OCG News Nov. 15, 2019

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VOLUME 25, NUMBER 33

NOVEMBER 15, 2019

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DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann to retire early, Chief Deputy Melody Maddox to take reigns

D

eKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey L. Mann announced that he will retire from his elected office on Nov. 30, 13 months before his term is up.

Mann’s early departure means that Chief Deputy Larry Johnson Melody Maddox will take the helm as the first female sheriff in DeKalb’s 197-year history and will remain in the position until a special election is held in 2020.

Maddox served as Chief of Police for Georgia Piedmont Technical College from 2016 until Mann appointed her chief deputy, second in The DeKalb County Board of command, in June.

Commissioners unanimously apMaddox, who will proved the resolution sponsored by appoint a new deputy Commissioner Larry Johnson to chief after she becomes erect two Equal Justice Initiative sheriff, said she is looking historical markers to contextualize forward to serving as lynchings in DeKalb County. sheriff.

DeKalb County supports the Mann did not specify Remembrance Project Initiative of in a Nov. 14 statement DeKalb’s chapter of the NAACP, announcing his retirement which seeks to recognize and mewhy he was leaving early. morialize incidents of racial terrorThe statement, which ism perpetrated throughout the Unitincluded s 742-word ed States and in localities, including letter to constituents, DeKalb County. said he would make no

DeKalb commissioners approve historical markers to remember lynching victims

DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann

further comments and no news conference was scheduled.

Mann has been fighting the revocation of his certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council for the past two years. He lost his certification after he was arrested in 2017 on indecency and obstruction charges. According to a police report, an Atlanta police officer was patrolling Piedmont Park one Saturday night on foot in an “area known for sexual acts after dark” when Mann exposed

Fellow DeKalb County Citizens: It has been my honor and great privilege to serve as your DeKalb County Sheriff for the past five and one half years. On four different occasions you have gone to the polls to cast your vote for me.

For that I am grateful and truly humbled that you placed your trust in me.

I trust that I have served you well in my duties as Chief Deputy Melody Maddox Sheriff.

Leading a team of himself as he walked in over 1000 individuals, the direction of the officer. employees and Mann reportedly ran vendors alike, I am when the officer shined extremely proud of the a flashlight on him but accomplishments of the eventually surrendered DeKalb County Sheriff’s after the officer chased Office. I thank them for him. allowing me to serve and Mann pleaded guilty for their phenomenal to obstruction and dedication, hard work and prohibited conduct. He professionalism. was fined $2,000 and While there are many ordered him to perform accomplishments for 80 hours of community which to be proud, none service. The city of stands out more than Atlanta banned Mann our continued Triple from its parks for six Crown status awarded months. by the National Sheriffs’ In the letter to Association. This honor constituents, Mann said: commemorates the

SEE VICTIMS page 7

SEE SHERIFF page 7

DeKalb launches $2 million program to upgrade stormwater drainage ponds DeKalb County CEO collect diverted rain Michael Thurmond has runoff from impervious launched a program to surfaces, such as roof enhance maintenance tops and parking lots,” of the county’s 950 said Lemke. “Enhancing stormwater drainage the pond maintenance ponds. Over the next schedule will increase year, contractors will the system’s efficiency to leverage $2 million to mitigate standing water, CEO Michael Thurmond help control mosquitoes mow vegetation, repair fences, remove trees and and prevent erosion.” restore ponds to maximum Ponds in DeKalb efficiency.

County’s inventory range in size “The pond maintenance from 500 square feet to more than program is the first step in a $50 10 acres. Previously, DeKalb was million effort to address critical able to service approximately 150 issues in the stormwater system,” ponds annually, but with the new said Thurmond. “The growth, funding is on track to complete economic development and health restoration and maintenance of 350 of the county and its citizens relies ponds through 2020. on 21st century infrastructure.”

To increase efficiency by DeKalb County Public Works matching contractor capabilities, Director Rick Lemke said the the county’s pond inventory is maintenance improvements will ranked by tier to indicate the level greatly enhance the county’s of work required. For example, a stormwater management program.

Tier 1 pond may exhibit a minimal “Stormwater drainage ponds amount of overgrown and shrubs,

On the left, an overgrown storm water drainage pond. On the right, the same location after maintenance is complete.

while a Tier 7 pond has a large amount of overgrowth and trees, as well as areas that should be cleared in standing water.

DeKalb County manages three water systems, including drinking water, wastewater and stormwater.

