VOLUME 22 NUMBER 17
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JULY 23, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
7th Annual Community Day with the Sheriff By Valerie J. Morgan
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ozens of DeKalb County school children beamed happily as they picked up free backpacks and school supplies handed out by DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann and other public safety officials. The parting gifts were the finishing touches to a pizza/ bowling party the sheriff held on July 20. DeKalb students will start the new school year on Aug. 8. More than 100 children attended the “7th Annual Community Day with the Sheriff” at the Stars and Stripes Family Entertainment Center in Stone Mountain. “Our goal each year since this program began has been to help school children learn to trust and respect law enforcement officials by metting them one-on-one in a fun, friendly environment before returning to another school year,” says Mann. “In this current climate, it is particularly important that young people have this opportunity. “
Mann praised business owner Tom Walker, Sr., who helped organize the event. Walker, who founded Save Our Children, a nonprofit organization to assist youths, launched the Sheriff’s Community Day with former Sheriff Thomas Brown. The event used to be held at the Suburban Lanes bowling center in Decatur. Walker said he sold the bowling facility but remains involved in encouraging students to bowl and seek out bowling scholarships. “I’m putting information in every backpack so that parents
The Georgia Lottery has transferred $1,097,567,000 to the State Treasury’s Lottery for Education for the 2016 fiscal year. The amount is the largest transfer in a single fiscal year and the greatest in the lottery’s 23-year history, officials announced. “We appreciate the commitment from our dedicated lottery and COAM retailers, players, vendor partners and employees. We are grateful to our board of directors for their leadership and guidance,” said Debbie D. Alford, president and CEO of the Georgia Lottery. “We’re Photos by Glenn L. Morgan proud to have reached the extraordinary milestone of raising over $1 will be aware of the opportunities available. You can go all the billion for HOPE and Pre-K.” Profits transferred surpass last way through college on bowling year’s record transfer by more than scholarships,” Thomas said. $117 million. Georgia Lottery players won $2.75 billion in prizes in FY16, and retailers earned over $270.7 million in commissions. Fiscal year 2016 spanned from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016. The total raised for educational programs in the state of Georgia is more than $17.6 billion since the lottery’s inception in 1993. “Educational programs funded by the lottery continue to lay the groundwork for Georgia’s evolving and growing workforce,” Gov. Nathan Deal said. “FY 2016’s reMorris Williams cord-breaking profits will continue to help each child in Georgia attain The indictment comes after Chanel a quality education from start to 2 Action News and the Atlanta Jourfinish.” nal Constitution began investigating Since its first year, the Georgia the county’s payment for emergency Lottery Corp. has returned more services that were provided when raw than $17.6 billion to the state of sewage backed up into May’s home Georgia for education. All Georgia after a flood in December 2009. Lottery profits go to pay for specific Attorney Otis Williams, who is educational programs, including representing Morris Williams and is Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship Pronot related to him, told Channel 2 gram and Georgia’s Pre-K Program. the allegations in the indictment are More than 1.7 million students have untrue. received HOPE, and more than 1.4 “Mr. Williams will plead not million 4-year-olds have attended guilty,” said Otis Williams. the statewide, voluntary prekinderCotter told Channel 2 that he also garten program. plans to plead not guilty.
DeKalb BOC’s former chief of staff, businessman indicted
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former DeKalb County Board of Commissioners chief of staff and a man who did business with the county are facing theft and conspiracy charges. Morris Williams and Douglas Wayne Cotter were indicted on two counts of theft by taking and one count each of conspiracy to defraud a political subdivision. Cotter also was indicted for making a false statement. Williams was booked into the DeKalb County Jail on July 19 but was released after posting bond. Cotter was booked on July 20 and released on bond as well. DeKalb District Attorney Robert James said county employees and others who betray the public’s trust must be held accountable. “County employees and those who do business with the county are held to a higher standard because they provide or use resources to further the best interests of DeKalb citizens and businesses,” said James. “If you betray the public trust, you must be held accountable.” As chief of staff in June 2011, Williams instructed Cotter to submit
an invoice to DeKalb County for work done by Water Removal Services on then-Commissioner Lee May’s behalf. The price tag Cotter submitted for the work was inflated by $4,000. Several days after the invoice was submitted, the company was paid approximately $6,400 by DeKalb County, the indictment said. At Cotter’s insistence, the company subsequently cut a $4,000 check made out to May. Someone other than May, however, endorsed the check. Cotter said he cashed the check at his family’s business in Dawson County after Williams asked him to do so. Cotter said he gave the money to Williams to give to May. But May has said he didn’t have anything to do with the check and never received any of the money. May is not facing any charges. He said he is cooperating with authorities. “I am aware that a former county employee and contractor have been implicated in wrongdoing. I support the judicial process and will cooperate to the fullest extent possible,” May said. “The judicial process must run its course, but I am looking forward to a successful resolution to this matter.”
