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VOLUME 23 NUMBER 41
JANUARY 6, 2018
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A Controversial Cut
ARRESTED
Road project near New Birth sparks outcry
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By Valerie J. Morgan
housands of trees are being cleared off of Woodrow Road Wendall Heath Tolbert near the Evans Mill Road entrance to New Birth Missionary Baptist Church to make way for a new road. Construction crews clear-cut land off of Woodrow Road near the Evans Mill Road entrance to New Birth The new road, however, has Missionary Baptist Church. Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews sparked an outcry from some residents and created friction between right to hold a news conference and Adoma and attended the press conStonecrest City Councilwoman Diane address the public’s concerns with ference with her, said residents are Adoma and DeKalb County Commis- what information she did have. prepared to fight, if the road intrudes sioner Mereda Davis Johnson, who “People are concerned and they into the community. both represent residents in the district want to know why the community “If they try to come across into where the project is underway. was not informed,” said Adoma. the residential area, we are preparing Adoma says residents should “You don’t run a road like that for a fight unlike any fight they have have been notified about the road and through the community and not give ever seen on the Southside,” Coffield held a news conference on Jan. 4 to notification. HB477 states whenever said. “We’re just not going to tolerate By Valerie J. Morgan demand answers. Johnson, however, roads are being run through commuthis foolishness. When we voted for said the press conference was prema- nities, residents have to be notified.” a city, we were told we were going to he Rockdale County Sheriff’s ture and held without all of the facts. Adoma said her phone began have our own city and we were told Office on Jan. 3 announced the “From the little information I ringing off the hook with residents we were going to control the city. ” arrest of Wendall Heath Tolhave received, this is Phase 3, which demanding to know why the trees Coffield said the community bert, 51, of Coweta County in connec- goes back to a project that was started were being cut down. Although the thought plans for the road construction with the theft and vandalism of in 2006. I can understand that people tract is in District 5, which she reption had ceased. the Walk of Heroes Veterans Memori- are concerned, but let’s get the history resents, the calls, Adoma said were “We have been staunch nature al at Black Shoals Park. of it and the facts of it before we incoming from residents throughout the preservers out here in this commuTolbert was charged with felony cite the public,” said Davis. city of Stonecrest. nity,” said Coffield. “We reached theft and interference with governAdoma, however, said she had a Faye Coffield, who contacted SEE ROAD, page 5 ment property, also a felony. Investigators said Tolbert is part of a team who stole two heavy, bronze statues and military emblems from the park, which is located at 3001 Black Shoals Road N.E. in Rockdale. Authorities said they believe the heist took place over the weekend of Dec. 15. A park official made the discovery on Sunday, Dec. 17. The park he New Year ushered in new official said a padlock had been cut leadership for the City of Atfrom the gate leading to the memorial. lanta. Keisha Lance Bottoms Surveillance cameras captured images was sworn in on Jan. 2 as of a vehicle believe to be involved the th the 60 mayor of the City of Atlanta. heist: a 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma, The Atlanta City Council President, towing a trailer with wood floors and Atlanta City Councilmembers and railings. Atlanta Municipal Court Judges were Sheriff Eric J. Levett had vowed also sworn in during the historic to find the suspects, calling the theft inauguration. The new leaders took “a dishonorable and disheartening act their oaths of office at the MLK Jr. for what we stand for in America.” International Chapel at Morehouse Just days after he made the vow, a tip College before an audience of more led authorities to Tolbert, said Yolande than 2,000 residents, community repLovingood-Moore, Law Enforcement resentatives, dignitaries and elected Assistant at the Sheriff’s Office. officials. Out-going Mayor Kasim The Sheriff’s Office has warrants Reed, Congressman John Lewis, for two additional suspects involved former U.S. Ambassador Andrew in the heist and additional charges Young and former Atlanta Mayor and arrests are expected, LovinBill Campbell were among the dignigood-Moore said. taries who attended the inauguration. Lovingood-Moore said part of the Bottoms is only the second bronze globe and parts of the stolen woman to be elected to the City of statues were recovered but badly Atlanta’s highest office, following damaged. Shirley Franklin. Bottoms defeated “Half of the globe was missing Mary Norwood in a Dec. 5 runoff, to and the heads and hands were misssucceed Kasim Reed. ing from the two soldiers,” LovinDuring her inaugural address, good-Moore said. Bottoms announced her commitment Authorities believe the statues and to prioritize affordability, transparemblems were stolen to be melted ency, public safety, education, and down for cash. Investigators said the transportation in her first 100 days in same suspects were also involved in office. the theft of a copper frog statue that was stolen from the Nancy Guinn MeSEE MAYOR, page 2 morial Library in Conyers on Nov. 17. Keisha Lance Bottoms held a citizen’s reception at City Hall Atrium in Atlanta on Jan. 2. Photo by Dean Hesse
