VOLUME 22 NUMBER 9
FREE
MAY 28,2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Landslide victories for Boston,Thurmond
Heather Sorenson and Pastor James C. Ward Photo/Special by David Washington
Acclaimed pianist Heather Sorenson leads concert at Antioch-Lithonia MBC
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ntioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church recently welcomed maestro Heather Sorenson for a concert that featured her music, Antioch’s James C. Ward Chorale and the Covington/Conyers Choral Guild, Inc. The internationally-known Christian music producer who has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Constitution Center brought together the two choral groups after leading a music clinic in Covington. Under Sorenson’s direction, the groups performed as if they had been singing together every Sunday, drawing standing ovations from Antioch’s congregation. “It was an honor to get her. She’s among the top 3 or 4 pianists in the world. It was like having a Mozart or a Bach performing in our church,” said Antioch’s Pastor James C. Ward. One of the pieces the combined choir sang during its May 22 concert at Antioch was entitled “O Sing Unto the Lord,” a piece written by Pastor Ward, an accomplished musician in his own right who minored in music at Morehouse College, where he received degrees in Philosophy and German. Sorenson said she re-arranged “O Sing Unto the Lord” after Pastor Ward asked her to take a look at it. Sorenson announced to the congregation that she liked the neo-classical piece so much that she plans to publish it through her company, Shawnee Press/Hal Leonard, which provides high quality sheet music to churches, schools, bands and orchestras. “Composing and arranging music are natural expressions for me. This was really a special piece that I enjoyed and I believe others will enjoy as well,” said Sorenson. Pastor Ward said he actually wrote the song years ago and put it away in a box with others he has written. “Sister Heather simplified it and made it so that the averSee Antioch page 8
District Attorney-Elect Sherry Boston talks with supporters at her celebration, held on May 24 at Universal Joint Bar and Pub in Decatur. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
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herry Boston will become DeKalb County’s next District Attorney when she leaves her current job as Solicitor General and she takes the oath of office in January 2017. Boston, a Democrat, earned a whopping 62 percent of the vote, defeating her sole challenger, Democratic incumbent Robert James, during the May 24 primary elections. There were no Republicans in the race. In her bid for the county’s top prosecutor position, Boston leveraged several key endorsements, which included former
DeKalb District Attorneys Bob Wilson and J. Tom Morgan, Congressman Hank Johnson and former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young. Boston championed restoring trust in the county, promising “a new day” in DeKalb. The message was one that resonated with voters. Boston carried nearly all 192 of the county’s voting precincts. Boston criticized James for overspendSee Election Coverage page 10
Michael Thurmond wins Democratic primary for CEO
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n another key race, former DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond won the Democratic primary for CEO, earning 72 percent of the vote. Former DeKalb Commissioner Connie Stokes, who also served as a state legislator, came in second with 26 percent of the vote. Joe Bembry, a car towing business owner, placed third. Thurmond will now face Republican Jack Lovelace in the November general election. Lovelace, the lone Republican running for the CEO seat, received 7,558 votes in the primary. The winner of the CEO race will oversee a $1.3 billion annual budget and more than 6,000 county DeKalb CEO-Elect Michael Thurmond poses for a picture with his wife, Zola, and their daughter, employees. Mikaya.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@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. On Common Ground News
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MAY 28,2016 • PAGE 3
Oden, Nesbit head for Rockdale BOC Chair runoff Sheriff, Clerk biggest winners in local elections
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andidates in four Rockdale County races are headed for run-offs on July 26. Voters will be going back to the polls to cast ballots for Board of Commissioners Chair; Commissioner, Post, 1; Probate Judge; and Board of Education, Post 4. The runoffs are being held because none of the candidates in those races received over 50 percent of the vote. In the most hotly-contested race, BOC Chairman Richard Oden and Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will face one another for the county’s top position. The Chairman’s race was a nail biter with three Democratic candidates running neck and neck. Oden, however, managed a slight edge, receiving 2,653 votes (36 percent), while Nesbitt received 2,653 votes (35 percent). RJ Hadley, who gave up his position as Tax Commissioner to run for the seat, came in third with 2,179 votes (29 percent). Oden has served two, four-year terms as Chairman. Nesbitt was elected to his second four-year term in 2012. The winner of the runoff will face T.P. Chastain, Jr., who received 2,177 as the only Republican running for the Chairman’s position in the November general election. Sheriff Eric Levett was the biggest