Georgia Lottery transfers record-breaking $1 billion for education
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John Evans resigns as DeKalb NAACP president, Teresa Hardy takes helm
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ohn Evans, who devoted 16 years to the DeKalb County NAACP branch, has resigned from the civil rights organization to focus on his own civil rights organization, Operations Lead,. Evans stepped down on July 16. Teresa Hardy, 1st vice president, moved up to take the helm as president as stipulated by the organization’s constitution and bylaws. She will hold the position until November and then run for the office when the organization holds its elections. “We are honored to have been under Mr. Evan’s leadership for over 16 years and send many blessings as he continues to fight for the people,” said Hardy. Cherry Willis, 2nd vice president, is the new 1st vice president, and Zepora Roberts, 3rd vice president,
Two finalists selected for Rockdale Director of Recreation and Maintenance Department Rockdale County officials have narrowed its search for a Director of the Recreation and Maintenance Department to two candidates: Sue Sanders and Casinious Moores. Records associated with these finalists are available for public inspection. Sanders, whose surname at the time of application before being married was Roberts, has been with Rockdale County since June 2001, working as an administrative manager, assistant director and deputy director. She has served as the interim director of Recreation and Maintenance since former Director Jackie Lunsford retired in late June. Moore is currently the City of Chamblee’s athletics manager/coordinator, a position he has held since March 2015. Before that role, he served as the athletics director for Clayton County Government for nearly 10 years. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners is expected to take action on this appointment at its regular voting session scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m. in the County’s Assembly Hall, 901 Main St., Conyers.
RCCA to host mobile food pantry The Resource Center for Community Action(RCCA) will be distributing food at its mobile food pantry on July 28, 12 to 4 p.m., at the Cooperative Extension Building, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Food is free and available while supplies last. For more information or to volunteer to help distribute the food, call 678-288-5433 ext. 101.
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John Evans
is the 2nd vice president, the NAACP announced in a news letter to members. Hardy has spent 10 years serving with the DeKalb NAACP. She was born and raised in Lineville, Alabama by her parents, Billy and Ada Hardy. She is the mother of one son, Jomarius, who is a 2011 graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School. After graduating from Lineville High School, Hardy attended the University of Alabama at
Teresa Hardy
Birmingham, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems and Human Resource Management. Currently, Hardy is a Manager at Accenture. She has over 15 years of Information Technology experience in various roles including project/program management, application architect, software development, process methodology. She is responsible for leading global teams,
managing projects with multi millions in revenue, and developing best practice methodologies for application software. She also serves as the Atlanta Diversity Lead for African Americans and Women’s Networking Group. Hardy is a Silver Lifetime member of the NAACP DeKalb Branch. In addition to her commitment to the NAACP, Hardy also serves in many community organizations: president of Rainbow Creek HOA, board member of Team BLUE (Tennis Organization), and the DeKalb County Citizen Website Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the Atlanta Black Chamber of Commerce and a member of Salem Bible Church, where she serves on the Christian Education ministry and Political Action Ministry.
Two suspects arrested in Northeast Expressway drug-related robbery/murder The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit has arrested two suspects, one of them a juvenile, in the June 20 shooting death of a man on the Northeast Expressway in Atlanta. DeKalb Sheriff’s Office investigators arrested 25-year old Juan Carlos Moulier, Jr., of Atlanta and the juvenile on warrants by the DeKalb County Police Department for the felony murder and armed robbery of Tommy Jackson. Moulier and the juvenile tried to rob
Jackson during a drug transaction. Both suspects were charged with armed robbery and murder. The juvenile also was charged with failure to appear in Juvenile Court ona a separate theft by shoplifting charge. Moulier was arrested without incident on the access road of Northeast Expressway. He was taken to the DeKalb Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division prior to being booked into the DeKalb County Jail.
A DeKalb County jury has found a man guilty of fatally beating his fiancé’s 2-year-old son in 2012. Devin Sawyer was convicted of felony murder, first-degree child cruelty, aggravated assault and three counts of aggravated battery for the Nov. 24, 2012 death of Michael Weeks, Jr. “No amount of prosecution can replace the loss that young Michael’s family must continue to endure,” DeKalb County District Attorney Robert James said. “Our children are our most precious resource. We hope
this verdict gives them some comfort in knowing that justice was done.” Young Michael’s mother left him at her apartment with Sawyer for a short time on the day of the child’s death. Sawyer said he called for emergency assistance when Michael wouldn’t wake from a nap. An autopsy uncovered injuries to Michael’s torso that were consistent with having been struck by an unknown object. The child suffered injuries to his pancreas and liver, and fatal
Juan Carlos Moulier, Jr.
