Ocg 10 28 17

VOLUME 23 NUMBER 31

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OCTOBER 28, 2017

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Headline News: “Top 5 Amazon proposals that caught our eye” Amazon, Georgia comes in at No. 1

Stan Watson

Former DeKalb Commissioner Stan Watson sentenced to misdemeanor

F

ormer DeKalb County Commissioner Stan Watson was sentenced to 12 months probation, after pleading guilty to misappropriating about $3,000 in county funds intended for business travel.

Watson, 63, was supposed to start his pre-trial on Oct. 25 but entered the plea instead. He was sentenced to 12 months probation as a first-time offender, rather than as a felon.

Watson’s attorney, Robert James, said he and Watson were pleased with DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson’s ruling.

“Our intention was never to escape accountability. We wanted him to be treated fairly as others in similar situations,” said James, DeKalb County’s former District Attorney. “He will not have a record and can go on with his life and get a job. He is very pleased and so am I. It’s a victory for Mr. Watson.”

The charge against Watson dates back to January 2016 when he served as District 7 Commissioner. Watson requested and received advance checks for travel expenses related to upcoming business conferences. However, in March 2016, prior to attending those conferences, he resigned his position to run for DeKalb County Tax Commissioner. The county-issued funds were then used illegally for personal expenses.

In October 2016, task force agents from the FBI’s Public Corruption Unit interviewed Watson about the travel funds that were issued to him. Watson admitted to having the money and acknowledged that it should be repaid. However, he did not do so until approximately five months later in March 2017—a year after the money should have been returned. County policy requires any funds advanced, but not used for travel, be repaid to the County immediately.

The State requested that Watson be sentenced to five years’ probation, the maximum allowed SEE WATSON, page 6

A

mazon, Georgia snagged the top spot for the “most creative” proposals that have caught the attention of the national network, Headline News.

In a recent interview with “On The Story’s” Erica Hill, Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary discussed his city’s proposal to name a portion of the new municipality, Amazon, Georgia as a way to lure the tech giant to build its second headquarters, HQ2, in the city of 53,000 residents.

Lary told Hill that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos would create an “eternal brand” and become “the first corporate mayor ever in the history of the world,” if the city is named Amazon.

Lary said he has been flooded with interviews from across

the country regarding the city’s proposal.

News agencies have reported that some 238 proposals from across North America have been submitted to Amazon for consideration. Stonecrest was among the jurisdictions in Georgia that submitted its proposal to the Georgia Department of Economic

Development, which consolidated the proposals it selected. The state had to submit its package to Amazon

by Oct. 19.

At deadline, there was no word yet on whether the idea was included in a state package submitted. To view the Headline News’ interview, go to: www.snappytv.com/tc/6150496

Operation Clean Sweep nears 400 tons removed

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peration Clean Sweep’s Phase I will culminate on Saturday, Nov. 4, when DeKalb County crews hit South Hairston Road, between Rockbridge Road and Covington Highway, to remove litter, grass and dirt embedded along curbs.

To date, Operation Clean Sweep crews have removed 391 tons of debris, 1,685 bags of loose litter and 51 piles of illegally-dumped material.

Operation Clean Sweep kicked off March 11 after the DeKalb Board of Commissioners approved the 2017 budget, which included $2.6 million that CEO Michael Thurmond reallocated to fund the project. Prior to the initiative, DeKalb had not engaged in countywide roadway-drain debris removal in more than five years, resulting in drainage obstructions that restrict water from properly draining off the roads and into the storm sewers.

During the upcoming cleanup, motorists are advised to slow down and drive with caution around crews and equipment. After county crews finish, street sweeping and debris removal contracts will be used to continue the progress and maintain more than 2,000 miles of roads in DeKalb.

Since March 11, DeKalb County employees are on the roads most Saturdays to “bump curbs,” hard work that includes shovels and skid-steer loaders, clearing curbs of debris.

PAGE 2 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Rockdale County to offer Surplus Day for public

In an effort to make room for Restoration Storehouse, Rockdale County Government is holding a public surplus day on Friday, Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Government Annex Building at 1400 Parker Road, Conyers.

The County will be offering surplus equipment including office furniture, electronic devices, etc. for low prices. All items will be available for pickup on site and must be removed by 3 p.m. on the day of sale. Those who plan to make purchases should have a vehicle they can load.

Transactions can be made by cash, cashier’s check or money orders only. Checks will not be accepted. All items are “as is” and no guarantees will be given.

For more information contact Penny Sanders at penny.sanders@ rockdalecountyga.gov.