Rockdale Sheriff’s deputies capture suspect in bronze heist at Walk of Heroes Veterans Memorial
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New Era of Leadership Atlanta Mayor-Elect Keisha Lance Bottoms, city leaders sworn in
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PAGE 2 • JANUARY 6, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
King tribute to promote diversity
Community panel will discuss the creation of a “Beloved Community” in DeKalb Diversity and cooperation will be the themes of DeKalb County’s 34th annual birthday celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The program, “Together We Win: A Conversation on Cultural Diversity in DeKalb,” will be held on Friday, Jan. 12, at 11:30 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. “Dr. King’s revolutionary message that envisioned a Beloved Community based on justice, equal opportunity, and love of all human beings is the cornerstone of our 2018 MLK celebration,” DeKalb
County CEO Michael Thurmond said. “This event will recognize and celebrate DeKalb’s diverse populations, cultures and unique perJudge Penny spectives.” Brown Reynolds Special guest, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, will provide the blueprint for the development of the Beloved Community in DeKalb County.
Brown Reynolds is the founder and executive producer of the annual “Judge Penny’s SisterTalk: A Women’s Empowerment Conference.” She is a former prosecutor, state assistant attorney general, first African-American chief of staff and legal counsel to Georgia’s lieutenant governor, and first African-American executive counsel for a Georgia governor. WSB-TV anchor and reporter Sophia Choi will moderate a panel discussion led by community leaders who will discuss the importance of leveraging the talents and skills
of DeKalb’s culturally diverse citizenry. Robert and Barbara Blazer, owners of Your DeKalb Farmer’s Market, will be honored with the inaugural Nathaniel Mosby Humanitarian Award for embracing the county’s unique cultural differences and growing the farmer’s market into a global icon. This year’s event marks the 50th anniversary of King’s death and the 34th consecutive year DeKalb will host the ceremony honoring his life and legacy. For more information, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.
MAYOR, continued from page 1 “I am honored to have the privilege of serving the people of Atlanta, and I am thrilled to serve as only the second woman mayor of our great city,” said Mayor Bottoms. “As the 60th mayor of Atlanta, I will seek a new understanding, one grounded in civility and productive dialogue, to build a greater Atlanta. Within my first 100 days in office, we will take measurable actions to prioritize equity, affordability, a stronger school system, and access to transit. The theme of our campaign was ‘Keep Atlanta moving forward, leaving no one behind,’ and that is what I intend to do as mayor.” Bottoms also pledged to roll out a $1 billion-dollar affordability plan – the largest affordable housing investment in the City’s history. She also announced her commitment to introduce a sweeping ethics and transparency reform package that will ensure the City’s contracting and procurement process is beyond reproach. As an advocate for education, Bottoms an-
“Thanks to generations of tremendous leadership, the bar has been set incredibly high for our city.” – Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms nounced that she plans to appoint a Chief Education Officer to her senior staff. The position will act as a liaison between the Administration and Atlanta Public Schools and provide counsel to the mayor on issues of early childhood education, vocational training and apprenticeships. Mayor Bottoms also announced her intention to establish
a college savings account initiative for all students enrolling in Atlanta Public Schools. “Thanks to generations of tremendous leadership, the bar has been set incredibly high for our city. I thank everyone for your belief in me, and for your belief that, as one Atlanta, we can raise the bar higher still,” Bottoms said. Additionally, Bottoms announced her goal of achieving a AAA credit rating, the highest rating possible for a municipal government, for the first time in the City’s history. She announced an expansion of the Clean City Initiative to beautify highway entry and exit ramps throughout the city stating that Atlanta’s infrastructure and credit should reflect the city’s world-class status. Following the inauguration, Bottoms hosted a reception in the City Hall Atrium, 55 Trinity Ave. S.W. The free event was open to the public. City officials said the inauguration events were paid for by various Atlanta-based companies and sponsors.
