FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 28
STONECREST
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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018
Published Since April 1995
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
Building A WorldClass City See Inside
Barnes-Sutton wins suit against DeKalb’s Ethics Board CEO Thurmond says DeKalb will abide by Georgia Supreme Court’s decision
ruling could have a sweeping impact on other governmental boards throughout Georgia. ormer DeKalb County “The process used to appoint Commissioner Sharon members to the ethics board was Barnes-Sutton has won her illegal. The ruling means that you lawsuit challenging the process for cannot let governmental entities appointing members to DeKalb be run by private organizations,” County’s Board of Ethics. The Thomas said. “The decision is Supreme Court of Georgia stated in going to apply to not only boards a unanimous decision (9-0) that the of ethics but any governmental delegation of power to four private body that exercises power. They’re organizations to make appointments not going to be able to get some to DeKalb’s seven-member Board private groups of citizens to make of Ethics is unconstitutional. appointments to regulate people.” “As these private entities do not DeKalb CEO Michael answer to the people as required Thurmond said in a statement by our Constitution, they are not issued Aug. 29 that DeKalb will authorized to wield the power abide by the court’s ruling. to appoint public officials to the Said Thurmond: “The Supreme DeKalb County Board of Ethics,” Court of Georgia has spoken. Presiding Justice Harold D. Melton DeKalb County Government wrote in the ruling. will abide by the court’s ruling Attorney Dwight Thomas, who or further court order and work represented Barnes-Sutton, praised expeditiously with the Board of the decision, saying the high court’s Commissioners to create a legally By Valerie J. Morgan
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Pictured left to right: Attorney Dwight Thomas, former DeKalb Commissioner Sharon Barnes-Sutton and Community Activist Amos King. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan
constituted ethics board that is fully accountable to the people of DeKalb County. In the interim, my administration will remain committed to ensuring that the county demonstrates the highest
level of professionalism, integrity and ethical standards.” Despite her victory in court, Barnes-Sutton, who lost her re-
SEE ETHICS page 9
State Farm pays $175M for Atlanta arena naming rights What’s in a name? A lot, if you’re willing to pay for it. Philips Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, will now be known as State Farm Arena. In a recent announcement the insurance company agreed to a 20-year naming rights deal with the Judge J.P. Boulee Hawks for $175 million. “This decision symbolizes our Photo via Atlanta Hawks pledge to making a difference in communities, building our brand to Hawks press releases, the venue will also be the first NBA venue to locally and nationally, and ultimately overhaul will feature the third-largest offer fan-friendly food pricing with growing State Farm,” said State Farm center-hung scoreboard in the NBA 12 popular food and beverage items Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and most immersive video experience, priced at $5 or less. Michael Tipsord in a release. “The new sightlines with 360-degree Philips Arena opened in 1999, Atlanta Hawks Basketball Club concourses and new seating and first- replacing the Omni Coliseum, at a is well known for giving back in of-its-kind in-venue entertainment cost of $213 million. resident Donald Trump this community. Along with our options with Topgolf Swing Suites, Fans will get their first has announced his plans to Neighborhood of Good initiative, the company’s first permanent opportunity to enter the new State nominate DeKalb County we’ll have new opportunities to invest amenity in a major sports arena, Farm Arena on Saturday, Oct. 20, with Superior Court Judge J.P. in the local community.” Killer Mike’s SWAG Shop (a 4-chair the “Welcome to the Neighborhood” Boulee to fill a vacancy on the U.S. State Farm Arena will be ready for barbershop overlooking the court) and Open House Party, a free, public event District Court for the Northern District action upon completion of a $192.5 the signature Hawks Bar, the NBA’s inviting fans to experience the new of Georgia in Atlanta. first courtside bar. State Farm Arena venue. Trump made the announcement on million-dollar renovation. According Aug. 27. Boulee has received praise for the nomination to the lifetime appointment from colleagues and The Judicial Council along with the award, stated conducted the study. others in the community who say he of Georgia Standing “Ideally, clearance rates “This level of is compassionate, fair and a man of Committee on Judicial of 100 percent or more prestigious achievement integrity. Workload Assessment indicate a court is keeping is the result of a lot of Both of Georgia’s Republican presented the Rockdale up with its incoming teamwork, dedication to senators, Johnny Isakson and David County Magistrate Court caseload. Over the past justice and best use of Perdue, have applauded Boulee’s with a 2018 Judicial three years, your court very limited resources,” nomination. If confirmed by the U.S. Clearance Rate Excellence has exhibited an effective Aten acknowledged. Senate, Boulee would replace Bill Award after the completion case flow management “These types of objective Duffey, who retired as a federal judge of a three-year clearance system that resulted in performance measures offer on July 1. Rockdale Chief Magistrate rate study of all Georgia achieving the clearance invaluable information “There is no better judge in Judge Phinia Aten courts from 2015 through rate goal. Your exceptional to our citizens and assist DeKalb. He is a people’s judge. He Courts, with a clearance 2017. performance and best the Court in making cares about the people. Judge Boulee rate of 107.1 percent of its Only the top 10 courtroom practices are further improvements. I is always out in the community, caseload. The Council’s percentile of courts from essential elements to the am most grateful for the attending various meetings,” said Administrative Office of each class were recipients success of our judicial talented and hardworking Ceasar Gaiters, a South DeKalb the Courts’ congratulatory of the award. Rockdale’s system.” Magistrate Court team businessman who honored Judge letter, Chief Magistrate The Council’s Office of that helped us reach this Boulee with a 2018 Trailblazer Award Magistrate Court ranked Judge Phinia Aten received Research and Data Analysis accomplishment.” fifth out of 159 Magistrate
Trump nominates DeKalb Judge J.P. Boulee to federal court
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Rockdale Magistrate Court honored for excellence in caseload management
SEE JUDGE page 3
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DeKalb Police seek help in locating murder suspect The DeKalb County Police Department is requesting assistance in locating a suspect wanted for felony murder and aggravated assault. The suspect has been identified as 46-year-old Van Johnson. He is 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs and 235 lbs. Johnson may have sustained injuries during this incident and may be seeking medical attention. On Aug. 27, 10 p.m., 5038 Covington Hwy., police said the suspect saw a male driving away with the suspect’s vehicle. The suspect allegedly fired several Van Johnson shots into the vehicle as it was being driven away. The male subsequently struck a tree while fleeing the scene and was killed upon impact, according to police. Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Johnson is urged to notify the DeKalb County Police Department at 770-724-7850.