received 1,379 votes (19 percent). Thua Barlay came in third with 1,338 votes (19 percent). Washington and Hatcher were the top vote getters in the crowded seven-way race. Board of Education, Post 2: Pam Brown was elected to the seat. She received 5,446 votes (57 percent), Richard Oden Oz Nesbitt defeating Larry V. Cox who received 2,519 votes (26 % ). winner of the May 24 Board of Education, Post 4: HeathRockdale elections. Levett received er Duncan will face Cassandra Bark6,575 votes (87 percent) in defeating er-Carr in the July runoff. Duncan his only opponent, Donald Ferguson, who received 979 votes for 13 percent. received 4,432 votes (48 percent) while Barker-Carr received 3,100 votes (34 Levett’s victory means that he has percent). snagged a second, four-year term. Board of Education, Post 5: InRockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth cumbent Tony Dowdy was re-elected Wilson was re-elected to her position, with the second-biggest win on election with 6,090 votes (63 percent). Dowdy night. Wilson received 4,730 votes (65 defeated Y.C. Douglas, who received 2,420 votes (25 percent). percent) to give her a third, four-year Maintaining their seats were: Suterm. Janice Morris, who had never run for office, received 2,514 votes (35 per- preme Justice David Nahmias, Court of Appeals Judge Anne E. Barnes; Court cent) in the two-way race. Probate Court Judge Charles Mays of Appeals Judge Chris McFadden; Superior Court Judge Robert F. Mumford; will face Attorney Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. in the July 26 runoff. Mays received State Court Judge Nancy Bills; and Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten. 2,992 votes (42 percent), while CuthOther incumbents who were unoppert received 2,283 (32 percent). Mays posed: Coroner George W. Levett, Jr.; is going for a second, four-year term. BOE, Post 1 Mandy M. North; BOE Commissioner, Post 1 seat: Attorand Post 3 Wales F. Barksdale. ney Sherri Washington, who received 2,299 votes (32 percent), will be in a runoff with Phyllis Hatcher, who
“Neighbors Together” training set for homeowners A team of neighborhood leaders from Atlanta, Clayton, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton Gwinnett and Rockdale counties have been working with the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership (ANDP) on strategies for strengthening neighborhoods slow to recover from the housing crisis. ANDP and the team of leaders will present “Neighbors Together,” a day of training designed to empower and reignite hope in communities on Saturday, June 11, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Atlanta Metropolitan State College Conference Center, 1630 Metropolitan Parkway S.W., Atlanta.
“Neighbors Together” is part of Neighbor Works America Week 2016. Nathaniel Smith, CEO of the Partnership for Southern Equity, will be the keynote speaker and will join national trainers with expertise in helping neighborhoods improve safety, build a stronger neighborhood brand, and foster inclusive communities where all are welcome. To register or for more information, visit: http://www.andpi.org/ nw/index.html. The free event includes lunch, a T-shirt and reference materials.
Super Saturday homebuyer education resource fair set Those who are seeking to purchase their first home or those who have a home but need additional resources are invited to attend an upcoming resource fair. Morningstar Urban Development Inc. will present its annual Super Saturday Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource Fair on June 4, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. The free event is open to everyone including seniors and veterans. Homebuyer education, financial information and other resources will be offered. Participants will also have the chance to schedule one-on-one counseling sessions from HUD approved counselors and receive a certificate for down payment assistance ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. BB&T, realtors, closing attorneys and home inspections representatives will be on site to answer questions. To register or for more information, visit: www.SSHOUSINGEVENT. EVENTBRITE.COM or email housing@gmail.com or call 678-318-3676, ext. 105.
Conyers Police seek Waffle House robbery suspect Conyers Police are seeking a black male suspect who robbed the Waffle House, 1174 West Ave., Conyers. The robbery took place on Wednesday, May 18, 2:30 a.m. The suspect entered the restaurant and robbed the front register of cash. The suspect was seen in a black Chrysler 300 just prior to the robbery. He was wearing a Brooklyn Fubu hooded jacket. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward up to $2,000. Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information. Call: 404-577-TIPS (8477) Text: CSA + your tip to CRIMES (274637) Visit: www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org
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Coming Up
Friends of Stonecrest Library to host meet and greet The Friends of Stonecrest Library will have a meet and greet on June 6, 6:30 p.m., at Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia. The community is invited to come out and get to know the members of the Friends group, meet the new branch manager and tour the beautiful state of the art library.