Conyers Police release sketch of murder suspect

Conyers Police is seeking the public’s help in finding a black male suspected of murder. Investigators have released a sketch of the suspect.

On Sunday, Oct. 22, at noon, Richard “ATL” Green was shot and killed inside a residence on Pinedale Circle in Conyers.

The shooter is described as a tall slender black male with a “box” style haircut and a gap in his front teeth.

He was observed fleeing the location on foot.

Anyone with information regarding this murder is asked to contact Crime Stoppers www. crimestoppersatlanta.org or 404 577TIPS. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a cash reward up to $2,000.

DeKalb County to host 10th annual food drive to assist local residents Oct. 30 – Nov. 17 The DeKalb County Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs’ annual canned food drive to combat local hunger will begin on Oct. 30. The food drive, which has been held for 10 years, encourages residents to donate nonperishable food items at select county locations until Nov. 17. Donations will be given to families in need who participate in park programs.

Food donation collection sites: • Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, 1st floor, Decatur • Browns Mill Recreation Center, 5101 Browns Mill Road, Lithonia • Exchange Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur • Gresham Recreation Center, 3113 Gresham Road, Atlanta • Hamilton Recreation Center, 3263 Chapel Street, Scottdale • Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, 2484 Bruce Street, Lithonia

• Mason Mill Recreation Center, 1340-B McConnell Drive, Decatur • Midway Recreation Center, 3181 Midway Road, Decatur • N.H. Scott Recreation Center, 2230 Tilson Road, Decatur • Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur • Redan Recreation Center, 1839 Phillips Road, Lithonia • Tobie Grant Recreation Center, 644 Parkdale Drive, Scottdale • Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker Fire Rescue Headquarters will be open seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Recreation centers and Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center will be open Monday to Friday from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact LaShanda Davis, public relations specialist, at 404-371-3643 or lsdavis@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties.

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OCTOBER 28, 2017 • PAGE 3

DeKalb police identify make and model in deadly hit-and-run Community rallies to assist 4-year-old’s family with funeral expenses

D

eKalb County police now know the make and model of the vehicle that struck and killed 4-year-old Lun Thang and they are seeking the public’s help.

The pre-kindergartener was killed on Oct. 18 as she walked with three family members to Indian Creek Elementary School in Clarkston.

Police say the car that hit Lun is a gray, four-door Toyota Camry. The Police Department’s traffic specialists identified the make and model from paint chips recovered at the scene, along with the lens from the headlight on the passenger side of the car.

The vehicle has damage to the right front-end and the headlight may still illuminate, but at a decreased level, the Police Department said in an Oct. 26 news release. The public at large, and mechanics especially, should be on alert

Lun Thang

for the vehicle or any person who may drive a Toyota Camry that has front-end damage.

Lun was hit at a crosswalk around 6: 45 a.m. on North Indian Creek Drive, just a few yards from Indian Creek Elementary, her father Zam Tuang said. The car sent the child airborne, hitting another vehicle as it lost control, stopped momentarily and then sped off, said DeKalb police spokesperson Sheira Campbell.

Police said crossing guards had not yet arrived at the school at the time

of the accident. Since the hit-and-run, however, crossing guards have been reporting at 6:30 a.m., rather than 7 a.m., school officials said.

Lun was laid to rest on Oct. 21. The public has rallied to help her family with funeral expenses. As of Oct. 26, $14,524 had been raised, according to a GoFundMe account, which was set up to provide assistance to her family.

Anyone with information about the hit-and-run vehicle or its driver is asked to call the DeKalb County Police Traffic Specialist Unit at 770-724-7610.

Rockdale to unveil Talent Management Department Rockdale County Government is hosting a ribbon cutting to celebrate its newest department, Talent Management, at the department’s offices, 981 Milstead Ave., Conyers. The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Nov. 7 at noon immediately following the BOC meeting.

The department of Talent Management is replacing the County’s Human Resources Department.

The department will be introducing its staff and will explain all of the services it provides for the county.

“The name ‘Talent Management’ is a better reflection of what this department does,” Director Toni Holmes said on the name change, “It means every employee in Rockdale County, regardless of department, has a talent; it’s our duty to nurture that talent to develop the best workforce that will strive to serve Rockdale County.” Light refreshments will be served.

Toni Holmes

MARTA Board member Fred Daniels appointed to APTA Executive Committee MARTA board member Fred Daniels has been named to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) executive committee.

Daniels, executive vice president and chief credit officer at Citizens Trust Bank, will serve a two-year term as an atlarge member of the executive Fred Daniels committee of the APTA board of directors.