The juvenile was arrested without incident off Warrick Circle in Atlanta and sent to a regional youth detention center.
DeKalb man convicted in 2-year-old’s death
Devin Sawyer
lacerations to his heart. Sentencing will be set for a later date in DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Clarence Seeliger’s courtroom.
PAGE 4•JULY 23,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
69th Annual Summer Bronner Bros. International Beauty Show returns to Atlanta
Coming Up
High Museum presents history of sneakers exhibit
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neaker enthusiasts can step back in time and see the history of sneakers at the High Museum of Art. An exhibition featuring more than 150 sneakers will be held through Aug. 14 at the High, 1280 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. The exhibition follows the evolution of the sneaker from its origins in the mid-nineteenth century to its present day role as a status symbol of urban culture and marker of masculine identity. Originating at the Bata Shoe Museum, “The Rise of Sneaker Culture” examines the sneaker’s complex social history and immense cultural significance. Included are works from the archives of manufacturers such as Adidas, Converse, Nike, Puma, and Reebok as well as private collectors such as hip-hop legend Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia, and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. Also featured are sneakers by Prada and other major fashion design houses and designers as well as those made in collaboration with artists including Kanye West and Damien Hirst. Film footage, interactive media, photographic images, and design drawings contextualize the sneakers and explore the social history, technical innovations, fashion trends, and marketing campaigns that have shaped sneaker culture over the past two centuries. For tickets and museum hours, visit www.high.org. For tickets and information, visit www.UnitedSoccerAfrica.com.
Atlanta
The nation’s largest multicultural beauty show takes over the Georgia World Congress Center on Aug. 20-22. Themed “Where Beauty Reigns,” the three-day event will showcase more than 300 manufacturers, distributors and retailers in front of more than 30,000 multicultural cosmetology professionals. Attendees will have a chance to witness the industry’s best and brightest compete during a live taping of the legendary “Hair Battle.” Additionally, on Aug. 20, at 8 p.m., there will be a combined comedy and celebrity fashion show. Bovanti Cosmetics and Upscale magazine will partner with Bronner Brothers to present “Fashion Edge & Celebrity Style,” the nation’s largest professional fashion tour. The runway will include celebrities in the film and music industry, as well as designs by Lisa Nicole and Bramer Leon. Grammy Award-winning artist and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Kandi Burruss will also present fashion-forward apparel from her retail boutiques, T.A.G.S. and T.A.G.S.II. Tickets for this event are $20. For more information and to order tickets, visit http://bronnerbros.com/main-events/.
DeKalb
Hike with Arabia Mountain’s Ranger Robby Kick off the weekend on July 29, from 8 to 10 a.m., with a rejuvenating and adventurous hike with Davidson-Arabia Mountain’s Ranger Robby. Explore the Davidson-Arabia Nature Preserve, 3787 Klondike Road, Lithonia, on a moderately difficult hike, and see the different ecology and geology found in this unique landscape. Remember to wear your most comfortable hike shoes, bring a bottle of water, and your adventurous spirit. For more information, call the Davidson-Arabia Nature Center at 770-4925220.
KDB to host shredding, shoe collection event Keep DeKalb Beautiful (KDB), a unit of the DeKalb County Sanitation Division, will host a free Sensitive Document Shredding and Shoe Collection event on Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. to noon. The event will be held at Northlake Mall, 4800 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta. The event is free and open to residents of DeKalb. Participants will have an opportunity to dispose of sensitive documents, such as old tax records and legal documents. All documents will be shredded on site, and each participant will be limited to five standard-sized boxes of documents for shredding purposes. Shredding services for the event will be provided by Shred-it North Atlanta. Participants will also have an opportunity to donate gently used shoes for recycling and repurposing. For more information on this event or how to plan a beautification project with KDB, call 404-371-2654 or e-mail kdb@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit www.keepdekalbbeautiful.org.
GWINNETT
“BE DOWNTOWN Film Festival” set The Rialto Center at Georgia State University, 80 Forsyth St NW, Atlanta, and the Atlanta Film Society with Central Atlanta Progress presents the “BE DOWNTOWN Film Festival” on July 22-23. This year, the Rialto celebrates 100 years in Downtown Atlanta and 20 years with Georgia State University while the Atlanta Film Festival celebrates 40 years. Join the groups for a joint birthday weekend of movies as they celebrate movies the way they were meant to be seen. The schedule features something for everyone, with several movies that played at the Rialto back in the day. Tickets are $9 adults; $5 children. Call the box office for show times and to purchase tickets: 404-413-9849.
