JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 1
Your On Common Ground News presents:
2012
VOTERS Guide
“Transportation is critical to any major city that wants to be competitive and thrive.” – Joe Jackson, president of Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance.
“I’m ready to pay the penny because the alternative is we’re going to sit in traffic and spend the penny in gas.” – Andrew Young
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
T-SPLOST supporters urge voters to help bring jobs, untie traffic
A
By Valerie J. Morgan
ndrew Young recalled the behind-the-scenes machinery that helped create Atlanta’s airport, the city’s rapid transit system and Georgia 400, the highway that for years served as the states’ only toll road. Young shared how racial barriers, economic challenges and other hurdles were forced to take a back seat in the name of progress, as politicians and constituents worked together to push the groundbreaking transportation projects and economic development initiatives through. The civil rights legend, former Atlanta mayor, Congressman and U.S. ambassador says Atlanta is now poised to grow again, and transportation initiatives that are on the table are even more critical than ever before. Young is among several Atlanta area leaders who are urging voters to support the transportation referendum known as T-SPLOST. Voters in the
10-county Atlanta region will decide on the measure on July 31 during the General Primary. “MARTA was passed by merely 400 votes in the combination of Fulton and DeKalb counties,” Young said, recapping the controversies surrounding the 1971 start of MARTA and the Atlanta airport deal, which was inked in 1925, along with the Georgia 400 highway project to connect Atlanta’s north communities. “I’m ready to pay the penny because the alternative is we’re going to sit in traffic and spend the penny in gas,” Young said. Young said the 10 counties must be willing to bite the bullet and work together, if the area is ever to have a rapid transit system similar to those in New York City and Washington, D.C. “Whenever we have been visionary and united, we have succeeded,” Young said. Several business organizations are supporting the measure, even
as opponents have criticized the lan, saying it is not specific enough about what jobs and opportunities will be provided and when. Two minority business organizations, however, affirmed their support of the referendum: The Georgia chapter of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and the Greater Atlanta Economic Alliance (GAEA). “No major city other than Atlanta has three major intersections going through the heart of its downtown. We have to do what is best for this region,” aid Art Queen, president of NAMC. Queen said the NAMC, a 43-yearold trade association, also supported the resolutions passed by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Atlanta Regional Council. “Transportation is critical to any major city that wants to be competitive and thrive,” said Joe Jackson, president of GAEA. “This referendum
addresses our current and future mobility needs. That is important to businesses.” Leaders of the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce thinks so, too. “The chamber supports the referendum because it really causes us to think regionally about growth and our transportation needs,” said Thua Barlay, president-elect of the ConyersRockdale Chamber. “We have to get beyond our individual pet projects and think broader in terms of the Atlanta region. When large corporations look at coming to a place, they want to know about the location of airports and other transportation.” Leonardo McClarty, president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber passed a resolution in March supporting the T-SPLOST to help the economy. “It may not be the answer to everything, but it is a good first step,” McClarty said. “Every day we don’t do something, things will get worse.”
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JUly 15, 2012
BURRELL ELLIS Your DeKalb CEO
YOUR PRIORITIES. REAL RESULTS. Your DeKalb CEO Burrell Ellis. A respected problem solver with the right priorities for our county. Married to Philippa and a father of two young children, Burrell knows that to keep DeKalb moving forward we need great schools, good jobs, and safe streets. Burrell Ellis promised real change and he delivered. He created ONE DeKalb Works, a job stimulus program which will put people in our county back to work by improving our infrastructure. He implemented a plan that saved DeKalb citizens a record $130 million in tax dollars by eliminating waste and duplication of services. He created ONE DeKalb Lives, a program to stabilize communities impacted by the foreclosure crisis. And he reduced crime by improving officer morale and building new precincts. Burrell Ellis. Your DeKalb CEO. Creating jobs. Reducing crime. Improving schools. Working for you. Strengthening our neighborhoods with your priorities and real results.
Creating jobs in DeKalb with ONE DeKalb Works, a job stimulus program that will put DeKalb citizens back to work. Saving money for taxpayers with $130 million in budget cuts, while maintaining the crucial services we need. Building strong neighborhoods with the ONE DeKalb Lives program to stabilize communities suffering from foreclosures. Promoting good schools and safe streets by supporting projects like housing assistance to teachers, veterans, police officers, firefighters, and others in need. BurrellEllis.com
RE-ELECT CEO BURRELL ELLIS ON TUESDAY, JULY 31 EARLY VOTING BEGINS JULY 9
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 3
T-SPLOST: Opponents, supporters make their voices heard
J
osie Dean is an staunch opponent of the T-SPLOST referendum. Founder of the non-partisan Rockdale County organization, Think Tank, Dean says she doesn’t trust those who are pushing for the referendum to do what they say they will do. Her organization led a demonstration recently in Rockdale with Dean urging voters to say no to the measure. “I don’t trust them. DeKalb paid an extra penny for 20 years and the rail line for South DeKalb still was not included on the list of projects planned,” said Dean. The DeKalb NAACP, the Unhappy Taxpayers and Voters of DeKalb County were among the organizations that joined Dean in the protest because a MARTA rail line for South DeKalb was not included in the projects list. DeKalb Commissioners Larry Johnson and Lee May also have said they will not support the referendum because the list does not include that rail line. The cost of getting rail from Indian Creek to the Mall at Stonecrest in South DeKalb is estimated at $1.8 billion. Instead of rail, South DeKalb is slated to get $225 million to build five park-and-ride/ transit centers. The T-SPLOST is estimated to raise $8.5 billion over 10 years in the 10-county Atlanta region ad fund 157 road and transit projects. Dean said she has a problem with the projects planned for Rockdale and she believes that black businesses will not have a fair shake at landing contracts for the transportation projects if the penny sales tax referendum is passed. “I don’t believe Rockdale is going to really benefit. There’s not enough money in it for Rockdale projects,” said Dean. “They also need to go back and tell us how many blacks are going to
get contracts, how many are going to get jobs, and when they are going to start all of the projects. None of that is spelled out. I personally believe that they’re going to give that money to their friends. To me, I just feel that it’s just a trick.” Proponents like Richard Oden, CEO and Chairman of the Rockdale Board of Commissioners, said it’s that kind of cynicism that must change in order for Rockdale and other counties to move forward. Oden is a member of the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Executive Committee and the Arc’s Transportation and Air Quality Committee. Additionally, Oden is a member of the Transit Implementation Board. “I’ve heard people say they don’t support the referendum because it’s going to bring MARTA, crime and Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News break-ins to Rockdale,” Oden said. Josie Dean is leading a campaign in Rockdale to stop the T-SPLOST referendum. “When have you ever seen anyone carrying a big screen T.V. on MARTA? “We have to start thinking in Four of the 10 counties in the Atlanta region have 6 percent broader terms about transportation. sales tax on goods and services, while six counties have 7 Rockdale absolutely will benefit. percent. If the T-SPLOST referendum passes on July 31, the sales There’s $30 million slated for a bridge tax will go up by 1 percent in all 10 counties, effective January to relieve congestion Highway 138 and 2013. Proponents say through T-SPLOST, the counties will share Dogwppd Drove. Sigman Road is going in paying the penny sales tax to support regional transportation to be widened. The TSPLOSt is going projects. to spur economic development, opening Here’s a look at the current sales tax consumers are payingin up the potential for more retail in the the Atlanta region: areas twhere mobility is improved.” DeKalb-7% Cherokee-6% Thua Barlay, president-elect of the Rockdale Chamber of Commerce, Douglass-7% Cobb-6% said he supports the county’s efforts to Fulton-7% Fayette-6% improve mobility through T-SPLOST. The Chamber is among the business Henry-7% Gwinnett-6% organizations that have gotten behind the measure. Rockdale-7% Clayton-7% “Right now, we have so many Rockdale residents who commute to A majority of residents in the Atlanta region must pass the referendum in order work. We must begin taking steps to for it to pass. improve traffic in our whole region,” The state’s economists have projected the sales tax will generate $8.4 billion over a Barlay said. 10-year period.