“I am honored to represent MARTA on the executive committee of the APTA board of directors,” said Daniels. “My election allows

our region a continued voice in transit decisions nationwide and assurance that our resources are prudently managed.”

Daniels, who has an extensive banking and finance background, is credited with spearheading MARTA’s fiscal turnaround, beginning with his appointment to the MARTA board of directors in 2010. He was named chairman in 2011.

“Fred’s steady and persistent leadership has been invaluable to MARTA, and I am confident he’ll continue to serve APTA well in his new role,” MARTA Board of Directors Chairman Robbie Ashe said.

Daniels has served on several APTA committees, including as chair of the APTA Transit

MARTA seeks public input on I-20 East plan The public is invited to provide input at two upcoming open houses in DeKalb County for the I-20 East Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Strategic Plan.

Participants will have the opportunity to review exhibits that provide background on the study effort, and give feedback on the types of development and amenities they would like to see along the proposed I-20 East transit corridor. Attendees may stop by at any time during either of the two-hour meetings scheduled: • Nov. 8, 1 to 3 p.m., Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, Lithonia • Nov. 9, 5 to 7 p.m., Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur The I-20 East TOD Strategic Plan will help to create a blueprint for proposed transit stations along the I-20 East corridor, from the Indian Creek MARTA Station to the Mall at Stonecrest.

A TOD includes a mix of housing, office, retail and public transportation integrated within a walkable environment. Additionally, the effort is intended to generate investment in the I-20 East corridor, which will benefit the community with improved access to housing, amenities and jobs.

For more information, visit www.itsmarta.com/i20-east-corridoroverview.aspx.

Board Members’ Committee and the APTA board of directors. He will now head the Audit Committee as its chairman.

“Fred Daniels’ passion and expertise will benefit the entire industry as APTA works to advance public transportation throughout the country,” said APTA Chair Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., who serves as chief executive officer of Jacksonville Transportation Authority. “I was honored to nominate Fred and look forward to working with him on the executive committee and board of directors.”

Daniels represents DeKalb County on MARTA’s board of directors, serving as treasurer since 2011. He will serve on the APTA executive committee until 2019.

PAGE 4 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Conyers’ mayor’s race intensifies, early voting hours extended

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ith the countdown drawing near for Election Day on Nov. 7, the City of Conyers’ mayor’s race has intensified.

The Conyers Housing Authority has informed the public in a Facebook post that there is no truth to an allegation that residents would be evicted, if they didn’t vote for mayoral candidate Ronnie Godwin. Executive Director Gary Erwin said on the Housing Authority’s Facebook page that a disgruntled former employee of the Housing Authority allegedly made the statement.

“The Conyers Housing Authority does not have any such intentions. The Conyers Housing Authority cannot remove any of its residents without cause, but if cause for eviction does actually exists respective to a resident that resident must be provided due process in a court of law,” Erwin said in the post.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of State’s Office is looking into complaints that a post allegedly appeared on Godwin’s Facebook page offering $5 of free gasoline to the first 100 early voters.

Rockdale Elections Supervisor Cynthia Welch said the law regarding free offers for votes is clear.

“Any person who gives or receives, offers to give or receive, or participates in the giving or receiving of money or gifts for the purpose of registering as a

voter, voting, or voting for a particular candidate in any primary or election shall be guilty of a felony,” Welch said, citing the Georgia Code 21-2-570 (2016).

“It’s fine to give away freebies, as long as you give them to everyone.

When you make offers specifically to voters and then ask them to provide their sticker and I.D. to take advantage of that offer, that’s crossing the line,” said Welch.

Godwin’s campaign officials have said it would be inappropriate to comment since the inquiry is underway.

So far, even with the drama, voter turnout has been low. Welch reported total voting as of Oct. 26 was 216 for the city of Conyers’ elections. The city has 7,671 active voters, Welch said.

Originally, early voting hours were scheduled 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 16 through Nov. 3. Now, however, the hours have been extended on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to be consistent with other jurisdictions, said Welch.

“Hopefully, it will give people a chance to get to the polls after work and the turnout will pick up,” said Welch.

In-person voting is available at 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C. For more information, call the Rockdale Elections Office at 770-278-7333 or visit the web site at www.rockdalecountyga. gov.

PUBLIC HEARING FY 2017 BUDGET October 26, 2017 A Public Hearing for the Fiscal Year 2017 proposed City of Stonecrest Municipal Budget will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at the Work Session Meeting at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia. The adoption of the FY 2017 City of Stonecrest Municipal Budget will be held at the regular Council Meeting on November 6, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia.