GWINNETT
Summer Youth Police Academy accepting applications
Atlanta Jazz Festival Bonanza + Prince Tribute set
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he month-long festival featuring internationally acclaimed jazz musicians as well as emerging artists will culminate with an outdoor bonanza this Memorial Day weekend, May 27 – 28, at Piedmont Park, 233 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. Recognized as one of the leading jazz festivals in the world, the Atlanta Jazz Festival is a celebration of the rich history of jazz and its place in Atlanta’s history. The Atlanta Jazz Festival will also present a special tribute to Prince during this year’s Late Night Jazz Jam, Saturday, May 28, 11 p.m., at Park Tavern, 500 10th St. NE, Atlanta. Russell Gunn, along with his Quartet and Lil John Roberts (who performed with Prince at the 2005 NAACP Awards) will host the event. For more information on tickets, visit www.atlantafestivals.com.
Atlanta
Celebrate Caribbean culture at 28th annual festival and parade The 28th annual Atlanta Caribbean Festival will take place Saturday, May 28, at 12 p.m. The parade will start on Central Park Place and Linden Avenue in Atlanta. First held in 1988, the annual Atlanta Caribbean Festival in Georgia is a celebration of Caribbean culture and heritage. The one-day carnival extravaganza features a parade packed with floats, marchers, bedazzled costumed dancers and live musical performances from international and local artists. The Carnival Village will be at the Historic Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St NE, Atlanta. For parade route and other events related to the festival, visit www.atlantacarnival.org.
DeKalb
Decatur Arts Festival Tour Downtown Decatur comes alive on Memorial Day weekend for the annual Decatur Arts Festival, Saturday, May 28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday May 29, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival extends from the Decatur Recreation Center to the downtown square including East and West Ponce de Leon Avenue, Clairemont Avenue and the Dalton Gallery at Agnes Scott College, 141 E College Ave., Decatur. This year’s festival will feature an artist market, live musical performances, improvisational and stand-up comedy, a children’s festival and parade, literary events, dance performances and more. The Kids Arts Festival is on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Decatur Recreation Center, 231 Sycamore Street. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be located on East Court Square, or you can choose from Decatur’s many award-winning restaurants, pubs, cafés and fast food restaurants. The event is free and will happen rain or shine. Event planners recommend patrons to take MARTA to the Decatur Station, or bike to Downtown Decatur and use the Bike Valet Service. For more information, visit www.decaturartsfestival.com.
The Gwinnett County Police Department will host its first-ever Summer Youth Police Academy July 25-29. The program offers teens who are interested in a career in law enforcement a behind-the- scenes look at the department. The Youth Police Academy will take place at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center located at 854 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville. The Youth Police Academy will include classroom instruction, team building, and character development. Students will learn about criminal investigations, crime scene investigations, traffic stops, firearms safety, gangs, and narcotics awareness. In addition to classroom instruction attendees will participate in hands-on demonstrations of basic defensive tactics and crime scene processing and will take a tour of police headquarters, the 911 Communications Center, and the jail. Interested applicants will be required to handwrite a 100-word essay explaining why they are interested in attending the Youth Police Academy. There will be a maximum of 30 students accepted in the academy and preference will be given to Gwinnett County residents. Applicants must be at least 13 years old by the first day of academy and must not be older than 17 years old on the last day of academy. To apply for the Youth Police Academy, download the application from www.gwinnettcounty.com. The packet must be faxed to 770-822-5492 or emailed to michael.marchese@gwinnettcounty.com no later than Thursday, June 30. For more information, call 678-226-7753
ROCKDALE
Nancy Guinn Library to host career readiness seminar Need a job? Haven’t interviewed in years? Then join us on Tuesday, May 31, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St SW, Conyers. Learn about communication and interview etiquette, resume tips, pre-interview steps, presentation style, and how to answer those tricky interview questions. This informative seminar is hosted by the Conyers-Rockdale Library System in the lower level library meeting room. Register today at the Adult Services desk or call 770-388- 5040 ext. 118.
Free Friday Flick: Take the kids to see Kung Fu Panda Take your whole family, along with your blankets and snacks, for a free viewing of Kung-Fu Panda on June 3, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library in the lower level meeting room. All ages are welcome. No registration is required.