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JANUARY 6, 2018 • PAGE 3
PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan
gmorgan1@ocgnews.com
EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan
editor@ocgnews.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill
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STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan
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PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons
Alisha Adams Johnson stands with her father, Nathaniel Adams (holding the Bible) and her mother, Audrey, as her family looks on. Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews
Rockdale’s new District Attorney is sworn in “I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
travis@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 www.ocgnews.com
By Valerie J. Morgan
A
lisha Adams Johnson began the New Year with a new title and responsibilities. On Jan. 1, she took the helm as Rockdale County’s District Attorney, becoming the first African-American to hold the position in Rockdale’s 147year history. Johnson was sworn in on Dec. 29 before a crowd who gathered in Superior Court Judge Robert Mumford’s Courtroom for the 10 a.m. ceremony. Rockdale Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. performed the oath of office. Johnson’s family, includ-
ing her husband, Ashanti Johnson; their three children; her parents; sister; brotherin-law, nieces and a cousin, attended the ceremony. After the ceremony, Johnson gave honor to God and thanked those who helped her along her professional journey including retiring District Attorney Richard Read for recommending her to Gov. Nathan Deal for the appointment. She said Read served as a great role model and she thanked him for having the confidence in her to lead the District Attorney’s Office. Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Johnson on Dec. 21 to fill the remainder of Read’s
term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2018. The General Election to fill the seat will be held in November. During her inaugural address, Johnson also acknowledged Judge Nancy Bills, saying she took her first plea in Bills’ courtroom, and she recognized Superior Court Judge David Irwin, where she had her first bond hearing. Johnson first came to the Rockdale District Attorney's Office as an intern nearly 12 years ago during her third year in law school. Looking out in the audience, Johnson said she was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the
community, who witnessed the historic event. “I do not take the significance of this moment lightly. I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams,” Adams-Johnson said. Johnson’s appointment as an African American District Attorney makes her part of an elite group. Across the country, African Americans who hold the title of District Attorney are rare. White men comprise the majority of elected prosecutors who ultimately are responsible for charging criminals and deciding what sentences to seek for those who are convicted. AccordSEE JUDGE, page 5
Three Stonecrest councilmembers sworn in Council approves adoption of new city charter
boards, commissions and authorities • Raises the age of those eligible to serve as a municipal judge to 35 years with a minimum of seven years as a member of the State Bar of Georgia • Increases the authority of the city manager to prescribe the functions and duties of all departments • P rovides for the assessment and By Valerie J. Morgan levy of an 8% hotel/motel tax on rooms, lodgings, and accomtonecrest City Counmodations provided that in each cilmembers Jimmy Clanfiscal year, a portion of the taxes ton(District 1), Jazzmin collected is spent for promoting Cobble(District 3), and tourism, conventions and tradeDiane Adoma (District 5) were shows for Stonecrest sworn in for their first full term on • Changes the name from the StoneJan. 3 during a special called City crest/Lithonia Industrial Park CID Council meeting. Municipal Judge to Stonecrest Community ImJonathan Weintraub administered provement District (CID). L-R: Stonecrest City Councilmembers Diane Adoma (District 5), Jazzmin Cobble (District 3), and Jimmy the oath of office. Clanton (District 1) were sworn in by Municipal Judge Jonathan Weintraub for their first full term on • Provides for any non-residential Jan. 3 during a special called City Council meeting. Photo by Travis Hudgons / OCGNews The councilmembers were property owner’s membership into originally elected in the city’s first the Stonecrest CID. elections and runoffs in March and on additional departments such as al budget Councilwoman Adoma said April 2017. In accordance with the public works. Also, the addition of • The city council has the authority although she voted to approve the city charter, half of the council had a SPLOST budget drove us to adopt to confirm mayoral appointments resolution, she wanted the record to to run again in November of 2017. the new charter,” he added. • Limits the term of the mayor pro- reflect the following statement: The remaining councilmembers and The new charter provides for tem to one-year with the elec“As we prepare to vote on this mayor will have to run for office in the following: tion of the office to be held each