June 6, 2015 by On Common Ground News

VOLUME 21 NUMBER 10

FREE

JUNE 6, 2015

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

Outpouring of support for two slain in Conyers shooting rampage

Family members of victims Mun “Moon” Cha and Otonicar Jimquez Aikens mourn as the community rallies around them at the June 3 candlelight vigil. By Joshua Smith and Valerie J. Morgan

undreds of supporters came together to pray, cry and sing during a candlelight vigil on June 3 to remember Mun “Moon” Cha and Otonicar Jimquez Aikens, who were killed in a shooting rampage at the Magnet Bottle Shop in Conyers by an angry customer. Cha and Aikens were shot to death

by Jeffrey Scott Pitts, 36, on May 31. Pitts walked into the store that Sunday around 5 p.m. and started shooting without saying a word, witnesses told police. Todd Scott, who was in the store at the time, realized the store was under attack and returned fire. Sheriff Eric Levett said it was Scott’s heroic act that likely saved his own life and that of other customers and workers inside the store. Pitts, deputies said, had been at the

store earlier that day and had a dispute over an unpaid tab. When he returned about four hours later, he opened fire, hitting Cha and Aikens. Pitts then fled to his home where he shot his parents, who survived. Pitts was killed at his house in a shootout with deputies after they ordered him to surrender and he refused, firing from a garage. The rampage stunned the quiet Conyers community but brought out many to grieve with the families of the two

victims who were killed. The candlelight vigil was held in the parking lot of the store, which Cha’s family owned. Holding one another, some cried out “We love you, Moon,” while others, so overcome with grief, sobbed. At the candlelight vigil, customer Pedro Maddox said the world lost a great man in Cha, who would often let Candlelight Vigil page 8

DeKalb’s finances stronger ICEO Lee May: ‘We are turning the corner’

By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith

eKalb County residents will get a small property tax cut—the first in 11 years— and several county services will be enhanced under a mid-year adjusted budget Interim CEO Lee May is recommending. “We are stronger and we are a better government. Despite all of the chal-

lenges you may read in the newspaper and see on television, I am here to say we are indeed turning the corner,” May said during a press conference on June 2. May’s recommendations include socking away $57.5 million in reserves and providing $1 million for the first phase of police body cameras; $994,000 for parks; $571,000 for enhanced services for DeKalb’s new Traffic Court; and $400,000 for library materials, to name a few of the highlights. May says he wants to not only to be able to save for a rainy day, pay the bills and enhance services, but keep homeowners from having to shell out more for property taxes. To help homeowners, he is recommending a millage rate of 20.81 mills, a decrease of 0.4 mills from 21.21 mills in 2014. The tax cut, the first since 2004, amounts to about $20 in annual savings on a $100,000 home; $34 in annual savings for a $200,000 home; and $50 in yearly savings for a home valued at $300,000.

Ashley Lee of Decatur said mall or “Our fiscal house is getting in order not, she appreciates any and all tax and the taxpayers are getting a tax cuts. break. Now we are in this position by “I don’t see them raising taxes on controlling our spending, by living the back end, so it all sounds good to within our means, by living by conme,” said Lee. “Whether it’s five dolservative budget principles in addition lars, 10, or 50, with everything else to better than expected market condiout here going up like food and gas, I tions,” said May, who added that the think any kind of tax cut is a help.” tax-funded budget is $630 million, Not everyone is jumping for joy, while the county’s total funds budget however. Jemel Sheldon of Stone is $1.4 billion. Mountain called the tax cut a politCommissioner Stan Watson, who ical move, speculating that May is represents DeKalb’s Super District reducing taxes because he may run for 7, says he thinks the budget proposCEO next year. al sounds fine but must be reviewed Said Sheldon: “It’s not a lot of money before the board as a whole can make cut for us, when you are already shell- a decision. ing out so much a year on property “It (the proposed budget) posivalue taxes. Is it really a great thing tions us to add body cameras to our or just a way to get in good before an police force for transparency and it election?” increases our fund balance or savings May said he hopes the Board of account by almost $15 million,” said Commissioners will approve the Watson. “This budget, coupled with budget by July 14. He plans to hold efficiency studies and our one-day-aa series of Town Hall meetings over the next several days with citizens to DeKalb Finances page 8 discuss his proposal.

PAGE 2 •JUNE 6, 2015

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

$MILLIONS RECOVERED Auto - Truck Accidents . Slip & Fall

Call us anytime for FREE advice

404-297-9933

“WE DON’T GET PAID UNTIL YOU DO!”

CALL US

ANYTIME

24/7 THE LAW OFFICES OF

JASON & BRADLEY Former Military Attorneys (JAG)

Cosmetic & General Dentistry Recline in Comfort & Watch TV During Your Treatment !!

If you can’t come to us, we come to you. www.JasonandBradley.com

Mon- Thurs 8am-5pm Every other Friday 8am-5pm

New Patients Welcome! Power Bleaching- Zoom Invisible Braces (Invisalign) Dental Implants Tooth-Colored Fillings Crown & Bridges Porcelain Veneers Low- Radiation X-Rays Amber Jenkins Dabney ,DDS

www.beautifulsmiledds.com

Se Habla Espanol!