Relieve some stress throughout Adult Coloring Club Join the Adult Services Department at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St., Conyers for an adult only coloring session June 3, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the lower level library meeting room (lower level), 864 Green Street SW, Conyers. Let your creativity shine through beautiful pieces of art, enjoy light refreshments and explore what the library has to offer. Coloring can help alleviate stress and anxiety while letting you be creative and train your brain to focus. For more information and to register, contact the Adult Services Department at 770-388- 5040, ext. 118. This event is free and open to the public. Space is limited so register today.
Event details may change at any time. Please always check with the event organizer before you go. To submit your event to Coming Up, email editor@ocgnews.com.
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MAY 28 2016 • PAGE 5
Local Memorial Day ceremonies planned to honor U.S. soldiers By Valerie J. Morgan For many, Memorial Day marks the kickoff of summer—a time for backyard barbecues and the NBA playoffs. But there is a more serious side to the national holiday: Memorial Day is the time when we pay homage to America’s soldiers for their sacrifice and protection to this country. The first observance to the nation’s soldiers, May 30, was established as Decoration Day after the end of the Civil War, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. The website says that in 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and set the last Monday of May. Here’s a look at local ceremonies planned to commemorate the holiday:
Photo/Georgia National Cemetery
DeKalb County’s 15th Annual Memorial Day Program Rockdale’s Walk of Heroes to honor Vietnam veterans DeKalb County’s 15th annual Memorial Day Program will be held Friday, May 27, 11 a.m., at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium,1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The theme for this year’s event, “A Living Memorial: Women Veteran Entrepreneurs and Professionals,” honors women who currently serve or have served in the military, especially those who have paved the way for others to succeed in business. Alisa Williamson, president and CEO of Glory Professional Cleaning Services, is the keynote speaker. Interim CEO Lee May, the DeKalb Board of Commissioners and the Veterans Affairs Advisory Board of DeKalb County are presenting the program.
The Walk of Heroes Veterans War Memorial, 3001 Black Shoals Road, Conyers, will host its annual Memorial Day program. The first part of the program will be held from 11 a.m. to noon and will feature keynote speaker James Blaylock, a marine who was wounded in combat during the Vietnam War. Blaylock is the past state and national commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The afternoon events include a patriotic concert performed by Rejoys, 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. Certificates of honor will be presented to Vietnam war veterans who served from June 1, 1954 to May 15, 1975.
Army Specialist Kyle E. Gilbert to be remembered in Gwinnett Gwinnett County officials will remember Army Specialist Kyle E. Gilbert during the 13th annual Memorial Day ceremony on Memorial Day, at 1 p.m., at the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial in Lawrenceville. Gilbert, a Lawrenceville native and graduate of Mill Creek High School, died as a result of friendly fire last September in Bagram, Afghanistan. Gilbert’s name is the first to be added to the Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial since 2011. Guests are invited to attend the ceremony to pay tribute to Gilbert and other fallen heroes who have sacrificed their lives to protect our nation. The keynote address will be given by Brig. Gen. Thomas Carden, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Georgia Department of Defense Commander, Georgia Army National Guard. Other officials scheduled to speak include Gwinnett
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County District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter and the mayors of Lawrenceville and Lilburn. Law enforcement honor guard members will also take part in the ceremony. The Gwinnett Fallen Heroes Memorial, located on the grounds of the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville, honors all Gwinnett residents who died in the line of duty in miliKyle E. Gilbert tary or public service. The memorial opened in 2003 and was built with funds from private donations and Gwinnett County government. For more information about the memorial, visit www.gwinnettfallenheroes. com.
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DeKalb school leaders celebrate E-SPLOST approval By Valerie J. Morgan
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eKalb County school leaders thanked voters for continuing the Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (E-SPLOST) to raise an estimated $500 million to fund school improvement projects in the county. Voters approved the measure by 71 percent during the May 24 special election. The approval means the county will begin the sales tax extension in 2017 and collect money for the school district through 2022. DeKalb Schools Superintendent Stephen Green and school leaders held a news conference at Cross Keys High School the day after voters passed E-SPLOST to celebrate the good news. “We’re ready to move forward, aggressively dealing with overcrowding here at Cross Keys, Clarkston, Dunwoody, and Lakeside, as well as addressing the condition of our older schools that need repairs,” said Green, calling Cross Keys the”
Superintendent Stephen Green says addressing overcrowded schools will among the district’s top priorities. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCG News
epicenter of overcrowding.” Some students at the school must take classes in trailers because of overcrowding. School Board Chair Melvin Johnson said he was very thankful that voters entrusted the district to fund projects for another five years.
“We want to thank you again for this additional five years, which will total 25 years of entrusting us to spend the money making improvements,” Johnson said. Of the $500 million expected from the sales tax, $230 million will be used to build new schools
and address overcrowding, Green said. “We know in the future we are going to need middle schools and high schools,” said Green, who said he is working with community stakeholders to decide on projects the will be funded from the sales tax money.
Rockdale Summer Reading Program kicks off
The Conyers Rockdale Library System will kick off its 2016 Summer Reading program with the first Thrilling Thursday event on June 2, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m., at the Nancy Guinn Memorial Library, 864 Green St SW, Conyers. Magician Ken Scott and his puppet friend, “Croco,” will entertain with a performance filled with incredible magic tricks, hilarious comedy, and lots of opportunity for audience participation. Thrilling Thursday events will also run on June 9, 16 and 23, as well as July 7 and 14. All Thrilling Thursday programs will be held in the lower level meeting room at the library. Summer reading activity logs will be issued beginning Saturday, May 28. No registration is required.
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MAY 28 2016 • PAGE 7
Gov. Deal names Dunn, Curry, new environmental directors Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Richard Dunn, deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget (OPB), will transition to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) as director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) effective June 15. Lauren Curry, chief of staff for the Georgia Emergency Management/Homeland Security Agency (GEMHSA), will become the deputy director of EPD. Deal will recommend Dunn and Curry to the DNR
board for approval at its scheduled meeting in June. “Rick and Lauren are highly skilled and qualified for these positions at EPD,” said Deal. “They bring with them a broad range of experience working on the state’s behalf in their previous positions with OPB and GEMHSA. I am confident that Dunn and Curry will continue advancing Georgian’s interests in a new capacity as they manage and protect Georgia’s most valuable resources.”
Dunn previously served as director of the Health and Human Services division where he worked closely on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, the behavioral health settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, state health care programs and child welfare.He earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. Curry has served as chief of staff for GEMHSA since May of 2014. She earned a bachelor’s
degree in Government and Business Economics from Wofford College and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia. DNR Deputy Commissioner Walter Rabon will serve as the interim director of EPD from June 1-15. Mary Walker will become the director of the Water Resources Division for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority and will head up the Governor’s Water Supply Program for the state.
Diamond Girl Scout Troop in Rockdale 14866 honors 16 at bridging ceremony
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Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth Wilson (left, rear) poses with award recipients and Scout leaders.
ixteen Rockdale County girl scouts were honored recently at the annual Bridging and Awards Ceremony of the Diamond Girl Scout Troop 14866. The event was held at Cross Point Christian Church in Conyers and Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson was the guest speaker. Wilson encouraged the troop, comprised of girls in the 1st through 9th grades, along with their parents and leaders to continue the Girl Scout movement. “It is heartening to see these young ladies being nurtured with values like service, courage, fairness and responsibility. This is where leadership begins,” said Wilson, who also assisted the girls with the removal of their current scout vest/sash prior to walking over “the bridge” where their leader awaited them with their new level vest/sash. Greater Atlanta Council of Girl Scouts of America’s Service Unit Support Specialist Tenequa Alexander was also in attendance to present the girls with High Honor Awards such as the Diamond Troop Award recognizing the group’s efforts. Rockdale’s Service Unit Director Sandra Alexander praised the troop for continuing the Scouts’ mission. “Here in Rockdale, we continue the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place,” said Alexander, who has served as an adult Girl Scout Volunteer for 13 years. “We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs for girls from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to do something amazing.”
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Antioch-Lithonia MBC continued from page 1
Stress or Physical Pain?