resolution, respectfully, there are a 2019. • Gives the City Council the authorJanuary few items I simply don’t agree with. In other city business, the mayity to develop policy • Restores the mayor’s salary to the However, most of the changes I do or and council voted 5 to 1 to adopt • Grants the council authority to original charter amount and makes agree with. I believe it would be in a new city charter. Councilmember create, abolish, merge, and conhim a full-time chief executive the best interest of our city to operCobble cast the dissenting vote. The solidate departments officer ate more efficiently and effectually. charter now goes to the state legis• Grants the city council authori• Eliminates the voting power of the Therefore, in the spirit of comprolature for approval. ty to investigate the activities of mayor except in the event of a tie mise, and moving the city forward, “The reason we have a new departments and other offices of • Provides for the veto power of the and working with our legislative charter is to separate the executive the city mayor delegation, I’m voting, reluctantly, branch from the legislative branch • The city council has the authority • Revises the age requirements to in favor of this resolution.” and their duties,” Mayor Jason Lary to appropriate and adopt the annu21 years old for elected positions, said. “By law, we have to take
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Judge Ronald Ramsey, McDonald’s team up for Angel Wings initiative
Rockdale community leaders assist St. Thomas evacuees
DeKalb State Court Judge Ronald Ramsey coordinated the second annual “Angel Wings” initiative for homeless students before they left for the winter break. The initiative provided $50 gift cards for 50 homeless students and their families. McDonald’s franchise owners John and Shiroleen Hurt answered the call again and provided the gift cards. The Hurts, who own 15 McDonald’s in DeKalb, supported the same effort last year, providing gift cards to 25 homeless students. Ramsey said he hopes the effort will continue to Judge Ronald Ramsey grow each year and is very grateful to his the Hurts who share his heart for the community. As the former Chief Legal Officer for the DeKalb County School District, Ramsey said that he understands the needs of students and their families who struggle with economic stability and often live in extended stay, or other transitional housing. He added that it is our collective responsibility to lift up residents who are in need, especially youths in the community who, with help and support, can choose the right path and be productive and positive citizens and future leaders, instead of choosing a path of crime and violence. Ramsey, Mrs. Hurt and School Board member Vickie Turner coordinated their efforts this year with Monomay Malathip, executive director of the Division of Student Support and Intervention, who mobilized students of the Student Advisory Council to gather a room full of other gifts for the homeless families such as toys, toiletries and food items at a breakfast event cooked and catered by culinary students from Clarkston High School, at the School District’s Administration Building on Dec. 16. Mrs. Hurt met with the culinary students at the event and informed them of scholarship opportunities provided by the McDonald’s corporation on an annual basis and pledged their continued support. Ramsey said he is grateful for the collaboration that is being cultivated with parties involved in this initiative. He quoted one of the long held tenets of the school district: “The school cannot live apart from the community.”
As St. Thomas continues to recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria, which hit the Virgin Islands last September, three Rockdale County leaders are doing their part to help medical evacuees now in the Atlanta area. That help has come in the form of Iffat Walker, who is from St. Thomas and is executive director of Community Action Now, along with Cheryl Miles Board, who also is from St. Thomas and is executive director of The Non-Profit Consortium, and Josie Dean, executive director of the Rockdale County Think Tank. Together, the three women have donated clothes and other necessities through Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews their organizations to families, who are housed in facilities in metro Atlanta. Along with providing everyday necessities, the women also have made sure the families were remembered during the holidays. Dean said she helped provide toys and food because she wanted to make sure their holidays were special even though the families were away from their homes. “I’m not from the island but I feel compassion for people who are in need, regardless of where they are from,” said Dean. Walker and Board said they both have lived through many hurricanes and know firsthand the plight of families who are in limbo. “It will take a very long time for the islands to come back to full order from this,” said Board. Community Action Now is seeking support from the community to continue helping those who are in need both here and abroad. For more information, call 678-458-8547. In February, the Non-Profit Consortium is helping to sponsor a fundraiser. For more information, call 770-648-7226 or e-mail cboard@connectionpc.com.
Board of Health toiletry drive for human trafficking victims now underway The DeKalb County Board of Health is conducting a month-long toiletry drive benefitting human trafficking victims. The initiative is being held as a part of the board’s continuing efforts to address the significant human trafficking problem in metro Atlanta, and in observance of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Toiletry donations, including soap, shampoos and lotions, can be deposited in dedicated collections bins Monday through Friday between 8:15 a.m. and 5 p.m., excluding holidays recognized by the State of Georgia, at the following health center S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D. locations: • Clifton Springs Health Center, 3110 Clifton Springs Rd., Decatur • East DeKalb Health Center, 2277 S. Stone Mountain-Lithonia Rd., Lithonia • North DeKalb Health Center, 3807 Clairmont Rd. NE, Chamblee • E. L. Richardson Health and Administrative Center, 445 Winn Way, Decatur After the drive, the donations will be used to assemble care packages for male and female trafficking victims. The care packages will then be distributed to organizations throughout Metro Atlanta that provide aid to trafficked individuals, including Wellspring Living and Tabitha’s House. “Quite often, victims of human trafficking escape their situation with absolutely nothing, except for the clothes that they are wearing,” said DeKalb County District Health Director S. Elizabeth Ford, M.D., M.B.A. “Through this initiative, we are ensuring that these individuals have a fresh start with the basic hygiene essentials, as they start to rebuild their lives in a safe environment.” For more information about the toiletry drive, contact the DeKalb County Board of Health at 404-294-3700.
Stonecrest City Councilmember Jimmy Clanton to host community meeting Stonecrest City Councilmember Jimmy Clanton is hosting a community meeting in District 1 on Saturday, Jan. 13, at Fairfield Baptist Church, 6133 Redan Road, Lithonia. Clanton said he is especially encouraging leaders of Homeowner Associations and civic groups to attend so that information may be shared from the meeting. “This is a monthly meeting where I provide updates on Stonecrest City Council actions and we discuss issues and concerns and hot topics that Jimmy Clanton are relevant to the communities,” Clanton said. We also will be discussing the upcoming NAACP parade and encouraging communities to get involved. There will be a Q & A.”
Former Lithonia Councilwoman Barbara Lester turns 82 Former Lithonia City Councilwoman Barbara Woods Lester celebrated her 82nd birthday on Jan. 2. Lester hails from a family of city leaders. In 1972, her late mother, Maggie Woods, became Lithonia’s first black councilwoman. In 1981, her brother, Jerome Woods, was named the city’s police chief, a position he held for 19 years. In 1995, her sister, Marcia Glenn Hunter, was elected mayor of Lithonia. Lester served on the City Council in the early 2000s. Lester is the eldest of eight children and a lifelong Barbara Lester resident of Lithonia. The Woods family's roots can be traced back to Samuel Wood, a slave born in 1790 in Sierra Leone, Africa. Their ancestors were sold into slavery in Walton County and later settled in Lithonia.
Goodwill to host series of job fairs Starting on Monday, Jan. 8, Goodwill of North Georgia is hosting a series of job fairs throughout the week, opening its doors to thousands of job seekers who are looking for a job or a better job in the new year. Each of the nonprofit’s 13 career centers will host a multi-employer job fair, and events will take place in addition to each center’s regularly scheduled workshops and job readiness offerings. “We know that many people start off the new year with aspirations to improve their lives,” says Elaine Armstrong, vice president of marketing. “We’re here to help anyone who wants to find a job, a better job, or even learn new skills.” Photo by Travis Hudgons / OCGNews For more than five years now, Goodwill has started the year by helping to jumpstart the careers of people across North Georgia. This is one of the largest multi-employer, multi-location jobs fairs of the year, and organizers are hopeful that anywhere between 1,000 to 2,000 job seekers will attend, Goodwill said in a news release. More than 100 employers, including companies such as Lowes and the Georgia Department of Public Safety, will be actively hiring and recruiting staff. Goodwill encourages attendees to pre-register for the job fairs at www.careerconnector.org. Goodwill uses the money from its donated goods program to fund its career centers and a variety of job training programs and employment services. A list of participating employers along with dates, times, and locations of the job fairs can be found online at www.goodwillng.org/NYNJ.
