Ocg 02-20-16

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 45

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FEBRUARY 20, 2016

Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews

Former State Rep. Tyrone Brooks enters prison

By Valerie J. Morgan

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ongtime civil rights leader and former state representative Tyrone Brooks entered federal prison on Feb. 16 accompanied by about 10 other civil rights leaders.

DeKalb NAACP President John Evans and DeKalb SCLC President Nathan Knight were among those who walked with Brooks as he turned himself in around 11:30 a.m. to the facility Tyrone Brooks (blue jean jacket) speaks with supporters including John Evans(dark suit) and Nathan Knight at far right before saying on McDonough Boulevard in goodbye. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan.

Atlanta.

Universal Humanities for Visions of Brooks said the “government” the right spot. All of my expensBrooks was upbeat as he spoke Literacy and the Georgia Associaconspired to put him behind bars es hadn’t been placed in the right with supporters and some of them tion of Black Elected Officials, two because of his continued push for spot,” said Brooks. “But the issue affectionately calling him the “Gen- charities he created. The indictment justice concerning the lynchings at is not about money. That’s how eral,” a reference to his long career said he used the money for his own the Moore’s Ford Bridge in Walton they trick you all. They get you off on the battle ground for civil rights, personal use from 2008 to 2011.

County. Two black couples (includ- the case of Moore’s Ford by saying marching with Dr. Martin Luther Brooks insisted bad reing a pregnant woman) were killed money. If it wasn’t money, it was King, Jr. cord-keeping was to blame—not by a mob of whites in 1946. The going to be sex. If it wasn’t sex, it U.S. District Court Judge Amy fraud. He said his attorney, former murders were never prosecuted. was going to be drugs. Those are Totenberg sentenced Brooks, 70, to Governor Roy Barnes, said in the Brooks played key roles in expand- three things the government always one year and a day in prison, along court if he had taken his expenses, ing voting rights, addressing crimiuse.” with two years probation. Prosecuclaimed them for salary and paid nal justice system issues, and other Brooks, who served 35 years in tors had asked for two years. Brooks taxes on the money, there wouldn’t civil rights not only in Georgia but the House, resigned last April just negotiated a plea to one count of have been a case. throughout the South. before pleading guilty. tax fraud and no contest to five Brooks reported on his tax “I pled to one count of violating Brooks said he plans to contincounts of mail and wire fraud. The returns that he only earned $35,000 the U.S. tax code one time because ue to push for civil rights and had U.S. Attorney’s Office said Brooks a year for the years prosecutors I signed a 1040 form. I mailed it people in place to carry on while he diverted more than $1 million from questioned. in but all of my income was not in serves his time.

‘A Step Forward’ Michael Thurmond makes bid for CEO, vows to restore DeKalb

Michael Thurmond

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ichael Thurmond is hosting a rally to draw supporters to his campaign for CEO of DeKalb County. The veteran politician is launching his kickoff on Saturday, Feb. 20, in Tucker.

“After much deliberation and prayer with my family, friends and a broad cross-section of DeKalb County resi-

dents, I have decided to offer myself again to serve the citizens of DeKalb,” said Thurmond. “We need to restore confidence in DeKalb County government, and I trust my candidacy will be a step forward in uniting and strengthening our county.”

For several weeks, political observers have speculated on whether Thurmond would get in the race. Three other candidates have announced they planned to run for CEO: Connie Stokes, who has served as a DeKalb County Commissioner and state senator, Calvin Sims, a retired MARTA employee who ran for CEO in 2004 and County Commission in 2008; and Jack Lovelace, a retired businessman who has run for CEO, county commissioner and tax commissioner.

Thurmond most recently served as superintendent of the

DeKalb County School District amid a crisis of leadership and potential loss of accreditation.

He is credited with stabilizing the school system and putting the district on a path to full accreditation and financial solvency.