8200 Mall Parkway , Suite #155 Lithonia, GA 30038 • (770) 484-4051 Shops at Turner Hill Plaza (Across from Panera Bread Company)

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@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

P.O. Box 904 Lithonia, GA 30058 (678) 526-1910 News 24/7 @ www.ocgnews.com

JUNE 6, 2015 • PAGE 3

Low voter turnout so far in DeKalb’s District 5 Special Election By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith

Voters are not racing to the polls for DeKalb County’s District 5 Special Election, even though the Board of Commissioners’ seat has been unrepresented for nearly two years. Only 95 of District 5’s nearly 95,000 registered voters have participated in the Special Election so far. About 140,000 residents live in District 5. DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections Director Maxine Daniels says the low turnout as of June 3, however, doesn’t necessarily mean there will be a low turnout on June 16. She said people may be weighing their options rather than taking advantage of early voting, which began on May 26. “Special elections like this one can be tricky. Turnout could pick up on Election Day,” said Daniels. “There are 10 candidates. That’s a lot to take in. There are probably a lot of undecided voters out there who will attend more forums and other events to hear from the candidates and get a better understanding of who they want to vote for. I hear that hundreds of people are attending the candidates’ forums.” So far, three of 10 forums that have been publicized by various community groups have been held. And while hundreds collectively have attended, many people have been in attendance at the forums, observers say. Candidate Harmel Codi became upset at the June 2 forum, hosted by the Greater Lithonia Chamber, when it was announced the audience could participate in a straw poll on how well candidates answered the questions. Codi said she objected because the audience was stacked with supporters of some of the candidates, some of whom could not even vote in the election. The Chamber said, however, many people kept their score cards for their personal use to rank the candidates. The candidates vying for the District 5 seat: Greg Adams,

Emory police officer; Harmel Deanne Codi, child advocate/educational consultant; Jerome Edmondson, CEO of Entrepreneur Development Network and TopTell USA; Gwen Russell Green, poet and veteran educator of the DeKalb County School System; Developer Vaughn Irons, CEO of APD Solutions; Attorney Mereda Davis Johnson, partner with Johnson Hopewell Coleman, LLC; Attorney Gina Mangham, community watchdog; Kathryn Rice, consultant in community economic development; Kenneth Saunders, III, a technology consultant and member of the DeKalb Parks Bond Advisory Committee; and George Turner, a retired MARTA supervisor and president of the District 5 Community Council. The following forums for District 5 are scheduled this month: Monday, June 8, 7 p.m., Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m., Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, hosted by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Stone-Mountain Lithonia Chapter; District 5 page 6

•RESTORING TRUST •BUILDING A STRONGER ECONOMY •KEEPING SOUTH DEKALB SAFE

Special Election DeKalb’s District 5 June 16

EdmondsonForDeKalb.Com

PAID FOR AND AUTHORIZED BY EDMONDSON FOR DEKALB

PAGE 4 •JUNE 6, 2015

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

“Scribes and Vibes” in Lithonia

Coming Up

Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, will host “Scribes and Vibes” on Saturday, June 13, 1 – 4 p.m. The library’s Friends group is sponsoring the event, which will feature poetry, music and fine arts through musical performances, open mic or spoken word and art exhibits. Adults 18 years and older are invited. 404-482-3828.

GWINNETT

“Music and Scoops Friday” in Lawrenceville Gwinnett County will host “Music and Scoops Friday” on June 19, 5:30 p.m., at the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse, 185 W Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Enjoy the lazy days of summer with music and ice cream. Live entertainment begins at the gazebo at 7 p.m. and will feature local artists and bands. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and picnic, if you want. Admission is free. There will be children’s activities and vendors. For more information, call 770-822-5450.

Homeowner H20 workshop set Juneteenth festival set at Atlanta’s Mosley Park

he City of Atlanta’s Mosley Park, 1685 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, N.W., Atlanta, will host a Juneteenth parade and music festival on June 11—14, 4 – 9 p.m. The park will be celebrating the emancipation of African descendants from slavery. This year’s theme is “Rebuilding Communities One Neighborhood At A Time.” The event will unite churches, mosques, families, clubs, businesses, schools and civic organizations. There also will be a parade, kids’ zone, health fair, arts and crafts pavilion, live performances, spoken word artists, multi-cultural food vendors and a “Super Dance” pavilion. You can also trace your roots with genealogy experts. Admission is free. For more information, call Robert Johnson at 404-753-4555 or visit www.juneteenthatl.com.

ATLANTA

Chastain Park transformed into Mississippi The Mississippi Society of Georgia will host “Atlanta’s 7th Annual Mississippi in the Park” on Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Chastain Park, 4469 Stella Drive, N.W., Atlanta. The annual picnic serves as a reunion for anyone with ties to Mississippi. Vendor booths from Mississippi colleges and universities will be in attendance. The picnic includes live entertainment, a catfish fish fry and door prizes up for grabs. This year’s entertainment will include some familiar faces as the society welcomes back “The Shufflejunkies” with a special appearance by “Lady D.” This is a rain or shine event. Admission is free. For more information, call Steve Ruegger at 404-863-3566.

The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources will host Homeowner H20: Water Conservation, on Thursday, June 18, 6 p.m., at the Norcross Human Services Center, 5030 Georgia Belle Court, Norcross. The workshop will provide the knowledge and tools you need to increase water efficiency in your home. Attendees will receive a low-flow retrofit kit, outdoor water efficiency kit, do-it-yourself home water audit guide, and information on how to apply for Gwinnett County’s toilet rebate program. The workshop is free but registration is required. The county requests you pre-register by sending an email with your name, address, and phone number to dwrconserve@gwinnettcounty.com or by calling 678-376-7126.

Zumba Party in the Park Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation will host a free event, “Zumba Party in the Park,” on Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m., at the Bogan Park Community Recreation Center, 2723 North Bogan Road, Buford. Get fit and celebrate the summer. You can dance your way to fitness at the Zumba party where you’ll meet county instructors and learn about dance fitness and its health benefits. No pre-registration required. For information, call 678-277-0850.

ROCKDALE

Rockdale Jobs Group hosts job fair Rockdale Jobs Group and the Conyers VFW will host a job fair on Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at 1432 VFW Drive, Conyers. Organizer Thomas Chastain says the fair will feature a list of businesses and companies from all industries and many are looking to do direct hiring. There also will be resume building help for job seekers. Some businesses attending the job fair are: Pratt Industries, Banner Security, Southeast Sealing, Carter-young, Primerica, Truss Components, Duro Tire, the GA Driving Academy, Medic Inc., Rockdale Sheriff’s Department, Rockdale Fire Rescue, Rockdale 911 Call Center, Randstad Staffing, Future Staff, and Protemps.

DEKALB

“The Boxtrolls” family movie night in Conyers

“Scam Jam 2015” in Decatur

The City of Conyers will host an outdoor family movie night, June 13, 7 – 10 p.m. at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 South Main Street, Conyers. The featured movie is a 2014 animated release, “The Boxtrolls.” The fantasy-comedy is based on the novel, Here Be Monsters! by Alan Snow. The film tells the story of “Eggs,” a human boy raised by trash-collecting trolls, as he attempts to save them from Archibald Snatcher, a pest exterminator. The film stars Isaac Hempstead-Wright, Ben Kingsley, Elle Fanning, Toni Collette, Jared Harris, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Richard Ayoade and Tracy Morgan. Admission is at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at dark. Bring your chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie with your friends and family. You can bring your own meal and snacks or buy from vendors. For more information, call 770-602-2606.

The DeKalb County Triad and Seniors and Law Enforcement will host “Scam Jam 2015” on Thursday, June 11, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. State Sen. Gloria Butler, who represents District 55, will serve as the keynote speaker. Butler will discuss laws protecting seniors from scams, fraud and financial exploitation and answer questions from attendees. This is your opportunity to learn about common scams and fraud and how you can avoid becoming a victim. For more information, call Tarsellia Oliver at 770-296-1179.

Men Of McCart to host empowerment series Commissioner Larry Johnson sets Family and Friends Day DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson and Dr. Curtis Thrasher will host “Family and Friends Day in the Park” on Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Gresham Park Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta. The event includes a health fair, live performances, kids’ zone and a televised community discussion to air on Comcast’s New Life, New Hope television show. “Get ready for tons of music, praise and worship and so much more,” said Johnson. “Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and picnic baskets filled with your delicious favorites.”

The Rockdale County Men Of McCart (M.O.M), a community-oriented group of men from the McCart Landing Subdivision, are hosting Part One of a three-part community empowerment series, “Act Like a Citizen Think Like a Cop.” The series, kicks off on Sunday, June 7, 3 p.m. at the McCart Landing Subdivision’s Clubhouse, 3103 McCart Landing Drive, Conyers. The series is being held to share information with adults and youths that will cover police/citizen encounters, personal finance, and information from elected officials of Rockdale. The free event is open to the public. For more information, call 678-350-1045.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

JUNE 6, 2015 • PAGE 5

Arabia Mountain area offers summer fun Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, is gearing up for summer fun for the whole family. The “AMP Adventures” include river explorations, free bike rentals, campfire folktales and more. While most events are free, many have a limited amount of space, so families are encouraged to reserve a spot now. All of the planned activities are located within the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area. The 33-plus mile paved trail is dedicated to hikers and cyclists and is becoming known as metro Atlanta’s most scenic trail. Summer events will include free bike rentals at Panola Mountain State Park on June 13 and 14 and at the Davidson-Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve on June 20. Another event, “Folktales by Firelight,” will be held on Saturday, June 27. The event includes hiking, a campfire with s’mores and storytelling. Participants will hear folktales from professional storyteller, Jonah McDonald, adventure guide and author of “Hiking Atlanta’s Hidden Forests: Intown and Out.” This is a rain or shine event, so bring your galoshes in the event of rain. Other events will be held throughout June, July and August. For a schedule of all the summer events, visit arabiaalliance.org.

Super Saturday Homebuyers Fair set June 20 Are you looking to purchase your first home? Join DeKalb/Metro Housing Counseling Center, Inc. for its Super Saturday Homebuyer Education Workshop and Resource Fair on June 20, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at New Life Church and Community Center, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur. The free event will offer homebuyer education from financial institution such as Synovus, PNC and Regions Mortgage. Participants will also get the chance to schedule one-on-one counseling sessions from HUD-approved counselors and receive a certificate for down payment assistance. Closing attorneys and home inspections representatives will also be on site. To register visit dekalbss2015@eventbrite.com, or for more information email sddekalbmetro@gmail.com

DeKalb repairs 2,480 potholes in 2015

Got a pothole? Don’t despair. DeKalb County’s Roads and Drainage Division workers are on the job. DeKalb has repaired 2,480 potholes this year and resurfaced 3.76 miles of road, officials report. DeKalb kicked off its annual Potholde Palooza intensive road infrastructure

improvement campaign on April 1 in celebration of National County Government Month, and and has been hitting the pavement hard since. To report a pothole, call the Pothole Hotline at 404-297-3813.

Braces for Children & Adults • Free Consultation

• Low Monthly Payments Starting at $89 • Metal and Clear Braces for Children & Adults • Invisalign Certified • Saturday Appointments Available Upon Request

770-482-7400 8200 Mall Parkway, Suite B 200, Lithonia, GA 30038 M-F 8:30am to 5:30 • www.Lithoniabraces.com

Dr. Jamal A. Duval, DDS, MS

Registration under way for Be Someone Summer Leadership Chess Camp

s founder and the driving force behind the Be Someone (www. besomeone.org), mentoring program, Orrin Hudson works with young people, helping them to build productive, fulfilling futures. Since founding the nonprofit, Be Someone, in 2001, Hudson has taught more than 40,000 kids across the nation the meaning of making every move count and the program continues to expand. “My goal is to mentor 1 million students in all 50 states by 2020. I need the help of dedicated business people, community leaders and educators to continue this work,” Hudson said.

