “I voted ‘no’ at the Capitol because the speaker of the House and the chairman of the Transportation Committee didn’t give us a chance to speak on the bill or even make comments. I don’t feel that the people in South DeKalb will be given their fair share of revenues. They deserve more.”
SENATE Gloria Butler (District 55) 3 Yes
Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews
Opponents say the transportation plan doesn’t include enough transit, including MARTA rail linking the Indian Creek station to I-20.
3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided 3 No comment “I support transportation and the transportation reform and I see the importance of what we did in putting it on the ballot to allow citizens to vote for it. I am concerned over the project list and the cost of the referendum for my constituents. I think Fulton and DeKalb are being shortchanged by having to pay more than the rest of the counties for
transportation.” She voted for the TIA in 2010.
Michele Henson (District 87) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
3 No comment
“We need a regional transportation network. What we are getting is a heavily politicized patchwork of projects. The sales tax is a very regressive tax, which puts the burden on those who can least afford it. South DeKalb is disserved in all of this. The Clifton Corridor is going to serve the CDC and Emory, which are both tax-exempt institutions. People need to look at it.” She voted for the TIA in 2010.
Dar’shun Kendrick (District 94) 3 Yes
3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “I am not advocating for T-SPLOST but I will vote for it. After education, transportation is the second reason people don’t want to locate here. It’s far from perfect, but my fear is that if we don’t pass it, then we’ll lose contracts … to other Southern states.” She wasn’t in the Legislature when TIA was approved in April 2010.
Rahn Mayo (District 91) 3 Yes
3 No
3 Undecided
“I believe a ‘no’ vote is the only way to compel the majority party and leaders in the state who are in favor of this transportation tax to come back to the table and structure a more equitable and favorable project list and governance structure. I believe if this doesn’t pass in July, the General Assembly will immediately get to work on another transportation bill
3 No comment
3 Undecided
3 No comment
“I’m going to vote for it although I voted against it during the session. A lot of people in South DeKalb have told me they don’t want it. In DeKalb we have been paying a penny for over 30 years for transportation and a penny for Grady and then we are being asked to pay another penny. But if you don’t do something, then the alternative is nothing. Something has to be done about the tied-up traffic.” She voted against TIA in April 2010.
Jason Carter (District 42) 3 Yes
Karla Drenner (District 86)
3 No
3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “I support the T-SPLOST. I think it to create a law that will allow us to duplicate this effort and is critically important for our region’s make it even better.” economy and for creating jobs. Not to He voted against the TIA in April 2010. support it is to take a step backward for our economy and our community. It’s Billy Mitchell (District 88) not perfect, but we absolutely don’t have 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment a choice as Atlantans. In the current environment, I don’t think we are going to “I have some severe concerns about do better for DeKalb.” DeKalb being asked to pay another penny He was not yet a senator when the TIA passed in 2010. without knowing what projects will get priority if the money doesn’t come in as Steve Henson (District 41) planned. I want to know who is going to get the contracts, who is going to do 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment the work, and who is going to make the “I am not out there advocating for decisions. Will the people in my comT-SPLOST, but I will vote for it. I didn’t munity benefit? Until these questions are think we needed 12 regional councils. I answered, I don’t see how they can ask DeKalb to support would have preferred a different method this.” for paying for transportation improveHe voted for the TIA in April 2010. ments, but it’s the only game in town, so I’m going to vote for it.” Howard Mosby (District 90) He voted against the TIA in April President of the DeKalb Delegation 2010. 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “I don’t know yet how I will vote. We Emanuel Jones (District 10) need answers on the governance issue. 