As director of the Department of Family Services in the 1990s and, later, in three terms as Georgia’s Commissioner of Labor, Thurmond transformed the culture of the agencies and helped build consensus across the state. An attorney and historian, he is author of two books on Georgia history and was the first African American elected to a statewide post without first being appointed.

Lee May, DeKalb’s Interim CEO, announced a few weeks ago that he would not run for the CEO position. He said he is leaving the political arena to

pursue ministry and he would support Thurmond, whom he considers a mentor.

The elected CEO will oversee more than 700,000 residents and some 6,000 government employees. Voters are clamoring for someone who will clean up corruption and transform the county’s image, which has been tarnished by several scandals involving elected and appointed leaders.

Thurmond’s campaign kickoff rally will be held on Feb. 20, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Comfort Suites, 2060 Crescent Centre Blvd., Tucker.

Qualifying for CEO, DeKalb Board of Commissioners, Chief Magistrate of Superior Court, Sheriff, Tax Commissioner and Solicitor will be held March 7-11. The Democratic Primary will be held May 24. The general election will be held Nov. 8.

PAGE 2 •FEBRUARY 20, 2016

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FEBRUARY 20,2016 • PAGE 3

Elections 2016 DeKalb groups to kick off voter education initiative

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f you’re looking to learn more about the upcoming elections, join the DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization on Saturday, Feb. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia. The coalition is kicking off its voter education initiative with a fair that will include a variety of resources to help voters prepare for the 2016 election season.

Saturday’s kickoff also will feature an intergenerational panel focused on strategies for engaging voters who are ages 18-35. Jewel Anderson, vice president of Fund Development for the 100 Black Women Decatur/DeKalb Chapter, will serve as moderator. The panel-

Dalia Alvarez

Nse Ufot

Brett Johnson

ists include Jennifer Young, president of the Young Democrats of DeKalb; lawyer Christopher Bruce, a graduate of Stephenson High and honors graduate of Georgia State University; women’s rights activist Dalia Alvarez, a Cross Keys High School graduate; Brett Johnson, broadcast specialist for Georgia Senate Press Office; and Nse Ufot, executive director of Georgia Watch Project.

Anderson said the DeKalb Coalition for Voter Education and Mobilization plans to host a forum in March for candidates in the DeKalb County CEO race. The date will be announced later, she said.

The DeKalb Coalition for Voter

Education and Mobilization is comprised of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Decatur/DeKalb Chapter; Georgia Coalition for the People’s Agenda; Saint Jewel Anderson, Moderator Philip A.M.E. Lay Organization Social Action Committee; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Decatur-Alumnae Chapter; and the National Council of Negro Women-DeKalb Section.

Franklin Beauford to run for Rockdale commissioner, Post 1

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ranklin D. Beauford has announced his plans to run for the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, Post 1 seat, currently held by Oz Nesbitt. Nesbitt is running for Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, along with incumbent Richard Oden and RJ Hadley, who is currently tax commissioner.

Beauford is a military veteran and retired manager for the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). He served six years in the United States Army and afterward, spent 42 years at MARTA moving through the ranks from bus operator to Deputy General Manager/COO of Operations.

Franklin developed and submitted for approval the operating and capital budgets for the Department of Operations.

Franklin retired from MARTA in 2008 and then became a consultant with Clayton County as the Public Transit Coordinator until service ended in 2010. He is a past member of

MARTA’s Ride with Respect Appeal Board and is past Vice Chair Rockdale County Ethics Board, President of Lochinver Home Owners Association, member of Saint Peter Claver Catholic School Advisory Board, Field Commissioner of Hidden Valley Little League Baseball Association, and a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Court 313.

Franklin has served as a member of several boards and committees, including Board President of the Atlanta Police Athletic League (PAL) Board of Directors where he facilitated several sporting events for inner city youths in Atlanta, served as coach and Athletic Director of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Middle School for ten years, directed for ten years the Archdiocese Basketball League, and served on boards at several parks and recreation sites throughout the metro Atlanta area for the past twenty years. Franklin attends Saints Peter and Paul Catholic

Franklin D. Beauford

Church where he serves on several committees including the Building Committee.