JUDGE continued from page 1 for his work with veterans. Gaiters, who served as president of the South DeKalb Rotary Club, also applauds Boulee’s service as a member of the Midtown Rotary Club. Teresa Hardy, president of the DeKalb NAACP, also commended Boulee’s nomination. “He’s been fair and very active in the community. His support of veterans connected him to the DeKalb NAACP,” said Hardy, acknowledging it will be tough seeing Boulee leave the bench in DeKalb. Earlier this month, Boulee issued a ruling that DeKalb police officer Robert Olsen must stand trial for fatally shooting Air Force veteran Anthony Hill, who was unarmed and naked when Olsen approached him outside a Chamblee apartment complex in March 2015. With President Trump’s nomination, however, Boulee may be unable to continue presiding over the high profile case. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Boulee to the DeKalb County Superior Court in 2015. Boulee started a veterans’ court to provide counseling and treatment to military men and women who have been arrested. Boulee, a veteran, served four years in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General Corps. He was in private practice with Jones Day before Deal’s appointment. Boulee earned his B.A. degree from Washington and Lee University, where he graduated magna cum laude. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
Photos via Arabia Mountain Nature Perserve Facebook
mackenzie@ocgnews.com
Deep Roots in DeKalb
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons travis@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate.
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Flat Rock Archives announces new exhibit at DeKalb History Center By Mackenzie N. Morgan
the coming exhibit slated to launch in February, and a roster of guest he DeKalb History Center, in speakers including an oral history conjunction with the Flat Rock presentation with 91-year-old Patsy Archives, hosted a reception Moon, a former Flat Rock resident to announce the forthcoming and mother of NFL and Canadian installation of an exhibit dedicated to Hall-of-Famer Warren Moon. telling the story of the historic Flat Moon shared her experiences of Rock community – one of the oldest living in the South during a time when African-American communities in blacks were not permitted to drive DeKalb County. through Decatur, let alone use its The Aug. 24 event held at the faculties such as the Historic DeKalb Historic DeKalb Courthouse in Courthouse where the exhibit will Decatur offered guests the opportunity be housed. Moon, who visits Atlanta to mix and mingle over wine and annually, said she ultimately left the hors d’oeuvres in celebration of the Flat Rock community for California newest exhibit entitled “Deep Roots in pursuit of raising her children in a in DeKalb: The Flat Rock Story of place unmarred by the racism of the Resilience.” deep south but that she is proud of the The program featured a video progress Georgia has made. presentation on the history of the Flat The standing-room-only event was Rock community and a sneak peek of attended by elected officials including
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State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey, DeKalb County Commissioner Jeff Radar, Mayor of Decatur Patti Garrett, Lithonia Mayor Deborah Jackson, State Sen. Tonya Anderson along with members from the Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance, the Flat Rock Archives Board of Directors and a host of public supporters. Co-founded in 2006 by Johnny Waits, the late Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., and Vera Whitaker, the Flat Rock Archives is the only African American archival facility in DeKalb County and is located in the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. Waits said he hopes the downtown Decatur exhibit will help bolster museum visitation as well as sponsorships and memberships.
SEE FLAT ROCK page 11
A New Beginning
Forgiveness, restoration, reconciliation bring Face of Victory Church, Voices of Faith Ministries together
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By Valerie J. Morgan
22. The news brought the blended family closer together to petition God for Kalen’s od’s people—the Face of healing: Gary Hawkins, Pamela Hawkins, Victory Church and Voices of Debbie Hawkins and their seven children. Faith Ministries—tore down a “We’ve always supported one another wall of pain and built a bridge when it came to our children. But we of love on Aug. 26. Ripped really didn’t have a relationship from the apart by the divorce of their beloved pastors perspective of a friendship after the divorce. in 2011, members of the two congregations God used Kalen to bring us together where came together, rejoiced and worshipped we were forced to sit down and bring about at the Face of Victory Church, located in reconciliation, along with restoration. Decatur. It allowed us to focus on Kalen. We put The celebration marked the 7th down everything—cancelling speaking anniversary of the Face of Victory Church, engagements, all of those things—to be founded by Pastor Debbie E. Hawkins. by Kalen’s bedside night and day at the Bishop Gary Hawkins, Sr., joined by hospital,” said Bishop Hawkins. “This his new wife, First Lady Pamela Hawkins month, the doctor called us in and said after and their 4-year-old son, Garrison, was the going through one year of chemotherapy guest speaker for the momentous occasion. and a bone marrow transplant, Kalen is 100 Bishop Hawkins and Pastor Debbie percent totally free of cancer.” Kalen’s big Hawkins’ eldest son, Minister Gary “G.J.” brother, G.J., was the bone marrow donor. Hawkins, Jr., also attended the service with The month of August, Bishop Hawkins other members of Voices of Faith, which added, also is significant not only to the has a campus in Stone Mountain and one in Hawkins’ family but the two church Conyers. ministries he and Pastor Debbie Hawkins’ “Some of you were probably wondering founded as well. The Face of Victory was when Pastor Debbie announced that Bishop birthed in August. Voices of Faith was Hawkins would be speaking here today, birthed in August 24 years ago, he said. ‘What in the world is going on?’” said “It’s not by coincidence that I’m here Bishop Hawkins, smiling, as the crowd during this season,” Bishop Hawkins exploded in laughter. “Well, the kingdom explained regarding Face of Victory’s of God is moving…God told me to tell 7th Anniversary Celebration. “Face of you that I’m here so that there may be Victory, you had to go through what you restoration at Face of Victory and at Voices went through because God used pain to of Faith.” stir up believers. The number seven is for Bishop Hawkins said that God used completion and redemption. God says, ‘I’m his and Pastor Debbie Hawkins’ youngest shifting you from pain to glory.’ He has son, Kalen, to bring about forgiveness, brought everything full circle. Whatever reconciliation and restoration. A year ago, Kalen was diagnosed with cancer at age SEE HAWKINS page 10
Pastor Debbie E. Hawkins applaudes Bishop Gary Hawkins during the Face of Victory Church’s anniversary celebration. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
Bishop Gary Hawkins introduces his wife, First Lady Pamela Hawkins.
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Rockdale to host electronics recycling, paper shredding event
Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is hosting an Electronics Recycling & Paper Shredding for Rockdale residents and business owners. The E-Recycling and Paper Shredding Event will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., in the parking lot of the Rockdale County Government Annex, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. The free, half-day event will provide the public a place to safely discard and recycle old documents and electronics, regardless of working condition. There is a maximum of four banker boxes per vehicle allowed for paper shredding. Participants must provide photo ID as proof of an address in the county. Cash fees will apply to certain items for electronics recycling, including $20 each for televisions and $10 each for CRT monitors. All other electronics are free to recycle. For more information, contact KCRB at kcrb@rockdalecountyga.gov or 770278-7052.
Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra hosts open house tribute to Aretha Franklin Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra is hosting a free open house on Saturday, Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, at the First Congregational Church Commons, 125 Ellis Street, Atlanta. String students of all ages and expertise are invited to join the Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra for a free class reading and playing classics by the late icon Aretha Franklin including “Respect,” “Until You Come Back to Me” and “How I Got Over.” Guests will enjoy a free interactive class, refreshments, door prizes and music. For more information, visit www.sinfo-nia.com.
DCSD parents, guardians, teachers invited to run for 2018-2019 Principal Advisory Councils
Those interested in uniting school communities while increasing student achievement and performance are invited to participate in DeKalb County School District’s (DCSD) Principal Advisory Councils. Principal Advisory Councils are coalitions of parents, guardians and teachers who serve their school communities at 112 DCSD schools. Councils act as a link between the school and the community, encouraging engagement with stakeholders, increasing transparency, monitoring progress, and participating in the selection of a school’s principal. Those interested in joining a 2018-2019 Principal Advisory Council can declare their candidacy now until August 31. Applicants are required to complete a candidate declaration form, which can be found at www. dekalbschoolsga.org/school-councils. The voting window for 2018-2019 elections will be open Sept. 18-25, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Votes can be cast electronically via DCSD’s Infinite Campus system for parents/guardians, and on Outlook for teachers. For more information, contact Kina Champion, school governance liaison, at: kina_champion@dekalbschoolsga.org or 678-676-0718. For more information, visit the DCSD website at www.dekalbschoolsga.org. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-004 Mera Cardenas / Flat Rock Archives 3956 Crossvale Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request for encroachment into 10’ setback for ground sign.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER:
V-18-005 Dekalb Realty Holdings, LLC c/o Battle Law 7218 Covington Hwy M (Light Industrial) District Request to eliminate 75’ transitional buffer.
LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
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Rockdale Parent Academy returns
Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) celebrates the 15th semester of Parent Academy on Saturday, Sept. 22. The half-day event , which will be held 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., offers free workshops for parents, teens and tweens at Rockdale Career Academy (RCA), 1064 Culpepper Road, Conyers. The day kicks off with keynote speaker RCPS Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. Parents and the public are invited to hear and meet Rockdale’s new superintendent. Class topics range from improving computer skills, financial planning, helping your kids with today’s math, CPR, exercise, art creation, destressing, preparing for standardized tests and more – all focused on helping parents and students become successful in life. Special classes for families with special needs and Spanish-speaking families are also offered. Parent Academy Coordinator Darci Gilreath said she is proud of what Parent Academy has been able to provide for more than 4,000 parents who have attended previous sessions. “Reaching the milestone of our 15th Parent Academy is a gratifying achievement,” said Gilreath. “We have parents who have been attending regularly since we started and eagerly anticipate each event. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s learning a new skill, developing your leadership potential, or just having fun and getting in touch with your creative side.” The day also includes free lunch and door prizes, with a special door prize drawing after the keynote address and an extra chance to win for those who pre-register. Childcare is provided for children age 3 and older for parents who preregister. Families with children with special needs requesting childcare must contact Sirena Graves by Sept. 12 at sgraves1@rockdale.k12.ga.us or 770918-6187, ext. 33187. Many local businesses and non-profits will be available in the vendors market for parents to browse. Online registration is available at www.rockdaleschools.org/ parentacademy. Paper registration forms are available at each RCPS school. For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/parentacademy. CITY OF STONECREST PLANNING COMMISSION, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 CITY OF STONECREST MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL, PUBLIC HEARING: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH 2018 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF STONECREST, 3120 STONECREST BLVD STONECREST, GA 30038 The following text amendment within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above. TEXT AMENDMENT: PETITIONER: PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
TMOD 18-0003 & 004 City Staff Amend Article IV, Section 4.2.5.8 to provide supplemental regulations for Short Term Vacation Rentals, Amend and Adopt.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING:
AX 18-0001 Halpern Enterprises 6024 Covington Highway MU-5 (Mixed Use) / C-1 (Local Commercial) Request to annex the western portion of this parcel into the City of Stonecrest and change the zoning of the subject property from C-1 w/ conditions and MU-5 to MR-2 to build a 160 townhomes subdivision.
PROPOSED:
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
SLUP-18-005 Riva Usher 6617 Eastbriar Drive RSM (Small Lot Residential Mix) District Request for Special Land Use Permit to operate daycare home.
Building A World-Class City Stonecrest forges ahead
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By Adrion Bell
ince taking office on May 1, 2017, Mayor Jason Lary has led the efforts to put the new city of Stonecrest on the map. He worked to secure a location for the first city hall, hosting a grand opening on Nov. 11, 2017. Staff members moved from a temporary office in Tucker and city meetings were moved from the Stonecrest Library to the city’s beautiful new offices located at 3120 Stonecrest Blvd. Shortly after securing a city hall, Mayor Lary made good on his promise to get a Stonecrest mailing address for its residents. In May 2018, the U.S. Postal Service added Stonecrest, GA to its list of acceptable city and state designations. This month, the city reached yet another milestone: Crews began installing “Stonecrest City Limit” signs on its thoroughfares. In addition to defining what the city looks like, Mayor Lary has worked tirelessly toward implementing the city’s Economic Development Department. He began efforts to lure major corporations such as Amazon, a company set to open a second, multi-billion-dollar headquarters. He crafted an idea to develop a corporate brand for Amazon by eponymously naming the 345 acres to be occupied by the retail giant. The mayor’s efforts will continue as he targets companies like Apple, Micro Center, and Costco. Today, Mayor Lary is working with the newly-formed Stonecrest Development Authority with the intent of offering incentives that will boost the city’s economic development. He has appointed steering committee members to protect the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, created the City of Innovation and Excellence to foster a seamless relationship between constituents, staff, and council members, and named an education committee to foster the long-term goals of the city’s core values: Community, Commerce, and Culture working together as a world-class city.
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Development Authority forms to incentivize development By Adrion Bell
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ayor Jason Lary recently appointed 10 local business owners and a city staff member to work with him on the Stonecrest Development Authority. The group was formed to promote trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities while strengthening the city’s tax base. According to the Georgia Government Finance Officers Association, the new development authority can be used as a key financing source to further economic development initiatives in Stonecrest. Initiatives and incentives to stimulate growth can be offered in a variety of ways. Cities may use infrastructure improvements, business license fee reductions, and property tax incentives to lure commercial and industrial growth. The development authority can also issue
bonds-for-title which are used to provide tax incentives for developers, especially those willing to bring jobs to the city. The mayor recently joined forces with Doug Stoner to aid in the building, training, and management of the Development Authority. Stoner, a former state representative and senator, serves as the chairman of the South Cobb Redevelopment Authority. He was the managing director of the Development Authority of DeKalb, a consultant for The Atlanta Beltline Partnership, Inc., and chairman of the Cobb Transit Advisory Board. The Stonecrest Development Authority consists of Dr. Cynthia Elliot, Belinda Hull, Antonio Render, Jim Kelly, Samuel Stuckey, Leighton Hull, Bill Allen, and exofficio members Mayor Jason Lary, Sabrina Wright, Joe Coleman, and Julius Lee.
Arabia Mountain Steering committee works to preserve beauty, functionality
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By Adrion Bell
he Arabia Mountain Overlay Steering Committee was formed to make recommendations to the Stonecrest City Council to promote high quality and compatible developments immediately adjacent to and surrounding the Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve. The 14-member committee meets twice a month and discusses ways to maintain the serenity, scenery and functionality of the area while still allowing residential and commercial growth. The overlay district is in its proposal stages and if approved by council, will cover a moderate portion of the city’s central and southeast territory. The committee is comprised of co-chairs Mera Cardenas and Councilman George Turner and Lori Brown, Tammy Smith, Kelly Jordan, Bernard Knight, Dave Marcus, Cheryl Mathis, Jetha Wagner, Eric Hubbard, City Manager Michael Harris, the city’s Community Development Director Nicole Dozier, and Councilmembers Jimmy Clanton and Diane Adoma.