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JANUARY 6, 2018 • PAGE 5
Jersey Mike’s Subs opens Conyers location Owners celebrate with free sub fundraiser
Stonecrest City Councilwoman Diane Adoma
DeKalb County Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson
Attorney Bernard Knight
ROAD, continued from page 1 an agreement with New Birth, we thought, to not have this road to come through here. This road was actually proposed when New Birth had about 25,000 members and there were other things in the works. But over time, the neighborhood has changed and we’ve become more residential...” On Common Ground News was unable to reach officials from New Birth. Adoma said she learned from Attorney Bernard Knight, who represents several landowners in the Lithonia Industrial Park, that the land clearing is Phase 3 of a Georgia Department of Transportation project, which originated in 2006. “My working assumption is that it is Phase 3. I haven’t been by there. But from what I know, this is part of an expansion of the Lithonia Industrial Boulevard Extension. Phases I and II of the extension were the new highway between S. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road and Rock Chapel Road, which opened in May 2013.” Knight said he believed the expansion was planned to ease commuter traffic. The DeKalb Board of Commissioners awarded the $6,080,104.65 contract to E.R. Snell for construction on April 25, 2017, he said New Birth owns about half of the
property and the Stewart Family, represented by Doug Stewart, owns the other half, Knight said. Knight said when Adoma contacted him to ask about the project, he provided a statement that read: “It is anticipated that, like the earlier phases, Phase III of the extension may have a major impact on development in Stonecrest, for reasons that include MARTA’s plans to locate one of its proposed rail stations at the intersection of Phase III and I-20. Also significant is that the southern terminus of the Extension will be at Woodrow Road, near its intersection with Evans Mill Road and opposite AEI’s campus.” Ed Williams, who chairs Concerned Citizens For Effective Government, said he believes the DeKalb Board of Commissioners violated the City of Stonecrest’s jurisdiction by approving the $6 million appropriation for the road. The phase 3 contract was issued in April 2017 after the city of Stonecrest was incorporated. “There should not have been any activity on the project and certainly, no contract awarded after the city was created,” Williams said. “It is obvious to me someone wanted this contract to be awarded before the city council and the surrounding community could have any say.”
JUDGE, continued from page 3 ing to a report commissioned by the Women Donors Network and conducted by the Center for Technology and Civic Life: 95 percent of elected prosecutors are white; 79 percent are white men; three in five states have no black elected prosecutors; and just 1 percent of elected prosecutors are minority women. Johnson grew up in the Bronx, NY. The youngest of three children, she has an brother, Nathaniel, and an older sister, Attorney Nichole Thompson. Her sister attended the swearing-in ceremony with her husband, Troy Thompson. Johnson’s parents, Nathaniel and Audrey Adams, also attended. Her dad held the bible as she was sworn in. “It was a proud moment for my whole family, even those who could not be present. My brother and his wife recently had a baby and they were not able to attend,” Johnson said. Johnson grew up middle class. Her dad was an All American track star who pursued a career in special events production, traveling the world putting on various events. Her mother was a registered nurse who worked on the front lines educating the public on AIDS prevention. Johnson said her parents plan to move to Georgia in March when her mother retires from nursing. Johnson said she left the Bronx to attend Spelman College in Atlanta.
While at Spelman, she met Ashanti Johnson, a student at Morehouse College. They were friends for over a decade before they began dating and eventually married. Johnson pursued a career in law. He pursued a career in the pharmaceutical industry. “Having watched my sister specialize in employment law, I thought I would pursue a career in patient advocacy with health care law. However, once I went to law school, I was captivated by criminal law,” the District Attorney said. “I enjoyed watching television shows like “Law & Order.” After receiving her undergraduate degree from Spelman College, Johnson received her law degree from Georgia State University’s College of Law. She interned with the Rockdale District Attorney’s Office during her third year of law school and began working as an Assistant District Attorney in 2006, where she has served in the Rockdale District Attorney’s Office ever since. Initially working on misdemeanor crimes in State Court, Johnson was promoted to Superior Court to prosecute felony crimes ranging from thefts to murder. Johnson is a member of the 2018 class of Leadership Rockdale. She is married to Ashanti Johnson. They have a 3 1/2-year-old son and twins (a boy and girl) who are 16 months old. Johnson officially began her duties as District Attorney on Jan. 1.