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JUly 15, 2012
The Future of Regional Transportation
by DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson In the AJC (October 20, 2011) was an article in the Atlanta Forward section that reported on the Cobb County representatives to the Regional Roundtable opting to amend the proposed recommendations regarding the rail project for their county. After input from the citizens and business community voicing their opposition to a rail project, the Cobb Regional Roundtable representatives reallocated the funding allocated to them. This is a stellar example of the voice of the people being heard and the wishes of the constituency being followed. It is also noted that one of the residents, though disappointed about the rail projects not being funded was quoted as saying “…I think it would have been much more beneficial than premium bus service because it’s already harder to provide an incentive to get people on a bus than it is with a rail line.” This has been one of the many reason for supporting funding for the I-20 East Rail project. Bus service, albeit, bus rapid transit service, is still buses ---- which equates to still sitting in traffic. DeKalb residents will be asked to vote in 2012 to add an additional tax to the current seven cent sales tax. DeKalb is being asked to approve a project list (see attached and listed below is the project list that outlines all projects in DeKalb that have approved Transportation Investment Act funding); and this approved project list does not include funding for rail for the I-20 East Project. Please review the project list and also be sure and go to the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Executive Roundtable website to view the Final Report that was adopted October 13, 2011. The Final Report gives the full detail of what the projects entail (page numbers in the report provided in the column heading ‘Project Detail Page). Please enter the following address in your browser to see report. http://www.atlantaregionalroundtable. com/documents/final_report.pdf
Proponents of the project list will say that DeKalb residents are getting $1.6 Billion from the total $6 Billion allocated for the region. On the surface this might sound like a great deal: for a mere additional one cent tax you get $1.1 Billion in roadway projects (minus the $700M for the Clifton Corridor project) --- but no rail. You will receive Bike/ Pedestrian improvements. But NO Rail. And you will receive bus rapid transit --- but again, NO RAIL. Over thirty years ago, an agreement was made with the taxpayers of DeKalb and that agreement was in short, “pay the one percent sales tax and rail will be constructed throughout DeKalb.” Thus far no new rail projects in 20+ years have been constructed in Central and South DeKalb --- Central and South DeKalb have been left alongside the road. Review the list. Yes, there are roadway improvement projects in Central and South DeKalb but the crux of the issue is: does Central and South DeKalb continue to pay a one percent tax and not get rail? The goal of the regional transportation initiative is to improve transportation throughout the region. The goal is to get people out of their cars thereby reducing consumption of fossil fuel and dependence on foreign oil, improving the environment and helping with economic development along the way. The project list continues to perpetuate the very challenge that the regional transportation plan purports to want to address. Road improvement projects, in effect, are road widening projects and intersection improvements are to accommodate more traffic. South and Central DeKalb will have great roads that will continue to be clogged with bumper-tobumper traffic. South and Central DeKalb will not be in a position to get people out of their cars and on to rail for another 40 years --- and then there is no guarantee that some other roadblocks will not have been created or appear that will delay rail even at that point. Proponents of the project list say that the vocal opposition that has been raised
Do not gamble with your future.
because there is no funding for rail for South and Central DeKalb will have a negative effect on the region if the opposing voices are successful in defeating the referendum. Central and South DeKalb have lived with the negative impact of having no rail for the past 30 years even though Central and South DeKalb have been contributing their one percent sales tax for all this time. An additional one percent
sales tax does not improve the conditions in Central and South DeKalb. An additional one percent sales tax does not provide rail for a transportation-starved area. Throwing the baby out with the bath water has been a phrase used to characterize the opposition to the list as adopted --- but endorsing this list would be akin to selling your car to buy gas. The Future of Transportation is in Your Hands.
Approved roundtable projects list for DeKalb The Final Report from the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Executive Roundtable that was adopted October 13, 2011 (from which the above information has been compiled) can be found on the Atlanta Regional Roundtable’s website. http://www.atlantaregionalroundtable.com/documents/final_report.pdf Project Number
Project Type
Description
Amount
Project Detail Page
TIA-AR-040
I-85 North at I-285 Interchange Improvements
Roadway
$26,500,000
26
TIA-DK-007
Decatur to Clifton Corridor Transit Connectivity and Safety Improvements
Bike/Ped
5,000,000
87
TIA-DK-014
Ashford-Dunwoody Road from SR 141 (Peachtree Road) to I-285 North – Corridor Improvements
Roadway
5,000,000
88
TIA-DK-018
SR13 (Buford Highway) from Lenox Road to Shallowford Terrace – Pedestrian, Landscape & BRT Improvements
Bike/Ped
12,000,000
89
TIA-DK-021
Clifton Road at CSX Railroad Bridge Replacement & Associated Improvements to Haygood Road
Roadway
25,000,000
90
TIA-DK-022
US278 (College Avenue) from Adair Street to North Clarendon – Corridor Improvements
Roadway
5,000,000
91
TIA-DK-029
Glenwood Road from SR155 (Candler Road) to US278 (Covington Highway) Corridor Improvements
Roadway
5,000,000
92
TIA-DK-030
Hayden Quarry Road/Sigman Road Extension from Turner Hill Road to I-20 East – New Alignment NOTE: DeKalb & Rockdale
Roadway
27,000,000
93
TIA-DK-033
North Indian Creek Drive from SR10 (Memorial Drive) to Montreal Road Corridor Improvements
Roadway
5,000,000
94
TIA-DK-042
North Druid Hills Road from SR13 (Buford Highway) to US29 (Lawrenceville Highway)– Corridor Improvements
Roadway
25,000,000
95
TIA-DK-043
Panola Road from Thompson Mill Road to US278 (Covington Highway) – Widening
Roadway
15,150,000
96
TIA-DK-048
Rockbridge Road from SR10 (Memorial Drive) to SR124 (Rock Chapel Road) – Corridor Improvements
Roadway
7,500,000
97
TIA-DK-055
I-20 East at Panola Road – Interchange Improvements
Roadway
10,600,000
98
TIA-DK-057
US23 (Buford Highway)/SR 141 (Peachtree Industrial Boulevard) Connector – New Alignment
Roadway
25,000,000
99
TIA-DK-059
Perimeter Center Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Program
Roadway
1,000,000
100
Roadway
12,000,000
101
Transit
225,000,000
176
Transit
700,000,000
177
TIA-DK-069 TIA-M-023 TIA-M-028
Mt. Vernon Road from Fulton County Line to Dunwoody Club Drive – Corridor Improvement I-20 East Transit Corridor Investment NOTE: Please see project detail on page 176 this is for Bus Rapid Transit NO RAIL Clifton Corridor Transit Lindbergh Center to Emory University/Centers for Disease Control – (Heavy Rail Project) RAIL TOTAL
$1,136,750,000.00
COMPETENT AND PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
ELECT
Elect PROVEN, EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.
PPP
JOHN Q. CARTER Clerk of Superior Court Of DeKalb County
John CARTER is a LEADER we can
TRUST
QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED "I am the most qualified and experienced choice for Clerk. I will bring a strong commitment to financial discipline and customer service to the Clerk's office."
HONESTY AND INTEGRITY COUNTS
The ONLY QUALIFIED Candidate www.SharonBSutton.com
WWW.CARTERFORCLERK.COM PO Box 361300 Decatur, GA 30036
Vote on July 31, 2012
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 5
“I have worked
“I believe
hard to prove
DeKalb citizens
myself in this office
deserve to have
and I believe that
a choice and
I have done a
make their own
good job.”
decision.” Judge Dax Lopex
Attorney Dionne McGee
DeKalb State Court judge race heats up
A
s the July 31 General Primary nears, the race for DeKalb County’s State Court judge seat has become much like a boxing match between Incumbent Dax Lopez and challenger Dionne McGee. Both are slugging hard, and hoping for a knock-out win as they campaign across DeKalb. McGee said she feels the bench should be representative of the population it serves, and that more women should be on the bench. She has criticized the fact that Lopez was appointed—not elected to his current position. “I believe DeKalb citizens deserve to have a choice and make their own decision,” said McGee, who is a former DeKalb senior assistant
solicitor. Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed Lopez to the position in 2010, filling the vacancy left by Judge Edward Carriere Jr., who retired. Said Lopez: “It’s true: I came from out of nowhere for the position. I had worked for a national practice representing national clients. I wasn’t looking to hold a public office. However, I have worked hard to prove myself in this office and I believe that I have done a good job.” Others think so, too. Lopez has received endorsements from former Gov. Roy Barnes, DeKalb District Attorney Robert James and Solicitor General Sherry Boston, to name a few. “I am extremely appreciate of the support I have received from those who have endorsed me,” Lopez said.
Lopez has run a well-financed campaign, putting out signs, brochures, print ads and social media. He has also used a bus displaying his campaign as a rolling billboard to reach voters. McGee, meanwhile, has focused on print and internet ads, along with social media to spread the word about her campaign. She’s also gone doorto-door passing out literature and campaign signs. McGee, who left the solicitor’s office in March to campaign full time, is touting her strong local ties to the community. A DeKalb native, she is a graduate of Redan High School in Stone Mountain. She received her law degree from the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta. An active parent at Marbut Elementary Theme School,
McGee serves as president of the school’s PTA. She is president of the DeKalb Lawyers Association and is a career prosecutor with over 10 years experience. Lopez, a native of Puerto Rico, moved to Georgia at age 6. He graduated from McEachern High School in Powder Springs. He attended Vanderbilt University for his college and law degrees, and worked as a clerk for U.S. District Court Judge Hector Laffitte in Puerto Rico before heading on to work for several big law firms. Lopez, who is fluent in Spanish, is the only Hispanic judge in Georgia and presides over the state’s only Spanish-language DUI court, which began several years ago under J. Antonio DelCampo.
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JUly 15, 2012
Early voters in DeKalb, Rockdale trot to the polls By Valerie J. Morgan and Joshua Smith
Elections supervisors in DeKalb and Rockdale counties say turnout for advance voting has gotten off to a good start, namely, they believe because of the special questions on the ballots. Between the two neighboring counties, a total of 707 people cast ballots on July 9, the first day of the early voting period for the General Primary. Elections supervisors say the good numbers come even though the early voting period across the state was slashed from 45 days to 16. “We didn’t know what to expect with there being a shorter window for people to get out and vote early,” said Cynthia Welch, who oversees Rockdale County’s Board of Elections/Voter Registration Office. Poll watchers say people typically procrastinate and wait until the last minute, jeopardizing their opportunity to vote early. But with the push from civic groups, the Democratic and Republican Parties, people are going to the polls. Welch says she believes the T-SPLOST referendum to add a penny sales tax for transportation projects in the 10-county Atlanta region may be the catalyst for those who are voting early this election season in Rockdale. “People want to voice their opinion on T-SPLOST. They are really concerned about the referendum,” said Welch. “You usually see about 20 percent of registered voters participate in the Primary, but we are expecting 30 percent because of the transportation issue.” Maxine Daniels, director of DeKalb’s Voter Registration & Elections Board, said she believes DeKalb is on tract to exceed the 2008
Of DeKalb County’s 457, 607 registered voters, 473 came out on July 9, the first day of Early Voting.
DeKalb Supervisor of Elections Director Maxine Daniels
voter turnout, when the last Presidential Election was held. Daniels credits not only T-SPLOST for this year’s turnout, but also the hotly-contested School Board races, DeKalb County Board of Commissioners races and the DeKalb
In Rockdale County, where there are 48,451 registered voters, 234 cast their ballots on July 9. Rockdalde Supervisor of Elections Director Cynthia Welch
CEO race. “DeKalb County voters always like to come in person and vote early when we have contested races like these,” said Daniels. “We’re doing our best to spread the word that the early
voting period is shorter than usual. On Common Ground News has helped a lot in getting the word out.” Early voting ends on July 27. Hours vary by county. Here is a look at the sites and times for DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties: In DeKalb County, voters can cast their ballots at the main Board of Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, 30032, July 9-27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The office also will be open on Saturdays, July 14 and July 21. A special express lane designed for the elderly and disabled will be operating at DeKalb’s main Elections Office on Memorial Drive to assist those who need it.
DEKALB
FULTON
Gwinnett
Additional sites for early voting will become open in DeKalb July 23-27, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
Fulton County is offering early voting Monday-Friday, through July 27, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
Gwinnett County is offering early voting July 9-27, Monday—Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., at the Board of Elections Office, located at 455 Grayson Highway, Lawrenceville. The mailing address for absentee ballots is:
Downtown Decatur - Clark Harrison Building 330 W. Ponce de Leon, Room A, Decatur South DeKalb - Community Achievement Center, Inc. 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur North DeKalb - Chamblee City Hall 5468 Peachtree Road, Chamblee East DeKalb - New Bethel AME 8350 Rockbridge Road, Lithonia Tucker Recreation Center, 4898 LaVista Road, Tucker For more information, DeKalb voters may visit: www.dekalbvotes.com under “Current Election Information” or call 404-298-4020.
Fulton County Government Center, 130 Peachtree Street, Suite 2186, Atlanta, 30303 North Fulton Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Suite 232, Atlanta, 30350 South Fulton Service Center, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park, 30349 Saturday voting will be offered on July 21, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the three Fulton precincts.
Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30046 For more information, visit www. gwinnettelections.com.
Rockdale In Rockdale, voters may vote early in person or mail their ballots to the Board of Elections / Voter Registration, 1400 Parker Road, Lobby C, Conyers, 30094. For more information, call 770278-7333.
Crowd squares off in DeKalb School Board races As the DeKalb Board of Education grapples with budget constraints and a myriad of other issues, the school board races have drawn 12 contenders offering themselves for public service. Four seats on the Board of Education are up for grabs: District 2’s incumbent Don McChesney is facing challenger Marshall Orson. District 4’s incumbent Paul Womack is facing challengers James T. Gilbert, James P. Kinney and Jim McMahan. Tom Bowen, who held the District 6 seat and served as the board’s chairman, is not running for re-election. Four contestants are running for his seat: Melvin Johnson, Denise E. McGill, Terrilyn C. Rivers-Cannon and Latasha Walker. District 8’s incumbent Pamela Speaks is facing challenger Michelle Clark.
ELECT
ANDRE WHITE 5
DISTRICT
Economic Development Accountablity
Public Safety
DEKALB COUNTY COMMISSION
VOTE JULY 31, 2012 E l e c t A n d re W h i t e . c o m
404-514-3134
“Putting People First”
GET OUT AND
VOTE
Community matters. Partnerships work. Hard choices remain. Your voice must be at the table. Vote July 31 in the Democratic Primary
www.VoteKathieGannon.com Paid for by Kathie Gannon for Commission District 6. No government funds were used.
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 7
Know Before You Go
Ballots will have critical questions for voters to decide
W
ith the July 31 election date rapidly approaching, the 1-cent Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax or T-SPLOST will be on the ballots for all Georgia voters when they hit the polls. The T-SPLOST is seeking to raise $8.5 billion in the 10-county Atlanta region to fund 157 road and transit projects. It will add a second penny tax to the one that DeKalb and Fulton counties have been paying to help fund MARTA for 40 years. The 10 counties included in the metro Atlanta region are Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale counties. Other regions in Georgia will vote on their own local tax and projects. The statewide primary will take place on July 31. In addition to T-SPLOST, metroAtlanta voters have other critical decisions to make when they hit the polls on July 31. Some of the questions are different, depending on the Party. In DeKalb County, citizens will vote on a non-binding advisory referendum: Should the local or independent school system of DeKalb County or a charter school in DeKalb County place or operate a telecommunications tower on any elementary, middle, or high school property? They will also have to decide on a City of Brookhaven issue: Shall the Act incorporating the City of Brookhaven in DeKalb County according to the charter contained in
the Act and the homestead exemptions described in the Act be approved? DeKalb’s Democratic voters will answer four questions: Should the Georgia Constitution be amended to allow the state to override locallyelected school boards’ decisions when it comes to the creation of charter schools in your county or city? Do you support ending current practice permitting unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators? Should Georgia adopt an income tax credit for home energy costs to support the economic security of our families? Should Georgia reduce sales taxes on made in Georgia products so as to support the growth of small businesses in our state? DeKalb’s Republicans have five questions to ponder: Should Georgia have casino gambling with funds going
Let’s Keep…Claudia G. lawson deKalb County tax Commissioner
A
s your Tax Commissioner, I am committed to serving DeKalb residents with the highest quality of customer service and fairest collection practices available. My knowledge and experience earned from 30+ years of service, in all functions of the Tax Commissioner’s Office, allows me to use a practical approach in leading this office. By using a people-first strategy, I will continue to work with taxpayers of DeKalb County to ensure that my office remains the standard for tax collections in the state of Georgia.
Thanks for your support! Claudia G Lawson DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Ø A Tax Commissioner that is providing results for DeKalb County Ø A leader in utilizing technology to enhance the services offered to DeKalb County citizens Ø A dedicated DeKalb County public servant for 30+ years in the Tax Commissioner’s Office Ø Georgia Association of Tax Officials – District 19 Past-Chair & current member (Metro Counties); Past-President & current Board Member Tax Commissioner Technology Development Council of Georgia; Member Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia Ø President Rotary Club of South DeKalb 2012 – 2013; President Decatur Epicureans, National 2012-2013; Treasurer Decatur-DeKalb Drifters 2012-2013; Board Member Scottdale Child Development & Family Resource Center; Board Member A New Thing Ministry & others Ø A devoted wife and mother residing in DeKalb County for over 30 years Paid for by the “Friends of Claudia G Lawson”
to education? Do you support ending the current practice of unlimited gifts from lobbyists to state legislators by imposing a $100 cap on such gifts? Should active duty military personnel who are under the age of 21 be allowed to obtain a Georgia weapons license? Should Citizens who wish to vote in a primary election be required to register by their political party affiliation at least thirty (30) days prior to such primary election? Should the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide that the paramount right to life is vested in each innocent human being from his or her earliest biological beginning without regard to age, race, sex, health, function, or condition of dependency? In Rockdale County, voters will face one major issue in particular,
regarding the style of government that runs the county. On the Republican ballot, the question will be posed this way: Shall the local governance of Rockdale County be changed to a County Manager style of government with said County Manager to serve at the pleasure of a majority of the Board of Commissioners and whose compensation shall be a net revenue reduction derived from a reduced salary of the Chairman and elimination of certain salaried positions? Voting YES means you agree that the Rockdale County method of government should have a County Manager controlling the day-to-day operations of the County. Voting NO to this question means that you disagree and that the current method of government should be kept in place. The same issue will appear on the Democratic ballot as follows: Shall Rockdale County create and allocate funds for the position of County Manager, who shall serve at the pleasure of a majority of the Board of Commissioners, with the purpose of controlling the day-to-day operations of the County? Voting YES means you agree that Rockdale County should create and allocate funds for a County Manager controlling the day-to-day operations of the County. Voting NO means you disagree and that Rockdale County should not create nor allocate funds for a County Manager controlling the day-to-day operations of the County. Source: Voter ballots
PAGE 8
DEKALB
Now that the qualifying period has ended and candidates have paid their fees to run for office, voters now know who will be on the ballot. In the partisan races the party nominees will be decided during the July 31 primary, with the winners moving on to the general election on Nov. 6. In the non-partisan races on the other hand, the winners will be decided on July 31. Here’s a look at the races in DeKalb and Rockdale counties: Partisan Races CEO (Chief Executive Officer): Salary: $116,749 (I) Burrell Ellis, Gregory Adams and Jerome Edmondson Board of Commissioners: Salary: $38,374 District 1: (I) Elaine Boyer (R) and Larry Danese District 4: (I) Sharon BarnesSutton, Steve Bradshaw and Clyburn Halley District 5: (I) Lee May, Gina Mangham, Kenneth L. Samuel and Andre R. White
JUly 15, 2012
District 6: (I) Kathie Gannon and Edmond Richardson Chief Magistrate Judge: Salary: $109,426 (I) Berryl Anderson running unopposed Clerk of Superior Court: Salary: $109,426 (I) Debra Deberry, John Q. Carter, Oretha Brown Johnson, Frank Swindle and Cheryl D. Vortice
Non-Partisan Races Probate Court Judge: Salary: $109,430 (I) Jeryl Debra Rosh running unopposed State Court Judge: Salary: $116,749 Division 2: (I) Stacey Hydrick running unopposed Division 3: (I) Wayne M. Ourdom running unopposed
Sheriff: Salary: $114,040 (I) Thomas E. Brown, Jr. running unopposed
Division 5: (I) Eleanor L. Ross running unopposed
Solicitor General: Salary: $116,750 (I) Sherry Boston running unopposed
Division 7: (I) Janis C. Gordon running unopposed
Tax Commissioner: Salary: $109,425 (I) Claudia G. Lawson and Melvin Allen Tukes
Division 6: (I) Dax E. Lopez and Dionne McGee
Board of Education: Salary: $18,000 District 2: (I) Don E. McChesney and Marshall Orson District 4: (I) H. Paul Womack, Jr., James T. (Tom) Gilbert, James (Jim) P. Kinney and Jim McMahan
District 6: Melvin Johnson, Denise E. McGill, Terrilyn C. Rivers-Cannon and Latasha Walker District 8: (I) Pamela Speaks and Michelle “Mimi” Clark State and Federal Offices, Partisan Races State Senate: Salary: $17,700 District 5: (I) Curt Thompson and Garry Guan (R) District 10: (I) Emanuel D. Jones running unopposed District 40: (I) Fran Miller (R) running unopposed District 41: (I) Steve Henson running unopposed District 42: (I) Jason Carter and Kenneth Brett Quarterman (R) District 43 (also covers parts of Rockdale): (I) Ronald Ramsey running unopposed District 55: (I) Gloria Butler and Mark Williams House of Representatives: Salary: $17,700 District 79: (I) Tom Taylor (R) running unopposed.
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 9
DEKALB District 80: (I) Mike Jacobs (R) and Sandy Murray
District 89: (I) Stacey Abrams running unopposed
District 81: (I) Scott Holcomb, Carla Roberts (R) and Chris Boedeker (R)
District 90: (I) Pam S. Stephenson and Scott Hughes
District 82: (I) Mary Margaret Oliver running unopposed District 83: (I) Howard Mosby running unopposed District 84: (I) Rahn Mayo running unopposed District 85: (I) Karla Drenner running unopposed District 86: (I) Michele Henson and Lisa Y. Kinnemore (R) District 87: (I) Earnest “Coach” Williams running unopposed District 88: (I) Billy Mitchell running unopposed
District 91: (I) Dee DawkinsHaigler running unopposed District 92: Tonya P. Anderson, Doreen Carter, Kathy L. Harvey, Sherri Len Washington and Doreen Williams District 93: (I) Dar’shun N. Kendrick, Christine “Tina” Hoffer (R), Dexter Dawston and Glen Williams District 94: Karen Bennett, Patricia Bourdeau, Tony Lentini and Jaye Lynn Peabody U.S. Congress District 4 (also covers parts of Rockdale): Salary: $174,000 (I) Hank Johnson, Courtney Dillard, Lincoln Nunnally, Greg Pallen (R) and J. Chris Vaughn (R)
Early Voting: July 9 - July 27
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JUly 15, 2012
Winfrey ready to put Superior Court experience to the test
E
arnelle Winfrey is one of three candidates vying to replace longtime Superior Court Judge Sidney Nation. Many have asked why she and candidate Gary Washington are running in the same race with Robert Mumford, which some say may split the vote by race. Winfrey and Washington are black. Mumford is white. “It is an interesting question. Race aside I feel I am the one with the most experience for the job. I’m the one with the most experience. My first job was for a Superior Court judge,” Winfrey said. “I have spent the last 10 years handling the kinds of cases that come to Superior Court.” Winfrey said 73 percent of the cases filed in Superior Court deal with family law—divorces, custody and child support. Winfrey said she announced her intention to run last year because she saw
a need. She added that over the last few years the State Court in Rockdale has received more and more family law cases due to the economic downturn. “You see a lot of child support cases, modification cases and pro se cases, where people don’t have the money to hire their own lawyer,” Winfrey said. ““I want to serve to ensure we have a system that is fair. That is why I’m running.” Winfrey and her husband Reginald L. Winfrey, Esq., who are partners at Winfrey & Winfrey, P.C. law firm, chartered the PTSA at Salem High School with co-president Evette Hough. The school did not have a PTSA, said Winfrey, who serves as parliamentarian. “We started one because we believe where parents make an investment with their time, students will perform better.” Winfrey also serves as a member of the SPLOST Oversight Committee and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Erlene Winfrey stomps for votes at ‘Day in the Park’ in Conyers.
Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News
Democrats’ ‘Day in the Park’ filled with food, fun, and smiling candidates
Photos by Glenn L. Morgan and Joshua Smith/OCG News
CONYERS—Not even the sweltering heat could wipe the smiles off their faces. Political candidates vying for voters in Rockdale and Newton counties fanned themselves and put on their best smiles as they stomped for votes under the blazing sun. Dressed for the weather, candidates and their campaign teams wore T shirts, shorts, sundresses, straw hats, caps, and sunglasses at the Democratic Party’s “Fun Day,” which was held at Pine Log Park in Conyers. Hosted by the Rockdale County Democratic Party (RCDP), the Rockdale and Newton Chapter of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women (GFDW) and the Young Democrats of Rockdale County, the July 7 family-friendly event was an opportunity to show solidarity among all Democratic groups in and around Rockdale County, said Tisa Smart Washington, RCDP chair. “We (GFDW and Young Democrats) have been working together all year, and we plan to continue working in Rockdale and across county lines to ensure our incumbents are re-elected, our candidates elected and our President makes it back to the White House for four more years.” Washington said. The host organizations made sure the kids had a good time, providing them with free cotton candy, a bounce house and entertainment. There were also free hot dogs, chips and cold drinks for everyone who attended—and the Cuban shuffle for those who danced to beat in the heat.
Vote Pam Speaks
Are you tired of paying more taxes every year? Incumbent Kathie Gannon voted Edmond Richardson will: to increase taxes 26% last year • Stop wasteful spending to reduce taxes alone and opposed any spending • Oppose any unnecessary, new taxes • Eliminate backdoor (hidden) tax increases cuts to balance the budget.1 Kathie Gannon supported expanding DeKalb’s landfill.2
Neighborhoods near the Seminole Road Landfill were ignored when Kathie Gannon urged the dumping of of additional garbage from outside of DeKalb County.
Edmond Richardson will fight landfill expansions.
Edmond Richardson will listen to the citizens of DeKalb, especially when it affects their quality of life and their property values.
Edmond Richardson Incumbent Kathie Gannon stands in the way of public safety. supports public safety.
Kathy Gannon voted against a 4% pay increase for our police and firefighters3 who have not had a pay increase in over 4 years. Now, many of our finest are leaving to go to higher paying jobs.
Edmond Richardson will eliminate unecessary budget items in order to retain and attract experienced police and firefighters.
July 12, 2011 DeKalb County Board meeting minutes 2March 20, 2012 DeKalb County Board meeting minutes 3 March 25, 2008 DeKalb County Board meeting minutes
1
DeKalb County Board Of Education
Experience Counts!
ing Early Vot July 9-27
Always Speaking For The Children
www.PamSpeaksForKids.com
www.RichardsonForDekalb.com Paid for by the Committee to Elect Edmond Richardson
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 11
Superior Court Judge candidate Gary Washington takes ‘Shop talk’ to barbershops
I
f you want to know, the neighborhood barbershop is the place to go. Gary Washington is one who who believes in the power of barbershops. That’s why he is taking a series he dubbed “Shop Talk” on the barbershop circuit to engage the community on issues concerning the justice system. As a candidate for Superior Court Judge in Rockdale County, Washington is making it clear to voters that he is passionate about the law. He is literally on the ground talking about crime, navigating the legal system and protecting one’s rights—the issues he hopes will help him to win the office he’s seeking. “People are making common mistakes when approached by police officers and turning minor situations into arrests or jail time. I want to educate the community, so that hopefully, they can make a sometimes nervous situation go over as smoothly as possible,” said Washington, who started doing the series five years ago. He said he tries to impress upon his audience, especially young people, how to avoid trouble. Washington let listeners know that police officers are here to protect you, but if you look suspicious, the tables may turn. He said this is not the time to panic, but to listen carefully and answer respectfully.
Some of his talk topics include “Kill the Officer: With Kindness,” Proper Attitude, Knowing Your Rights When You’re Stopped By A Police Officer, the two questions you must answer and police searches. Barber Nick Smith said he appreciates what Washington is doing. Washington, Smith said, is an invaluable resource. “A lot of African American men are being arrested in our community and with the number rising each day, these are the kinds of discussions we need to have as much as possible,” said Smith, who has been cutting hair for 11 years at Heroes at Home. “This was real important information. I hope that we all can remember some of these tips the next time any of us come in to contact with law enforcement.” As Washington campaigns during these last elections day, he says he wants to leave voters with more than just a handshake and a handout. He wants to impart knowledge he has picked up over the span of his 24-year career. Washington is in a threeway race with Attorney Earnelle Winfrey and Robert Mumford, former Rockdale District Attorney, to replace Judge Sidney Nation, who is retiring after serving on the bench for more than 25 years. Rockdale has one other sitting Superior
Court Judge, David Irwin. Rockdale voters will decide the non-partisan race on July 31. If no one in the race receives a majority of the vote, however, a run-off between the top two vote getters will be held in August.
HHH RE-ELECT HHH SENATOR GAIL PAULETTE DAVENPORT STRONG AND DEDICATED
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Gary Washington demonstrates a police “pat-down” for customers at the Heroes at Home Barbershop in Stone Mountain. He spoke there and at the S&D Barbershop in Conyers recently while he was on the campaign trail. Over the last two to three months, Washington has hosted the series at eight different barbershops.
District 44
DEMOCRAT HHH Working Hard for the People Jobs, Education, Home Mortgage Relief and Foreclosure Prevention
HHH Vote Tuesday, July 31, 2012 Early Voting July 9 – July 27, 2012
www.gaildavenport.com
TogeTher for a BeTTer DekalB
Steve BradShaw
FOR DEkAlB COUnTY
COMMISSIOn ––––– DISTRICT 4 –––––
For years I have been telling my students that one of the easiest things in the world to do is to criticize from the sidelines. I have often quoted Theodore Roosevelt who observed that “it is not the critic who counts…rather it is the man in the arena”. And I have encouraged them to stand firm for what they believe in. Consequently, I believe the time has come for me to heed my own words.
Get to know Steve • 19 Year Dekalb County Resident • Adjunct Professor in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University • Author and Small Businessman • Former Staffing Industry Account Executive • Member of PRISM (Pride Rings in Stone Mountain)
The challenges that beset our county are significant. But, the potential opportunities are even greater. At this point I do not presume to have all the answers, however I believe we can do better than we are doing right now. Therefore, in the coming weeks and months I will endeavor to get to know my fellow citizens a little better by listening to your concerns and desires and incorporating those thoughts into plans. I know we can do better. And by working together we can move toward a better Dekalb. Thanks for your support. Sincerely, Stephen R. Bradshaw
• Board Member of the State Water and Wastewater Certification Board (Appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes, 2001 - 2003)
• Board Member of The Clarkston Community Center (2009 - 2011) • Board Member of The Giving Tree (An Adoption Resource Agency, 2003 - 2006)
• Former Army Officer and First Gulf War Veteran • Member of Students First • Master of Public Administration, Georgia State University • Bachelor of Arts, Armstrong State College • Struggling golfer (1993 - Present)
Election Day is July 31, 2012!! www. bradshaw for dekalb .com
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JUly 15, 2012
ROCKDALE Partisan Races Commission Chair: Salary: $104, 576 (I) Richard Oden, Brian Jenkins Jason Hill ( R) Board of Commissioners: Salary: $25,056 Post 1: (I) Oz Nesbitt, Jr., Jerry Shepperd and Tom Harrison Sam Smiley (R)
Magistrate Court Chief Judge: $ 67,800 (I) Clarence “Rudy” Horne, Jr. Phinia Aten Probate Court Judge: Salary: $67,800 (I) Lillis Brown (R) Caycie Dix and Charles Mays, Sr.
Non-Partisan Races
Sheriff: Salary: $78,247 (I) T. Jeff Wigington (R) Donald Ferguson and Eric Levett
Superior Court Judge: Salary: $67,800 Robert Mumford, Gary Washington and Earnelle Winfrey
Tax Commissioner: Salary: $67,800 (I) Daniel Ray (R) Rakeim “RJ” Hadley
State Court Judge: Salary: $133,480 Nancy Bills running unopposed.
Coroner: Salary: $19,116 Jo Coggins (R)George Levett
Board of Education: Salary: $2,500 Post 1: Charcella C. Green and Mandy North
Clerk of Superior Court: Salary: $67,800 (I) Ruth A. Wilson Holly Bowie (R)
Post 2: Kimberly Baker, Patrick S. Coppock, Bradley D. Smith (I) and Timothy D. Williams
Post 3: (I) Wales F. Barksdale is running unopposed. Post 4: Sharon Pharr and Darrel L. Stephens Post 5: Cornell Brown, Tony Dowdy, Rodney J. Fanner and Willie J. Washington State and Federal Offices, Partisan races State Senate: Salary: $17,700 District 17: (I) Rick Jeffares (R) Nelva Lee District 43 (Also covers parts of DeKalb): (I) Ronald Ramsey is running unopposed House of Representatives: Salary: $17,700 District 90: (I) Pamela Stephenson and Scott Hughes District 91: (I) Dee Dawkins Haigler is running unopposed
District 92 (also covers DeKalb): Tonya P. Anderson, Doreen Carter, Kathy L. Harvey, Sherri Washington and Doreen Williams District 109: (I) Steve Davis (R) and Dale Rutledge ( R) District 113: (I) Pamela Dickerson, Sharon Sawyer and Toney Collins District 114: (I) Tom Kirby ( R ) and Rodney Upton ( R) U.S. Congress District 4 (also covers parts of DeKalb) Salary: $174,000 (I) Hank Johnson, Courtney Dillard, Lincoln Nunnally, Greg Pallen (R) and J. Chris Vaughn (R) District 4 (also covers parts of DeKalb): (I) Hank Johnson, Courtney Dillard, Lincoln Nunnally Greg Pallen ( R) and J. Chris Vaughn ( R)
Early Voting: July 9 - July 27
www.hankforcongress.com 404-447-7475
JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 13
Rockdale’s shifting demographics yield ballot filled with Democrats By Valerie J. Morgan
W
hen Democrats in Rockdale County go to the polls on July 31, they will, for the first time in recent history, have a choice in every race on ballot. Even in races traditionally held with no Democratic opposition, there will be challengers. This year’s ballot tells the tale of Rockdale’s changing face, with more candidates offering themselves for public service in a county where seats have been held by one person and one party for decades. Tax Commissioner Dan Ray, for example, has held the position for 16 years. This year, Democrat RJ Hadley, who manages a non-profit organization, is challenging Ray for the four-year seat. Another example is the position held by Rockdale County Coroner Stephen Boyd, MD, who is not seeking re-election this year. Republican Jo Coggins, a medical clerk and deputy coroner, and Democrat George Levett, a funeral home director, have thrown their hats in the ring at the chance to succeed Boyd. “This is an exciting time to be a Democrat in Rockdale County,” said Tisa Smart Washington, chair of the Rockdale County Democratic Party. “In the past, we didn’t have a choice in many of the races, so the same people were re-elected year after year. When Photos by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News it comes to having fair and equitable RJ Hadley, candidate for Tax Commissioner candidate, helps keep things flowing at a Democratic Party meet-and-greet as Attorney Phinia Aten, Magistrate elections, voters should have options in Court Judge Candidate, registers for the meeting. every race. In 2012, they have just that.” Rockdale’s Republican stronghold a lot of people by surprise. Not only 2004 and knew it was the place she in DeKalb County for 25 years and turned blue in 2008, with Democrats were Democrats in high office in the definitely wanted to call home. was involved in battling foreclosures, electing President Barack Obama county, we won three out of the four “I found out that people I civil rights and other issues, moved and the county’s first Democratic major seats on the ballot,” said Smart had known for years had moved to Rockdale in 2007 and immediately commissioners since the late 1980s. Washington. to Rockdale very quietly and got involved with the county’s movers The 2008 election also marked the first The shift, in part, could be had found it very comfortable in and shakers. Dean often hosts political time in the county’s history African attributed to the county’s changing Rockdale County,” said Wilson. events such as the barbecue that Americans were elected to serve on demographics with a steady stream of “I was pleasantly surprised to find Congressman Hank Johnson and other the County Commission, including as residents from neighboring counties the significant middle class African politicians and candidates attended on chairman, and to a constitutional office. and out of the state relocating to American community in Rockdale the Fourth of July at her home—one “The election was historic on so Rockdale seeking more affordable County that was here back in 2004. It located on three acres that includes a many levels,” said Rockdale Clerk of housing and better schools. was like a light bulb had been turned pond. Courts Ruth Wilson, who was elected The 2010 Census numbers on. There were so many opportunities This year, Dean launched the nonin 2008. “There was a sense of history underscore the changing tide in one here for someone like me who wanted partisan Rockdale Think Tank to bring because we had President Obama at the of metro-Atlanta region’s smallest to get involved in the community and together those who are involved in the top of the ticket and we were a part of counties. In 2000, Rockdale had a make a difference.” county. something that was happening, not only population of 70,111, with 51,105 Like Wilson, many of Rockdale’s “I wanted to find a way to unite on the national level, but also in the whites and 19,006 blacks and newcomers who were politically and blacks and whites, Democrats and county.” other minorities. By 2010, the total civically engaged in their previous Republicans, to discuss mutual Smart Washington agreed. population grew to 85,215 with the communities brought with them the concerns and work on those issues “I remember waking up the day white population shrinking to 34,826, same zeal to bring about change in together,” said Dean. after the elections in 2008 thinking while the population of blacks and their new county. Think Tank has held forums to we made history in Rockdale. It had other minorities ballooned to 50,389. Community activist Josie Dean is bring together candidates running in been one way for so long that it took Wilson moved to Rockdale in one of those people. Dean, who lived this year’s elections. “By coming to the meetings, people have a chance to learn more what they are all about,” Dean said. Smart Washington said this year’s ballot offers a number of candidates who may be running for public office for the first time, but are not new to the community. “With the exception of some of the School Board races, these are people who have been involved in Rockdale a long time. They are very familiar because of their continued service in the community,” Smart Washington said. RJ Hadley, who is running for Rockdale tax commissioner, is one of those familiar faces. Hadley served as former chief of staff for Rockdale CEO Richard Oden. —Tisa Smart Washington Other examples include Caycie Chair Rockdale Democratic Party Dix, who is running for Rockdale probate judge, and Attorney Phinia Aten, who is running for magistrate court judge. Both are founding members of NewRock Legal Society, a minority bar association that serves Newton and Rockdale counties. The organization provides free “Know Your Rights” workshops throughout the community.
“This is an exciting time to be a Democrat in Rockdale County. ...When it comes to having fair and equitable elections, voters should have options in every race. In 2012, they have just that.”
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JUly 15, 2012
New districts take effect this election
ast year, the Georgia General Assembly changed election district boundaries for many state House seats and congressional districts. Because of the redistricting, you may not have the same state representative, senator or congressman. As an example of the changes, some residents previously represented by Congressman John Lewis of the 5th District now live in Congressman Hank Johnson’s 4th District. A different member of the state House may also represent voters, too. Two districts that never existed before this election—District 92 and District 94—will represent voters in portions of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett County. District 92 has a population of 54,205, with 24,826 residents in DeKalb and 29,379 in Rockdale. The new district hosts a five-way race for the new seat. All of the candidates runing are Democrats: former Lithonia Mayor Tonya P. Anderson, former Lithonia Mayor Pro Tem Doreen Carter, Kathy L. Harvey, Sherri Len Washington and Doreen Williams. District 94 has a population of 53,570 with 27,938 residents in DeKalb and 25,632 in Gwinnett. Four Democratic candidates are running to fill the new District 94 seat: Karen Bennett, Patricia Bourdeau, Tony Lentini and Jaye Lynn Peabody. The two new districts have affected eight other districts as well. Here is a list of some key districts whose numbers changed: State Representative New Old Scott Holcomb 81 82 Mary Margaret Oliver 82 83 Rahn Mayo 84 91 Earnest “Coach” Williams 87 89 Stay Abrams 89 84 Pam Stephenson 90 92 Dee Dawkins- Haigler 91 93 Dar’shun N. Kendrick 93 94
Tonya P. Anderson
Doreen Carter
The districts did not change for Thomas Taylor in District 79, Mike Jacobs in District 80, Howard Mosby in District 83, Karla Drener in District 85, Michelle Henson in District 86 and Billy Mitchell in District 88. To determine what legislative and congressional districts you now live in, go to the “My Voter Page” part of the Georgia Secretary of State web page at http://mvp.sos.state.ga.us. Type in some information about yourself, such as your date of birth and last name, and click “submit.” You’ll find out your congressional, state House and state Senate district, as well as your polling place.
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JUly 15, 2012 PAGE 15
Easing the Congestion in Rockdale, Southeast DeKalb Under T-SPLOST, serveral road projects are planned to improve mobility in Rockdale County. Here’s a look at the projects list outlined by the Atlanta Regional Commission: TIA-AR-018 Old Covington Highway parallels I‐20 in south east DeKalb County and carries high levels of traffic. The area around Turner Hill Road has grown tremendously since the opening of the new mall and traffic volumes continue to increase. This project would widen Old Covington Highway from two to four lanes and decrease congestion. TIA-AR-029 I‐20 at State Road 138/State Road 20 is a heavily congested interchange. Over the past several years, this area has experienced lots of growth in both residences and especially retail in the area surrounding the interchange. This project would reconstruct the interchange as needed to facilitate the flow of traffic. TIA-AR-031 SR 138 is a congested route in metro Atlanta. This project would widen the roadway and relieve congestion along SR 138 (Stockbridge Highway) between East Fairview Road and Ebenezer Road / Stanton Road. TIA-AR-032 SR 138 is a critical travel corridor in Rockdale County and is located on the regional thoroughfare network. This project involves adding one general-purpose lane in each direction along SR 138 (Walnut Grove Road) between Dennard Road and the Newton County line. TIA-DK-030 This project will extend Sigman Road south of I‐20 on a new alignment road from the I‐20 Sigman Road/ I‐20 interchange (Exit 78) in Rockdale County to Hayden Quarry Road in DeKalb County. The 4 lane road extension will provide an alternate route for access to the Stonecrest Mall area that allows traffic to avoid the heavily congested Turner Hill Road (SR 124) / I‐20 interchange. It will also provide congestion relief at the SR 124 / I‐20 interchange by dispersing mall traffic away from the interchange. The new alignment road
will also provide some economic development opportunities within Rockdale County and improved cross‐county connectivity that does not require travel on I‐20. TIA-RO-001 This project will widen Sigman Road to 4 lanes, a vital principal arterial on the recently completed Regional Thoroughfare Network that provides access to I‐20 for traffic from northern areas of the county and counties to the north. Sigman Road connects to I‐20 at two different locations; Exit 78 and Exit 84 and was widened from I‐20 (Exit 78) to Lester Road several years ago. Widening the remaining sections of the road will improve connectivity to I‐20 and facilitate vehicular and freight mobility around the periphery of the City of Conyers. The road segment from Milstead Avenue to SR 138 is designated as SR 20 and carries a significant amount of southbound thru‐traffic from Gwinnett and Walton counties. The project will also improve the response time for emergency vehicles as this road serves the sheriff’s office located on Farmer Road, and to the county’s regional hospital, located at the intersection of SR 20. In addition, this project will improve intermodal connectivity by providing direct access to the GRTA Park & ride lot on Chambers Rd. TIA-RO-003 This project will construct a non‐access bridge over I‐20 to greatly improve connectivity to the City of Conyers’ highest Activity center from areas south of I‐20, and help relieve the severe congestion at the SR 138/SR 20 & I‐20 interchange (Exit 82). The hotel and commercial activity center just north of I‐20, with major anchor stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Kohl’s, is currently accessed via the intersection of SR 138 & Dogwood Drive, which is just 800 feet north of I‐20. The proximity of the Dogwood drive intersection to the I‐20 access ramps leads to severe congestion and the highest accident rate of any intersection in the county. This project would improve safety at the intersection and improve connectivity to Old Town Conyers by way of the Old Covington Hwy /SR 138 underpass project (TIA‐RO‐004), by providing an alternate route for traffic to bypass the SR 138/I‐20 bridge and the SR 138/Dogwood Drive intersection. This project will improve the operation of SR 138, which is a very significant regional thoroughfare.
Rockdale Chamber to host political ‘Meet & Greet’ The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce will host a “Meet & Greet” political social on Monday, July 16, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Corner Market, 1755 Parker Road, Conyers. All candidates running for office in Rockdale County are invited to participate (local, state and federal levels). This is not a forum and will not be structured. There will be no program and no speeches, aside from a brief introduction of each candidate in attendance. This event is an opportunity for voters in Rockdale County to meet the candidates and join in small group and individual discussions. The event is open to the public.
TIA-RO-004 This project will re‐connect Old Covington Highway, a major collector road that traverses downtown Conyers, to provide grade‐separated access to the City’s highest hotel and retail activity center from downtown Conyers and areas west of SR 138. The activity center located just east of SR 138, with major anchor stores such as Wal-Mart, Home Depot and Kohl’s, is currently accessed via the intersection of SR 138 & Dogwood Drive. The proximity of the Dogwood drive intersection to the I‐20 access ramps leads to severe congestion and the highest accident rate of any intersection in the county. This project would improve safety at that intersection and improve connectivity to Old Town Conyers by way of a grade‐separated alternate route where traffic does not have to go through the SR 138/Dogwood Drive intersection. The bike route that will eventually link downtown Conyers to the City of Covington extends the length of this project. This project will improve the operation of SR 138, which is a very significant regional thoroughfare. TIA-RO-005 This project provides for the widening from 2 to 4 lanes of SR 162 (Salem Road), an arterial road on the recently completed Regional Thoroughfare Plan. Salem Road experiences severe congestion through much of its length, but particularly as it approaches I‐20. The road extends from I‐20 in Rockdale County to SR 36 near the southern tip of Newton County and predominantly serves traffic from south Newton County access I‐20 at Exit 84. The project will greatly improve regional connectivity, particularly if done in conjunction with the widening of Salem Road within Newton County. It will improve access to a Georgia Regional Transportation Authority park & ride facility on or near Salem Road that will provide an alternate means of transportation for I‐20 commuters. Salem Road also provides direct access to commercial areas, which presently suffer from restricted accessibility due to the heavy congestion. TIA-RO-006 Parker Road, which provides access to downtown Conyers from points south of I‐20, has been widened to 4 lanes from Flat Shoals Road to the bridge over I‐20. This project will relieve congestion on SR 138 by extending the widening from Flat Shoals Road to SR 138 on the south side of I‐20. It will provide relief for traffic destined for downtown Conyers via a widened more direct
access route. Diverting traffic off SR 138 at Parker Road will reduce the volume of traffic that would otherwise have to traverse through the heavily congested SR 138 / SR 20 road segment just north of the Parker Road / SR 138 intersection. It will also provide an alternate route for for northbound traffic accessing retail & commercial areas along the I‐20 frontage road. This project will improve the operation of SR 138, which is a very significant regional thoroughfare. TIA-RO-007 The proposed I‐20 / SR 138 interchange reconstruction (TIA‐AR‐029) will require relocation of the access ramps away from I‐20, which will place them in too close proximity to the existing Salem Road / SR 138 intersection for it to function properly. The interchange reconstruction will require that the existing intersection be relocated. This project will block off access from Old Salem Road to the SR 138 intersection, which is only about 600 feet south of I‐20, and provide a new alignment access road further south. By relocating the road away from the interchange it will accommodate the reconstruction of the interchange and maintain the connectivity of this vital I‐20 frontage road. This will also relieve congestion on SR 138 in the vicinity of the interchange because it will eliminate some of the weaving that now occurs at vehicles try to position themselves into the proper lane to access I‐20 from the existing intersection. The existing road segments will remain, however, they will not have direct access to SR 138. This project will improve the operation of SR 138 / I‐20 interchange which is a very significant regional thoroughfare. TIA-RO-008 This project will widen a segment of Flat Shoals Road, an arterial road extending from the eastern county boundary close to Newton County, through Rockdale and into Dekalb County. It connects SR 162 to SR 138 and provides regional cross‐county connectivity and an alternate route for motorists on SR 162 seeking to access I‐20. Widening Flat Shoals road from SR 162 to Old Salem Road will also serve as an alternate connector road paralleling I‐20 in the event I‐20 is heavily congested or obstructed. Additionally it will help disperse traffic away from the most heavily congested segment of SR 162 near the I‐20 when the interchange is at or near capacity, which is experienced on a regular basis during peak hours. This project will improve the operation of SR 162 which is a very significant regional thoroughfare.
GARY W. WASHINGTON FOR ROCKDALE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE
(TO SUCCEED RETIRING CHIEF JUDGE SIDNEY L. NATION)
Gary W. Washington… • Passionate for fairness and justice in the court room • Stands firm against crime • Faculty, Mercer Law School, National Criminal Defense College • 25 years court room representation • Servicing the Rockdale community in various capacities including educational workshops, forums, and mentoring teens about the law Among the Washington endorsements, recently added are: • Kerry Washington, star of ABC’s hit drama Scandal & Advocate for Women’s Rights • Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, Civil Rights Leader and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom • Georgia Association for Black Women Attorneys (GABWA) • Georgia Equality (advancing fairness, safety, and opportunity for Georgia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities) • Project Re-Entry: (Helping people Transition from Prison to Productive Citizenship).
WWW.VOTEJUDGEWASHINGTON.COM 678-750-3301 • Vote Gary W. Washington on Tuesday, July, 31st
Early Voting: July 9th - July 27th
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