Since 2017, the county has

SEE DRAINAGE page 7

PAGE 2 • NOVEMBER 15, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

Stone Mountain woman convicted in murder-for-hire plot against husband DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston announced a conviction by jury trial in the attempted murder-for-hire case against a Stone Mountain woman.

Jurors returned a guilty verdict Nov. 13 against Kecia Leann Wright, 50, on charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder and Aggravated Assault for orchestrating the attempted murder of her late husband, Kentrick Lindo, 46.

The charges against Wright stem from a May 25, Kecia Leann Wright 2011 shooting incident involving Lindo. While turning at the intersection of Rock Meadow Drive and Rockbridge Road in Stone Mountain, bullets pierced the victim’s convertible, striking him in the left shoulder, and lodging into his sternum. He was able to drive to his home a short distance away and was transported to the hospital after police were summoned to the home on a ‘person shot’ call. The victim survived his injuries, but the alleged shooter was not identified.

Wright and Lindo separated in 2013. In late 2014, details regarding the mysterious intersection shooting began to surface as the victim’s son and stepdaughter began disclosing details about multiple attempts on Lindo’s life in an effort for his wife to cash in on his million dollar life insurance policy.

The investigation revealed that shortly before the 2011 shooting, Wright recruited her daughter’s friend to kill her husband for a fee. The victim’s son also disclosed to school officials that Wright had asked him to stab and shoot his own father. Both children shared that Wright had also attempted to give Lindo poisoned and drugged food and concocted additional schemes to kill him.

Lindo died prior to trial in 2016 of unrelated causes.

Following her conviction, Wright was sentenced to serve a maximum term of 30 years in prison by DeKalb County Superior Court Judge LaTisha Dear Jackson, who presided over the trial. The alleged accomplice who was accused of firing the shots into the victim’s vehicle during the murder attempt, was indicted as a co-defendant but acquitted at trial.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Agatha Romanowski assigned to the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit, with assistance from ADA Lauren Caldwell, DA Investigator Genard Tindal, and Victim Advocate Erica Bell. Detective Keith McQuilkin of the DeKalb County Police Department led the initial investigation.

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NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • PAGE 3

PUBLISHER Glenn L. Morgan

gmorgan1@ocgnews.com

EDITOR Valerie J. Morgan

editor@ocgnews.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill

richardhill@ocgnews.com

STAFF WRITER Mackenzie Morgan

mackenzie@ocgnews.com

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

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church honors veterans with special program

The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers.

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church and Pastor James C. Ward honored military veterans with a special program on Nov. 10, ahead of Veterans’ Day. The program was part of the church’s 150-year anniversary, which has included several special events the church has held throughout this year.

Sunday’s 10:30 a.m. worship celebration featured Lithonia High School’s JROTC Color Guard Unit, a tribute to fallen soldiers, a presentation of special awards, was followed by a skydiving team exhibition. Congregation members gathered outside the church to witness the show, which was performed during clear skies on a brilliant sunny day.

Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church is located at 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia.

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 770-679-5607 www.ocgnews.com

COMBATTING CONFLICT DeKalb Solicitor-General to host conflict resolution event: “Because We are Family”

Rockdale County announces medical transportation program for vets

By Mackenzie N. Morgan Rockdale County unveiled a new medical transportation program designated exclusively for vets in Rockdale on Veterans’ Day. The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners(BOC) rolled out the Veterans Transportation Program (VetTP) on Nov. 11 to commemorate those who have served in the United States military and who are in need of assistance getting to medical appointments at the Atlanta VA Medical Hospital in Decatur.

“The transportation program will offer qualified veterans and their families transportation services for health care appointments,” said Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. “We are honored to provide this service to our Rockdale County veterans.”

The partnership between Rockdale County Senior Services

and the Georgia Department of Veterans Services will offer free transportation to some 6,000 lowincome veterans beginning in March 2020.

Commissioner Sherri Washington said the program would be paid with county funds in next year’s budget. Officials said that while the final budget has not been voted on, operating expenses to run the medical transportation program are expected to cost around $50K a year.

Washington, who said she has a long line of family members who have served in the military, said she is proud of the new initiative.

“I think our vets deserve it. They make so many sacrifices to protect our freedoms. We have to take care of those who take care of us,” said Washington.

The van, which can hold up to nine veterans, including two

SEE VETS page 6

DeKalb County Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling is partnering with Men Stopping Violence to help DeKalb families build healthy relationships and learn to resolve conflicts peacefully.

The community is invited to stand with ColemanStribling during an event— Because We Are Family—on Saturday, Nov. 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Exchange Park Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive, Decatur.

Donna Coleman-Stribling DeKalb families will participate in workshops improving communication and conflict resolution tactics. Space is limited. Families are encouraged to register at https:// becausewearefamily.eventbrite.com.

SEE CONFLICT page 7

Hillcrest Church of Christ

1939 Snapfinger Rd, Decatur, Ga 30035 | hillcrestcoc.net WORSHIP SERVICE TIMES: Sunday Mornings 10am to 12pm Sunday Evenings 5pm to 6pm

BIBLE CLASSES: Sunday Mornings 9am to 9:45am Wednesday Nights 7pm to 8pm Thursday mornings 10 am to 11am

“Pre-Thanksgiving Singing Concert. The Church of Christ United Worship Chorale will be supporting The Bahamas Hurricane Dorian Relief Effort on Saturday November 23rd from 4 to 6pm. Donations will be collected at the Concert.”

PAGE 4 • NOVEMBER 15, 2019 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

DeKalb to host ‘A Taste of Memorial Drive’ DeKalb County will host “A Taste of Memorial Drive” on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Georgia Piedmont Technical College’s conference center, 495 N. Indian Creek Dr., Clarkston.

The event will celebrate the Memorial Drive Revitalization Plan, while highlighting Memorial Drive’s assets and resources.

The Memorial Drive Revitalization Plan project team will set up displays highlighting the process, ideas and recommendations for Memorial Drive. Departments from DeKalb County, which will play a key role in the plan’s implementation, will have information tables at the event.

Food and arts and culture vendors will offer food samples, handmade art, jewelry and artifacts highlighting the many cultures represented along Memorial Drive.

In 2018, DeKalb Commissioner Steve Bradshaw allocated $140,000 of District 4 reserves for a study of Memorial Drive. That was augmented by a $34,500 allocation from the DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability Department, which, along with the POND consultant planning team, is developing strategies to enhance the long-term economic viability of its Memorial Drive corridor.

To learn more about the plan, visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov/memorialdrive.

DeKalb Parks Citizens Advisory Board to meet Nov. 19

Rockdale announces traffic plans for Christmas tree lighting ceremony

The DeKalb Parks Citizen Advisory Board Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m., at the DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. The meeting will take place on the first floor in room 111.

Information will be provided on current park improvements and recreation projects.

For more information, contact Carol Underwood, administrative coordinator, at 404-371-2927 or cjunderw@ dekalbcountyga.gov.

Rockdale County’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony will kick off the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 22, on the front lawn of the Historic Rockdale County Courthouse on Main Street. Attendees may enjoy S’mores at 6 p.m. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Main Street will be closed between Milstead Road and Court Street from 4 – 9 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to park in the designated public parking at Courthouse, Board of Commissioners, and City of Conyers lots throughout Olde Town Conyers.

Please do not park in marked reserved parking spaces.

Seating will be first come, first served. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The program includes caroling, a dance troupe, and other family-friendly activities. The evening will culminate with an official visit from Santa Claus who will illuminate the Christmas tree.

DeKalb History Center to present “Refuge or Refusal: A Conversation” The DeKalb History Center’s December Lunch & Learn, “Refuge or Refusal: A Conversation,” will be presented by representatives from Kennesaw State University and Civic Georgia on Dec. 4, noon to 1 p.m., at the Historic DeKalb Courthouse, 2nd floor, 101 E. Court Square, Decatur.

A panel discussion will explore the turning points concerning U.S. immigration policies and their impact on the country and around the globe in 1790, 1882, 1924, 1948, and 1965. Developed by KSU, a temporary exhibit will be placed in the lobby prior to the panel discussion.

Bring your lunch. Admission is free.

Olde Town Conyers set for Christmas Party, and holiday parade The official kick-off to Conyers’ holiday season takes place the weekend of Dec. 6-7 in Olde Town.

Sponsored by the city of Conyers, the Olde Town Christmas Party will be held on Dec. 6, 5 to 8 p.m. Families are encouraged to enjoy visits with Santa in the Conyers Depot/ Welcome Center at 901 Railroad Street.