All residents wishing to speak on this subject may do so at these meetings. A copy of the proposed budget will be available for review in City Hall, City Manager’s Office and on the City’s webpage. www.stonecrestga.gov

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OCTOBER 28, 2017 • PAGE 5

PAGE 6 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Coffee and Conversations State Rep. Doreen Carter Rockdale listens to seniors State Rep. Doreen Carter, who represents House District 92, had Coffee and Conversation with seniors at the Rockdale Senior Center on Oct. 19. Carter said she enjoyed speaking with the seniors one on one and hearing their concerns about healthcare, aging in place, and public safety.

I love spending time with seniors. They fill the gap for me because my parents are deceased,» said Carter.

Carter said her visit with the seniors also helped her to better understand the challenges that many face in retirement.

“It was a great visit.

I’m forward to looking to working collaboratively with other community leaders to find solutions to some of the concerns that we discussed,” Carter said.

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

Rockdale approves make-up days for students

Students in Rockdale County Public Schools will make up classroom time lost due to the tropical storm Sept. 11-14 beginning in November. The Rockdale County Board of Education on Oct. 19 adopted the following revisions to the 2017-18 school year calendar:

•T he Independent Learning Early Release day Nov. 6, 2017 will now be a full instructional day.

•T he Independent Learning Early Release Day, Feb. 6, 2018 will now be a full instructional day.

• Feb. 21-23, 2018 will be full instructional days. These Winter Intercession days were previously noted as potential inclement weather make-up days on the school calendar.

•W aive one day for students, reducing the number of instructional days from 180 days to 179 days.

For more information, visit www.rockdaleschools.org/calendars

RCPS names interim superintendent

The Rockdale County Board of Education has appointed Chief Academic Officer Shirley Chesser as interim superintendent of Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS). Until a permanent superintendent is named, Chesser will replace Richard Autry, who announced his retirement.

“We are confident that Mrs. Chesser can lead the district until such time the Board appoints a permanent superintendent,” said Board Chairman Jim McBrayer.

The Board intends to conduct a national superintendent search as part of their due diligence to find the best-qualified candidate. Current Shirley Chesser RCPS employees are encouraged to apply.

Chesser has 20 years’ experience in education, serving the past 17 years in Rockdale County Public Schools. She began as a teacher at Shoal Creek Elementary, served as principal for Peek’s Chapel Elementary and Honey Creek Elementary, and moved to Central Office as Director of Professional Learning before becoming Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer.

Watson, conditioned from page 1 under law for the charge of Theft by Conversion. James, however, asked the court to use its discretion under the law and reduce the charge to a misdemeanor, taking into consideration the money was repaid and was a first-time offense for his client.

District Attorney Sherry Boston said elected officials should be held to a higher standard.

“We will not stand for corruption within our County government. This Defendant stole from the citizens of DeKalb County by taking funds intended for legitimate business purposes and converting that money to personal use,” said Boston. “Elected officials should be held to a higher standard of responsibility and accountability to the citizens whom they are elected to serve.”

After hearing arguments from both sides, DeKalb Superior Court Judge Asha Jackson reduced the charge against Watson to a misdemeanor, over the State’s objection.

In addition to 12 months probation, Judge Jackson ordered Watson to perform 150 hours of community service and barred him from conducting business with or for DeKalb County for the duration of his probation.

Stonecrest Library to present African filmmaker Haile Gerima

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urricane Irma kept Haile Gerima away from Atlanta in September.

But the acclaimed filmmaker and writer has rescheduled his visit for Tuesday, Nov. 14, to screen his latest award-winning film, Teza.

The event will be held at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Road in Lithonia, beginning with a reception at 4 p.m. The film will be screened at 5 p.m. in the library’s auditorium, followed by a question-andanswer session with Gerima, who also created the iconic film, Sankofa, and has been a professor at Howard University in Washington, D.C. since 1975.

Gerima’s visit is the inaugural program for DeKalb County Public Library’s new African Films and Filmmakers Series, being launched by Wesley Chapel-William C. Brown Library Branch Manager Monica Foderingham.

She says its purpose is to “showcase the rich tradition of African filmmaking, which explores the diverse history and culture of the continent through the

cinematic lens.”

After the film is screened, there will be a discussion moderated by Los Angeles-based film curator, producer and arts educator, Jheanelle Brown, who is a mentee of Gerima.