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment What will happen if we don’t raise all “We recognize that it’s not perfect. the money? How will the projects be priBut considering the environment we’re oritized? Where is DeKalb in all of that? in, with the congestion and the lack of Who is going to get the jobs? Who will be transportation dollars, to me this is a good awarded those contracts? How can memapproach to building the infrastructure bers of this community get contracts? we need in the Greater Atlanta area. Keep “This is one of the biggest votes we are in mind that this is not a permanent tax. going to make and we turn it back to the people. We should It’s a short-term tax that I think will yield have just made the decision. As policy-makers we need to long-term results.” make the decision, not turn it back to the people.” Jones voted for the TIA in April 2010. He voted against the TIA in April 2010. Ronald Ramsey (District 43) Mary Margaret Oliver (District 83) 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment “If we vote for this, we will not have “DeKalb is getting over a billion dolrail and citizens along the I-20 corridor lars, so I think we should vote for it for our will receive double taxation without [rail] own county’s interest. Georgia is the only transportation. I think we need to vote it state that does not provide any general down and force the issue back to the table revenue for public transportation. We’re so that we can craft a viable transportafalling behind other states. We have to tion plan that not only serves its intent step forward.” on a regional basis but that attracts the She voted for TIA in April 2010. kind of industry and growth that was the reason I voted for the transportation plan.” Pam Stephenson (District 92) He voted against the TIA in April 2010. 3 Yes 3 No 3 Undecided 3 No comment – Compiled by Donna Williams Lewis “If I had to vote today, I would vote no. Unless we and Jennifer Ffrench Parker get some clarity, I cannot support it. There are too many
B8
Vote 2012
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
“People who voted in 2008 are not even in inactive status. It takes eight years to purge somebody from the files for inactivity.”
Voters won’t be purged from rolls in 2012 By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
“If the voter returns the card confirming the information, the registration status remains active. If the voter neither returns the card nor updates the registration information, his/her status is changed to inactive in the system.”
is completely false. She said that voters who have not had any activity (voted, changed addresses, sent in a duplicate registration, signed a petition) for the preceding three calendar years are sent a notice to confirm that they are still qualified
Voters are not being dumped from the voter rolls for any of the 2012 elections. That’s the word from DeKalb Elections Supervisor Maxine Daniels. Daniels said that a mass eMaxine Daniels, DeKalb Elections supervisor mail that has been circulating about purging the voter rolls is wrong and is not based on the law. registrants at the address. “There is a lot of misconceptions about purging the voter “If the voter returns the card confirming the information, list,” she told members of the DeKalb League of Women Vot- the registration status remains active,” she said. ers at the June 13 monthly meeting. “If the voter neither returns the card nor updates the Daniels said her office has received a lot of telephone calls registration information, his/her status is changed to inacsaying that voters who haven’t voted since 2008 have been tive in the system. An inactive voter still can vote in the same purged from the list. manner as active voters and upon voting, the status will be “That is not correct,” she said. restored to active.” Of DeKalb’s 453,570 registered voters, 57,600 of them Daniels said that electors who last voted in 2008 are still were listed as inactive, meaning that they have not voted in on the active voting list that was 395,970 as of June 4. eight years – or in two consecutive general elections. “Voters who were moved to inactive status would have Daniels said that those voters can become “active” again not voted since 2007,” she said. by participating in one election. “In short, it takes eight years of inactivity for a voter to be In Georgia, the voter list is purged in odd years, and purged from the system. Anyone who voted in 2008 would Daniels said the list was last purged in 2011 of people who not have been in inactive status and, thus, not eligible for had been inactive since 2003. removal in 2011. Those voters who were removed in 2011 “A voter who has not done anything, not voted, not had not had activity since 2003.” signed a petition, not done anything in more than four years Among those purged in 2011 were deceased voters and goes on an inactive status,” she said. felons. “Nobody is being purged in 2012,” she said. “People who For new registrations, Daniels said citizenship verificavoted in 2008 are not even in inactive status. It takes eight tion is now required in Georgia and that records are checked years to purge somebody from the files for inactivity.” overnight against the Division of Driver Services database. In a statement posted on the DeKalb Elections Web site, If verification fails, applicants are notified and have 30 Daniels said that there has been no change in Georgia’s elec- days to provide various documents – birth certificates, U.S. tion codes and that the statement that voters who have not passport, naturalization certificates and the like – to prove voted since November 2008 must re-register to vote this year citizenship.
If you’re not going to vote, keep your opinions to yourself!