Franklin has been married to Mildred Beauford for 44 years. They have three daughters: Veda, Angelique and Monique and five grandchildren: Tyler, Damon, Mackenzie, Johnny and Franklin.

AARP offering free tax preparation assistance

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he American Association of Retired Persons Foundation (AARP) Tax-Aide is offering free tax preparation assistance to low- and middle-income taxpayers and senior citizens ages 60 and older. The volunteer-run organization, the nation’s largest volunteer assistance service, will be providing help at various locations in the metro Atlanta area.

Trained and certified volunteers will provide help on a first-come, first-served basis to those who need federal and state returns filed.

DeKalb County: Assistance is available at several public libraries through April 15. To check dates, times and library branches, visit www.dekalblibrary.org/.

Rockdale County: Help is available through April 18 at the Conyers-Rockdale Library, 864 Green Street, SW, Conyers. Days are Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information, call 770-388-5040 ext. 118.

Gwinnett County: Help is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 14, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross. For more information, call 678225-5400 or log on to www.gwinnettnhsc.com.

Tax filers should bring a copy of all previous year forms indicating federal income tax paid, including W-2 forms from each employer, and all 1099 and 1095 forms. If you were paid Social Security benefits, bring your SSA-1099. If you received a pension or annuity, bring your 1099R. If applicable, unemployment compensation statements, child care provider information (name, employer ID, and SSN), mortgage interest paid, charitable contributions, and Social Security Numbers for all dependents.

PAGE 4•FEBRUARY 20,2016

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How to start a vegetable garden

Coming Up

Presenters Charles and La Freta’ Dalton will teach you how to start and maintain an organically-grown home vegetable garden, whether in your backyard or a limited space. The class will be held on Feb. 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Covington Library, 3500 Covington Highway, Decatur . The class is limited to 20 participants. To register, call 404-508-7180.

GWINNETT

Proper pruning techniques for the home landscape

Wesley Chapel Library to welcome female drummers

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n celebration of Black History Month, the Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library is hosting the Atlanta-based, all female ConunDrums ensemble on Feb. 24, 7 to 8 p.m.

The percussionist ensemble was formed in 2001 with a small group of women who began drumming and performing together.

That group disbanded as its members grew in different directions but four of the women maintained a vision of women drumming together and they set their intention to attract other like-spirited women to their group. Over the next year, their dream became a reality and ConunDRUMS was birthed.

You’re invited to be drummatized and enjoy African rhythms with this special presentation. The event is free. For more information, call 404-286-6980.

ATLANTA

Learn about cultural eating habits through history Learn about what people ate in the past, original portion sizes, what other countries consume and cultural eating habits with Zema Love Fire, educator and food researcher, on Feb. 21, 3 p.m., at the Metropolitan Library, 1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta.

For more information, call 404-613-5722.

ID Theft Prevention workshop offered This upcoming workshop on Feb. 25, 6 p.m. at the Atlanta Fulton County Library, One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, will help you understand identity theft, ways to protect yourself and what to do if you become a victim.

The workshop is free. For more information, call 404-730-1700.

DEKALB

DeKalb History Center presents “Roots of Friendship” The DeKalb History Center will present a symposium, Roots of Friendship: African Americans and Jews in Atlanta, 1900-1950, on March 5, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the historic DeKalb Courthouse, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur (second floor).

The symposium features author Melissa Fay Greene and other scholars who will explore the unique relationships that formed between the African American and Jewish communities in Atlanta during the first half of the twentieth century. Topics include the immigration of European Jews to Atlanta, the Leo Frank case, Jewish and African American experiences after World War II, the interdependence, empathy and understanding among these communities, and more. Registration includes a catered buffet lunch.