Teza is a drama covering three decades in the life of an Ethiopian man anguished about his country’s social and political crises. The Hollywood Reporter calls it “…essential viewing for those interested in African themes.” The New York Times says “It soars, thanks to Mr. Gerima’s bracingly direct storytelling.”

Copies of Teza will be available for purchase at the program, along with other films by Gerima.

Funding for the African filmmakers is provided by the DeKalb Library Foundation and Georgia Piedmont Technical College, where Gerima will screen and discuss his iconic film, Sankofa, on Monday, Nov. 13, 5 p.m.

For more information, call Wesley Chapel Library branch manager Monica Foderingham at 404-2866980.

Lambda Epsilon Omega AKA to offer ‘Training to run for Public Office’

Lambda Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will host a free workshop, “Basic Training to Run for Office,” designed to inform the community about the requirements to run for political office. The event will be held on Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Georgia State University’s Decatur campus, 3521 Panthersville Road, Room SB 1190.

“This training aims to educate the residents about running for office and to encourage more individuals to qualify and become candidates equipped with a fundamental understanding of campaigning,” said Betty P. Stuckey, president of the chapter.

The panelists include DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory A. Adams; DeKalb County State Court Judge Brian K. Ross; Solicitor General Donna Coleman Stribling; State Sen. Tonya Anderson; President/Chief Executive Officer Kerry Ramsey of KD Ramsey & Associates; and City of Stonecrest Councilman Rob Turner.

The workshop is open to the public.

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OCTOBER 28, 2017 • PAGE 7

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/ OCGNews

Volunteers collect over 10,000 pounds of litter in “Rivers Alive” cleanup Volunteers fanned out around Rockdale County recently to clean up during the annual Rivers Alive campaign. The effort resulted into the collection of 10,420 pounds of litter.

Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) hosted the annual event on Saturday, Oct. 14, drawing more than 200 volunteers, including 96 youths from local schools, civic organizations and scout troops.

This year’s cleanup removed hundreds of bags of garbage and 117 tires amounting to nearly 5.2 tons from local parks, roadways and waterways, Randy Poynter Lake and other locations.

As a thank you, volunteers received a free T-shirt from Rivers Alive. The event ended with a barbecue lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs that Rockdale Water Resources and ESG Operations donated. Carlton Brannon, owner of Nabo’s BBQ, donated his time to prepare. Several Rockdale County and City of Conyers departments, as well as Pratt Industries participated with the cleanup effort.

Through public-private partnerships and strategic alliances with citizens, businesses and governments, KCRB’s efforts each year motivate hundreds of volunteers to clean up and improve Rockdale County.

PAGE 8 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Clarkston’s Rukundo Uwimana (front right) and teammate Mathurn Allawai (front left) led the Angoras to the Region 5-5A title.

Photos by Mark Brock

Chamblee’s Beining Xiao

DCSD sending 18 teams to Cross Country meets

By Mark Brock DCSD Athletics

E

ighteen DeKalb County cross country teams (10 boys, 8 girls) and one individual qualified for their respective state meets coming out of recent region competitions.

Three-time defending state champion, Clarkston and Chamblee, won the Region 5-5A boys’ and girls’ titles, respectively, at the Druid Hills Middle School course on Oct. 21.

The Angoras placed five runners in the Top 10, led individual medalist Rukundo Uwimana (17:17.50) and runner-up Mathurin Allawai (17:25.70) to top Chamblee 23-34 for the region title.

Chamblee placed four runners in the Top 10, led by third-place finisher James Burgett (17:33.00) and fourth place runner Bennett Solomon (17:40.50).

Southwest DeKalb finished third (84) led

by Nakai Jack (18:12.70) in ninth and Arabia Mountain was fourth (110) led by Sam Garrett (21:16.00) in 17th to qualify for the Class 5A team championships next Friday (Nov. 3) at 9:00 am at Carrollton.

Chamblee won the girls’ title 17-44 over Clarkston placing all seven runners in the Top 10.

The Lady Bulldogs Beining Xiao (20:36.80) won individual honors with teammates Paris Williams (23:17.30) in second and Madeline Miller (23:29.00) in third.

Clarkston was led by Zyikeirra Robinson (23:43.60), who finished fourth overall to lead a group of three Lady Angoras in the Top 10. Both teams move on to the Class 5A Girls’ State Meet on Friday, Nov. 3, in Carrollton at 9:45 am.

REGION 4-6A

Wragg (18:59.30). Donald Griffin (20:16.40) led Stephenson with his 14th place finish.

The boys’ run will be at noon on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Carrollton, with the girls following at 1:15 p.m.