Early voting starts on July 9
Poll more accessible for seniors, disabled DeKalb’s elderly and disabled voters who need a bit more room to maneuver will have the state’s first and only ADA Accessible-Only Absentee Poll in Georgia when early voting starts on July 9. The DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections said that even though all the county’s polling precincts are fully accessible as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act, it will provide extra room to accommodate seniors and disabled voters at its 4380 Memorial Drive location. Voters can cast early ballots there on weekdays through July 27 and on Saturday July 14 and 21. The polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The ADA Accessible poll will be located in the room usually reserved for absentee voting but will be populated with fewer voting stations to offer more room for voters using wheelchairs and walkers. The room, which usually holds more than 30 voting stations, will have about 20. Maxine Daniels, the county’s elections supervisor, said there will be better access to stations and some of them will be accessible from a seated position. There also will be better wheelchair access to the units on tables. More units will have audio ballots for sightimpaired voters. The voters will get help checking in from volunteers from the Stone Mountain and Decatur alumnae chapters of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Additional handicapped parking close to the building entrance also will be provided. Appointments are available for groups needing assistance by calling 404-298-4020. Georgia’s Election Code requires voters with disabilities and seniors 75 years and older to be given priority placement at the next available voting unit between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Daniels said the new provisions will allow the office to exceed the legal mandates and reduce delay for other voters who will vote in a separate room. For information about additional early voting sites and times, visit http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/.
I am proud to serve as YOUR DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court and to have served as your Chief Deputy Clerk for over eight years. It is my goal to continue providing exceptional service because the citizens of DeKalb County deserve the very best. I need your support on July 31st! A vote for Debra DeBerry is a vote for the Citizens of DeKalb County. Honesty, Integrity and Experience Really Does Matter!!!
Vote July 31st! Visit my website at www.DebraDeBerryforClerk.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Debra DeBerry
B9
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Vote 2012
“The towers have nothing to do with education, and are not needed for wireless inside the school house.”
Cell tower vote to be on July 31 ballot Candidate, T-SPLOST By Jennifer Ffrench Parker
DeKalb parents and other residents who have been fighting the DeKalb School Board’s decision to locate cell phone towers on school properties will get to vote on a referendum on the towers on the July 31 ballot. The non-binding advisory referendum won’t change the reality for thousands of children who will be attending the nine schools already leased to T-Mobile, but it could signal community sentiment to board members. Residents can vote yes or no to the question: “Should the local or independent school system of DeKalb County or a charter school in DeKalb County place or operate a telecommunications tower on any elementary, middle, or high school property?” Cheryl Miller, a Briarlake Elementary parent and member of GETtheCELLoutATL.org, and said the referendum’s wording is so vague and misleading she fears voters won’t know its about the same cell phone towers they have been opposing. “We are afraid the general public will not understand that the cell towers we have been so opposed to for so long are actually the same thing as the ‘telecommunications towers’ they are being asked about on the ballot,” she said.“The wording sounds like the tower will be ‘placed or operated’ by the school system for some sort of educational purpose, which is not correct. The towers have nothing to do with education, and are not needed for wireless inside the school house.” Miller said parents opposed to the cell towers at schools will want to make sure everyone knows to vote “no” to the question. The referendum was created by House Bill 1299, sponsored by state Reps. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), Michele Henson (D-Stone Mountain), Rahn Mayo (D-Decatur) and other DeKalb legislators. Drenner, a six-term representative and a radiation physicist, embraced the referendum after House Bill 1197 which she sponsored to ban towers from other school grounds failed. State legislators have been seeking ways to prevent the location of more cell towers on DeKalb Schools property
after a July 12, 2011, vote by the DeKalb School Board to allow T-Mobile to locate 150-foot high towers on nine school properties for up to 30 years. Most of those schools are in south DeKalb County. The schools are Flat Rock and Princeton elementary and MLK Jr. High in Lithonia; Briarlake and Narvie J. Harris elementary in Decatur; Smoke Rise Elementary in Stone Mountain; Jolly Elementary in Clarkston; and Lakeside High and Margaret Harris Comprehensive School in Atlanta. School Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson signed the 30-year leases with T-Mobile on Dec. 8. Over the life of the lease, T-Mobile will pay the school district just over $2.3 million in rent. District spokesman Walter Woods said this week that the construction of the first cell tower is expected to begin in August. “All sites are in some phase of design,” he said. Drenner, a six-term representative and a radiation physicist, said she thinks the cell towers are a short, money grab by the school board. “We’re trading short term money for long term health reasons,” she said. Drenner has been fighting cell towers on school property because of Karla Drenner possible health effects associated with radio frequency radiation and magnetic field. She said that there are no longitudinal health study on the effects of cell towers on students,. “I would ask parents do you want your child to be a case study,” she said. Sen. Jason Carter (D-Decatur), whose bill requiring state and local governments to hold public hearings before leasing public property to private organizations for non-governmental and commercial reasons failed, said if the nonbinding refereundum succeeds, it will be valuable. “It will put pressure on the school board to create a policy that is in line with what the people want,” he said.
Re-Elect
LEE MAY DeKalb County Commissioner, District 5
VOTE JULY 31 Lee May is Putting DeKalb 1st Putting your Pockets 1st Putting your Safety 1st Putting Jobs 1st Putting our Transit 1st
WWW.LEEMAY.INFO
ST
forums at DeKalb sites DeKalb voters can hear from candidates and supporters and opponents of the transportation referendum at a number of upcoming forums.
First Afrikan Presbyterian DeKalb residents concerned about paying an extra penny in sales tax if the July 31 transportation referendum succeeds can get some of their questions answered at a July 2 T-SPLOST forum at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church in Lithonia. The forum on the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax is hosted by Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment, or ABLE. It takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. The church is at 5197 Salem Road in Lithonia. For more information, call James Marble at 770-680-5622. Georgia Piedmont Technical College center Candidates for DeKalb CEO and the DeKalb Board of Commissioners will be at a July 12 forum at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center. The 11 candidates seeking the districts 1, 4, 5 and 6 seats and the three seeking the CEO position have been invited. The candidate forum and meet-and-greet will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. It is co-hosted by the DeKalb Chamber, Leadership DeKalb, the League of Women Voters and a number of other groups. The conference center is at 495 N. Indian Creek Road in Clarkston. For more information, call 404-378-8000. Ray of Hope Church Candidates for DeKalb CEO, County Commission, School Board, State Court bench and Clerk of Superior Court will take questions from the community at a July 17 candidate forum and meet-and-greet. The event is co-hosted by CrossRoadsNews and Ray of Hope Church in Decatur. All candidates for the July 31 primary elections are invited to attend. The 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. forum will take place in the church’s chapel at 2778 Snapfinger Road. For more information, call Jennifer Parker at 404-284-1888.
B10
CrossRoadsNews
Vote 2012
“We want to remind voters that they should’ve gotten new precinct cards. As a result of redistricting … many locations have changed.” Sarah Shalf (from far left), Harold Franklin and Helen Butler of the nonpartisan Election Protection coalition offer voter tips on June 26 at the State Capitol.
Polling place changes affect many voters Thousands of DeKalb voters will be casting ballots in different precincts on July 31 because of school closings, construction and other changes. The changes implemented since the 2010 election cycle affect residents who used to vote at Atherton, Glenhaven and Gresham Park Elementary and at Avondale Middle schools. Voters at Rehoboth precinct also have been relocated. Below are the changes that became effective last August. n Atherton Elementary precinct has been changed to Glenwood Road, which is located at First Rephidim Missionary Baptist Church, 4649 Glenwood Road in Decatur. n Avondale Middle changed to the Covington precinct at Avondale Pattillo United Methodist Church, 3260 Covington Highway in Decatur. n Glenhaven Elementary changed to Austin Drive precinct at Peace Baptist Church, 1399 Austin Drive in Decatur. n Gresham Park Elementary changed to Gresham Road precinct at First Baptist Church Gresham Road Inc., 2394 Gresham Road in Atlanta. n Rehoboth precinct moved from William Bradley Bryant Center for Technology to Rehoboth Presbyterian Church, 2729 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur. The DeKalb Board of Registration & Elections says precinct cards have been mailed to all affected voters. To confirm your voting place, visit www .dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.