Members of the James C. Ward Chorale and the Covington/Conyers Choral Guild, Inc. perform at Antioch-Lithonia MBC. Special for OCG/ David Washington-
age church choir could sing it,” said Pastor Ward, who got his foundation in classical music under the tutelage of a teacher who taught history at the black school in Abbeville, Alabama where his father was principal. “They couldn’t hire music teachers back then. She was our history teacher but she taught us music as well. From her, we learned about modulation, how to change keys in a song, music history and so forth. I kept thinking where am I going to use any of this in life? We didn’t even have a piano in our home. My brother and I had to go to the church to play. Then one day, Daddy made the decision to buy us a piano, instead of the lawnmower he needed, telling us we’d better make good on his investment.” Pastor Ward said his humble beginnings helped to prepare him for the music world he discovered when he went off to college. There, he sang in the Glee Club and fell in love with classical music. “I had the chance to see musical instruments like the oboe, which I had only read about, coming from a small town,” said Pastor Ward, who encourages a variety of Christian music at his church. Pastor Ward said he met Sorenson about five years ago at a music symposium for composers and their paths crossed several times after that. When he learned that Sorenson was in the Atlanta area recently, he invited her to his church. “I showed her some of the pieces I had composed and wanted guidance,” said Pastor Ward. “We worked together on “O Sing Unto the Lord” and she just fell in love with it.” Pastor Ward said he was inspired to write the song based on Psalm 96.
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MAY 28,2016 • PAGE 9
New courtrooms, more parking coming to Gwinnett Justice Administration Center
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winnett County commissioners have approved a contract with highest-scoring firm Gilbane Building Company to build an addition to the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center and a new parking deck. The voter-approved 2009 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax(SPLOST) program is funding the bulk of the $75 million project with the remainder coming from the capital project fund. “As our population approaches 1 million people, demand on the Gwinnett County court system continues to grow. Additional courtrooms and associated facilities are needed to serve jurors, victims, judges, prosecutors, attorneys, witnesses and others who visit the courts. I am thankful to all of the voters who recognized the need for additional court facilities and approved SPLOST to fund the expansion,” said Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash. The new 180,000-square-foot building will consist of four stories and a lower level and will house courtrooms, a jury assembly room and holding cells. A security clearance lobby will connect the new building and an adjacent 1,500-space parking structure. The three new structures will be located in the space occupied by the current parking structure. The new building will also connect to the existing Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center. “On behalf of the judiciary, we are excited and grateful that this project is finally underway,” Chief Superior Court Judge Melodie Snell Conner said. “Over the last several years, the Court system and related agencies have completely out-
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grown the current courthouse. This much needed and anticipated expansion will greatly enable us to better serve the citizens of Gwinnett and ensure that all litigation in the Gwinnett Courts is handled as expeditiously and safely as possible.” Gwinnett County is using a construction manager at risk approach, a project delivery method that entails a commitment by the construction manager to deliver the project within a guaranteed maximum price based on construction doc-
uments and specifications at the time of award, plus any reasonably inferred items or tasks. This approach also allows for more flexibility in phasing the work to accommodate uninterrupted operations of the building. The Gilbane team has built 59 courthouses in the past 10 years, including 16 in Georgia and more than 50 parking decks in the past 5 years.
Newly renovated Lawrenceville Senior Center opens
winnett County officials recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the newly renovated Lawrenceville Senior Center. The renovated center, located at 225 Benson Street in Lawrenceville, can accommodate up to 160 seniors per day. After being closed since last August, the upgraded facility now accommodates individuals with low vision, hearing impairments and mobility challenges. Improvements include ADA-accessible restrooms, an enlarged dining area, an upgraded billiards room, a new card room area, a new hearing loop system for the hearing impaired and a new multi-use room. Deputy County Administrator Phil Hoskins presided over the ceremony. Additional remarks were provided by Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash, District 4 Commissioner John Heard, Lawrenceville Mayor Judy Jordan Johnson, HUD Deputy Regional Administrator Willie Taylor, Senior Services Manager Jamie Cramer and District 45 State Sen. Renee Unterman. “Today, we have almost 122,000 seniors in a total population of more than 900,000,” said Nash. “Seniors now make up more than 13 percent of the Gwinnett population, and we must continue planning for this expected growth.”
Funding for the renovations to the center comes from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program, supplemented by grants from the Atlanta Regional Commission and the County’s 2014 SPLOST program. For more information on Lawrenceville Senior Center, visit www.gwinnettseniorservices.com.
PAGE 10•MAY 28,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM Election Coverage continued from page 1
ing with his county purchasing card, violating campaign finance laws and refusing to cooperate with independent investigators who were hired to expose corruption and waste in DeKalb County government. James also faced criticism from the public for retrying former DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis on corruption charges. After the first trial ended in a hung jury, James prosecuted Ellis again and Ellis was convicted of attempting to pressure a county vendor to contribute to give to his re-election campaign and perjury. Ellis was sentenced to 18 months in prison but was released March 1 after serving about 8 months.