The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival to offer cool treats Get ready to enjoy some cool treats. The Atlanta Ice Cream Festival will be held on July 23, 11 a.m., at Piedmont Park 1215 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta, will bring together a wide variety of ice cream vendors, family-friendly activities, and health and fitness programs. Free admission. For more information, go to www. atlantaicecreamfestival.com/.
Punt, Pass & Kick at tRhodes Jordan Park Soccer Fields Take the kids to the Rhodes Jordan Park Community Recreation Center, 100 East Crogan Street, Lawrenceville, for the NFL’s Punt, Pass and Kick national competition on July 30, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Boys and girls of all ages compete separately in their own age group in punting, passing and kicking. Scores are based on distance and accuracy. They earn the chance to advance to a regional and state level competition at the Georgia Dome. A valid birth certificate, complete entry form, and parental signature are required before competition. Ages 6-15 may participate. For more information, call 678-277-0860.
This week’s Coming Up was compiled by Empish Thomas 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. We choose events that are free or a nominal cost to our readers. The calendar is published weekly as space permits.
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DeKalb Police to be outfitted with body cameras
eKalb County Police officers soon will be equipped with state-of-the-art body cam-
eras. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners has awarded a $737,724 contract to Utility Associates of Decatur to purchase 600 BodyWorn wearable body cameras to outfit the entire uniform division. Officials showed off the new gear during a July 20 news conference. “The purchase of this technology will benefit both police officers and the public by providing an added layer of transparency and accountability,” said DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May. “This is another important investment in community-oriented policing by using technology to aid in building trust and mutual respect between law enforcement and those they are sworn to protect.” According to a report by President Barack Obama’s 21st Century Task Force on Policing—co-written by Cedric Alexander, DeKalb’s chief operating officer for public safety—an increasing number of law enforcement agencies are using body cameras “as a means to improve evidence collection, to strengthen officer performance and accountability, and to enhance agency transparency.” “By documenting encounters between police and the public, body wearable cameras can also be used to investigate and resolve complaints about officer-involved incidents,” the report states. DeKalb County Police Depart-
JULY 23, 2016 • PAGE 5
ment’s comprehensive body camera system will be used to record interaction with the public as they happen, providing law enforcement officials the ability to determine timelines and circumstances of potentially every police encounter. The BodyWorn cameras can be automatically activated by central dispatch personnel, various sensors in the patrol vehicle, and when an officer is down. The devices also can be activated manually. According to the police department’s new policy on body cameras: • Whenever possible, officers will notify citizens that they are being recorded. • Recordings considered evidence for criminal proceedings will be retained until final disposition of the case. • Recordings considered to be capacity for video. valuable for complaints and/or training The police department expects to purposes will be saved for six months. receive the cameras in early fall. • The cameras only can be used “We call DeKalb County home and during law enforcement duties. we are honored to announce that the DeKalb County Police Department will Funding for the police body cambe deploying BodyWorn™,” said Roberas was first recommended in Interert McKeeman, CEO of Utility Associim CEO May’s 2015 midyear budget ates, the supplier of the cameras. recommendation, in the amount of $1 “There have been too many times million for the first phase of cameras. that manually-operated, clip-on body There were six proposals, and the top cameras have failed to record video necthree were evaluated by the police offiessary for transparency and the context cers who would be using them. the public—and 21st century policing In a second phase of equipping —demands,” McKeeman said. “It is our officers with body cameras, the county mission to provide police departments plans to purchase more cameras, but with Generation 2 technology that enwill largely focus on increased storage sures video never gets compromised or
DeKalb improves customer wait for water billing questions Customers who call DeKalb County with water billing questions are spending an average of 15 fewer minutes on the phone. “These results show our commitment to respond to our customers’ needs in a timely fashion,” said Interim CEO Lee May. “Our focus on decreasing call wait times and increasing access to payment locations is providing a better experience for DeKalb customers.” DeKalb County Department of Watershed’s Utility Customer Operations (UCO) has implemented several key upgrades to water and sewer billing operations over the past year to improve customer service. In 2015, these changes resulted in the number of calls answered within 60 seconds increasing to 67 percent, and year-to-date that number has increased to 70 percent. The improvement was made by reducing call wait times and increasing the number of calls handled. In 2014, the average call wait time was 17 minutes. That was reduced to 2 minutes and 29 seconds in 2015. For 2016, the current average call wait time is 2 minutes and 18 seconds. The number of calls handled has increased from 156,299 in 2014 to 366,666 in 2015. So far in 2016, the number of calls handled is 165,103. In February 2016, the UCO group implemented the “First Call Resolution Initiative.” The goal of this initiative is to resolve a customer’s inquiry the first time – eliminating multiple calls for the same issue. Additionally, new employee training has been implemented with a refresher course for existing employees that seeks to improve the customer experience, bridge the knowledge gap and minimize inconsistencies in information. In addition to the customer call center improvements, the group also has increased the number of satellite payment locations from 52 to 97. A list of payments locations can be found at www.dekalbwatershed.com/PDF/authorized_payment_locations.pdf. “These enhancements speak to the Department of Watershed Management’s commitment to provide excellent customer service to the residents of DeKalb,” said Scott Towler, director of the Department of Watershed Management.
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan
lost by implementing automatic, policy-based recording and Smart Upload. An officer wearing a body camera but not actually recording usable video of an incident damages public trust and is worse than having no body camera at all. “We are dedicated to developing technology that ensures that is never the case,” McKeeman said. “I am a proud graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School, and no one is more committed to body camera success for DeKalb County than I am.” DeKalb Police began testing body cameras in 2013.
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Rockdale Commissioner Nesbitt to host annual Back to School Bash Rockdale County Post 1 Commissioner Oz Nesbitt will host his annual Back to School Bash on Sunday, July 24, 4 to 6 p.m., at the Olde Town Pavilion to help kids gear up for the new school year. Book bags and school supplies will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. The Back to School Bash will also include raffle prizes and a cookout. “As kids get ready to go back to school, we want to make sure they have what they need to start Oz Nesbitt the year off right,” said Nesbitt. “The success of Rockdale students depends on all of us working together to ensure our children have their best chance to excel.” Nesbitt says the beginning of the school year is an exciting time for young people and he’s delighted to help make the transition into a new school year memorable for the kids; and hopefully, a little easier on parents.
Have you written a children’s book? The Conyers-Rockdale Library System will host a Local Children’s Author Expo in August. This event provides an outlet for local children’s authors to showcase their books and network while giving patrons the opportunity to purchase autographed books. The Expo will be held on Saturday, Aug. 20, 2 – 4 p.m .in the library meeting room (lower level). For more information and author registration, please contact the Adult Services Department at 770-388-5040, ext. 118. This event is free and open to the public- all ages are welcome!
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Dear Citizens of District 91, In the wake of recent events, like many of you, I found myself engaged in discussions and debates. At several points during those discussions, I was confronted by friends. They argued that I was not providing any solutions to the issues of Welfare of Families, Education for Every Student, Public Safety & Transportation, Resources for Veterans, Women’s / Equal Rights or Economic Development. Initially, I thought it irresponsible to provide solutions to these complex problems and that it would be pompous to think a person who would provide a solution, has the right one. As a citizen of this district, my response began to trouble me. I observed that over the last few years my critics had not proposed any solutions, provided any logical arguments or workable courses of action. I continued to observe our appointed leaders and our community and I saw us become more entrenched in our personal philosophies. Soon I came to the realization that I needed to choose one side of the House aisle. Not because I supported the party ideology but because I had no respect for the alternative candidate and his overall ideology. I caved to the polarization of our government. That gave me pause as I was haunted by my reluctance to even recommend a solution to our state’s issues. Then in an epiphany moment, I felt the government was not of the people. I was a citizen of a nation with a government that did not give me a sense of personal ownership. That sense of ownership you get when you read the Preamble of the Constitution. Inspired by a part of the Declaration of Independence that reads “That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.” In the hope to constructively move our state, its citizenry and government leadership to implement change to ensure the security, safety, and happiness of all its citizens, *Rhonda is trusted in Leadership and known among the district and state as a loyal and dedicated Democrat heavily invested in social issues. Rhonda is a former industry lobbyist, volunteer for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, Executive Board member of the Rockdale County Democratic Party, and represented the state as a Delegate at the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Recognized by 2 Georgia Governors, 3 Secretaries of State’s (Georgia) and a host of organizations for her volunteerism in the community, support of women, and youth, Rhonda remains dedicated to working with and for the people. As a campaign volunteer, Rhonda
has for many years knocked on doors and canvassed all across the state of Georgia and has managed a number of campaigns on both the state and local levels. She has worked as a Poll Manager and Poll Watcher, facilitated a host of voter registration drives in both DeKalb and Rockdale counties. She was one of the first four to open the Atlanta headquarters for Obama in 2007 and worked OFA for President Obama in both the 2008 and 2012 campaigns. Rhonda owns Monarch Consulting, LLC, a company that provides legal support to local law firms. She is an active member of Antioch A.M.E. Church (Stone Mountain) and is currently pursuing her MBA.