Hudson will be conducting a nineweek Summer Leadership Chess Camp for ages 6-19 June 8—Aug. 6. Half-day training will be offered 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and full-day training will be offered 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Be Someone Training Center, 949 Stephenson Road, Stone Mountain. Investment for this world-class training is $99 per week for the halfday sessions and $149 per week for the full-day sessions. Early drop-off and late pick-ups are also available. Seats are limited. To enroll or sponsor a camper, call 770-465-6445 or e-mail orrin@ besomeone.org.

PAGE 6 •JUNE 6, 2015

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

District 5 continued from page 3

Wednesday, June 10, 8:30 a.m., Fairfield Inn and Suites Hotel-Stonecrest, 7850 Stonecrest Square, Lithonia, hosted the Stonecrest Business Alliance Thursday, June 11, 7 - 8:30 p.m., DeKalb Medical Center at Hillandale Theatre, 2745 DeKalb Medical Parkway, Lithonia, hosted by Junior League of DeKalb County, Parent Councils United, South DeKalb Improvement Association and Leadership DeKalb Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to noon,

This Is It Banquet Hall, 2853 Panola Road, Lithonia, hosted by the Women in the DeKalb NAACP Saturday, June 13, 7 p.m., Kerwin B. Lee Family life Center, 2197 Young Road, Stone Mountain, hosted by the DeKalb Young Democrats For more information, visit www. dekalbvotes.com or call 404-298-4020.

Lance Hammonds to run in 2016 for DeKalb’s District 4 seat

Lance Hammonds, an account manager and activist, announces his candidacy for the District 4 seat on the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners. The election will be held in 2016. “I am very excited about the opportunity to continue to serve the families of the 4th district and of DeKalb County,” said Hammonds. “I will bring honest leadership with the courage to act to the table and will fight to put families first.” Lance Hammonds Hammonds is a SE Region account manager for NorFalco, Inc., with over 30 years of sales and account management experience. He has been active in the community for a number of years having served as 1st Vice President and Education Chair of the DeKalb NAACP; Area Director for the DeKalb County PTA Council; Committee Chair for DeKalb County United Negro College Fund; Chair of the DeKalb Public Safety and Judicial Facilities Authority, to name a few. He is a member of the DeKalb School District Community Liaison Superintendent Search Committee; member of the Water’s Edge Homeowners Association; member and former President of the DeKalb Graduate Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Hammonds is also an active member and deacon at Voices of Faith Ministries. Hammonds led the drive to get Snapfinger Road designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and coordinated the first and second annual Back to School Boot Camp and Parent Rally. He has served as moderator of NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Greater Piney Grove Church political forums. Hammonds is a 31year resident of DeKalb County and is married to Freda Hammonds. They are the proud parents of four children and have six grandchildren. Lance said he will be sharing his platform and how supporters can volunteer on Wednesday, June 10, 11 a.m., at the Stonecrest Arizona’s restaurant.

Steve Bradshaw announces bid for District 4 seat Steve Bradshaw, who finished second in a 2012 bid for the DeKalb County District 4 Commission seat, announced he will run again for the seat in 2016. “Many of the issues that led me to run in 2012 such as the lack of accountability, questionable ethics and the lack of business development still remain,” said Bradshaw, a 22-year DeKalb resident and former U.S. Army Captain. “In some cases, these issues have only gotten worse. Recent headlines make this crystal clear. Now, I think that people are fed up and finally ready for real, meaningful change. Of course the only way they are going to get change is by voting for new political leadership. I represent just that.” Steve Bradshaw In addition to seven years of active duty military service, Bradshaw has worked for over 20 years in the private sector in various business development and operations management roles. He has also taught courses in public administration in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University, and has been a federal government contractor. Additionally, Bradshaw has served on the board of directors of a number of DeKalb non-profit organizations including The Clarkston Community Center, The Giving Tree (an adoption resource agency) and Pride Rings in Stone Mountain. He was also appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes to the State Board of Examiners for Certification of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Laboratory Analysts. The 2012 campaign was Steve’s first run for political office. “Experience is a great teacher,” he said. “I learned a lot and met many wonderful people during my 2012 run. Now, I am a bit older and wiser and therefore in a much better position to be of service to the citizens of District 4.” “Military service taught me selflessness and discipline,” Bradshaw said. “Teaching has taught me patience. Business has taught me budgets and the importance of reaching established goals. And my faith has taught me humility and provided me with an ethical compass. These are all qualities that the next District 4 Commissioner should possess.” Born into a military family and having both of his grandfathers as church pastors , Bradshaw says that he was able “to witness proper leadership starting at an early age.” He is a member of the Clarkston First Baptist Church.

New precincts effective for DeKalb voters

Photos by Gelnn L. MorganOCG News

he DeKalb Board of Registration and Elections announces changes in location of two polling place in DeKalb County, which are effective for the upcoming special elections on June 16 and July 14. Voters in the city of Lithonia and the Montgomery Elementary Precinct will have a new voting location. The polling place for the city of Lithonia precinct(strictly for residents within the city limits) has been relocated from Lithonia Middle School to Lithonia City Hall, 6920 Main Street. This change, which was done to better accommodate the voters of the city of Lithonia through improved parking and at the request of the City of Lithonia will be in effect for the Special Election to fill the vacancy in Commission District 5 and all subsequent elections. Those who live in unincorporated Lithonia will use their normal precincts. The polling place for the voters

of the Montgomery precinct will be relocated from Cross and Crown Lutheran Church to Montgomery Elementary School, 3995 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Atlanta. This adjustment is the result of a change in ownership of the previous location and is no longer available as a polling site. The new polling location will be in effect for the Special Election to fill the vacancy in Georgia House District 80 held on July 14 and all subsequent elections. In-person Early Voting is under way through Friday, June 12, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the special election in District 5 at the Registration & Elections office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur. There are no weekend voting or satellite locations. All regular polling places in District 5 will be open on Election Day, June 16, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. For more information, visit the Voter Registration & Elections website, www. dekalbvotes.com, or call 404-298-4020.

Stress or Physical Pain?

At Full Body Rejuvenation Center our staff offers the most effective quality health care to satisfy every individual's personal needs. Our combination of chiropractic therapy, massage, and physiotherapy allow us to focus on the physiological, as well as the biomechanical aspects of the body. Dr. Smith encourages you to come in and begin your healthy approach to pain management, weight loss or stress relief!

Chiropractic Treatment Massage Therapy Physiotherapy Bring in this ad and receive a 60 minute Swedish Massage for only $45* *with Chiropractic Treatment

FULL BODY REJUVENATION CENTER 3636 Panola Rd, Ste B

MOST MAJOR INSURANCES AND OBAMA CARE ACCEPTED!

Lithonia, GA 30038

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

or many months now I have been telling everyone that DeKalb County is moving in the right direction. We are stronger and we are better governed. Despite all the challenges we see in the news every day, we are turning the corner. We are turning the corner on strengthening and enforcing our ethics laws and truly reforming government. We are turning the corner on rebuilding our local economy that was devastated by the Great Recession. We are now at a point where I am confident in our fiscal and budgetary management. This is why, for the first time in more than 10 years I am recommending a cut in our millage rate, while at the same time increasing our rainy day fund to more than one month’s expenses in reserve. We are also following through on a promise to help our men and women who protect us every day by funding body cameras for our police officers and increase funding for firefighters and sheriff deputies. This has not happened by accident. For nearly two years we have worked to restore the public’s trust. The best way to do that is to take care of the peoples’

JUNE 6, 2015 • PAGE 7

Letter to the Editor should be proud of that. This is just the beginning. I am going to continue to insist on budget discipline, cut wasteful spending, balance our budgets, and ensure that the long term financial outlook for DeKalb is sound and stable. •Total budget across all funds = $1.4 billion with $102m in budgetary reserves •Total Tax Funds budget = $630 million with $57.5 million in budgetary reserves DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May

money by spending responsibly and conservatively. I have presented a mid-year budget recommendation to the DeKalb Board of Commissioner which include the following: All of those statistics simply means this: Our fiscal house is in order and the taxpayers of DeKalb are getting a tax break. We are in this position as a result of controlling our spending, living by conservative budget principles in addition to better than expected market conditions. The economy is moving at a pretty exciting pace and we

•The .4 mill tax cut reduces our overall millage from 21.21 mills to 20.81 mills •In our tax funds alone we will have 1.2 months of operating funds in our budgetary reserve

In addition to our finances, nothing is more important to DeKalb than protecting the people and giving our police officers the support and the tools they need to do their jobs. Police officers overwhelmingly support body cameras. It makes their job safer and their policing more effective. The public also overwhelmingly favors the use of body cameras for

police officers, because it better protects all stakeholders. That is why I am determined to provide our officers with the best technology and support that is available. I have included $1 million to cover the first half of body cameras for all officers on the street, with the second half to come from federal matching funds or from the 2016 budget. I believe you have further information and highlights of our budget, which adds or restores necessary funding for Fire and Rescue, Sheriff’s Office, courts and other law enforcement, parks, stormwater, information technology, and our libraries. Budgets are a matter of priorities, and these are my priorities. We are on the right path. We are turning the corner. And, as our budget shows, we are making progress every day. I urge the Board of Commissioners to adopt these recommendations, fund our key priorities and begin the process of offering some tax relief to the residents and business in DeKalb County.

May to host town hall meetings on DeKalb’s budget

eKalb County Interim CEO Lee May presented his 2015 mid-year budget recommendations to the Board of Commissioner on June 2. The recommendations include a tax decrease for property owners, the first since 2004. May plans to discuss the tax cuts, as well as his plans to fund body cameras for police officers and other recommendations he is making to the board. The public is encouraged to attend one of the following Town Hall meetings to learn more about May’s plans:

Advertise

in the Marketplace. Call On Common Ground News 678-526-1910

Monday, June 8 Tucker –Reid H. Cofer Library 5234 Lavista Road Tucker, Georgia 30084 6:30-8 p.m.

Thursday, June 25 Central DeKalb Senior Center 1346 McConnell Drive Decatur, GA 30033 6:30– 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 21 Mainstreet Clubhouse 5001 Mainstreet Park Drive Stone Mountain, GA 30088 6:30– 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 10l Dunwoody City Hall 41 Perimeter East Dunwoody, Georgia 30346 7– 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 30 Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Rd Lithonia, GA 30038 6:30– 8 p.m.

Thursday, July 23 East Lake YMCA East llake Blvd Atlanta, GA 30317 6:30– 8 p.m.

Monday, June 22 Brookhaven City Hall 4362 Peachtree Road Brookhaven, GA 30319 7– 8:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 9 Derwin Brown Memorial South Precinct 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive Decatur, GA 30032 6:30– 8 p.m.

PAGE 8 •JUNE 6, 2015

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale NAACP awards scholarships to three students By Joshua Smith

he Rockdale County NAACP celebrated local high school seniors at its June 1 meeting, awarding three students with $1,000 scholarships to further their education. “It is an honor to serve the families of Rockdale County and while there were so many deserving students, we could only award a select few for the scholarships,” said Rockdale NAACP President Gary King. The meeting was held at Macedonia Baptist Church in Conyers. “We hope their parents will continue to support them and we will continue to support them as a family because they say it takes a village to raise a child and this is our village. We are all family.” The NAACP honored Salem High School graduate Shamiiah Beaman, 18, who will be attending Georgia Perimeter College to study criminal justice; Heritage High School graduate Jamaya Booker, 18, who will be attending Spelman College to study biology or psychology;

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

L-R: Rockdale graduates Shamiiah Beamen, Jamaya Booker and Jaire Duncan are joined by Rockdale NAACP President Gary King for a picture after the local civil rights group awarded each of them $1,000 scholarships.

and Rockdale County Magnet School graduate Jaire Duncan, 18, who will be attending the College of William and Mary to study computer science and mathematics. The Rockdale NAACP raised money for the schol-

arships through its Freedom Fund Banquet, which was held on March 15, at the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers. This year’s theme was “Building The Future Using Education as the Foundation.” Banquet

chair Allene Eatman said they couldn’t be more proud of the students they selected to receive the scholarships. Rockdale NAACP Education Chair Tommy Plummer agreed. “It gives us a real good

feeling to be able to do this for these great kids. It is important for us to continue to reach out to our high schools and keep this going,” said Plummer. “This scholarship application is the start of these kids getting a taste of the real world—filling out applications, being sincere on documentations. This process taught them about deadlines and the importance of putting in hard, careful work to reap something great.” NAACP members and their family members enjoyed cake and other refreshments after the scholarship program. “It’s not enough for us to just express our gratitude for these generous donations, we need to work to get the youth arm of this organization more visible in our high schools,” said Jaire’s mother, Heather Simpson Duncan, who joined the other parents beaming with pride and smiling. “I plan to follow up on this because I want my younger three children to be a part of this great organization and work to keep it thriving in our community.”

Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS DeKalb Finances continued from page 1

week trash pickup will save our county money and may contribute to another tax decrease next year. I look forward to the vote in July.” Commissioner Kathie Gannon say it’s too early to comment

on the proposed budget. Gannon, who represents DeKalb’s Super District 6, says the board has only glanced at May’s proposal and needs to take a much deeper look at it.

“Don’t have an immediate reaction. Action is anticipated by the end of July,” said Commissioner Jeff Rader, who represents DeKalb County’s District 2.

Candlelight Vigil continued from page 1

customers run a tab and would often give lollipops to customers’ children. “He didn’t just take your money, he kept up with current events, he knew about our teams and what we had going on. Moon was an overall great guy who cared about everybody,” said Maddox, who said the storeowner always kept his favorite beer, Amber Bock, ice cold. “I’ve been coming here since 2008 and my deepest sympathies go out to his family. All we can do now is pray for closure.” Cha, 44, inherited the store from his parents, and the family had operated it in the community for about 15 years. Cha and his wife, Su Young, did not have children. Mun Cha’s parents flew in from Korea to attend the vigil with his sister, aunts, uncles, cousin, niece and other family members, who came from other parts of Georgia, Pennsylvania and California. They said they appreciated the outpouring of support. Earlier in the day, before the vigil, several customers had stopped by the store, leaving flowers, balloons and other expressions of sympathy. The other victim in the store shooting, Jimquez Aiken, 39, was described by many at the vigil as a family man who would do anything for his loved ones and friends. Aiken was a father of three—a 2-year-old, an 8-yearold and a 15-year-old. Several members of Aiken’s family, including his mother and father, and their friends attended the vigil.

Donations poured in to aid the families of the gunned down victims with their funeral expenses

“He (Aiken) was a great man who would give you the shirt off his back, the last dollar in his pocket, if you were in need,” said Shaun Troutman, who worked with Aiken at a local laboratory. “You don’t find many people like that any more. It’s tearing me up inside to see somebody filled with that much anger take somebody’s life for absolutely no reason.” Pitts, a Rockdale resident who was a frequent customer at the package store, had one arrest in his past—a DUI in 2010 in Newton County, deputies said. Pitts graduated from Heritage High School in 1997. Deputies said after Pitts opened fire at the package store on Bell Road, he fled and went

to the home at 3535 Ebenezer Road, where he lived with his parents. He shot his mother, Judith Pitts, 64, in the arm and his father, Alan Pitts, 63, in the head. Deputies said Pitts was armed with an AR-15 assault rifle and .45 caliber handgun. Georgia Bureau of Investigations Inspector Sherry Lang, which is looking into the police-involved shooting at the home, said Pitts’ parents had been interviewed but she could not release any of that information. Some close to the family, however, said Alan Pitts told 911 operators that his son was mentally ill. Neighbors around Pitts said they were surprised that the elderly couple’s son would

shoot his parents. They said the couple moved to the neighborhood in the 80s. At the vigil, several pastors including Pastors Courtney Dillard and Curt Zehner, and Josie Dean offered words of encouragement and prayed for the families of the victims. Shatonica Aikens, the teen daughter of Jimquez Aikens, said she was still in shock over the senseless incident that claimed her dad’s life. “It still hasn’t sunk in yet—that he’s gone and that I will never see my father again,” said Aikens. “We just continue to ask for prayer and support as we continue to try to pull ourselves together.” Cha’s mother and father, Jumyeol and Myong, bowed in appreciation to the hundreds of supporters who came to the vigil, saying,“We thank everyone for coming. We know our son is in heaven.” Donations were collected for both families, but at the end of the night, Cha’s parents gave their portion to Aikens’ daughter to support her and her family with funeral expenses. Funeral services for Jimquez Aikens were held on Friday, June 5, noon, at the Church at Covington, 11975 Hwy 142, Oxford, and the viewing was held Thursday, June 4. Funeral services for Mun Cha will be Saturday, June 6, 11 a.m., at Lee’s Funeral Home and Crematory, 4067 Industrial Park Drive, Norcross. The viewing was held Friday, June 5.

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS TO CONTACT US

BY PHONE: 678-526-1910 BY FAX: 678-526-1909 BY E-MAIL: EDITOR@OCGNEWS.COM VISIT ONLINE: WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

JUNE 6, 2015 • PAGE 9

People

Movers & Shakers in the Community

Atlanta Workforce Development Agency announces Board of Directors

Mike Romesburg

tlanta Workforce Development Agency(AWDA) Executive Director Michael T. Sterling has announced the agency’s Board of Directors and the 2015-16 Executive Officers of the Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB). The 25-member board of directors voted to elect Mike Romesburg as chairman of the board; Yendelela Neely Anderson as vice chair; Alex McKenzie as treasurer; and Scott Selig as secretary. “These great individuals are uniquely qualified to lead the board as we work to ensure that AWDA becomes a best-in-class workforce system,” said Sterling. “It is important that we have

Yendelela Neely Anderson

Alex McKenzie

Scott Selig

individuals on the board who are exceptional leaders and well-respected in the business community, and I am confident that our new board and its executive officers will be a tremendous asset to this Agency, our job seekers and businesses in the City of Atlanta.” The AWDA board was created under the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998, reauthorized as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014. The board is comprised of individuals representing business, economic development, housing and urban development, senior community service, vocational rehabilitation, organized labor and community-based organizations. In accordance with federal law, members of the board are

appointed by the mayor of Atlanta and serve for two-year terms. Mike Romesburg is Lead Workforce Initiatives Manager for CVS Health. He has leveraged strong experience in talent acquisition, university relations, and agency recruitment to lead CVS Pharmacy’s retail field talent acquisition strategy. His strengths include developing national and global recruitment strategies, university relations, program design, delivering results, building relationships, analysis, and vendor management, and leading teams. Yendelela Neely Anderson is partner at Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton. She is an experienced litigator who specializes in employment discrimination, occupational safety and health, wage

and hour, background checks and credit reporting. Alex McKenzie is president and CEO of IFS Securities. With 18 years leadership experience in the securities industry, he brings strong management skills, expertise working with high net worth investors. He has been with IFS since 2007 when he took over the leadership position. Scott Selig is vice president, Acquisitions, and Development for Selig Enterprises. He works in all facets of Selig Enterprises, Inc. including office, industrial and retail leasing as well as acquisitions and development. Scott has been employed with Selig since 2000.

Gwinnett Online Campus Rockdale Tax Commissioner honored teacher receives national honor for innovative leadership

andi Hill, a Gwinnett Online Campus teacher and Gwinnett County Public Schools’ 2015 High School Teacher of the Year, earned 2nd place in The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards contest. The award recognizes educators who use the classroom to inspire innovation, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking among their students. Hill is the only Georgia teacher honored in this nationwide competition. Judges selected the winners based on their original and creative approach to teaching, their demonstrated resourcefulness, and the positive impact they make on a daily basis in the classroom. Student engagement, learning goals, and evidence achieving those goals also were taken into consideration. Winners were selected by a team of judges that included racing legend Lyn St. James, The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation

Randi Hill correspondent Alie Ward and The Henry Ford’s Chief Learning Officer Paula Gangopadhyay. As an honoree, Hill will receive a Teaching Innovation Kit with a hardcopy of The Henry Ford’s Innovation 101 curriculum with DVD and more items from Henry Ford.

ockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley was recently named a finalist for Georgia “Tax Commissioner of the Year” by the Georgia Association of Tax Officials (GATO). Hadley, the only first-term tax commissioner serving on GATO’s legislative committee, was nominated for his innovative leadership and ongoing efforts to further issues related to citizen engagement and tax collection in the state. “Being considered by your colleagues for this nomination is among the highest honors one member can bestow on another,” said GATO President Cindy Cannon. “Attaining this nomination only confirms (Hadley’s) hard work, dedication and service as Rockdale County Tax Commissioner.” Of the 159 Tax Commissioners in Georgia, Hadley was one of only 19 commissioners nominated and only five finalists in the running for the honor. “I am humbled to receive this recognition from my peers and thankful for the continued efforts of the best county tax office staff in Georgia,” Hadley said. In addition to being nominated for “Tax Commissioner of the Year,” Hadley was named “Civic and Community

RJ Hadley

Engagement Advocate of the Year” by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia, received an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties for his LAUNCH internship program and was named to the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Regional Leadership

Institute since taking office in January 2013.

PAGE 10 •JUNE 6, 2015

Business News

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Phase 1 construction taking shape on DeKalb’s Third Rail Studios Project

eKalb Workforce Development (DWD) is teaming with The Integral Group on the Third Rail Studios Project. The state-of-the-art film and television studio complex is its first venture at the new Assembly site, formerly the General Motors Doraville Assembly Plant. The first phase of construction bidding is under way for the development on Georgia’s newest film

and television production studio. The following trades are now needed: Demolition Millwork Roofing Overhead doors Dock equipment Drywall and acoustical Flooring Structural steel and miscellaneous steel materials Structural steel erection

Brookhaven sets builder and development summit Brookhaven residents as well as builders and developers working in the city will have a chance to learn about Zoning and Land Use functions, procedures and policies as well as provide input at the Brookhaven 101 and Builder & Developer Summit on June 11, 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., at Brookhaven City Hall, 4362 Peachtree Road, Brookhaven. Builders and developers are encouraged to attend the 9 a.m. session. Topics will include zoning and land use basics, land use petition process, variance process and traffic impact and land use. Later that day, residents are invited to attend the city’s second summit at 6 p.m. The same topics will be covered at the citizens’ forum. Both events will include question-and-answer sessions with Brookhaven planners and department directors. For more information, contact the Community Development Department at 404-637-0500.

East Metro DeKalb CID public stakeholder meeting The East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District (CID) will host a meeting on Tuesday, June 9, 6:30 – 8 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. Community stakeholders are invited to provide input on the East Metro DeKalb CID on the topics of boundary alternatives, future projects, office and meeting locations, as well as both short-term and long-term goals. The DeKalb County Police Department, Code Enforcement, Keep DeKalb Beautiful and Public Works Departments have been invited to take part in the meeting and field questions. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.eastmetrocid. com.