Stephenson outran Mt. Zion-Jonesboro 34-37 to take the girls’ title, while Tucker (103) finished fourth to qualify for state and Martin Luther King (110) was fifth just short of state qualifying.

Deanna Rawlings finished fourth in the individual standings with a time of 24:39.50 to lead a group of four Lady Jaguars in the Top 10.

Tucker’s Gabrielle Williams (25:30.00) led the Lady Tigers to the state qualifying finish of fourth wither her eight overall finish.

REGION 7-6A The Dunwoody Lady Wildcats qualified for the state meet with a fourth-place finish in the team standings with 94 points behind region champ Cambridge’s 31 in Alpharetta on Oct. 17.

DeKalb County girls’ individual champion Samantha Cameron (19:22.77) finished third and teammate Anna Mothener (19:53.73) was seventh.

The Wildcats came up short of qualifying for state with a sixth place finish of 142 points behind Pope’s first place 44. Max Mowrer did qualify for state as an individual running a 16:35.91 to take sixth overall.

REGION 4-4A

Druid Hills swept the Region 4-4A titles in tight races with Woodward Academy held at Nash Farms Battlefield in Hampton Oct. 18.

The Red Devils edged out Woodward Academy 28-31 for the Region 4-4A boys’ title as Carter Rathur led the way with his first place finish in 17:21.96. Ian Shunk (18:02.99) and Senai Ghezai (18:04.26) finished third and fourth, Druid Hills Middle also will host the Region respectively, while Ermias Genet (18:25.63) was 4-6A Championships on Oct. 21 with the Tucker sixth.

Tigers and Stephenson Lady Jaguars, capturing Druid Hills had a closer race in the girls’ the titles with three other teams qualifying for contest with the Lady Red Devils pulling out the Class 6A State Meet on Saturday, Nov. 4, in a very close 27-28 victory over Woodward to Carrollton. garner the title.

Five Tucker Tigers placed in the Top 10 to The trio of Lisa Medford (22:18.41), Reese get past Martin Luther King Jr,. 26-52, while Rathur (22:18.42) and Genevieve Ferrara Stephenson (87) qualified for state with a third(22:20.68) went three-four-five in leading a group place finish. of five Druid Hills’ runners in the first eight to Tucker was led by a 1-2 finish by Abdilnur cross the finish line.

Tiroro (17:42.10) and Bereket Adugna (18:22.80).

The boys’ run at Carrollton on Saturday, Nov. The Lions were led by a third fourth finish 4, 11:00 a.m., with the girls’ following at 11:45

by Demetrius Carson (18:47.30) and Deonne a.m.

Photo by Lester Wright

Stone Mountain Pirates

REGION 5-3A The Stone Mountain Pirates and Cedar Grove Lady Saints qualified for the Class 3A State by finishing fourth in the Region 5-3A Championships held on Oct. 18 at Westminster.

Stone Mountain finished in fourth with 119 points while Cedar Grove totaled 115 to finish fourth in the girls’ contest.

Mohamed Dirie was the lead for Stone Mountain with a time of 18:41.61 which was good for 19th overall. Zenera Foster led Cedar Grove with her 21st place finish in 27:02.36.

Stone Mountain runs at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Carrollton with the girls following at 10:15 a.m.

DCSD XC STATE QUALIFIERS Friday, Nov. 3 9:00 - 5A Boys – Clarkston (1), Chamblee (2), SW DeKalb (3), Arabia Mountain (4) 9:45 - 5A Girls – Chamblee (1), Clarkston (2) 12:00 - 7A Boys – Lakeside (1) 12:45 - 7A Girls – Lakeside (4)

Saturday, Nov. 4 9:30 - 3A Boys – Region 5-3A – Stone Mountain (4) 10:15 - 3A Girls -- Region 5-3A – Cedar Grove (4) 11:00 - 4A Boys – Region 4-4A – Druid Hills (1) 11:45 - 4A Girls – Region 4-4A – Druid Hills (1) 12:30 - 6A Boys – Tucker (1), M.L. King (2), Stephenson (3); Individual Max Mowrer (Dunwoody) 1:15 - 6A Girls – Stephenson (1), Tucker (4), Dunwoody (4)

(1)—Region Finish

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OCTOBER 28, 2017 • PAGE 9

Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner

How do you request a birth certificate?