and under that inspiration I am offering myself as your next State Representative for District 91. In my heart, I know I have the duty to use my voice in the hopes to positively move our county, its citizenry and government leadership to action. In these times of adversity, and in our flaws and weaknesses, it is here where we the citizens must rise to the call of these challenges and demand improvement from our elected officials. We must make it known that we the people endow the privilege of their powers from our consent and that they are accountable to us. The solutions I have presented are neither complete nor comprehensive but it is an expression of my American mind. We MUST come together, work in unison, and vote in large numbers to change the dynamics at the state capitol in order to address the current issues impacting our daily lives. In closing, I am running for state Representative for the 91st district of Georgia to be a voice for the people. We cannot move forward on the concerns of the constituency with a majority on both sides of the legislature; but working together, we can accomplish anything! I have a life-long reputation as that of a collaborator. My runoff opponent has a time-worn reputation as a divisive agitator and polarizing force one whom we can ill afford in these critical times.
I ask for your consideration and vote on July 26th. Respectfully yours, Rhonda S. Taylor Taylor’d for the People
www.rhondastaylor.com
Worth Noting: • Outstanding Georgia Citizen (Governor Zell Miller) • Outstanding Support of Women’s Contributions Award (Secretary of State Cathy Cox ) • Excellence in Leadership Award (Governor Roy Barnes) • Former Volunteer for Georgia Association of Elected Black Officials • Founder & President of the RockdaleNewton, National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (33+ year member)
Member, Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (State) Member, League of Women Voters (1st Vice, Rockdale/Newton Chapter) • Member, National Women’s History Project • Member, National Association for Female Executives • Planning Committee Member, Rockdale Works! • Volunteer, Post It Up Campaign • Speaker & Life Skills Coach
Run-off Election Day July 26,2016
DeKalb Democratic Party sets up phone banks to get out the vote The DeKalb Democratic Party’s GoTV Committee is seeking volunteers to assist with its “Get Out TheVote” phone bank calls. Volunteers can choose from several dates that are scheduled during July and August at Hillandale Medical Center, 2801 DeKalb Parkway, Lithonia. Phone banks will take place in the Private Dining Room on the first floor in the Main Hospital building: July 18, 6 to 9 p.m. July 25,6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 1, 6 to 9 p.m.
Aug. 8, 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 15, 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 22, 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 29, 6 to 9 p.m. To RSVP: E-mail krdavenport@bellsouth.net or call 770-9870367 or e-mail alinadine1@yahoo.com or call 678-641-7135. Include your full name and the date you selected.
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JULY 23,2016 • PAGE 9
DeKalb firefighters volunteer at burn victims’ camp
ach year DeKalb County Fire Rescue personnel volunteer at the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation’s Camp OO-U-La for young burn victims. Camp OO-U-La, which began in the early 1980s and serves approximately 100 youth annually, offers young burn victims the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and meet other campers who share the common experience of suffering from a burn injury. One longtime volunteer is DeKalb County Fire Rescue Capt. Shawn Staton, who has served as a camp counselor for 17 years. “It’s hard to describe my experience at the camp in a few words,” Left to right: Capt. Kelly Sizemore, Capt. Shawn Staton, firefighter Nicholas Ribal and said Staton, a 19-year DCFR veteran Capt. Jovan Carter pose for a photograph at Camp OO-U-La. Nicholas Ribal, who attended the who supervises personnel at Station cabin counselor, supporting counburn camp as a camper. 22 in Tucker, Ga. “This place brings selor and lead counselor. This year, he headed up the fishing activity for When Ribal was 10 years old, great memories with the return of the weeklong camp held at the Fort he was severely burned on his face the campers that are now counselYargo State Park in Winder, Ga. and arm after his brother set a gas ors.” Another DeKalb firefighter who container on fire while playing with During his time volunteering at volunteers as a camp counselor is matches. the camp, Staton has worked as a
His injuries required extensive treatment at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta. At the completion of his treatment, Ribal received an invitation from the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation to attend its annual summer burn camp. The camp, which is free for Georgia youth ages 7-17, offers burn-injured children opportunities to grow in their physical and emotional recovery, forge friendships and receive peer support in a fun, safe and accepting environment. Ribal attended the camp for 13 years and even worked there as a counselor. “I talked to firefighters who volunteered at the camp and I liked the camaraderie they shared with each other and the campers,” Ribal said. “I wanted to be a member of a fire department,” said Ribal, who chose to work for the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Department, the fire rescue department that started the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation and the summer burn camp.
DHS launches online chat feature Replace a driver’s license online and drive on the receipt to assist Georgians with child The Department of Driver Services (DDS) is reminding drivers that they support cases can go online to replace their licenses and avoid an in-person trip. Secure The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a new chat feature to assist customers with child support cases online. The chat feature allows customers to obtain information about a new or existing child support case and discuss programs that might assist unemployed or underemployed parents with meeting the terms of their child support orders. “The Division of Child Support Services is continually looking for ways to meet our customers’ needs so Georgia’s children can benefit from the support of both of their parents,” said Tanguler Gray, director of DHS Division of Child Support Services. “This includes providing multiple avenues for our customers to reach us to discuss ways to meet the financial needs of their children.” Launched July 18, the chat feature has already served 1,300 child support customers in Georgia. Chat services are available during normal business hours, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, except state holidays when the Department is closed. To access the chat feature, visit the DHS Division of Child Support Services website at www.dcss.dhs.georgia.gov and click on the “CHAT WITH US” link. For more information on programs and services and other outreach programs within DHS Division of Child Support Services, visit www.dcss.dhs. georgia.gov or call 1-844-MYGADHS (1-844-694-2347).
online services are available at www.dds.ga.gov 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “Summer is our busiest time of year, so why come in to a center if you don’t have to?” asked DDS Commissioner Bert Brantley. “A replacement license (or ID) is typically mailed out in just a few days. And we will provide a receipt that you can print and legally drive with, eliminating any reason to visit in person for this service.” DDS will use your stored photo to produce a replacement license and mail it to your address on file. Many customers do not realize that the printed receipt, printed during your DDS Online Services Transaction, serves as temporary proof of the replaced Georgia license or permit. Customers may continue to legally drive until the replacement arrives typically within a week or two. Data from June 2016 shows that DDS issued 31,839 replacement licenses (and ID cards) for customers. Of that number, only 5,321 were done online. “We see way too many Georgians waiting at our centers when they could have performed their service online,” Brantley added. “By using our online services, not only do you save time, but those that have to come in to a center will save time as well.” For customers who must visit in person, please visit the DDS website at www.dds.ga.gov to Skip a Step. Completing the required paperwork before a visit will ensure better service when you arrive.
APS will use new tackling dummy to reduce sports injuries In an effort to improve player safety while teaching the proper fundamentals of tackling, the Atlanta Public Schools Department of Athletics is purchasing state-of-the-art tackling dummies this fall for all of its high schools that compete in football. The “Shadowman” dummy was displayed on Wednesday, July 20, at Lakewood Stadium. Representatives from Shadowman Sports conducted demonstrations for the coaching staffs of all 10 APS high schools with football teams. Shadowman Sports designed its new tackling dummy in an effort to reduce injuries by cutting down on player-on-player contact during tackling drills. Additionally, the dummy is “mobile” so players can still learn proper tackling techniques for taking down a moving target.
PAGE 10•JULY 23,2016 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Gwinnett appoints Kathy Holland as Planning and Development Director
G
winnett County Administrator Glenn Stephens has appointed Kathy Holland as director of the Department of Planning and Development. The Board of Commissioners will consider ratifying her employment agreement during Tuesday’s meeting. The department consists of planning, development and strategic infrastructure planning divisions. Holland has served as the acting department director since last November. Born in Ohio, she moved to Georgia with her family Kathy Holland in 1968. She worked as a senior development review analyst at Gwinnett County for 15 years before leaving in 1997 to start her own consulting business. Holland returned to the County in 2002 as development review manager. She was promoted to development division director in January 2005 and then became the department’s deputy director in March 2014. She lives in Pendergrass and is married with two children and five grandchildren. Stephens said, “Kathy is well-prepared for her new leadership role. She understands the need for quality development and redevelopment in Gwinnett, and I am confident in her ability to work within the organization as well as with stakeholders in the community to ensure the County’s goals of quality development are met. Kathy has consistently used her development knowledge and leadership abilities to better her department and the County. The County is fortunate to have within the organization such capable and knowledgeable employees who have the ability to lead.” Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash said, “Kathy is committed to the department’s values of integrity, responsiveness, excellence, and teamwork. I’m confident she’ll continue to provide outstanding service on behalf of all Gwinnett County residents.” Holland replaces Bryan Lackey, who left last year to become Gainesville’s city manager.