The evening also includes hayrides, train rides, marshmallow roasting and a wide variety of complimentary holiday craft stations and activities sponsored by downtown merchants and local businesses. The Fantastic Falcons of C.J. Hicks Elementary School, under the direction of Thomas Russell, will perform at 6 p.m. on the Depot stage.

Restaurants and shops will be open and ice skaters will take to the ice for the 20th season at the ice rink sponsored by Ice Days at the Olde Town Pavilion, 949 S. Main Street.

On Dec. 7, the Conyers Christmas Parade will wind its way through Olde Town Conyers beginning at a new start time of 2 p.m.

“For more information on these and other holiday events including Rockdale Emergency Relief’s 22nd Annual Christmas Tour of Homes during the Conyers Christmas weekend on December 7-8, contact the Conyers Welcome Center at 770-6022606 or visit www.conyersga.com.

Rockdale BOC sets holiday drop-In The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) will host its annual holiday drop-in for the community on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers.

The informal, drop-in is planned to provide the public with an opportunity to meet elected officials, county leaders and staff and celebrate the holiday season. The free event includes refreshments and beverages, photos at a photo booth and holiday music.

For more information, contact Andrea Lee, executive assistant to the Chairman, at 770-278-7003 or andrea.lee@rockdalecountyga.gov.

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NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • PAGE 5

November 7, 2019

Tammy Grimes

Dave Marcus

Barbara Hall

Stonecrest District 5 runoff to be decided, advance voting to be scheduled Stonecrest voters will return to the polls to elect the next District 5 City Councilmember. Tammy Grimes appeared headed for a runoff with Dave Marcus, since no one in the six-way City Council race received more than 50 percent of the vote as required. The special election was held to fill the unexpired term of former Councilwoman Diane Adoma.

Grimes, a veteran educator who is an Instructional Support Specialist for DeKalb County Schools, received 698 votes (45.38 percent), while Marcus, a retired strategic planner and financial analyst, received 256 votes (16.64 percent). Barbara Hall, an elder at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and former law enforcement officer, placed third with 250 votes (16.25 percent).

Hall has said she may seek a recount. Marcus had a slight edge with only six votes more than she had, according to unofficial early results.

The Board of Elections will officially announce candidates in the runoff and advance voting dates and locations after it certifies the votes on Nov. 15.

Advance voting could begin before Thanksgiving, officials said. Election Day is Dec. 3. For updates, visit www.ocgnews.com

Dear Stonecrest Constituents: Thank you for your trust and your votes that re-elected me to serve another term as your mayor! I couldn’t have done it without one of the hardest working campaign teams and staff anyone could ever ask for. I thank them. Likewise, I certainly could not have done it without the trust and belief of the residents. For that, I thank you.

The Atlanta Regional Commission has recognized Stonecrest as the fastest-growing region in the Atlanta Metro area! Yes, we’ve come a long way in only two short years. But we still have a long way to go.

Our strategic plan is clear-eyed and long-term with $1 BILLION in commercial, residential, industrial and economic projects already signed, sealed, and committed to our city. I am happy to say the future is bright in Stonecrest!

Stonecrest will be a beacon of light for the Southeast Region, serving as a lighthouse and gateway. I am excited about continuing what we started—together. Here’s to another four years of quality and momentum!

Always Stonecrest Strong,

Mayor Jason Lary

Rockdale’s Kimberly Heard named Youth of the Year by Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta (BGCMA) has named Kimberly Heard, a member of the A.R. “Gus” Barksdale Boys & Girls Club, as the 2019-2020 “Youth of the Year.

The prestigious award is BGCMA’s highest honor recognizing teens from Clubs in the metro Atlanta area who are working hard, investing in themselves, and demonstrating leadership in their schools, Clubs, and communities.

On Nov. 8, BGCMA welcomed 21 Youth of the Year nominees and nearly 600 attendees including local politicians, business leaders, and advocates, to the annual Youth of the Year Fundraising Gala presented by Bank of America. The event was held at Atlanta’s Delta Flight Museum.

Attendees heard speeches about where these young leaders started, how their Clubs helped shape who they are today, and their big dreams they have for the future.

“Thank you to all of our partners who make these programs possible,” said Missy Dugan, president & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “Through our shared vision, we are building an educated workforce, a healthy and active community, and a city full of young leaders like Kimberly.”

As Youth of the Year, Heard was awarded a $2,500 college scholarship, and in the spring of 2020, she will represent Metro Atlanta as Youth of the Year at the statewide competition.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who supported me,” said Heard. “I’m going to do my best to represent Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro

Pictured is Aron Levine, Head of Consumer Banking and Investments at Bank of America and Executive Board Member at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, presenting the award to Heard.

Atlanta in a positive way. I’m really excited about the possibilities.”

Top honors also were awarded to Gwinnett County’s A. Worley Brown Boys & Girls Club member Brian Ariza-Pinzon, first runner-up and recipient of a $1,500 scholarship. Alonah Watson, member of the Michael A. Grant Boys & Girls Club in Cobb County, received the Ada Lee Cor-

rell Community Spirit Award. Along with this recognition, she also received a $1,000 scholarship.

Carroll County Boys & Girls Club member Harry Jacob Nelson III, BGCMA’s first Youth of the Year candidate with autism, received the Trailblazer Award for his demonstration of courage and perseverance.

BGCMA serves nearly 3,000 children and teens each year. Youth of the Year is a year-round character and leadership program that recognizes Club members who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership skills, and service to their community. BGCMA also focuses on helping youth succeed in college and career, and live healthy. By 2020, the organization is working to ensure that 90 percent of the youth it serves are graduating on time, living healthy, and giving back.

BGCMA thanks Bank of America, presenting sponsor of the Youth of the Year gala, and all of its corporate and individual sponsors for opening doors for our youth.

“Bank of America’s investment in youth is essential for future success, and we are proud to serve as presenting sponsor of the prestigious Youth of the Year program,” said Aron Levine, head of Consumer Banking and Investments, Bank of America, and Executive Board Member of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. “This is my eighth year of involvement with BGCMA’s Youth of the Year Fundraising Gala, and the impact these members are making in their communities is truly an inspiration.”

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PAGE 6 • NOVEMBER 15, 2019

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Rockdale Sheriff’s investigators develop leads in armed home invasion Rockdale County Sheriff’s investigators have developed new leads and identified two “persons of interest” in the armed home invasion of a 72-year-old North Rockdale man. The victim was attacked and tied up at gunpoint by two white males who burglarized his residence and stole his vehicle.

The incident happened on Saturday, Nov. 9, in north Rockdale.

Authorities said the men were wearing masks and were described as about average in size. The suspects loaded up the stolen items into the victim’s vehicle. The vehicle was later involved in a hit-and-run at GA HWY 20 and Hi Roc Road, where the two men were seen running away from the scene.

Police searched but could not find the suspects.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and will release any additional information when it becomes available.

Pictured L-R: Club member Michael McCorvey, Joy Saunders-Fields, Dafina Braithwaite(back row), Anita Adams, and Club President Solomon Gaiters.

UP TO

$2,000 REWARD FOR TIPS LEADING TO THE ARREST OF THE SUSPECT(S) BELOW

CASE NUMBER: 19-111808 Incident Location: Help a Child Smile 1810 Overlake Drive Suspect Description:

YMCA Staffer Princess Bellamy and Club President Solomon Gaiters

Black male suspect wearing a black jacket with a blue tee shirt, blue jeans and white Nike tennis shoes.

Vehicle Description: Silver Chevy Impala

Conyers Police seek burglary suspect

L-R South DeKalb Rotary Club President Irvin Johnson, YMCA Executive Director Curtis Wins

Community Interact Club of South DeKalb hosts “End Polio Now” awareness event The Community Interact Club of South DeKalb held an education event about polio during World Interact Week, Nov. 5, at the South DeKalb Family YMCA. Members of the club handed out information and pins to YMCA members and staff about polio and the fight to eradicate polio. Polio is an incurable, paralyzing disease that commonly affects children under the age of 5.

Solomon Gaiters and Michael McCorvey took pictures with members and staff including Executive Director Curtis Winston, Assistant Director Wesley Triplett, Dafina Braithwaite, Joy Saunders-Fields, Anita Adams, Princess Bellamy and Lawrence Marbury. Rotary Club of South DeKalb President Irvin Johnson and DeKalb Rotary Council Chairman Ceasar Gaiters were in attendance to support the Interact Club members.

Rotary International is a global network of committed individuals who unite and take action to create lasting positive change. The Interact Club is the level of Rotary International that empowers teens to become leaders and take an active part in their community. Rotary International began its fight against Polio in 1979. On November 5, 2019, The Community Interact Club of South DeKalb, founded in May 2017, joined in the fight to eradicate polio.