Moderators for the program are Charissa Threat (Spelman College) and Jelani Favors (Clayton State University). Other speakers and panelists include: Sandy Berman, Danielle Wiggins, David Goldwasser, and Hershel Greenblat.

Advance tickets are $35/$45 (Discount for DHC members – prices increase March 1). For more information, contact Jenny Goldemund at 404373-1088, ext. 20. .

—Coming Up is compiled by Empish Thomas—

Learn proper pruning techniques for home landscapes on Feb. 25, 12 to 1 p.m. at the Gwinnett County Government Annex Building, 750 South Perry St., Lawrenceville.

Gwinnett County Extension Agent Timothy Daly will cover proper pruning techniques to keep your landscape plants healthy and attractive.

The class will be held in the second-floor conference room. There is no charge, but register by Feb. 23. Call 678-377-4010 or Contact Timothy Daly at timothy.daly@gwinnettcounty.com. .

Heart healthy grocery shopping demo set

February is American Heart Month. Explore heart healthy foods and the emotional attachments to eating through a hands-on healthy grocery shopping demonstration from start to finish on Feb. 27, 9 a.m., at the Mountain Park Activity Building, 1063 Rockbridge Road, Stone Mountain.

Space is limited. Pre-register at www.gwinnettparks.com with code MPA17746.

For more information, call 770-822-8869 or visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com.

ROCKDALE

Rockdale County Think Tank (RCTT) sets meeting Rockdale County Think Tank will meet on Saturday, Feb. 27, 12 noon – 2 p.m., at the Ruby Tuesday restaurant, 1714 Highway 138, Conyers. Josie Dean will lead a discussion on Rockdale’s General Primary Elections. For more information, call 770-369-1507.

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FEBRUARY 16, 2016 • PAGE 5

Greenhaven supporters continue Free CPR certification offered to Rockdale residents A free CPR certification class is being offered to nonprofits serving push for cityhood Rockdale County residents. The deadline to register for the class is Monday,

By Valerie J. Morgan

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he Concerned Citizens for Cityhood of South DeKalb (CCCSD) is continuing its push to create the city of Greenhaven. The group is hosting a community meeting on Thursday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m., at St. Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta.

A House of Representatives subcommittee tabled the Greenhaven legislation (HB 613) on Feb. 16 after hearing concerns about its size, boundaries and services.

State Rep. Buzz Brockway, R-Lawrenceville, who chairs the State Government Administration Subcommittee, told supporters they need to “huddle up with people who live in this area and talk some more.”

Members of the Clarkston City Council said they were concerned the proposed city includes land they want to annex and taxes would be raised without improvements to residents’ quality of life.

Greenhaven would include nearly 300,000 residents and provide three main services: parks and recreation, planning and zoning, and code enforcement.

DeKalb County would continue to provide police service.

Kathryn Rice, who heads the CCCSD, said she reached out to Clarkston officials to discuss their concerns but so far, they have declined to meet. She said Clarkston City Manager Keith Barker stated the city’s position, saying there was no need for a meeting.

Rice said while Clarkston has said it wants to annex two areas that are within the proposed Greenhaven boundaries, no bill has been submitted for the annexation.

“Our minds and our hearts are open to sit down and talk with them,” said Rice.

Rice said CCCSD would continue to urge state lawmakers to give citizens the right to decide whether to incorporate, entitling its upcoming meeting: “Cityhood: Don’t Deny Us the Right to Vote.”.

“We don’t see it (the subcommittee’s decision to table HB 613) as a set back, but we do have a challenge in terms of time. Feb. 29 is Crossover Day and we have to get it passed by then,” said Rice.

Meanwhile, a separate bill sponsored by State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler to form the city of Stonecrest in Southeast DeKalb advanced in the House Governmental Affairs Committee this month and is expected to receive a vote by the full House. Stonecrest would include about 50,000 residents.

Feb. 29.

The four-hour class will be held Tuesday, March 8, at the Rockdale County Fire Department’s Training Annex, 2150 Iris Drive, Conyers.

The program is funded by the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County’s Health TRUST Rockdale grants program.

Class size is limited to 30. Available spaces will be filled in the order registration emails are received. To register the individual affiliated with your agency (staff, volunteer/board member, client), e-mail Julie R. Mills, executive director of the Hospital Authority of Rockdale County: jmills@healthtrustrockdale.org or for more information, call 770-9221441.

DeKalb tax commissioner collecting nonperishables for Atlanta Food Bank Atlanta Community Food Bank needs to restock its shelves. DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson is encouraging citizens and employees to bring food to any of the three Tax Commissioner office locations or any DeKalb County public library.

Most needed items include canned tuna, peanut butter, fruit juices, canned vegetables and paper products.

The Tax Commissioner’s office locations and hours are:

Irvin J. Johnson

Central Office, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - M-F 4380 Memorial Drive Suite 100,Decatur, GA 30032 North Office, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - M-F 1358 Dresden Drive, NE,Atlanta, GA 30319 South Office, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - M-F 2801 Candler Road Suite 66, South DeKalb Mall ,Decatur, GA 30034 Locations and hours for DeKalb County public libraries can be found at http://dekalblibrary.org/

PAGE 6 •FEBRUARY 20, 2016 TO CONTACT US

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Class Notes

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Our Schools, Students & Partners

Congressman Johnson congratulates Stone Mountain High students for App participation

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ongressman Hank Johnson visited a group of Stone Mountain High School students on Feb. 16 to congratulate them on their great “App” ideas.

Johnson launched a competition encouraging high school students in the Fourth District to create their own mobile applications. Johnson’s office collected more than 20 submissions from high schools in the Fourth District, which includes parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett, and Newton and all of Rockdale County.

Stone Mountain High had the largest number of participants, bringing in more than half of the 20 submissions. The apps ran the gamut—from fashion and stylists’ tips, transferring data from an old phone to a new one and a mobile application to apply for college.

Johnson has planned a recognition ceremony with some of the contest’s judges, and other guests, to award prizes to the top three students.

The App Challenge highlighted the value of computer science and

STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).

“Science and technology are transforming our world and we must do all we can to ensure our kids are taking part in and helping shape the changing economy,” said Johnson.

“I’m proud of the students who participated in our first challenge.

They have showcased some of the Fourth Congressional District’s brightest young minds as they take on cutting-edge technology that is becoming an increasing part of all our lives.”

Young Legal Eagles take flight in Rockdale

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hile most students got a break from school on Presidents Day, some students headed to the courtroom to spend the day with Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and the New Rock Legal Society’s Youth Law Camp Day. The free camp exposed students who are interested in pursuing careers in the legal profession to a legal careers session, mock trial, and a meet-and- greet with government officials.

Attorneys Sherri Washington, Clarence Cuthpert and State Rep. Pamela Stephenson were among the invited guest speakers, along with State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Rockdale Clerk of Court Ruth Wilson and Rockdale Commissioner Oz Nesbitt.

The daylong program, which was open to 65 students in the 8th through 11th grades, included a morning session, lunch and an afternoon session.

Rockdale County Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten and New Rock Legal Society host Youth Law Camp Day Monday Feb. 15. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

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FEBRUARY 16, 2016 • PAGE 7

Scholarship named for Southwest DeKalb High Coach Jarek Swain

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raduating males at Southwest DeKalb High School (SWD) are invited to apply for a scholarship named in memory of one of its coaches who tragically died at age 28 in a car accident.

The inaugural “I Got This Scholarship” honors Coach Jarek Swain, who was not only a coach at the school but a 2003 SWD alumni.