Jersey Mike’s Subs, known for its fresh sliced/ fresh grilled subs, has opened in Conyers. The franchise owners will hold a grand opening and free sub fundraiser from Wednesday, Jan. 10, to Sunday, Jan. 14, to support Heritage High School’s football team. The new restaurant, located at 1550 Highway 138 East, is circulating 7,500 coupons throughout the community offering a free regular sub for a minimum $2 contribution to Heritage High School Football. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. Jersey Mike’s has more than 1,500 locations nationwide. The restaurant opened in 1956. The Conyers location is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. For more information, visit www.jerseymikes.com or call 770679-4650.
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Conyers-Rockdale Chamber accepting applicants for 2018 Entrepreneurial Academy The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2018 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, Feb. 12, the seven-week program offers individuals the essentials on starting and running a successful business. “The entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business owner in mind. If you have dreams of starting your own business or are already an established business owner seeking to expand, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there, tried that, share their voices of experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.” Taught by business leaders in the community, the curriculum includes sessions on legal entities, accounting, loan options, marketing, social media, insurance and human resources. Workshops vary from panel discussions to lectures and hands-on training. “Of more than 300 academy graduates who have come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50 percent are now in business
policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. After graduation from the academy, Williams launched the Green Hygiene Company, LLC. The mail order business in Decatur offers environmentally-safe cleaning products for both the corporate and household level. The cost for the program is $175. Attendees who register by Feb. 1 will receive a $50 discount. The fee includes snacks for every session for themselves,” said Boscarino. “In addition to and a graduation dinner. After completing the gaining valuable information, you also have the Entrepreneurial Academy and starting your small opportunity to network with other like-minded business, participants will receive Continuing individuals who hope to establish or expand a Education credits (CEUs) and a certificate of small business.” completion from Georgia Piedmont Technical The academy, which graduated 55 participants College. Classes will be held from 6 – 9 p.m. in 2017, draws participants from College Park, Students are encouraged to arrive no later Decatur, Lithonia, Stone Mountain, Covington, than 6 p.m. to network and to make sure they Forest Park, Stockbridge and McDonough. are fully prepared for each session, which starts A recent graduate of the academy said it promptly at 6:30 p.m. took her two years to earn her master’s degree The course is open to the public and in business administration at the University of entrepreneurial experience is not necessary to Phoenix. Esther Williams says it took her seven apply. For more information or to register, visit weeks at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of www.conyers-rockdale.com or call 770-483Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Academy to learn 7049. everything she needed to start her own business. “Everything—from insurance to opening Paid Advertorial
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
Looking back over the years By Ruth A. Wilson Rockdale Clerk of Courts
T
his is the time of year when some might tune up a rendition of Auld Lang Syne and think about “the good old days” when life was far simpler. The pace of things was much slower and more predictable. Everybody knew each other and neighbors were in and out of each others kitchens regularly. Reminiscing about the way things used to be is comforting in many respects. It helps us to cherish all the small but special things that make us smile inside. Holding on to those memories is just as comforting as a slice of warm ginger
bread with a hot toddy in front of a crackling fire. Oh, for the days gone by, the sweet days of yore. But then, reality interrupts those recollections. Troublesome facts get in the way. The truth is that the Good Old Days were
GRAND JURY PRESENTMENT ROCKDALE COUNTY GRAND JURY OCTOBER TERM 2017 TO: The Honorable David B. Irwin, Chief Judge The Honorable Robert F. Mumford, Judge Rockdale Superior Court Rockdale Judicial Circuit We, the Grand Jury, selected and sworn for the October Term 2017 of the Rockdale County Superior Court, make the following presentments: I.
II.
B. Tour and Inspection Rockdale County Jail/ Sheriff’s Office On November 6, 2017, members of the Rockdale County Grand Jury toured and inspected the Rockdale County Jail facility. The areas that the Grand Jury examined during the inspections were entry ports, security observation posts, individual cells recreation areas, food prep areas, medical treatment areas, interview rooms, holding and transfer areas, and classrooms. Inmates, corrections officers, medical staff, and administration officials were interviewed and observed.