A vaccine was created in 1955, which Rotary International distributes yearly to communities in need. In 2003, there were six countries that remained endemic. Today, due to Rotary International’s efforts, there are only three countries that remain endemic. Rotary International is close to ending Polio and today’s Interact Club “End Polio Now” event has added to the efforts, officials of Rotary Club of South DeKalb said.

On Saturday, November 9, 2019 at approximately 4:07 PM, the black male suspect pictured burglarized Help a Child Smile, 1810 Overlake Drive.

The On suspect was driving silver Chevy Impala pictured above.

Saturday, Nov. 9, the 2019 at approximately 4:07 p.m., the black male

suspect pictured burglarized Help a Child Smile, 1810 Overlake Drive. The �n� informa�on leadin� to the arrest of the suspects ma� result in a cash resuspect was driving the silver Chevy Impala pictured above. ward of up to $2,000.00.

Any information leading to the arrest of the suspects may result in a

cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime any informa�on: Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Click: Stoppers with any information: Call 404-577-TIPS (8477). Click: www. www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org.

DeKalb County recognizes citizen leader Susan Neugent Susan Neugent was recently recognized by Commissioner Kathie Gannon and Commissioner Jeff Rader with a dedication ceremony for the formal naming of the DeKalb County Animal Shelter’s Pet Adoption Center, in her honor. Family and friends joined DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond, CEO and Founder of Lifeline Animal Project, Rebecca Guinn, Public Safety Director, Jack Lumpkin, and Animal Service Advisory Board Chair, Sonali Saindane to share this special occasion.

“Before the Animal Services Advisory Board was formed and the new animal shelter was built by DeKalb taxpayers, hundreds of dogs and cats were euthanized,” said Commissioner Kathie Gannon, “DeKalb County, through its partnership with Lifeline operates a “no kill” shelter and even though we can’t save every animal, we save over 90%, and this credit belongs to DeKalb County, Lifeline Animal Project, Animal Services Advisory Board, and the leadership pf Susan Neugent, who chaired the effort to build a new shelter.”

The Board of Commission approved naming the adoption center of the Animal Services building in Susan Neugent ’s name in recognition of her impactful leadership as a volunteer and help to build consensus across the County on how Animal Services could be improved.

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NOVEMBER 15, 2019 • PAGE 7

Congressman Hank Johnson introduces legislation to ensure Opportunity Zones benefit local communities

As President Trump traveled to Atlanta last week to, in part, tout his tax break program called Opportunity Zones, Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) was introducing the Opportunity Zone Fairness and Inclusion Act, H.R. 4999, to bring inclusion, diversity, and fairness to the administration’s development program.

Established in the GOP Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Opportunity Zone program is a tax benefit to incentivize development in poor neighborhoods. By providing this preferential tax Congressman Hank Johnson treatment to investors, economically distressed communities supposedly to benefit through job creation, new housing, and community development.

Although these tax benefits are touted as a means of uplifting underserved communities, there are few safeguards to ensure community involvement in the implementation and revitalization of these neighborhoods.

Documentation shows the lack of local involvement has resulted in economic gain for developers with little economic benefit conferred to the underserved neighborhoods. Consequently, there is a real danger that small businesses and individuals that live in those communities will be displaced or remain underserved.

Johnson’s bill aims to level the playing field. Specifically, his legislation would require: 1. Opportunity Zone Funds to have advisory and investment boards consisting of members of the target communities; 2. Diversity in investment advisors; and 3. A mixture of investments ensuring some money goes to smallerscale projects with low capitalization requirements, as well as to minority businesses and individuals residing in the target communities.

“I’ve crafted legislation to make significant changes to the current law,” said Johnson. “To be effective, the Opportunity Zone program must be inclusive. As it currently stands, the Opportunity Zone Program is a tax relief program -- not an economic development program. My bill empowers local communities to develop their own communities.

The Opportunity Zone program should be improved to ensure all Americans can participate - not just the largest developers, investors and contractors.

“While we respect the right of investors to invest where they choose, we should not continue to subsidize their wealth with taxpayer dollars at tremendous risk to underserved communities,” said Rep. Johnson. “If our current system is structured to give tax preferred treatment to millionaires and billionaires, we should require them to invest in ways that optimally benefit the communities they want to develop.”

VETS continued from page 3 wheelchairs, was purchased in Rockdale earlier this year for $54,406 and was also outfitted by a local vehicle wrap vendor. Officials said the van will be staffed by local Conyers veterans who will receive special training.

Driver positions exclusively for VetTP will be posted on the Rockdale County website in the coming weeks.

In order to qualify for the program, participants must be a U.S. military veteran with an honorable discharge and obtain a referral from the Rockdale Office of the Georgia Department of Veterans Services, 983 Taylor Street, Conyers) Applicants will need to present a US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare enrollment card and Georgia ID demonstrating Rockdale residency. Transportation to the VA Hospital will be coordinated through Rockdale County Senior Services.

County officials said information regarding the new program will be released through the Georgia Department of Veterans Services Rockdale office, Rockdale County website and social media, senior services and local churches.

SHERIFF continued from page 1 recognition of best practices utilized in all aspects of sheriff’s office operations. With a combined nearly 800 individual standards, the only three national accrediting agencies (American Correctional Association, Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, and National Commission on Correctional Healthcare) have rated the DeKalb Sheriff’s Office among the elite in the nation. One hundred percent of all mandatory standards and an average of over ninety-seven percent of all other standards were in compliance during the most recent assessments. Only 41 of the 3,083 sheriff’s offices nationwide hold this Triple Crown Accreditation distinction, and only 17 of those offices have held that distinction under two successive sheriffs. The work of our team in this regard should not be underestimated. It ensures that your tax dollars are spent wisely, the work is performed efficiently and effectively, and incarcerated persons are treated humanely and with dignity.

Community engagement helps to reestablish and preserve the public’s trust in law enforcement. Our community is not as safe as it should be without that trust. During my tenure we redoubled our engagement efforts in community events such as speaking at homeowner’s association meetings, establishing mentorship programs at middle schools, participating in community national night out events, celebrations and parades, conducting roll calls for deputies at schools and senior centers, and inviting community groups into the jail for tours to promote transparency.

Read Mann’s letter in its entirety at www.ocgnews.com.

VICTIMS continued from page 1 The Remembrance Project is informed by the work of the Equal Justice Initiative, headquartered in Montgomery, which recently opened its Memorial to Peace and Justice and Legacy Museum there.

The historical marker will be placed outside of the courthouse in the Decatur Square and in the downtown area in the city of Lithonia.

“This is progressive and forward thinking on behalf of the Board of Commissioners to acknowledge lynching in DeKalb County and to identify relatives of those who experienced this terrible act,” Johnson said.

DRAINAGE continued from page 1 improved these systems and customer service by: • Releasing 37,000 previously held water bills • Installing more than 18,000 new water meters • Upgrading the Scott Candler water treatment plant with an $11 million project • Getting the sanitary sewer Consent Decree program back on track • Rehabilitating nearly 150,000 linear feet of sewer pipes • Procuring nearly $135 million in contracts for sewer improvements

CONFLICT continued from page 3 Coleman-Stribling received additional funding from DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond to expand domestic violence prevention programs through her office. With the additional funding, the Solicitor created the #NOTinmyDEKALB initiative. #NOTinmyDEKALB is a domestic violence prevention and mentorship campaign, featuring two programs, Because We Are Family and Sunday Night Lights. For more information, visit www.NOTinmyDEKALB.com.

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LAWN CARE

Are you Interested in Opening a

Personal Care Home?

THEN DO IT !!!

Personal Care Home Training Saturday, November 30, 2019 9:30am- 12:30pm $95 Hilton Garden Inn Stonecrest LIMITED SPACE: 15 PER CLASS |REGISTER NOW: $95 Includes application packet, with 3 hour of instruction and Consulting, assistance.

Presented by: G & W Consulting and Management LLC Registration onsite (if space available): To reserve, go to: www.gwconsultingmgt.com then go to training.

Contact: 404-966-9102 or wandaholmes@gwconsultingmgt.com

Our New Number: 770-679-5607

PAGE 8 • NOVEMBER 15, 2019

WWW.OCGNEWS.COM

We cater to the entire family.

Gum Treatments Tooth Colored Fillings Oral Surgery Cosmetic Bonding & Veneers Crowns, Bridges & Dentures Root Canals Implants We Accept Most Insurance Plans Peachcare & Medicaid Emergency Walk-In Time Available

900 N. Hairston Rd. Suite B Stone Mountain, GA 30083 900 N. Hairston Rd. 404-294-8500

Suite B Stone Mountain, Spalding Dentistry GAGentle 30083 6460 Spalding Drive 404-294-8500 Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006