FREE VOLUME 24 NUMBER 30
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
News 24/7
ocgnews.com
Stay connected
Published Since April 1995
Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties
facebook.com/ocgnews
City of Stonecrest’s controversial SPLOST deal back on table
S
By Valerie J. Morgan
tonecrest officials will consider how the city’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) program will be managed when the council and mayor meet on Sept. 17 for the work session and council meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Mayor Jason Lary Hall. The meeting is critical. The city’s estimated $47.7 million SPLOST program has been in limbo for months, the center of a heated debate between council members and the mayor. Mayor Jason Lary said at a Sept. 10 “Straight Talk With the Mayor” town hall meeting that he was ready to see the situation resolved. Although the one-cent SPLOST took effect on April 1, Stonecrest has been delayed in moving forward. The council has been unable to agree on whether to execute a $3.75 million proposal with Grice Consulting Group to manage the six-year program. John Funny, CEO of Grice, had also proposed developing the city’s comprehensive transportation plan for $480,000. Ten days after the council approved the proposal on Aug. 21, 2017, problems arose. Grice invoiced the city $56,840 and then sent a second invoice for an additional $54,840, Mayor Lary said. Grice invoiced the city a total of $162,000 through November 2017, including $20,000 for setting up and conducting five community SPLOST meetings, Lary said. The city wound up negotiating a settlement payment of $40,000 for the pre-SPLOST work. The matter, however, was not resolved. City officials decided to look at managing the SPLOST program in-house, rather than contracting it out. Some council members didn’t like the idea and the debate came to a head on April 16 when the council debated the issue past 1 a.m. The council ended up deadlocked over a motion to execute the proposal with Grice. Council members Diane Adoma, Rob Turner and Jazzmin Cobble voted for the motion, while Mayor Jason Lary, and Council members George Turner and Jimmy Clanton voted against it. In May, the council ordered the city attorney and city manager to renew negotiations with Grice and give him an opportunity to submit a detailed proposal of work he plans to do. Grice is scheduled to make a presentation at the Sept. 17 City Council meeting. The council’s decision overrode Mayor Lary’s motion to issue a Request For Proposal to look at other contenders, based on the city’s purchasing policy. DeKalb County voters overwhelmingly approved the SPLOST in the November 2017 general election, paving the way for 12 municipalities, including Stonecrest, to get a share of the projected revenues of more than $630 million through 2023. Stonecrest, which has 53,000 residents, will get the largest share of any of the municipalities based on its population. DeKalb County will receive $388 million for unincorporated areas.
BYE, BYE SUMMER
Photos provided
DeKalb dogs, pet owners end summer with a splash
D
eKalb pet owners and their dogs gathered for a day of fun in the sun at the first ever Doggie Splash Pawlooza on Saturday, Sept. 8, at the Midway Park Pool in Decatur. The inaugural pool party for pooches, sponsored by DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs, celebrated the close of the summer season by allowing local pet owners to bring their dogs out for a dip in the pool. David Manuel, Interim Deputy Director at DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs as well as executive
director of the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts and Community Center, said the event brought together one of DeKalb’s largest populations – families with pets.
“For our first time, we were hoping to get a minimum of 25 dogs. We got 71. The event was very successful, and fun was had by all – especially the dogs,” said Manuel. Dog enthusiasts from various parts of DeKalb and metro Atlanta attended the event which featured music, games, food, doggie treats and pet friendly vendors. The event, which was $5 per dog, will help provide enhancements for Brookside and Mason Mill dog parks. – Mackenzie N. Morgan
MARTA Police Chief Wanda Y. Dunham promoted to executive team New role expands operational and personnel responsibilities
MARTA has promoted Chief Wanda Y. Dunham from Assistant General Manager of Police and Emergency Management to Chief of System Safety, Security, and Emergency Management/Police Chief. Dunham made history in May 2006 with her appointment to Chief of Police/Assistant General Manager at MARTA, the country’s ninth largest transit agency. She is the first AfricanAmerican and woman to hold this position. “I have had the privilege of serving the customers of MARTA for the last 30 years. I am honored to take on this new role and continue providing a safe riding experience for our valued MARTA patrons,” said Chief Dunham. As a member of MARTA’s executive team, Chief Dunham will have expanded areas of responsibility including the Department of Safety and Quality Assurance, the Office of the Chief Wanda Y. Dunham Chief Information Security Office (CISO) in addition to her existing responsibility for Police and Emergency Management. The MARTA Police Department has distinguished itself as one of the top law enforcement agencies in the country under Dunham’s direction, receiving consecutive Gold Standard Awards from both the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Baseline Assessment for Security Enhancement. “In this new role, Chief Dunham will be able to streamline critical safety and security functions, and provide critical leadership around some of MARTA’s most important and impactful events, including the Super Bowl LIII,” said Jeff Parker, MARTA’s General Manager/CEO.
MARTA, MillerLite offer free rides to Falcons Sept. 16, 23 home games
MARTA and MillerCoors will provide free rides to Falcons fans on Sunday, Sept. 16 (vs. Carolina) and Sunday, Sept. 23 (vs. New Orleans). Miller Lite representatives will hand out free Breeze cards both days between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Indian Creek, College Park, H.E. Holmes, and Lindbergh rail stations. “The safety of MARTA customers is always our top priority,” said MARTA General Manager & CEO Jeffrey Parker. “By providing Breeze cards for Falcons games, Miller Lite is helping us ensure fans will have a great time and a safe ride on our transit system.” Miller Lite has provided more than 100,000 free rides to Falcons fans since 2014. “At MillerCoors, we’re committed to helping football fans Celebrate Responsibly,” said Diane Wagner, alcohol responsibility manager for MillerCoors. “We’re proud to partner with MARTA and United Distributors for the fifth year in a row to offer Falcons fans safe and alternative transportation on their first two home games of the 2018-2019 season.” MARTA’s Dome and Vine City Stations are closest to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Route and schedule information for rail, bus, and streetcar service is available at www.itsmarta.com.
PAGE 2 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Gunman Santavious Jerome Hurley pleads guilty to deadly crime spree
S
antavious Jerome Hurley, 26, received a life sentence after pleading guilty to several charges including murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said Hurley entered a guilty plea ahead of his scheduled trial next week. The charges against Hurley stem from a series of incidents beginning on the night of April 11, 2017. According to the investigation, Hurley approached two men waiting for an Santavious Hurley Uber driver outside of a gas station in the 2500 block of Gresham Road shortly before10:30 p.m. The Hurley held the men at gunpoint and demanded the victims take off their pants and give up their wallets and several electronics. He fired multiple shots at the men before escaping in a stolen SUV. The vehicle was recovered a short distance later with the victims’ belongings and a handgun inside. The victims were not injured. About two hours later, Hurley shot and killed 39-year-old Joseph Brown outside of a Flat Shoals Road motel in Decatur following an argument. Witnesses reported seeing Hurley waving a gun and making threats before firing several shots at the victim, striking him in the chest and fatally wounding him. The following day, Hurley, armed with two guns, approached a group of people gathered outside of a home in the 900 block of Bouldercrest Drive and tried to rob them. A fight broke out between Hurley and a fourth victim, Will Harris. During the fight, Hurley shot the victim, who grabbed one of the guns Hurley was carrying and returned fire, striking and wounding him. Hurley escaped in a getaway car driven by co-defendant Roshun Allen. Both, Harris and Hurley, were taken to Grady Memorial Hospital. Hurley was identified as the shooter after Harris, who spotted him in the emergency room, where they both were being treated. A bench warrant has been issued for co-defendant Allen. DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson presided over the case. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Chief ADA Buffy Thomas with assistance from DA Investigator Chris Weismen. Detectives J. Kearney and D.R. Ward of the DeKalb Police Department, and Detective T. Epps,of the Atlanta Police Department, led the initial investigations.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 3
Ceremony set to honor local Vietnam Veterans
V
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
PRODUCTION MANAGER Travis Hudgons 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
ietnam veterans from DeKalb County and surrounding counties will have an opportunity to take part in a public recognition of their military service at a certificate and lapel pin presentation ceremony on Saturday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m. at the American Legion Harold Byrd Post 66, 30 Covington Road, Avondale Estates. The state’s recognition of these veterans is part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the Vietnam War. The Georgia Department of Veterans Service created the Vietnam War Certificate of Honor program in partnership with the Office of Governor Nathan Deal in 2015. The honors ceremony is the collaborative effort between American Legion Post Harold Byrd Post 66 and the GDVS Decatur Veteran Field Service Offices. The deadline for Vietnam veterans to sign up for the ceremony is Tuesday, Sept. 24. Georgia Department of Veterans Service Commissioner Mike Roby will
Free Emergency Response Training available for DeKalb residents DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is hosting two free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training workshops. The first nine-week workshop begins Sept. 18 and will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 West Exchange Place, Tucker. A second nine-week CERT workshop begins Sept. 20 and will
METROPOLITAN ATLANTA RAPID TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Notice of Public Hearings Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority will hold public hearings for the purpose of considering the
Proposed bus service modifications for December 8, 2018 for the following routes: Route 79: Sylvan Hills; Route 82: Camp Creek / South Fulton Parkway; Route 89: Old National Highway / Union City; Route 95: Metropolitan Parkway; Route 143: Windward Park & Ride; Route 172: [Replaced by Rt. 872] Sylvan Road / Virginia Avenue; Route 178: Empire Boulevard / Southside Industrial Park. All route information, a video with hearing information and comment forms are available at www.itsmarta.com
Mon., Sept. 17 Fulton County Government Center 141 Pryor Street Atlanta, GA 30303
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Bus Rts. 21, 42, and 55.
present Vietnam veterans who sign up with the state’s Certificate of Honor and the Defense Department’s Commemorative Lapel Pin, both presented for honorable military service during the Vietnam War. “It is never the wrong time to say thank you to a veteran, and that is especially true for so many Vietnam War veterans who were never properly thanked when they returned home,” said Commissioner Roby. “We hope to eventually present every Georgia veteran with a Certificate of Honor recognizing their service during the Vietnam War.” Georgia veterans with honorable
service during the Vietnam War (from June 1, 1954 to May 15, 1975) are eligible to receive the Certificate of Honor. This includes veterans with service in-country and those who served in other capacities. Vietnam veterans who are interested in participating in the ceremony can contact the GDVS Central Office via email bzeringue@vs.state.ga.us with their DD Form 214 attached or fax their information (name, address, and phone number) and DD Form 214 to 404-656-7006. Submissions should be marked “Avondale Estates C&P Ceremony.” For more information, call Brian Zeringue, GDVS Director of Public Information: 404-656-5933. Vietnam veterans may also receive this honor posthumously. Surviving spouses may receive the state certificate and a Defense Department Certificate of Honor and lapel pin by providing the required documentation (veteran’s DD Form 214) with the sign-up application.
Tues., Sept. 18 Clayton County Water Authority Community Room
1600 Battle Creek Road Morrow, GA 30260
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Bus Rt. 193.
Wed., Sept. 19 DeKalb Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
Community Exchange: 6-7 p.m.
HEARING: 7 p.m.
Riding MARTA: Blue Line to Decatur Station, walk one block west.
Copies of the proposed bus service modifications will also be available for public viewing at MARTA’s Headquarters Department of Planning, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324 during regular business hours, Monday-Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm. For formats (FREE of charge) in accordance with the ADA and Limited English Proficiency regulations contact, (404) 848-4037. For those patrons requiring further accommodations, information can be obtained by calling the Telephone Device for the Deaf (TDD) at (404) 848-5665. In addition, a sign language interpreter will be available at all hearings.
IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND THE HEARINGS AND WANT TO PROVIDE COMMENTS YOU MAY: (1) leave a message at (404) 848-5299; (2) write to MARTA’s Department of Planning, 2424 Piedmont Road, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia 30324-3330; (3) complete an online comment card at www. itsmarta.com; (4) or fax your comments no later than September 24, 2018 to (404) 848-4179. All citizens of the City of Atlanta and the counties of Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton and Gwinnett whose interests are affected by the subjects to be considered at these hearings are hereby notified and invited to appear at said times and places and present such evidence, comment or objection as their interests require. Jeffrey A. Parker, General Manager/CEO
be held on Thursday evenings from 7–9:30 p.m. at DeKalb Fire Rescue Headquarters. Participants can learn what to do before, during and after a disaster occurs. The workshop will also train citizens to care for family members and neighbors. Course topics include: Disaster preparedness; Basic fire suppression; Medical operations; Light search and rescue operations; Disaster
psychology; Team organization and terrorism; Autism awareness The workshop is free for DeKalb County citizens. ALl participants must pass a background check. To register, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dema and click the “Community Emergency Response Team” menu option. For more information, contact Emergency Management Specialist Thomas Paige at tpaige@dekalbcountyga.gov or 678-406-7858.
Rockdale food pantries help those in need Anyone who needs a bag of food is welcome to get help from the Sankofa House Community Food Bank on Saturday, Sept .14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1240 Sigman Road N.W., Suite 106, Conyers. Residents from surrounding counties are welcome. ID is required. The food bank is open on the third Saturdays of each month. Appointments are available for special cases and emergencies. For more information, call 678-517-2538. Springfield Baptist Church Food Pantry, 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers, will be open on Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. All are welcome. Preregistration is not required. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or info@sbcgrowth.church. CITY OF STONECREST BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH 2018 AT 6:00 P.M. STONECREST CITY HALL, 3120 STONECREST BLVD LITHONIA, GA 30038 The following Variance Petition located within the City of Stonecrest is scheduled for Public Hearings as stated above.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER: LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
V-18-004 Mera Cardenas / Flat Rock Archives 3956 Crossvale Road R-100 (Residential Med Lot) District Request for encroachment into 10’ setback for ground sign.
LAND USE PETITION: PETITIONER:
V-18-005 Dekalb Realty Holdings, LLC c/o Battle Law 7218 Covington Hwy M (Light Industrial) District Request to eliminate 75’ transitional buffer.
LOCATION: CURRENT ZONING: PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT:
PAGE 4 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2018
DeKalb NAACP to present Mental Health First Aid Training DeKalb County NAACP and Alliant Health Solutions are offering training on Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) on Saturday, Oct. 6, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 3203 Glenwood Road, Decatur. Mental Health First Aid is the help offered to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate treatment and support are received or until the crisis resolves. The interactive 8-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders including depression and anxiety and psychotic disorders. It introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments. Those who take the 8-hour course will certify participants as Mental Health First Aiders. Each participant will learn a 5-step action plan encompassing the skills, resources and knowledge to help an individual in crisis connect with appropriate professional, peer, social, and self-help care. Participants must complete all 8 hours of training in order to receive certification. Space is limited and registration is required. For more information or to register, call 404-241-8006 or visit: https:// naacpdekalbmentalhealthfirstaid.eventbrite.com.
Rockdale County to host housing forum, economic development summit
Rockdale County government officials plan to dive into two critical subjects facing the county at upcoming events scheduled in October and November. The public is invited to attend a Community Housing Forum on Thursday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St., Conyers. The purpose of this event is to showcase the county’s commitment to exploring how everyone in Rockdale County can gain access to healthy lifestyle, high-quality and affordable housing. During the forum, several key members of the Rockdale County housing and real estate industry will be sharing presentations about what the county has to offer for citizens in need of housing assistance. The Rockdale County Planning and Development Department, in partnership with the Conyers Rockdale Economic Development Council (CREDC), will host an Economic Development Forecast event. The event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 1, 7 p.m., at the J.P. Carr Community Center, 981 Taylor St. S.W., Conyers. The information session will provide residents and community stakeholders with insight on the county’s economic growth.
“Christmas in October”Craft Expo set at Stonecrest Library Are you a crafter of dolls, clothes, jewelry, accessories or something unique? Join the Friends of the Stonecrest Library in showcasing your handmade goods. The Friends group is hosting its “Christmas in October” Craft Expo on Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Crafters must register by Sept. 15, at the Stonecrest Library, 3123 Klondike Rd., Stonecrest. All proceeds support the library. For more information, call: 770-482-3828.
WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Atlanta Art Institute to hold reception for “rescue” exhibit featuring LifeLine shelter pets
The Atlanta Art Institute's Photographic Imaging Department is hosting a closing reception on Sept. 15 for RESCUE, an exhibition featuring their student photos of LifeLine Animal Project shelter pets. The exhibit will be held from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Institute’s Janet Day Gallery, 6600 Peachtree Dunwoody Road. The public is invited. All donated proceeds will benefit LifeLine Animal Project. LifeLine Animal Photo by Travis Hudgons Project provides lifesaving solutions to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in county shelters. LifeLine manages DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services, where it has increased adoptions by 300 percent and operates a private rehabilitative shelter and two LifeLine Spay & Neuter Clinics. LifeLine provides services to over 30,000 animals annually and has performed nearly 113,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries to date, including 37,720 stray/feral cats through its Community Cat program, metro Atlanta’s first and largest trap-neuter-return program. For more information, visit LifeLineAnimal.org or bit.ly/LifeLineArts.
“Soulful Noel” to host auditions Got talent? Can you sing or act? Auditions for “Soulful Noel,” the NewRock Christmas Spectacular, will be held on Monday, Sept. 17, 6:30 p.m., at Springfield Baptist Church, 1877 Iris Drive S.E., Conyers. Those ages 13 and older from the community are encouraged to audition. All persons auditioning will be asked to read from a script and to sing a short song. For more information, contact the church office at 770-929-1111 or info@sbcgrowth.church.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
Amy Baxter (center) with RCHS Principal Frank Daniels (left) and Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. Photos provided
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 5
Carlos Hernandez (center) with DMS Principal Randy Goerner (left) and Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts.
Liz McGowan (center) with RCA CEO Ben McCumber (left) and Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts.
RCPS 2018 announce Teacher of the Year finalists
R
ockdale County Public Schools congratulates the top three finalists for RCPS 2018 Teacher of the Year: Rockdale County High School's Amy Baxter, Gen. Ray Davis Middle School's Carlos Hernandez, Rockdale Career Academy's Liz McGowan. All three received surprise visits by Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts, Rockdale County Board of Education members, RCPS cabinet members, and leaders for the announcement on Sept.13. Baxter, Hernandez, and McGowan are in the running to be named the district's 2018 Teacher of the Year. They and all the school-level Teachers of the Year will be honored at the Teacher of the Ceremony on Oct. 16 at Rockdale Career Academy. The district-level winner will be named at the end of the evening's ceremony and will advance to the state level competition. Amy Baxter - Rockdale County High School Amy Baxter has been teaching for more than two decades, with 17 years at RCHS. She is currently teaching AP Literature and British
Literature. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, paint, scrapbook and travel. She and her husband Dave have been married for 17 years and have two German Shepherds, Gemma and Atticus. She says her most rewarding experience as a teacher is simple: “The love I feel year to year is one of the greatest rewards, but I'm also thankful that this age of social media allows me to follow the successes of my students after graduation.” Carlos Hernandez - Gen. Ray Davis Middle School Carlos Hernandez is entering his 19th year of teaching, and has been teaching 8th grade social studies for the last four years. Besides being named DMS Teacher of the Year, Hernandez was previously named school-level Teacher of the Year at Hightower Trail Elementary in 2011. In his spare time, he enjoys exploring and making new memories with his family, watching sports, mountain biking, and collecting theological books. He has been married to his high school sweetheart – Christy, who teaches 6th grade science at DMS – for 21 years and has two children, and recently gained a son-in-law. One of
his most rewarding experiences as a teacher was taking two students to compete at the national level for National History Day. Liz McGowan - Rockdale Career Academy Liz McGowan has been teaching for 22 years and has been teaching Social Studies at RCA since 2013. She enjoys reading and watching the TV show, “The Office” in her spare time. She and her husband Marc have been married for 28 years and have four children. They are expecting their first grandchild this fall in October. Besides being named the RCA Teacher of the Year, her most rewarding experience as a teacher is hearing the success stories of her students. McGowan recalled one young lady she taught for all four years of the student's high school career. “She was not particularly fond of me early on,” McGowan said. “Like my own children, she began to realize I knew what I was talking about. After her college graduation, she contacted me to tell me that I inspired her to become a teacher. She thanked me for not giving up on her and was grateful that I contacted her dad on a regular basis.”
PAGE 6 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 WWW.OCGNEWS.COM
Rockdale’s Constitutional Corner
What is a power of attorney and how can it be used?
By Rockdale Probate Judge Clarence Cuthpert, Jr. A Power of Attorney (“POA”) is a document in which one person often referred to as the principal grants authority to another person known as the attorney-in-fact or agent to act on behalf of the principal. The POA can be limited in scope to a specific purpose
which would only grant certain authority the attorney-in-fact, or it can be general to allow the attorney-in-fact to handle all of the principal’s affairs. On July 1, 2017, a new Uniform Power of Attorney Act (the “UPOAA”) was enacted pertaining to most Powers of Attorneys (“POAs”) created by individuals in Georgia. To be valid under the UPOAA, a Georgia POA must be signed by the principal and attested to and signed by one or more witnesses, as well as a notary public. All parties must witness each other’s signature when the POA is signed, witnessed and notarized. A POA executed outside of Georgia must comply with the state law in which it was executed. The UPOAA made many important changes to existing Georgia POA laws.
As a result of the said changes, third parties such as banks and other financial institutions are required to honor or accept a POA. Updating your pre-2017 POA to ensure they are in compliance with the UPOAA may make them easier to use when needed, and third parties will be more likely to honor them. Any third party asked to accept a POA may presume and rely upon the fact that the signatures are genuine, the POA is valid and still in effect, the agent is acting within his authority, and the third party must accept the POA in good faith without actual knowledge that any of these facts are untrue. Another potential benefit for updating a pre-2017 POA is that doing so may help reduce the risk that the POA could be abused by the agent. That is because the UPOAA makes it possible
to hold the attorney-in-fact accountable for misusing POAs to take advantage of the principals who they are supposed to be helping. The mandatory fiduciary duties imposed on the attorney-in-fact by the UPOAA are the duty to act in the principal’s best interests and in good faith, and to only act within the scope of authority granted in the POA. The information included herein is only intended to provide a basic understanding of a Power Of Attorney. This information is not all-inclusive, and should not be used as or considered to be legal advice. 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.
OP/ED Your Opinions
When DeKalb County commissioners break the law, they must be held accountable
By Ed Williams What do we do when the laws are not enforced? I write this letter to all those who wonder why I filed a complaint against the DeKalb Board of Commissioners (BOC) for their to increase their pay
by 60 percent. The simple fact of the matter is that the police complaint is not about the amount of the BOC on, it is based on the fact that the DeKalb BOC did not have the authority to vote on their own compensation. In approving the compensation increase, the members of the BOC violated the Open Meeting law because they left the item off of the meeting agenda therefore the public was not aware that they were voting on it. This is what the police complaint is about. The Attorney General had determined on June 20,
2018 that the DeKalb BOC violated the Open Meeting law during the Feb. 27, 2018 regular board meeting. Our leaders break the law and ignore us, that is not okay. I get lectured by those who do not want to rock the boat. Your concern should not be whether I hear you, but it should be whether our elected leaders, the DeKalb BOC, follow the law. My motivation is rooted in making sure our leaders follow the same rules and laws that we have to. We should all be in favor of doing the right thing in the interest of the people with
equal protection under the law. My motivation is not to kiss up to politicians, or get a job, or receive awards, or be appointed to a position or committee, or get elected. None of those are my goals. It is about accountability, trust, honesty and integrity. Money and power will not bend me. I will challenge the authority when it abuses its power. We should be able to distinguish between right and wrong. It is that simple. The DeKalb BOC has had several opportunities since Feb. 27, 2018, to change their
decision. Yet, they have not. We should not be silent on issues that matter. We should not overlook issues concerning fundamental principles of fairness and equity for expediency purposes or to be popular. “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” ––Theodore Parker. Ed Williams, Ed.D, is chairman of Concerned Citizens For Effective Government.
COME SHOP FOR FALL AT THE PAUL!
EASTSIDE VENDOR HARVEST FESTIVAL OVER 50 VENDORS WILL BE AVAILABLE.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2018 7:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. St. Paul A.M.E. Worship Center 1704 S. Stone Mountain Lithonia Road Lithonia, GA. 30058
Food & Fun Clothing, Jewelry Massage, Health information, & much more.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS
SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 • PAGE 7
Congressman Hank Johnson
Rep. Johnson kicks off GSU Constitutional activities Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) will serve as the keynote speaker to mark Constitution Day and kick off a week of constitutional studies at Georgia State University (GSU). The Decatur Civic and Political Awareness Club, in conjunction with Partners in Education, will host Johnson on Sept.17 in the gymnasium at GSU’s Decatur Campus, 3251 Panthersville Rd. A meet-and-greet will be held at 9:30 a.m. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Congressman Johnson will deliver the keynote speech and serve on a panel that will focus on: How can our federal immigration policy address liberty, equality and security? How can we protect the integrity of the judicial branch? How can we balance the rule of law with justice and democracy? The panel will include Atlanta Attorney Anthony Molina and Emory University political professor and analyst Alan Abramowitz. Constitution Day, Monday, Sept. 17, marks the day 231 years ago when attendees at the Convention at Philadelphia signed the document that is the foundation of our United States government. Our Constitution reflects the values we cherish as a people and the ideals we strive for as a society. It secures the privileges we enjoy as citizens, but also demands participation, responsibility, and service to our country and to one another. Georgia State will host several events to mark Constitution Day at the university’s Alpharetta, Clarkston, Decatur, Dunwoody and Newton campuses. For a complete list of events, visit https://news.gsu.edu/2018/09/12/ campuses-mark-constitution-day-with-speakers-events/
On Common Ground News Marketplace ROOM FOR RENT: Newly furnished, in DeKalb County, $525 monthly. All utilities + Cable + W & D. On MARTA. 1 person room only. 404-401-9767.
PIZZA
RESTAURANT
MINISTRY
LAWN CARE
TRAINING CLASS
PAGE 8 • SEPTEMBER 15, 2018 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 404-294-8500 Spalding Gentle Dentistry 6460 Spalding Drive Norcross, GA 30092 770-849-0006