By Clarence Cuthpert Rockdale Probate Judge

members, or legal representatives of the family. Georgia law and the Department of Public Health regulations require that all requests A birth certificate is an official for vital records include the signature recording of a birth that occurred in and picture ID of the requestor. the state of Georgia. It may be used Georgia law also requires prefor a number of reasons including to payment before a record or service establish one’s identity, enroll children can be provided. The fee for obtaining in school, and to apply for a driver’s a certified copy of a birth certificate license. Certified copies of birth is $25. Additional certificates of certificates may be obtained from the the same record, requested at the State Office of Vital Records, or any same time are $5 each. A separate County vital records office in Georgia. completed request form is needed for In Rockdale County, birth certificates each record requested. are issued by the Probate Court.

A person born in the state of Birth certificates are only issued to Georgia who is not certain that applicants having a direct and tangible their birth was filed should request interest, primary immediate family a certified birth certificate either in

person or by mail. If the record is on file, a certified copy will be issued immediately. If no record of the birth is on file, the requestor will receive a certified statement of “No Record on File” if the request is submitted to the State Office of Vital Records.

If the requestor does receive a “No Record on File” certificate, he/she can bring it to the probate court for further instructions on applying for a delayed or court ordered birth certificate.

Throughout each month, the clerk of courts, tax commissioner, sheriff and probate judge—Rockdale’s elected constitutional officers— discuss topics relevant to their respective roles in “Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner.”

OP/ED

Washington’s “Big 6” proposed tax cuts would hurt middle-class

By Larry Johnson

DeKalb County Commissioner

M

iddle-class homeowners have reason to be skeptical of Washington’s latest promise of tax cuts for the middle class. As you may have heard, a group of leaders in Washington known as the “Big 6” recently unveiled its framework for tax reform, and their No. 1 promise was tax cuts for the middle class. Unfortu-

nately, it appears that many middle-income homeowners will see their taxes go up, not down, under the Big 6 plan. A big reason why is that this plan takes away the most popular – and one of the most valuable -- deductions for households: the deduction for state and local taxes (SALT).

SALT ¬– as the state and local tax deduction is frequently called – is claimed by 44 million American households on their federal returns, a large percentage of whom are middle-class homeowners. Nonetheless, Washington has this deduction in its crosshairs because eliminating it raises $1.6 trillion over 10 years that tax writers can use to fund other tax breaks, some of which have nothing to do with the middle class. In other words, as Willie Sut-

ton once infamously said in explaining why he robbed banks, Washington is targeting this deduction because this is where so much middle-class money is.

Generations of hard working homeowners have counted on our longstanding tax policies to help make a middle-class life possible. Now, Washington proposes to pull the rug out from under middle-class homeowners by terminating the “financial contract” homeowners have depended on. For other taxpayers who rent today, the proposal may delay or eliminate their opportunity to purchase a home in the future.

Here’s why: if the current proposal becomes law many homeowners who itemize deductions, including mortgage interest, may not qualify to itemize on their federal tax return in

the future without the SALT deduction. As a result, an analysis prepared by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that homeowners with Average Gross Income (AGI) between $50,000 to $200,000 would see their taxes go up with an average increase of $815 under such a proposal, even if the standard deduction were doubled. Furthermore, NAR also found that housing values might drop about 10 percent because tax reform would increase the after-tax cost of housing and dampen demand.

The independent Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center’s analysis similarly concluded that nearly 30 percent of taxpayers earning $50,000 to $150,000 would see a tax increase under the proposed plan, due, in part to the elimination of the deduction for

state and local taxes.

Equally important, taking away SALT puts at risk the tax base that supports public sector services and vital investments here in DeKalb County, and at the state and local levels across the country, including solid infrastructure, reliable public safety and excellent education – services and support that benefit all taxpayers in communities across the entire country.

Every organization representing state and local governments and public service providers, including both Republicans and Democrats, opposes the elimination of SALT as part of tax reform. The SALT deduction has served the nation’s citizens well for more than a century. Washington should stay true to history and middle-class homeowners and preserve it.

Rep. Johnson’s statement on Georgia election server wiped clean

C

ongressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, released the following statement after learning that, according

to the Associated Press, a computer server at the center of a lawsuit against Georgia election officials was quietly wiped clean just after the suit was filed: “What appears to be a willful and premeditated destruction of evidence by Georgia election officials heightens my suspicion that there was manipulation of the election results in the April 18th Sixth District congressional primary, in which Jon Ossoff came only 3,200 votes shy of winning outright without a runoff. The apparent

deliberate destruction of evidence that could have proven the unreliability of Georgia’s electronic voting process tells me that electronic voting has not impeded what has occurred throughout Georgia’s electoral history – blatant cheating. What used to take place in courthouse basements and back rooms on election night can now be accomplished with a few keystrokes on a laptop computer. Unfortunately, my suspicions can never be proven wrong because Georgia election officials

deleted and destroyed the evidence. Georgia voters should be as outraged as I am.”