June 30, 2012
Coalition seeks to head off election day voter issues By Carla Parker
If problems arise on election day, voters can get expert legal help to understand their rights from the nonpartisan Election Protection, a coalition of state and national allies seeking to eliminate election day disenfranchisement. The program, operated by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, has been in existence since 2004. It moni-
PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT STEVE BRADSHAW
tors elections in Georgia to help ensure that everyone entitled to vote is able to do so without any problems. At a June 26 news conference at the State Capitol, the group said that every election, thousands of voters call its protection hotline at 1-866-OUR-VOTE seeking solutions to problems that they encounter. This year, the group says it’s offering early tips to ensure that Georgians’ vote counts in 2012. Sarah Shalf, chair of the Georgia Legal Coordinating Committee for Election Protection, said the most important thing voters can do before election day is check their registration. She said voter registration is the top problem the group encounters from hotline callers. “They discovered that they weren’t properly registered, but it’s already election day and it’s too late for them to resolve that issue,” she said. Election Protection assists all voters, regardless of party affiliation or status, but it particularly targets historically disenfranchised communities, including Hispanic, African-American and low-income areas, with key information and advice.
Key information includes the importance of being correctly registered, knowing what’s at stake in the July election, being aware of advance voting, having valid photo identification, and double-checking your ballot before pressing “cast ballot.” The group will be on the job on July 31 for the Georgia primaries and special elections for the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax and operations of cell phone towers on school properties. Shalf said the group will answer calls on the hotline locally and in Washington. “We’ll be able to solve your problems on election day,” she said. Helen Butler, executive director of the Coalition for People’s Agenda, said it is also important for voters to know where their precinct is located. “We want to remind voters that they should’ve gotten new precinct cards,” she said. “As a result of the redistricting process, many of your precinct locations have changed. So we want them to be able to know exactly where their precinct is.” To find out if you are registered and your precinct, visit www.sos.ga.gov/mvp. For more information, visit www.866ourvote.org.
June 30, 2012
Vote 2012
B11
CrossRoadsNews
The grass-roots volunteers behind www.brookhavenyes.org battle Ellis on every county press release in a number-slinging war.
Brookhaven will become a city if residents OK referendum Advocates say residents of a new city would pay fewer taxes for better services, while foes counter that the city would add a costly new layer of government.
By Donna Williams Lewis
DeKalb County will get a new city of Brookhaven if voters there approve the city on July 31. If the measure passes, Brookhaven will officially become a 12-square-mile city of about 49,000 effective this December. It would be DeKalb’s largest city. Advocates say the residents of a new city between Buckhead and Chamblee would pay fewer taxes for better services, but opponents say the city would add another layer of government that would end up costing residents more than they currently think. No one except those within the proposed city limits has a say in whether it is created. DeKalb officials estimate that the county would lose $23 million annually if Brookhaven becomes a city. CEO Burrell Ellis said he had two words for the proposed city: “Peachtree Corners.” Peachtree Corners, the sixth new city created in metro Atlanta since 2005, recently presented its first proposed city budget of nearly $3 million, more than three times larger than what residents were told to expect when incorporation was on the table. House Bill 636, which passed last March, authorized the referendum on a city of Brookhaven. State Rep. Mike Jacobs (RAtlanta), who also helped spearhead the city of Dunwoody, was one of the architects of the new city in the Legislature. He was joined by Rep. Tom Taylor (R-Dunwoody) and state Sen. Fran Millar (R-Chamblee/Doraville). The march to cityhood has pitted neighbor against neighbor and city advocates against the county CEO. The grass-roots volunteers behind www. brookhavenyes.org battle Ellis on every county press release in a number-slinging
war over how much revenue the city will cost and how much it could cost to run it. Jacobs says that property taxes would be lower. Supporters cite research by the Carl Vinson Institute at the University of Georgia that showed the city would be viable. Between the 2008 incorporation of Dunwoody as a city, the proposed expansion of Chamblee, and the possibility of a new city of Brookhaven, DeKalb is beginning to deal with the prospects of reduced revenues to maintain its current size. To recover the lost tax revenue, the county could raise the property millage rate, currently at 21.21 mills, to between 23.19 mills and 23.63 mills. That would mean increasing the property tax by 9.3 percent to 11.4 percent, depending on the size of the tax digest, which declined 9 percent this year because of the impact of foreclosed properties. On April 19, Ellis ordered 21 department heads to stop filling vacant positions and to trim spending by 2 percent to 5 percent between now and 2013. His directive applies only to 390 of the 656 vacant positions that
are tax-funded and report to him. He told department heads the Brookhaven and Chamblee efforts to annex unincorporated areas could have substantial impact on the 2012 and 2013 budgets. Ellis also believes cityhood would be more costly for Brookhaven residents. “It will cost more to operate their city than they project. They’ll have higher taxes and they will cut out revenue for the people who don’t have a vote,” Ellis said this week. “We’re not anti-city, but we do believe that the Georgia law that allowed for the creation of cities is bad public policy,” Ellis said. “People outside the boundaries don’t have a say, and that’s fundamentally unfair.” The proposed city is bounded by the Fulton County line to the west, city of Dunwoody to the north, city of Chamblee to the east, and a portion of I-85 to the south. Annexations approved by the General Assembly in March are under way for not only for Chamblee, but also for Doraville, Decatur and Avondale Estates. On March 27, the governor signed into
Resources on the Web: n brookhavenyes.org n nocitybrookhaven.com n ashfordneighbors.org law HB 1006 that calls for a November referendum to approve a Chamblee annexation that would add the southern half of PDK Airport to the city, which already contains the other half. The annexation also would extend the city’s border southeast along Clairmont Road to I-85. It has been estimated that DeKalb will lose $2 million to $3 million in tax revenues from this annexation. This would be the second large annexation for Chamblee in two years. In 2010, voters approved annexation of the Huntley Hills area that added about 6,000 people and about 1.5 square miles on Jan. 1, 2011. Chamblee, which has about 16,000 residents now, will add about 11,300 residents and about 2.5 square miles if the referendum passes in November. Some of the area to be annexed was originally included in the proposed boundaries for Brookhaven. Decatur resident Elrado Ramsay, a financial analyst and frequent commentator on community issues, blames county leaders for its population exodus. In a May 10 letter to CrossRoadsNews, he wrote: “DeKalb County got slack and lazy. Its politicians became presumptuous. It had too many political and financial scandals. It took no opportunity to define a strategy that could improve the lives of all its people. … As long as DeKalb County continues to be second-rate in its capacity to show all its citizens the way to prosperity, and is not a place of high performance leadership and initiatives, more enclaves are going to peel off to do their own thing.”
COMPETENT, PROFESSIONAL AND CREDIBLE LEADERSHIP
JOHN Q. CARTER Clerk of Superior Court of DeKalb County
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
· Juris Doctorate, University of California at Davis, California · Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, San Diego State University, CA · 22 year resident of DeKalb County · Successful business owner, McDonald’s Franchisee · John Carter Enterprises, Arbitrator and Mediator · Superior Court Clerk of Fulton County, Deputy Clerk · Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Contracts Administration · Gulf Coast Legal Foundation, Staff Attorney (Representation of indigent clients) · Husband of Linda Carter, former Superior Clerk of DeKalb County, 2000-2010 · Volunteer of Habitat for Humanity
www.hankforcongress.com • xxx-xxx-xxxx
P.O. Box 36130 Decatur, GA 30036-1300
B12
CrossRoadsNews
June 30, 2012
Join Us in Supporting Judge Dax Lopez
Roy Barnes, Former Governor
Sherry Boston, DeKalb County Solicitor General
Robert James, DeKalb County District Attorney
Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, State Representative
REMEMBER TO VOTE JULY 31 - JUDGE DAX LOPEZ www.DaxForDeKalb.com
lopez-ad 1
6/25/12 8:19 P