Board approves Gwinnett contract to rehabilitate county-maintained bridges The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners has let a $482,000 contract to rehabilitate 10 bridges maintained by the Gwinnett County Department of Transportation. Georgia Bridge & Concrete, LLC, was the lowest of the four responsive bidders. The company will rehabilitate bridges in all four commission districts with funds from the 2014 SPLOST. “We let a bridge rehab contract every year. This is both to ensure our bridges are up to Georgia DOT standards and to extend the useful life of the structures,” District 3 Commissioner Tommy Hunter said. Many of these roadways need to have the deck joints replaced at the transition onto the bridge. This is the case on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard at Suwanee Creek, Lester Road over Jackson Creek, Sugarloaf Parkway over the CSX Railroad and Annistown Road at the Yellow River. Other work to be performed includes building up the creek banks where the dirt washed away in addition to cleaning, painting and reinforcing steel pilings. On Peachtree Industrial, the contractor will also use concrete grout to fill voids under the bridge approach. At Old Norcross Road and the Yellow River, the contractor will install a raised curb and handrail on the westbound side of the bridge. These improvements will also help fill the gap in the existing sidewalk on Old Norcross Road. Additional information about these and other SPLOST road improvement projects can be found on the County’s website at www.gwinnettcounty.com.
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Gwinnett commissioners call for SPLOST vote in November, seeking to form citizens committee
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners voted July 19 to issue a call for a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) referendum to be placed on the Nov. 8 elections ballot. The referendum calls for the renewal of the one-cent sales tax to fund transportation projects and other improvements in the county. If passed, the new program will take effect when the current SPLOST expires on March 31, 2017. The county and all 16 Gwinnett cities have agreed to share the proceeds from the SPLOST as they have since 2001. The new program could raise an estimated $950 million over six years to be used for transportation improvements along with public safety, parks and recreation, library relocations and renovations, civic center expansion, senior service facilities and city administrative, parking and cultural facilities plus city water and sewer capital improvements. Gwinnett County will receive 78.76 percent of the proceeds and the cities will receive 21.24 percent. The county has determined that 65 percent of its share, or an estimated $486 million, will be dedicated to transportation projects such as roads, streets, bridges and sidewalks, including $30.8 million for joint city/county transportation projects. The county has also agreed to set aside approximately $3.2 million for joint parks and recreation improvements. “Transportation improvements continue to be our biggest need and local government leaders agreed that everyone who uses our roads should help pay the cost of improvements,” Board of Commissioners Chairman Charlotte Nash said. “And as we have done in the past, the County will form another citizens committee soon to review and prioritize prospective transportation project categories.” “Gwinnett County is also committed to addressing our growing senior population and will continue funding for senior centers and equipment in the proposed SPLOST program,” added Nash. Gwinnett voters have approved a nearly continuous series of SPLOST programs since 1985 that have raised more than $2.9 billion, allowing the County to minimize long-term debt and save more than $1 billion in financing costs compared to issuing bonds. County officials plan to hold public input meetings on the transportation projects. Residents who are interested in participating on the Citizens Project Selection Committee are invited to attend an organizational meeting on Aug. 15, 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville. “The purpose of the meeting is to select members and alternates to represent 11 major interest groups on the committee,” said Gwinnett Transportation Director Alan Chapman. Four members will represent homeowners (one from each commission district) and one representative each will represent business leaders, environmental stakeholders, schools, civic organizations/leaders, the freight and manufacturing industry, Gwinnett County’s seniors and young professionals. “The committee’s immediate role will be to review and prioritize prospective project categories and funding levels. In addition, members will help maintain an open line of communication between county government and the public and help maximize the benefits of the sales tax proceeds,” said Chapman. Hundreds of letters are being sent out inviting residents to attend the meeting and help spread the word. The letters are just one part of the plan to receive input, according to Board Chairman Charlotte Nash. “We need representation from all segments of the county, so we’re sending emails, talking to the media and sharing information through all the county’s communications channels, including the website,” said Nash. For more information about the upcoming meeting, visit www.gwinnettSPLOST.com or call the Gwinnett Department of Transportation at 770-822-7400. Additional information about SPLOST can be found online at www.gwinnettSPLOST.com.
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DeKalb County, Georgia requests competitively sealed bids from qualified bidders to pay to the County an amount not less than the aggregate fair market value of that “CERTAIN PORTION OF THE BLUE SKY CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX LOCATED AT 3106 MEMORIAL DRIVE, DECATUR, GEORGIA 30032” in exchange for the County exercising its contractual right to direct Real Estate Alliance Partners/Pellerin & Salomon Real Estate Services, LLC (REAP/PSRES) to convey REAP/PSRES’ title, if any, to such portion of the Blue Sky Condominium Complex to the successful qualified bidder, in accordance with all requirements of Invitation to Bid (ITB) No. 16-100729. The ITB can be downloaded at http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/ purchasing/pc_index_formal_solicitations.html.
PAGE 12 •JULY 23,2016
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A NIGHT OF
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