VOLUME 22 NUMBER 18
FREE
JULY 30 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
Youngest Georgia delegate at Democratic National Convention captures media’s attention
By Shawn Evans Mitchell For On Common Ground News
K
endall Austin, 18, of Decatur, the youngest Georgia Delegate to represent the Democratic National Convention, was courted by major news outlets during his trip to the convention in Philadelphia. MSNBC, CNN, Time Magazine for Kids and PBS were among the media outlets that interviewed him to get his perspective. Many even sent company cars to pick him up from his hotel. “I am very excited to be here to represent the young Democrats and the younger generation in my community,” Austin told On Common Ground News. “It is very important that our voices are heard.” The grandson of Sandra Austin, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party, was introduced to politics at a very early age. As a youngster, Kendall was glued Kendall Austin waits in the hotel lobby with his grandmother, Sandra Austin, chairwoman of the DeKalb County Democratic Party, before to his grandmother’s hip during boarding the delegate bus to the Wells-Fargo Center in Philadelphia. various caucus meetings and move, as Austin stood with fellow the rising college freshman said. “It Although Sandra Austin did not the 2008 DNC in Denver, where he Georgians during the July 26 Rollis so important that young people travel to the convention as a delewitnessed history being made then, Call endorsement of Hillary Clinton: become involved in the political pro- gate this time around, she said she is as the Democratic party nominee, “I can’t even begin to describe cess. We are the voices of the future.” extremely proud of our grandson’s Barack Obama, addressed the packed that feeling. That experience, it was Austin will attend Lipscomb Uni- position and opportunity. arena. such an honor to stand there and be versity in Nashville, Tenn. in the fall “I still won, just because of him. Fast-forward to his more direct a part of that history-making event,” with a major concentration in biology. It’s his turn,” she said. involvement of another historical
Big victories in DeKalb, Rockdale runoffs
By Valerie J. Morgan
V
oters overwhelmingly elected Steve Bradshaw as the new DeKalb County commissioner for District 4. Bradshaw defeated incumbent Sharon Barnes Sutton in the July 26 runoff with 5,853 votes (75.43 percent), according to early returns at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office web site. Sutton received 1,907 votes (24.57). “I am overjoyed by this outpouring of support. I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am,” Bradshaw told the standing room-only crowd who joined him for his victory celebration at the Village Corner restaurant in Stone Mountain. DeKalb Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson defeated contract attorney Susannah Scott with 15,142 votes (58.82%). Scott came in with 10,600 votes (41.18%), according to early results. Johnson won both a special election to fill the position for former Tax Commissioner Claudia Lawson for the remainder of the year as well as the Democratic Party primary for the four-year term that starts in January. Johnson does not face any opposition in November’s general
Steve Bradshaw
Irvin Johnson
election. In Rockdale County, current Commissioner Oz Nesbitt defeated incumbent Richard Oden in the Chairman’s runoff for the Democratic Primary. Nesbitt received 3,065 votes (57.40%). Oden received 2,275 votes (42.60%). Nesbitt is expected to face Courtney Dillard, who is seeking to run as an Independent in November. Election officials must verify signatures and addresses on Dillard’s petition as an Independent before his name can be placed on the ballot, said Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch. “I give thanks to God, my wife, Robernett, and the voters of Rockdale County,” said Nesbitt. “I think peo-
Oz Nesbitt
Vernon Jones
ple in Rockdale tranCounty saw a real genuine person sition from the current chairman, who cares about the people—not Richard Oden,” said Nesbitt. some guy on a pedestal looking down Attorney Clarence Cuthpert was on them. For eight years, the No. elected Rockdale Probate Judge, de1 thing I prided myself on is being ac- feating incumbent Charles Mays with cessible. I was never a stranger at the 3,095 votes (59.35%). Mays received churches that I visited. I didn’t go to 2,120 votes (40.65%). campaign; I went to worship.” In Rockdale’s Post 1 CommisNesbitt said he plans to continsioner Race, Sherri Washington ue working hard all the way until slid to victory for the Democratic November where he may face the Primary with 2,657 votes (52.33%); Independent challenger, Dillard. He Phyllis Hatcher received 2,420 votes said he is putting together a readiness (47.67%). Washington will face Reteam that will be comprised of citipublican Thomas Chastain in Novemzens representing all demographics in ber. the county. Heather Duncan was elected “When I’m elected, I’m looking forward to a smooth and professional See Victories page 6