CRIMINAL OR ACCUSATORY FUNCTIONS
All matters on the calendar for the October Term 2017 have been reviewed and the Grand Jury returned 80 True Bills and 1No Bill. CIVIL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
A. Bailiff and Juror Compensation Recommendations The Rockdale Grand Jury recommends that the compensation for Court bailiffs be $70.00 per day. This Grand Jury also recommends That the compensation paid to Rockdale County citizens called to serve as jurors should be $25.00 per day.
sometimes not that good for everybody, especially if you were trying to do business with the Rockdale Courts. We have come a long way since then and the public is now much better served. Back in the day, you had to do business with us strictly during business hours. If you needed the answer to a specific question, you had to almost hit the lottery to catch that person at their desk. There was no voicemail so you could leave a message anytime of day or night. There was no website where you could get most of your questions answered. If you had to pay a traffic citation, you probably had to take a day off your job to come to court. Now, most people can pay it online any
Areas Inspected Entry ports, holding areas, sobering cells, safety cells, medical area, individual cells, restrooms, food prep area, recreation areas and courtyards. 1. 2. 3. 4.
All areas appeared clean and very well maintained. The jail appeared clean and the inmates were all in fresh clothing And very respectful. Floors were shiny and clean (fresh smell) in all sections that we observed. All holding cells were clean and they are designed to accommodate the safety of the inmates with 24 hours observation cameras and
5. 6.
7.
8. 9.
time of day or night and not have to personally appear. Today, if you are called to serve jury duty, you will see that the jury pool actually looks like the county in terms of its demographic diversity. Attorneys are no longer required to come to the courthouse to review their cases because we provide them remote access. That frees them to better serve their clients. And the list of Process Improvements, new services and conveniences goes on and on. Change is hard and takes time. It also takes people who are willing to let go of some of their comforts in order to do more and to do better for more of the public. The Rockdale Clerk of Courts Office is fortunate
physical visitation to check on inmates. Sobering cells had clean padded area for intoxicated inmates who are a threat to their own safety or the safety of others. Record keeping system appeared to be state of the art computer system. Jail staff disclosed that they were very satisfied with the new updated record keeping system. Visitation area was well secured and visitations are supervised by a visible face time phone system and jail officers. There are confidential individualized supervised attorney visitation rooms. Kitchen area was extremely well cleaned, food prep supervised, staff in proper clothing with proper head coverings and plastic gloves. Courtroom and observation area for visitors, secure and will organized.
Recommendation and request by Tour Guide and Staff member: 1. That there should be an improvement of the generators/ lighting and emergency backup for record keeping and safety. 2. Need for more educational and counseling services to be provided to inmates. C. Appointments to the Board of Equalization
to have a team of change makers and chain breakers. We are no longer tied to the “It’s ALWAYS Been Done That Way” thinking. We are much less paper dependent and much more technically nimble. This means we are able to not just work hard, but also to work smart. That translates into effective stewardship of public funds, high quality customer service, responsiveness to the needs of the courts and treating every individual with respect and courtesy. We love what we do and look forward to 2018 with a sense of our history to build upon. We will not forget the Auld Lang Syne. We are Preserving the Past While Preparing For the Future.
Having been notified by Rockdale County Superior Court Clerk Ruth Wilson that vacancies exist and that members and alternate members of the Rockdale County Board of Tax Equalization need to be appointed, a quorum of the October Term 2017 Rockdale County Grand Jury met on October 2, 2017 and discussed the appointments. After consideration, the Grand Jury appointed as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Expiring active member Archie James reappointed to active member no. 3 for a term of three (3) years. Expiring alternate member Doris Webb reappointed to alternate member no. 3 for a term of three (3) years. Current active member Addie Sims moved to active member no. 1. Current active member Douglas Smith moved to active member no. 2. New member Bruce Alhstrand appointed to alternate member no. 4 for a term of one (1) year. New member Muddessar Ahmed appointed to alternate member no. 5 for a term of two (2) years. New member Mallory Minor appointed to alternate member no. 6 for a term of three (3) years.
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