Mayor visits Guyana to aid, educate and prepare for prosperity By Adrion Bell
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ayor Jason Lary recently visited Guyana to strengthen the business relationship between Stonecrest and the South American country that recently discovered oil. The mayor consulted with the Guyanese government to teach them about the city’s contract-for-services model so that they can have best in class employees and services, especially in anticipation of their inevitable growth. Exxon-Mobil publicly announced a commercially viable oil find that will produce an estimated 100,000 barrels per day in the coming years. Mayor Lary and Guyanese officials agreed that as the region prospers, so will foreign entrepreneurship along with an increase in import and export opportunities. Yet prior to these opportunities, the country remains poverty- stricken, and the mayor has vowed to help. “It is our moral and Christian duty to help those who are less fortunate than we are, even if they are miles away,” the mayor said. The mayor and the
city’s community affairs manager, Al Franklin, visited Georgetown and New Amsterdam. The mayor presented keys to the city and received one in return from Georgetown. The mayor will hold strategic planning sessions in the coming weeks to identify ways that Stonecrest can aid in one of Guyana’s main hospitals. “The rooms and beds are substandard when you compare them to our hospitals,” Mayor Lary said. “We will find a way to help.” Not all areas of the country are poverty-stricken. The United States exported approximately $381.5 million in products to Guyana recently, representing nearly 27% of Guyana’s total imports. The demand remains strong for agricultural and capital machinery, telecommunications equipment, computers, farm chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers, and consumer food products. The mayor said he intends to lay the foundation for Stonecrest’s new and future businesses to benefit from the available import and export opportunities available in Guyana.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • PAGE 3
City’s Education Committee plans help boost students’ college preparation, career readiness By Adrion Bell
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he Stonecrest Education Committee is comprised of current and former educators and a member of the DeKalb School Board. The committee meets once a month to implement strategies that will boost Stonecrest students’ test scores, improve high school learning and provide scholarships. Recently, committee members met to discuss the Eighth Grade Promotion Policy. According to the committee’s research, Salem and Lithonia Middle schools have a larger than desired number of eighth-grade students who are promoted to the ninth grade despite their failures on the Georgia Milestones Tests. Education Committee members plan to work with the two schools to implement strategies successfully used by other Georgia school districts. Lee County School System in Leesburg, Georgia, has two programs that would benefit Stonecrest students, according to Committee Chair, Dr. Barbara Lee. The committee is researching the implementation of a Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) and an 8.5 Program with hopes of building our eighth-grade students’ skill levels so that they can achieve and compete at their next education level. Mentoring and scholarship opportunities have been another agenda item for the Education Committee. Committee member
Nicole Prather will soon be releasing information on scholarships that her sorority, Phi Delta Kappa, offers to students entering college with an education major. Dr. Lisa Bratton and Lee are also planning to conduct college preparation and readiness sessions that will contain a Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and an American College Testing (ACT) component. Math and literacy tutorials will also take place as desired, according to Lee. “Our goal is to help our students acquire the skills they need in reading
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and mathematics to be successful in school and in life,” she said. The Education Committee spent most of their meeting on August 21, 2018, discussing the city’s overcrowded elementary schools. This topic was also discussed with DeKalb School Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green in an August 2017 meeting, according to Lee. According to recent data revealed in Green’s Status of the District meeting, several elementary schools in Stonecrest have mobile units with one having as many as
eight mobile units. “This is a problem with the rapid growth in the area. We do not wish to repeat the “trailer” parks problem at our schools that we experienced in this area for nineteen years,” Lee said. Committee members are encouraging parents to be proactive about this issue. Committee members also asked Green to consider placing a new Early Learning Academy in Stonecrest. This type of academy targets 3-yearold students in an effort to awaken their love for learning at an early age. The first such academy was started this year in DeKalb at the Terry Mill Elementary School. The academy is free and will help the city’s elementary school test scores. “The Education Committee is one of the key pieces of the Stonecrest economic development puzzle,” Mayor Lary said. “When companies consider moving to an area, the schools are one of the first things their executives investigate. We must support high academic achievement for our students’ future and for the future of our city,” the mayor added. The Education Committee members are Dr. Barbara Lee, Chairwoman, Tiarra Moore, Pamela Childs, Dr. Lisa Bratton, Sandra Harris, Andrew Wells, Nicole Prather, Johnny Waits, and DeKalb School Board Member Vickie Turner.
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City shares strategies for smart growth
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he mayor and city council initially adopted several ordinances from DeKalb County so that laws would be in place to govern zoning and code enforcement. Recently, the city began tightening the reigns, aligning the business requirements with the requests of its citizens. For example, a portion of the 21,600-square-foot facility on Covington Highway, will house a liquor store that will move from across the street at 6670 Covington Highway in unincorporated DeKalb County. There is a silver lining in this development according to the city’s mayor. “We were able to require that the developer of this retail establishment meet certain security requirements, such as mounted exterior cameras,” the mayor said. “We also asked them to build a first-class building with architectural accents that include stucco, brick, terra cotta, natural stone, and an 8-foot privacy fence to separate them from the neighboring facility. We even required that their trash is hidden behind a privacy fence,” he added. “We are going to control our destiny,” Lary said. Since the first city council meeting, legislation has been passed to reflect the desires of the residents. For example, a city ordinance passed in 2017 that prohibits alcohol sales in nude clubs. The clubs also must be in the city’s industrial area.
By Adrion Bell
“These limitations discourage nude clubs in Stonecrest which is what the residents desire,” Lary said. The mayor, council and planning commission are working out regulations to govern shortterm vacation rentals commonly advertised on Airbnb websites. After a few rentals were used for clubtype parties, city staff began drafting more stringent requirements. The
proposed regulations are strict and will require owners to limit the number of consecutive days a tenant can rent the property. The proposed regulations also limit the number of guests allowed on the premises. City regulations have also hit the industrial area. Recently, an ordinance was approved that forced the owners of a gravel industrial, truck parking lot to treat the area to control dust and
so that its rainwater runoff would be environmentally safe. The lot must also be screened from public view with an opaque fence and a 10-foot wide evergreen landscape buffer. Citizens are now submitting their development ideas as the staff prepares for Comprehensive Plan 2038. The required Comprehensive Plan will outline the city’s growth and development for the next 20 years.
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MARTA Board member tapped for major industry award
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Frederick L. Daniels, Jr. named among “Best of the Best”
he American Public Transportation Association (APTA) has selected Frederick L. Daniels, Jr., a DeKalb County representative on the MARTA board of directors, as its Outstanding Public Transportation Board Member for 2018, one of the organization’s highest honors. The award is in recognition of Daniels’ impressive accomplishments in various roles on the MARTA board as well as his indelible impact on the industry as a mentor, friend and invaluable resource to his peers at transportation agencies nationwide, officials said. “I’m very thankful for this honor,” said Daniels. “I’ve always believed in serving my community and have been inspired and blessed to have the opportunity to play an active role in an industry that touches so many people’s lives in such a positive way.” Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., chairman of the APTA board, praised Daniels for his commitment and record of industry achievements. “Fred Daniels is the
Frederick L. Daniels, Jr.
quintessential board member extraordinaire,” said Ford. “He has been involved in APTA at every rung as well as championing many causes and initiatives for the benefit of the entire membership. Most of all, he’s a strong, tireless advocate for public transportation. I can think of no one more deserving than Fred for this prestigious honor.” Daniels was first named to the MARTA board of directors in 2010. His colleagues elected him board chairman in 2012. A banker by trade, Daniels is often credited with guiding MARTA’s financial turnaround and was instrumental in helping move the agency from $30 million in annual operating
deficits to approximately $35 million in surpluses. He is also cited for prudent policy measures that improved MARTA’s bond and credit ratings, lowered its interest on bond indebtedness and restored the agency’s cash reserves. During Daniels’ board tenure, MARTA celebrated major milestones including re-launching its popular Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program, breaking ground on a massive solar panel installation at the Laredo bus facility in DeKalb County, and the 2015 addition of much-needed transit service to Clayton County. While currently serving as treasurer for the MARTA board, Daniels remains active in APTA where he is widely known as the “Dean of Transit Board Members.” Daniels will receive the award at the organization’s Sept. 23-36 conference in Nashville, TN. A native of Cleveland, Ohio and a University of Virginia graduate, Daniels is executive vice president and chief credit officer at Citizens Trust Bank. He is married and has two daughters.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • PAGE 9
Idonia Hunter receives Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s 2018 Cynthia Houston Award Stonecrest resident Idonia Hunter is the 2018 recipient of Keep DeKalb Beautiful’s Houston Award. Hunter is the third recipient of the award, named after Cynthia Houston and given each year to a person that has shown an unyielding, lifelong commitment to promoting clean, attractive communities. Houston, who dedicates her time Stonecrest District 5 Councilwoman Diane to Adopt-A-Road and Adoma presented the Cynthia Houston Award to Idonia Hunter on Aug. 25. Adopt-A MARTA bus stop projects, said her involvement stemmed from the belief that a person should take pride in where they live because it is a reflection of the type of person they are. For nearly 30 years, Hunter, family members, and other volunteers have cleaned in the Flat Shoals Parkway, Rockland Road, and Evans Mill corridors. This activity initially was to instill the values of community and protection of the environment, as well as a strong work ethic in her children. Today, this work has become a lifelong commitment to showing a sense of civic pride and clean environment for all to enjoy. “Mrs. Hunter is a role model for DeKalb residents,” said Stonecrest District 5 Councilwoman Diane Adoma, who presented the award along with Keep DeKalb Beautiful Director Gordon Burkette. “Oftentimes, she can be found picking up trash in not just her community, but anywhere in Stonecrest. I can’t think of anyone who is more deserving of this award.” For more information Keep DeKalb Beautiful and its upcoming events, contact Victoria Burgos, Keep DeKalb Beautiful at vrburgos@dekalbcountyga. gov,mailto:gaburkette@dekalbcountyga.gov visit keepdekalbbeautiful.org, or call 404-294-2010.
ETHICS continued from page 1 election in 2016 to Steve Bradshaw, said the damage done to her still lingers. “I do feel vindicated because my position was supported by this case. However, the way I was treated by the media, I have not been vindicated for that,” said Barnes-Sutton. “It changed the perception of all of the good work that I did. People don’t remember that. My reputation was tarnished. They remember the lies.” Barnes-Sutton said the ethics board “by design is used to tarnish people’s names and influence political outcomes.” “All you have to do is get anyone to make a false accusation and the ethics board can destroy you. If someone has done something wrong, you have checks and balances in our Constitution, in our state laws. You have prosecutors. You have public defenders, you have everything you need to prosecute someone if they do something wrong. Everything else is just policy that can be wielded indiscriminately,” Barnes Sutton said. The process for appointing members to DeKalb’s Board of Ethics was changed in 2016 when state lawmakers passed HB 597 amidst ethics allegations lodged against BarnesSutton, former Commissioner Stan Watson and other county officials. Under HB 597, four private organizations were each allowed one appointment to the ethics board: Leadership DeKalb, the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, the DeKalb Bar Association, and one of six DeKalb universities (Emory University, Agnes Scott College, Columbia Theological Seminary, Georgia State University, Mercer University or Oglethorpe University). The DeKalb Legislative Delegation, Probate Court judge and chief judge of DeKalb Superior Court were selected to make the other three appointments on the board. Before 2016, appointments to the board were made by DeKalb’s CEO and the Board of Commissioners. Since the Board of Ethics might have to investigate the CEO or Board of
CEO Michael Thurmond
State Rep. Vernon Jones
Commissioners, however, legislators created HB 597. Thomas said state lawmakers made a hasty decision. “With the media focused on corruption in DeKalb, legislators were just looking at how do you solve this and they came up with these appointments. Legislators just simply signed on without reading it and understanding it,” said Thomas, adding that the Supreme Court’s 1979 decision in Rogers v. Medical Association, made it clear that appointments by private entities were illegal. The high court cited Rogers in its ruling: “The General Assembly may, within constitutional limitations, establish qualifications for public office and designate a governmental appointing authority. But it cannot delegate the appointive power to a private organization. “As was the case with the appointed officials in Rogers, the appointed officials to the Board here wield government power. Also as was the case with the statute in Rogers, HB 597 delegates the power of appointment of officials to a public office with governmental powers to private organizations that are ‘not accountable to the people as our constitution requires,’” the high court said. Thomas also pointed out that the private groups lawmakers selected to make
appointments to the DeKalb ethics board largely excluded African-American entities. “They excluded the DeKalb Lawyers Association, the African-American lawyers group. The NAACP was excluded. They excluded the Alphas, the Kappas, Deltas and other fraternities and sororities,” Thomas said. Amos King, a radio talk show host, said he hopes the county will move forward in abiding by the high court’s decision. King filed an ethics complaint in March 2017 with the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Committee against DeKalb Ethics Officer Stacey Kalberman. The complaint accused her of lobbying state legislators at the direction of her board of directors to change the way appointments are made to the DeKalb Board of Ethics. DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson issued a ruling in April 2017, stating the law that created the Ethics Board was” unconstitutional.” The board continued to operate in defiance of that ruling. “You have a superior court judge’s ruling and the ethics board completely ignored it. That’s a loose cannon as far as I’m concerned,” King said. “They just kept on operating. It was as if she never said anything. “ Thomas said State Rep. Vernon Jones has expressed proposing statewide legislation to govern ethics boards. “Rather than have all of these piecemeal interpretations of ethics all over the state, this county is different from that—we have statewide legislation for everyone to be held by the same standards, same procedures, same due process,” Thomas said. Thomas said the DeKalb ethics board has “wasted almost a half million dollars of taxpayers’ money through litigation, improper expenditures, staffing, all kinds of things that they were not authorized to do.”
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Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Attorneys will be required to file civil actions online beginning Jan. 1, 2019
By Ruth A. Wilson Clerk of Courts
I
t is an old truism that the three things you can count on in this life on earth are Death, Taxes and Change. Well, here we go again. Effective Jan. 1, 2019, attorneys throughout
Georgia will be required to submit their Superior and State Court Civil actions with the Clerk of Courts Office via online. In Rockdale, we have been accepting eFiled civil actions since January 2015. We have conducted multiple training sessions with local attorneys and Bar Associations who practice in Rockdale courts. In a permissive eFiling environment such as we have had, most of the filings are still paper based. We have been operating two parallel systemsz: one paper and one digital. Effective January 1, we expect to
see a sizeable reduction in the amount of paper documents we are required to receive, to produce and to reproduce. Instead of being a paper-dependent operation, we will move toward paper on demand. That means a reduction in manual labor, paper and ink expenses, copier costs and storage requirements. It is in the public interest and good financial stewardship that we move in this direction. What is in it for you and why do you care? Attorneys will be able to eFile remotely from
their offices for a credit card convenience fee, plus the eFiling and statutory filing fees. Or, they may eFile at the courthouse and eliminate the eFiling fee. Citizens, non-attorney filers or self-represented litigants may also eFile from their homes or offices. In fact, that capability exists today. If eFiling at the courthouse, there is no eFiling fee, but the other charges still apply. Pro Se filers will be offered a cash option to accommodate without a credit card. Our Odyssey eFiling site may be accessed at http://Efilega.com using
Google Chrome or at https://Efilega.Tylerhost. net using Internet Explorer 24 hours a day. The site includes training videos that provide an excellent overview of the process. For more information, call the Clerk’s Court Technology Specialist, Orlando Tucker at 770-278-7901. Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers—discuss topics relevant to their respective roles
DeKalb Board of Health to hold annual drive-thru flu shot clinic
Anyone who has driven in metro Atlanta traffic knows that it’s bad. However, DeKalb County Board of Health officials are quick to point out that, compared to getting the flu, the misery of sitting in traffic is the least of your worries. The Board of Health is offering an easy route to getting your flu shot, without even leaving your vehicle. A drive-thru flu vaccination clinic will be held Friday, Sept. 7, near the Northlake
Mall Macy’s, from noon until 6:00 p.m. A flu shot is recommended for everyone ages six months and older, particularly those who are at high risk of serious complications. This includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease) and people ages 65 and older. “We’re all about providing convenience to the communities
The congregation and visitors rejoicing during Bishop Hawkins’ message. Below, Gregory B. Levett and his wife Betty with Pastor Debbie Hawkins. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
HAWKINS continued from page 3
you’ve been struggling with, He’s about to bless you tremendously. ” Pastor Debbie Hawkins said the power of God that the two congregations and their friends witnessed at the worship celebration was an awesome experience. “What does forgiveness and restoration look like? It looks like a Paul, a David, a Rahab (all biblical figures who were forgiven of their sins and shown God’s favor). It looks like a Gary Hawkins, Sr. and a Debbie E. Hawkins!” said Pastor Hawkins. The Face of Victory Church is located at 5304 Panola Industrial Blvd., Decatur. Sunday school is held at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. On Tuesdays, the church’s prayer service is at 6:30 p.m. and bible study follows at 7 p.m. Mid-week worship services are Wednesdays at 7 p.m. on Facebook live.
we serve,” said Clinical Operations Manager Don Brundage. “The drivethru flu shot option is ideal not only for those with limited time, but it’s also convenient for those with limited mobility or who are accompanied by small children.” Two vaccines will be available, the standard vaccine for $35 and the high-dose vaccine for those ages 65 and older for $65. Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cigna,
Medicaid, Medicare Part B, PeachCare for Kids and State Health Benefit Plan (excluding Kaiser Permanente) will be accepted. Bring your insurance card. (Please call ahead to verify other acceptable coverage.) Payment can be made by cash, checks drawn on Georgia banks and credit/debit cards. For more information about getting a flu shot, visit www. dekalbhealth.net/flu or call 404-2943700.
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SEPTEMBER 1, 2018 • PAGE 11
FLAT ROCK continued from page 3
“We’re very proud to be partners with organizations such as The DeKalb History Center and Arabia Mountain Heritage Area Alliance,” Waits said. “We work very hard at preserving the past for current and future generations to enjoy and we were extremely pleased with the turnout. We are excited about the progress being made in changing what stories get to be told in DeKalb.” The new exhibit, which chronicles the oldest documented black family and community in DeKalb, will feature a variety of original archival material including genealogical records, newspaper articles, photographs, maps, church books, school records, rare books, and other artifacts relative to the Flat Rock story and black life in the rural South. The only surviving diploma from the Lithonia High School for Negroes, which belonged to Chris Tucker’s grandfather, Rev. T.A. Bryant, Jr., will be on display along with a changing display of original artifacts alongside the two-year exhibit. “Flat rock is the only African American archive in DeKalb county and the DeKalb History Center is working to reach all of the DeKalb communities. Partnering with another active archive allows us to reach all stakeholders of DeKalb’s history,” said Fred Mobley who serves as Archivist and Collections manager at DeKalb History Center. “We’re both nonprofits gathering history. When we join forces, it helps all of us. Partnerships such as these, enables both nonprofits an opportunity to recruit members, volunteers and donors. We all have history and we want to be able to share everybody’s history,” said Mobley. The new exhibit will open in February and replaces the current Civil War exhibit. Entrance to the exhibit will be free and open to the public at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur. For more information on the Flat Rock exhibit or for a list of current exhibits, visit www.dekalbhistory.org. The Flat Rock Archives is located at 3956 Crossvale Road in Lithonia. For information on tours, partnerships and volunteer opportunities visit www.flatrockarchives.com.
Rep. Hank Johnson awards more than $8,000 in CBC scholarships
Congressman Hank Johnson and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) recently awarded $8,200 in scholarships to 12 college students from Georgia’s Fourth District as a part of the CBC’s 2018 Spouses Education Scholarship program. “This year’s winners have excelled in the classroom and in their communities through service and their academic talents,” said Congressman Johnson. “Each year, these scholarships address a financial need and give these outstanding students a little breathing room heading into a new semester of furthering their education.” These scholarships will provide financial assistance for the 2018Congressman Hank Johnson 2019 academic school year and is designed to support students of all majors who are preparing to pursue or are currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, full-time, at a U.S. accredited college or university. More than 35 high school and college students applied for scholarships; which require a minimum GPA of 2.5. This program awards scholarships to talented, highly-motivated students of all majors. Scholarship amounts awarded to the winners ranged from $500 – $2,040. Congressman Johnson also plans to hold a reception to honor the scholarship recipients later this year. The CBCF has awarded scholarships to talented and deserving students for nearly three decades. Each year, the Congressional Black Caucus awards more than 200 scholarships to students across the United States. 2018-2019 CBC Spouses Education Scholarship Recipients: Nicholas Ramsey, Georgia State University Malik Wheeler, Georgia State University Kingston Handley, University of North Carolina (Charlotte) Mercer Butts, North Carolina A&T Azsa Johnson, Boston University Bryn Evans, Columbia University Kalonjee Gallimore, Ney York University (NYU) Nicholas Barlow, Kennesaw State University Aryana Claiborne, Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) Jessica Kamuche, Steston University Gerald Anderson, III, Kennesaw State University Kaiya Byam, Kennesaw State University
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