Doors, frames and hardware Toilet accessories and partitions Fire extinguishers Plumbing Painting Interested parties should send CV/ Qualifications to thirdrail@integralgude. com. In the email subject line, please put DWD, Your Company Name and the Trade.

SDBA sets “How to Market Your Business” The South DeKalb Business Association will host a free workshop for business owners and faith-based leaders, “How to Market Your Business,” on Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m., at the Clark Harrison Building, 330 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur. The session will cover economic development for businesses in the South DeKalb Community. SDBA will also shed light on their mission to enhance the quality of life in South DeKalb. Bunnie Jackson-Ransom, CEO of First Class, Inc., will serve as the guest speaker. She will cover the ways a business and especially a ministry or church can market themselves successfully. “If you are anchored in the community, your business is probably a part of your ministry and the tools for getting the word out are usually the same,” said Jackson-Ransom. “I look forward to having this discussion.” For more information, call 678-743-5032 or 404-505-8188.

Conyers Police recruiting for Reserve Unit

Conyers Police is accepting applications for its Reserve Unit. The department is looking for retired, certified or previously certified law enforcement officers interested in volunteering their time to special events, patrol operations, the investigation division and other law enforcement functions in Conyers. Serving in the Conyers Police Reserve Unit provides the opportunity to give back to the community and get back into the police force without committing to a full-time position. An officer in the Reserve Unit may serve in any capacity within the department. The officer is fully outfitted by the department to include weapons, uniform, ballistic vest and other equipment. All Reserve officers receive the same training as employed personnel and are required Chris Jewell, CEO of Competition Clutch, announced its expansion in Rockdale to work a minimum of eight hours per month. County. The company, which specializes in manufacturing parts for racing cars, has “The camaraderie between the reserve officers and the rest of the demoved to Ellington Drive in Conyers, doubling the size of its headquarters. partment is excellent here,” says Debbi Krisher, a reserve officer since “While the move is only a few blocks east across town, it will allow the com1998. “We are treated as equals and enjoy giving back to our communipany room to grow. CCI will immediately double their space to just over 30,000 ty and helping the department.” square feet with room for future growth and expansion to 60,000 square feet,” Applications are available at www.conyersga.com. said Marty Jones, director of Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council For more information, contact Debbi Krisher at 678-374-5659 or (REDC). debbi.krisher@conyersga.gov.

Competition Clutch opens new headquarters in Rockdale

Competition Clutch has been located in Rockdale for 10 years, Jones said. Conyers Mayor Randy Mills expressed his appreciation for Competition Clutch’s continued investment in Conyers and Rockdale County. “Chris’ vision for this “diamond in the rough” facility fits in perfectly with the vision of the City of Conyers for the revitalization of this area,” Mills said.

Like Us On Facebook: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

JUNE 6, 2015 • PAGE 11

CLASSIFIEDS SERVICE

MINI MALL 7173 Covington Hwy, Lithonia, GA 30058

ALL EVENT FACILITY

Mr. Handy. Small and large jobs. A/C services, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, lawn service, gutters. Call for free estimates at 404-281-6503.

• Parties

Goat Lawn Service. Need your yard cut, raked, or aerated. Call 678-9530063. Help Wanted

• Church Meetings

• Seminars • Business Meetings • Wedding • Graduation Parties

Free Banquet Hall! Monday-Thursday only Community Events, Non-Profit, For Profit Events.

A$20 -$125 per hourA MINI MALL

Residential Instructors/ Houseparent’s needed: Direct Care Live-In FT, PT and Hourly Positions Available in Decatur, Lithonia, Dallas, and Powder Springs. HS diploma required. Email resume to artihardy@ yahoo.com call 770-748-9530 Ext 102

Booth Rental $50 1st Month

PURCHASE ME FOR

A $500 MOVES YOU IN A 678-755-5955 CALL TODAY!

CALL 678-526-1910

E-MAIL YOUR CLASSIFIED TO: classifieds@ocgnews.com

NEW LOCATION

THE

Sew ins

Weave STOP

4717 Covington Hwy Suite 103 • Decatur, GA 30035

404 - 284 - 8833

Don’t miss our next issue of Churches Now Visit ChurchesNow.com

Visit these advertisers@ OCGNEWS.COM Want to spotlight your business? 678-526-1910 INTERIOR DESIGN

DEKALB COUNTY RESTAURANTS

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

BARBARA ELLIOTT & JENNIFER WARD WOODS 917 Main Street, Stone Mountain GA

770-484-3355 2910 EVANS MILL ROAD, LITHONIA, GA

WEEKLY LUNCH SPECIAL

(770) 498-7780 • www.decdens.com/belliott

PHOTOGRAPHY

FULTON COUNTY

GWINNETT COUNTY

CATERING

BEAUTY SUPPLY

RESTAURANT & CATERING

75 Piedmont Ave. NE, Ste. 152 Atlanta, GA

404-523-0850 ORDER ONLINE: WWW.KENLEYSRESTAURANT.COM

INSURANCE

Call To Reserve Your ad space 678-526-1910

PAGE 12 •JUNE 6, 2015

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

MLB Transportation

Atlanta’s premiere Transportation service

Do you need Charter Bus Services from Atlanta? MLB Charter Tours has the solution for you!. Our 57 Passenger buses will get you to your destination on time and in style. The Charter Bus is equipped with the latest technology to make your trip as comfortable as possible. Want to watch a movie on your way to your destination? We have you covered. Our Charter Bus is less than a year old and comes with reclining seats, plenty of leg room, and a fashionable lavatory. MLB Charter tours is your trusted source in Atlanta motor coach transportation. “Striving to be your #1 Atlanta charter bus company.”

Contact MLB Transportation at: 770-270-1600 or 404-576-2360

“Striving to be your #1 Atlanta charter bus company.”