“He was my only child. The scholarship name was derived from Jarek constantly saying to me “Ma, I got this. I was always trying to help but that was his reminder to me that he could do it,’ said Jackie Swain, his mother. “Coach Swain loved everything about Southwest DeKalb High—from fellow colleagues to coaching and especially the students. During his time as a student, he played varsity basketball and progressed on to play college basketball at Georgia Southern University.”

Jackie Swain said that although her son loved sports, the scholarship

named for him is not an athletic scholarship.

“Our emphasis is on education first and then sports,” said Jackie Swain. “Coach Swain excelled as the ideal student athlete, obtaining a BS degree from Georgia Southern

University, a master of education degree from Grand Canyon University and was two years into working on his Ph.D.” Georgia Southern University has established the Jarek Swain Achievement Scholarship.

Jackie Swain said that she is targeting graduating males at SWD for two scholarships because as a single parent, she understands the extra hard work it takes to raise a black male.

“No matter the struggle and obstacles faced, we made it with the support and positive affirmations from numerous friends, co-workers and community leaders and neighbors,” said Swain. “Giving back is important to me and was a special desire of Jarek and this is why we have chosen to seek male recipients from a single-parent household to recognize and assist with their college ambitions.”

Two scholarships in the amount of $500 and a laptop computer will be awarded to each recipient selected by the Coach Jarek Swain Scholarship committee. The application is available on the school’s web site at www.swdekalbhs.dekalb.k12.ga.us.

Submissions should be made to Mrs. Mundy or Coach White. The deadline to apply is March18.

The Leadership Team to present Scholarship Fair at McNair High

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he Leadership Team & DeKalb County School District will present a free college Scholarship Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 23, at McNair High School, 1804 Bouldercrest Road SE, Atlanta.

Tommy Ford of the television show, Martin, will host the event, streaming live on Periscope.

More than 30 colleges and universities have been

invited and all students may attend for free.

Students will need to bring: Multiple copies of transcripts.

ACT/SAT test scores Letters of recommendation Resumes An essay titled “Why I Want to Attend College” Students will have an opportunity to meet with

representatives from colleges and universities.

Some will be accepting students and awarding scholarships on the spot.

Last year, more than $5 million in scholarships were awarded, according to Courtney Dillard, who heads The Leadership Team organization.

Students should register online at www.infitiescholar.org.

Please join DeKalb County Solicitor-General Sherry Boston for the inaugural

•Downtown Decatur at 8:30 AM •Peachtree Road Race qualifier

Registration: bit.do/loverun

404-371-2201 • dekalbsolicitorgeneral.org

All proceeds will benefit the children’s programs of The Women’s Resource Center To End Domestic Violence, DeKalb’s premier resource for survivors of domestic violence and their families. The WRC helps survivors improve their safety through finding a safe place to stay, exercising their legal rights, exploring options, and creating accountability for batterers.

PAGE 8 •FEBRUARY 20, 2016

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Church bombing survivor shares story at DeKalb’s E.L. Miller Elementary

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arbara Cross, a survivor of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama, visited students at E.L. Miller Elementary School in DeKalb County on Feb. 18.

Cross recounted the bombing at the church her father pastored, sharing a picture of her childhood friends—the four young girls who made national news when a bomb exploded and killed them in the basement of the church on Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963. Cross survived. She didn’t get a chance to join her friends in the bathroom ecause a Sunday School teacher stopped her and gave her an assignment to do. The FBI said that four members of the Ku Klux Klan planted at least 15 sticks of dynamite attached to a timing device beneath the front steps of the church.

Commissioner Nesbitt to host “The Pastors’ Table”

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ockdale County Commissioner Oz Nesbitt, Sr. is hosting “The Pastors’ Table” brunch on Monday, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at the Old Town Bistro, 914 Commercial St., Conyers. The gathering is being held to discuss the relationship between the faith-based community and Rockdale County government. Local ordinances, crime, unemployment, homelessness and community resources will be among the topics discussed at this informal event.

To confirm your attendance, RSVP by Monday, Feb. 22: 770-624-9446.

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan

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People

FEBRUARY 20,2016 • PAGE 9

Movers & Shakers in the Community

APS’ Stephanie Johnson named “Principal of the Year” ATLANTA – The am thrilled that PrinciGeorgia Association pal Johnson is getting of Secondary School the recognition that she Principals (GASSP) deserves so we salute announced that Stephher for this deserving anie Johnson, prinhonor from the state.” cipal of Maynard H. Johnson has been a Jackson High School high school principal in Atlanta Public for 10 years, including Schools, has been four at Maynard H. named “Principal of Jackson. She will repthe Year.” resent Georgia for the “School adminNational School Prinistrators in Georgia, cipal of the Year award as well as the entire during a ceremony this nation are extremely September in Washingproud of Stephanie’s ton, DC. accomplishments at “It is a great honor Maynard H. Jackson to be recognized by High School,” said GASSP as Principal of Melton Callahan, the Year,” said Johnson.

Principal Stephanie Johnson is congratulated by representatives from the Georgia Association of Secexecutive director of ondary School Principals. L-R: Sheila Kahrs, assistant to executive director, GASSP; Stephanie Johnson, “The strength of educaMaynard H. Jackson High School; Melton Callahan, executive director, GASSP; Art Wheaton, past GASSP. “On behalf of principal, tion comes from strong president, GASSP. Executive Bartoletti leadership. I appreciate from the National Asin providing quality leadership ing, dynamic educator at the the opportunity to have sociation of Secondary School to their school communities.” helm,” said Superintendent such a great career where I Principals and GASSP, we are “A respected neighborhood Meria J. Carstarphen, Ed.D. can grow as a leader and help pleased to recognize standing high school like Maynard H. “With Principal Stephanie give students an opportunity to school principals like StephaJackson High School demands Johnson, this school has such a transform their lives and benie who personify excellence the leadership of an excitleader many times over. And I come successful adults.”

Rockdale Fire Marshal appointed to state advisory committee

Jerry Wainright

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ockdale County Fire-Rescue (RCFR) announced that Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Camila Knowles has selected Fire Marshal Jerry Wainright to serve on its State Code Advisory Committee (SCAC).

The SCAC is designed to adopt new construction code additions and amendments. Fire Marshal Wainright received his nomination from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and will serve a four-year term on the committee, which will conclude in December 2019. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs selected him because of his extensive knowledge of fire codes, their

impact on the community and his longtime tenure in fire service, the Rockdale County Fire-Rescue said in its announcement.

“I am delighted to have Fire Marshal Wainright appointed to the SCAC for the next four years,” Rockdale Fire Chief Dan Morgan said. “It shows the quality of the personnel that work in Rockdale County Fire-Rescue(RCFR), and also demonstrates the depth of knowledge available to the citizens of Rockdale County in the area of fire codes.

“I see this every day in the customer service provided by the RCFR Fire Prevention Bureau, and I am very pleased for RCFR to be able to contribute this knowledge at the state level.”

Wainright, who will represent local fire officials across the state, is one of 21 people serving on the committee alongside only one other fire service professional.

In his appointed position on the SCAC, Wainright will join the other members in developing and reviewing Georgia construction codes that affect almost every facet of activity in communities across the state.

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PAGE 10•FEBRUARY 20,2016

OP-ED Voicing Your Opinion

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The Board of Education should support smart growth in DeKalb

By Eugene P. Walker, Ph.D.

C

hris Carr, Commissioner for Economic Development for the State of Georgia, had some sobering commentary on DeKalb County recently.

He said the bad publicity is hurting the local economy, and that DeKalb should get its act together and turn over a new leaf.

I am usually not in lockstep agreement with the appointees of Republican Governors, but when they are right about something, I have to agree.

DeKalb County has been

plagued by political infighting and turf wars for decades, with near-sighted politicos cashing in on short-term victories at the expense of long term progress. We are at those crossroads again.

Carr points out that jobs are skipping over DeKalb in favor of Fulton, Cobb and Gwinnett - and why not? The grass is greener there.

If you were a developer, and all things are equal, why wouldn’t you go along with the others?

DeKalb needs to step up its game and do something different, and the opportunity is in front of us.

There is 155 acres at the precipice of redevelopment in North DeKalb, but it is stalling for lack of economic development incentives. The plan is for commercial, retail and residential in a transit-oriented environment.

That’s huge! Doraville has signed up for tax incentives, and so has DeKalb County. That is two steps in the right direction.

That leaves the school board.

The DeKalb County Board of Education (BOE) has been reluctant to be a team player when it comes to anything other than running schools.

Don’t get me wrong, schools are very important, but they do not exist in a vacuum apart from the larger framework of community and economy. Roughly three-quarters of property taxes are school taxes, so the overtures of Doraville and DeKalb mean little, if the Board of Education doesn’t take an interest in corporate investment and job creation.

Their rationale is that they don’t want to tie their hands with any tax incentive that would dictate where and how freely they can spend tax money. This is the flaw in their logic: at the moment, no one is living on the former home of the General Motors facility, but they soon will.

With the BOE’s involvement, there could be a significant infusion of smart, quality growth. With that comes jobs, and with jobs come families. With families come children, and those kids will need to go to a nearby school. Under normal circumstances, there might need to be a tax increase to pay for those schools, but with an infusion of capital investment, property values go up, and there won’t be a need to

raise taxes.

DeKalb Schools should support the Doraville Tax Allocation District. Certainly in this case, and many similar cases, it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy - tax incentives spur commercial investment, which in turn increases the value of real estate. Increases in the value of real estate mean more tax proceeds, and those tax proceeds fund education for children - win-win-win— win! The only caveat is those proceeds created from the growth must be reinvested in the same area.

I have served on the DeKalb Board of Education, and I have served on the Development Authority of DeKalb County. I support education, and I support economic development. These concepts are not mutually exclusive. Economic Development and quality education actually go hand in hand. Good schools are good for businesses and vice versa. The DeKalb BOE should consider the long term benefits for the community at large and approve tax incentives, before it’s too late.

Rockdale seniors sport crowns, name winners at 12th Annual Talent Show

Richard Oden, Rockdale Board of Commission chairman (pictured with the queen and king), was on hand for the seniors’ celebration. Photos via Facebook.

By Valerie J. Morgan

R

ockdale County’s Olivia Haydel Senior Center has a new queen and king: Mary Wells and Jesse Briggins respectively hold the new titles.

Wells and Briggins will officially represent the center at functions that are held throughout 2016 including the end-of-the year parade, said Susan Morgan, Rockdale’s senior services division manager. Every year, members of the county-run Olivia

Haydel Senior Center elect a queen and king who exemplify leadership, along with two people who are considered the most likeable members of the center.

This year, Fannie Fambro was named Ms. Congeniality and Michael Holmes was named Mr. Congeniality.

Wells, Briggins, Fambro and Holmes were honored on Feb. 17 at the center’s 12th Annual Senior Idol Talent Show, an event that drew more than 200 seniors.

Richard Oden, chairman of the Rockdale Board of Commission-

ers was on hand to congratulate the winners.

“It was a great event. There are so many talented seniors in our county,” said Oden, who also visited the center for Appreciation Day, where he applauded the center’s work.

Three judges selected winners for this year’s talent show: Jan Haydel, the daughter of the center’s namesake; Toya Washington; and Staci Lawrence. The top winners included: Comedy: Rockdale Puppeteers—1st

Place Frances Easley—2nd Place Dance: Legendary Steppers—1st Place Drama: George Ramsay—1st Place Olga Henry—2nd Place Music: Memory Lane Singers—1st Place Juanita Mitchell— 2Nd Place David Smith—3rd place

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