Coleman-Stribling wins Solicitor-General’s race Donna Coleman-Stribling received 54 percent of the vote to become DeKalb’s next Solicitor-General. She defeated Nicole Golden, who received 46 percent of the vote in the hotly-contested race. Both have worked in the DA’s office. Golden has served as DeKalb’s chief assistant district attorney, while Coleman-Stribling has served as deputy chief district attorney. Stribling
District 4 Commissioner Barnes- Sutton in runoff
Vernon Jones, Rhonda Taylor in runoff for House District 91
Jones
Taylor
Former DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones is headed to a runoff on July 26 with Rhonda Taylor, a legal support consultant, for state House District 91, which covers parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties. Jones received 49 percent of the vote (2,708)--not the more than 50 percent required to avoid a runoff. Taylor came in second with 26 percent of the vote (1,432 votes). Business owner Charles Hill came in third with 18 percent (1,009) votes in the four-way primary. The runoff winner will face Republican Carl Anuszcyk in the November general election. Anuszcyk, the only Republican in the race, received 1,009 votes.
Tonya Anderson, Dee Dawkins-Haigler in Senate District 43 runoff
Commissioner Sharon Barnes-Sutton will face Steve Bradshaw in a runoff. Bradshaw received 5,253 votes(48.4 percent), while Barnes-Sutton received 4,712 votes (43.4 percent). Barnes-Sutton
Gannon re-elected Commissioner , District 6 Incumbent Kathie Gannon won re-election with 81 percent (17,437 votes), defeating Warren Mosby, who received 19 percent (4,162).Mosby was Gannon’s only challenger.
Anderson
Gannon
Sheriff Jeff Mann wins Democratic primary In his bid for re-election, Sheriff Jeff Mann won the Democratic primary with 56 percent (29,838 votes). Mann was challenged by four opponents in the primary. Mann will face Republican H. Dennis, who received 7,925 votes as the GOP nominee, in the November general election.
Dawkins-Haigler
In another hotly-contested state race, former State Rep. Tonya P. Anderson will face State Rep. Dee Dawkins-Haigler in the state Senate District 43 race. Anderson received 46 percent (5,867), while Dawkins-Haigler received 34 percent (4,389 votes) in a three-way race. Toney Collins, a former state representative, received 20 percent (2,485 votes). The runoff winner will face Republican incumbent JaNice Van Ness in the November general election. VanNess received 3,627 votes as the Republican nominee.
Renitta Shannon unseats Rahn Mayo in House District 84
Sheriff Jeff Mann
Irvin Johnson, Susannah Scott in runoff for
tax commissioner
Renitta Shannon, a medical sales manager, unseated incumbent Rahn Mayo with 53 percent (3,437votes) in the House District 84 race. Shannon campaigned for racial, gender and economic justice, according to her campaign website. Mayo, who has served since 2009, received 47 percent (2,991) in the race. Mayo sponsored legislation to address home foreclosures, transportation infrastructure funding, driver safety, charter school accountability and expanding access to the HOPE Scholarship, according to his biography on the state’s web site.
Five incumbent legislators defeat opponents Johnson
Scott
Irvin Johnson, who is serving as DeKalb’s interim tax commissioner, is headed for a runoff with Susannah Scott, an attorney for the top paying job in the county--$242,000 annually. Johnson received 40 percent (20,885 votes) while Scott received 34 percent (17,863 votes). Former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson came in third with 27 percent (14,108 votes). Days before the election, Johnson filed a lawsuit to stop the primary, saying his name was not listed on the ballot as the incumbent based on a passed in 2008. Under the law, an interim tax commissioner “shall not be designated as the incumbent on the election ballot used to fill such vacancy.” In January, Johnson, who was the deputy tax commissioner, succeeded Claudia Lawson, who resigned from the top post in December 2015.
Five incumbent DeKalb legislators defeated their challengers and were re-elected after defeating challengers: State Rep. Tom Taylor, R-Dunwoody; State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver, D-Decatur; Sen. Fran Millar, R-Atlanta; Rep. Michele Henson, D-Stone Mountain; and Rep. Earnest Coach Williams, D-Avondale Estates.
Three DeKalb judges win re-election against challengers State Court Judge Dax Lopez defeated former Recorders Court Judge Roderick Bridges. Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger defeated Attorney Stephone Johnson; and Superior Court Judge Gail Flake defeated former Recorders Court Judge Angela Brown.
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