The Associated Press reported that a computer server’s data crucial to a lawsuit against Georgia election officials was quietly wiped clean by its custodians just after the suit was filed. The server’s data was destroyed July 7 by technicians at the Center for Elections Systems at Kennesaw State University, which runs the state’s election system. The data wipe was revealed in an email sent from an assis-

tant state attorney general to plaintiffs in the case that was obtained by the AP. The lawsuit was filed July 3 by a group of election reform advocates, who are trying to force Georgia to replace its antiquated election machines.

The server in question, which served as a statewide staging location for key election-related data, made national headlines in June after a security expert disclosed a gaping security hole that wasn’t fixed six months after he reported it to election authorities.

PAGE 10 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Breast cancer survivors share encouragement at employee health fair

Breast Cancer Awareness was the focus of an employeesponsored booth at this year’s DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Employee Health Fair on Oct. 25. Among the visitors to the booth were several employees who are also breast cancer survivors. They included (left to right) Detention Officer S. Rogers, Cpl. T. Mills and Warrants Technician L. Thomas.

Photo provided by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

DeKalb Sheriff’s employees celebrate meeting good health goals DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office employees lined up for nutritious snacks at “S.O.FIT 2017,” the Seventh Annual DeKalb Sheriff’s Office Employee Health Fair. The event at the agency’s headquarters on Memorial Drive in Decatur featured information from some 32 health and food services vendors, complimentary massages and screenings, exercise dance lessons, recipes and samples of healthy foods and beverages, and prizes for employees who met the goals of a 25-day fitness challenge.

Employment increases in Rockdale County, unemployment down in September State Labor Commissioner Mark Butler says the unemployment rate in Rockdale County fell in September as the number of employed residents increased and unemployment insurance claims declined.

The September unemployment rate, at 4.7 percent, was down from 5.4 percent in August.

The September rate compares favorably to last September when the rate was 5.9 percent.

“The combination of a falling unemployment rate and an increase in the number of employed

residents shows a county on the rise,” Butler said.

“Seeing the number of jobs increase is always a good indicator. However, seeing the number of employed Georgians increase is the ultimate positive result.”

Butler said Wednesday that in September the number of employed residents increased to 43,184 from 42,609 in August. In September 2016, there were 41,384 employed residents in the county.

Unemployment claims were down by 23.8

World of Coca Cola offers discount military tickets World of Coca-Cola grants complimentary admission to all military members (active duty, reserves and retirees) year-round, but to show gratitude on Veterans Day to the men and women who serve our country, the attraction is extending a special offer to their loved ones as well. From Thursday, Nov. 2 to Sunday, Nov. 12, members of the Armed Forces may purchase up to four half-price general admission tickets for their friends and family to join them in visiting the attraction. Tickets may be purchased with a valid Armed Forces ID card at the attraction’s ticketing windows.

Veterans Day Parade The 36th Annual Georgia Veterans Day Parade will begin in Downtown Atlanta at 11:11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 11. The parade will pass directly in front of World of Coca-Cola, where the Reviewing Stand will be located, on Baker Street SE.

Veterans Day Festival Following the parade, a free Veterans Day Festival will take place from 1:30-3 p.m. in Pemberton Place – just outside of World of Coca-Cola. The festival is open to the public and will feature a variety of exhibitor tents, including World War I displays.

percent to 199. Claims were down in administrative and support services and trade. When compared to last September, claims were down by 11.9 percent from 226.

“The county continues to head in the right direction,” Butler said.

Employ Georgia, the GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 7,571 new active job postings in the Rockdale County area for September.

On Common Ground News Marketplace RESTAURANTS

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is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states.

Coverage is not available in all states.

Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Darold "Mayor" Honore'

Your Local Agent 6886 MAIN ST GA 30058 Get smart aboutLITHONIA, your coverage.

DHONORE@FARMERSAGENT.COM

Call 678.749.7434 today!

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states.

Coverage is not available in all states.

Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

Call 678.749.7434 today!

Get smart about your coverage.

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other affiliated insurance companies. Visit farmers. com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states.

Coverage is not available in all states.

Life Insurance issued by Farmers New World Life Insurance Company, 3003 77th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040.

BUSINESS

PAGE 12 • OCTOBER 28, 2017 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM