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Rockdale Real Estate Summit provides leads to tax cuts, other benefits ....page 3 DeKalb School District boosts budget surplus to $30.9 million....page 5
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MARTA seeks developers for “Atop rail stations” MARTA is seeking innovative ideas to develop the air rights atop its rail stations as part of its Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) program. Imagine picking up lunch at an indoor market above a MARTA rail station or catching the MARTA train directly below your office and enjoying a traffic-free end to your workday. MARTA has formally released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for air rights development at four rail stations: Arts Center, Lenox, Midtown and North Avenue. These stations are located within two Atlanta business districts and already provide convenient transit access to thousands who live, work and play nearby. MARTA is soliciting Project Vision Statements from local and national developers capable of
MARTA concept station
developing the air rights at these stations into vibrant, mixed-use projects. “We want to attract the best developers, locally
and nationally, to tackle this sophisticated concept of air rights development at active rail stations,” said MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker. “Once complete, these stations will transform their surrounding neighborhoods and make MARTA an even more attractive choice for existing and future customers.” The RFEI will be used to gauge market potential and assess which stations are most suitable for air rights development through an open and competitive Request for Proposals process. Proposals are due to MARTA on Nov. 1, 2014. Inquiries may be directed to: Reginald Bryant, Office of Contracts, Procurement and Material, rebryant@itsmarta.com.
Lego Day brings fun and “master builders” to Decatur By Joshua Smith
Jonah Kolesky spent his 10th birthday doing what he loves: building Lego creations at the DeKalb County Public Library’s central location in Decatur. The Sept. 17 Lego Day event was a first for the library. Kolesky is definitely on a high horse. He already received one birthday present—an 888-piece Lego “Ninja Turtle Hideout” set which he built in a matter of a few hours. “That set was a $100 and I loved building it. I am a master builder. I might be building things at Lego Land when I grow up,” said Kolesky. “I went to California three times for Lego Land. The first time I went I was 3. I love Legos.” The Lego company and their trademark, Lego Lands, have grown in popularity over the years with “lands” in Denmark, England, Germany, California, Malaysia, Florida and Georgia. Between Jonah and his 7-yearold Micah, the young builders have dozens of Lego sets such as The Ninja Turtles, The Avengers, The Hulk, Star Wars, X-Men, Batman and a complete Lego city.
Young “master builders” like 10-year-old Jonah Kolesky (center) came up with different Lego creations before watching “The Lego Movie” on Sept. 18 in Decatur.
Library officials say the Lego Day event gave the kids a chance to show off their inventions but meet others who are fond of building with Legos. “We got the idea from the Northlake branch and it looks like a successful one. We never did this before, but we all had a lot of fun here. These are some very creative and innovative minds we are working with here,” said Mia
Manekofsky, the central branch’s Children’s Librarian. The event served as a time of bonding for father and son building team dad Vance Shofiner and his 4-year-old son, Franklin. “I love the bridge he made. I started with Legos at about the age he is now,” said Vance Shofiner, who himself received his first Lego set at the age of 3. Now at 43, Shofiner still has many of the
Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Father and son Vance and Franklin Shofiner worked together to make bridges at Lego Day at the Decatur branch library.
original pieces at his home. “I have some real throwbacks and Franklin may enjoy them some day soon like I have over the years,” said Shofiner. Along with building pizzas, palm trees, bridges and other unique creations, children also colored Lego characters and joined their parents to watch a screening of “The Lego Movie” starring Will Ferrell, Will Arnett and Chris Pratt.
South DeKalb YMCA, DeKalb unable to reach deal By Valerie J. Morgan
South DeKalb YMCA officials say they will not pursue a public-private partnership with DeKalb County, a proposal DeKalb District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson had touted as a health benefit to an underserved population in South DeKalb. The plan called for the county to buy the Y for $5 million, using voter-approved green space bonds, and then lease the facility back to the YMCA through the DeKalb County Development Authority for $1 per year over the next 50 years.
Under the deal, the facility would have been renovated and a walking trail and small splash park would have been built on the 18 acres where the Y is located at 2565 Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur. YMCA officials announced this week, however, they were unable to come to an agreement with the Board of Commissioners. “Unfortunately, the county’s most recent requests regarding our agreement make it impossible for the YMCA to continue negotiations for a framework that leads to our mutual success and would cause the YMCA
to change the very essence of who we are,” Executive Director Curtis Winston and Board Chair Maurice Evans, Jr. stated in a letter dated Sept. 17 to Y members and the local community. “…This was an extremely difficult decision considering the years of hard work, negotiations, planning and public meetings that have taken place.” Winston recently worked with Johnson to host a series of tours of the Y, hoping to generate See South DeKalb YMCA, page 6
PAGE 2
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 PAGE 3
Community News
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 25
Rockdale commissioner hopes to expand ‘stabilization’ services
EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith joshsmith@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
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On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. 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.
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By Joshua Smith
ockdale County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness says the county is just sitting on money its Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Van Ness, who represents Post II, is proposing an amendment that would add demolition of blighted foreclosed homes to the county’s NSP program. Currently demolition is not a part of NSP, only renovations. “The NSP has an estimated three or more millions in funds that are currently untapped. People don’t want to move into neighborhoods where there are eyesores when you pull in. Demolition could mean better looking homes in the NSP and could potentially raise the property value in your neighborhood,” Van Ness told residents during a Sept. 18 town hall she hosted. “I’m not saying we have to pick one or the other. I just think it would be best to at least consider adding a demolition component to NSP so that we can get
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
the eyesores out of our communities and attract more potential homeowners.” Van Ness says she plans to take the idea to the other members of the Board of Commissioners for approval at the board’s Sept. 30 meeting. County CEO and Chairman Richard Oden was at the town hall and commended Van Ness for approaching the idea of expanding the program to include demolition services. “I applaud Commissioner Van Ness for exploring this
Citizens watchdog group calls for reform in DeKalb government A DeKalb County citizens watchdog group is calling for reform in DeKalb government amidst corruption and ethics allegations against several of the county’s elected officials. The diverse group of leaders says it has been working since February to draft the Blueprint to Redefine DeKalb County. The framework for reform addresses: procurement policies, ethics, inefficient operations and the stale political environment. “The voices of citizens must be heard to change the direction of DeKalb County,” said Patricia Killingsworth, a member of the Blueprints Leadership Team. “We hope citizens from across DeKalb County –North, South, in cities or outside – will use this current crisis as an opportunity to press for meaningful reforms, and that our elected officials will engage and take their responsibility for promoting ethics and transparency in DeKalb County government seriously.” The groups’ recommendations are aimed at ensuring more accountability, transparency and efficiency. They include:
• An internal audit watchdog that reports to an independent body • Ethics reform, including removing Board of Ethics appointments from the CEO and Board of Commissioners • Greater transparency in purchasing, budgeting and operations to allow citizens to more carefully monitor County government • A straw poll to consider term limits and non-partisan elections “DeKalb needs comprehensive solutions that are as big as our problems,” said Gil Turman, another member of the Blueprints Leadership Team. “Many levels of government must be involved and our business and private sector leaders must also press for change.” The Blueprints Leadership Team will review the proposed reforms at a community meeting on Sept. 30, 6:30 p.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, Decatur. The group encourages the public to attend. For more information and to provide feedback, a website is available www. BlueprintDeKalb.org
Online child support payments unavailable Sept. 23 - 27 On Sept. 23-27, the option to make online child support payments will not be available as the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) transitions to a new online payment vendor. In addition to online child support payments being unavailable, online applications will only be available for customers to complete, print and/or save. All applications saved during the transition period will be available for customers to retrieve with their confirmation number after 12 p.m. on Sept. 27. Customers will still be allowed to pay application fees online during the transition period. Customers are always able to make payments and submit applications at any local child support office. To find your local child support office, visit www.dcss.dhs.georgia.gov.
option, but whether we vote yes or no, this amendment might not go into action until the later quarter of 2015. There would be a lot of approvals to go forth first,” said Oden. “The Board will have to get approval from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and other entities to change the use of the funds from home renovations and sales to the demolition of foreclosed and abandoned properties with construction of new homes on the same site.” NSP Director Tenesha
Lanier was also on hand at the town hall to field residents’ concerns and provide an overview about the current use of NSP funds and the demolition changes being proposed. She says she predicts NSP will be in Rockdale for at least three more years. “NSP was created and put into action at the beginning of 2010 in Rockdale to minimize the foreclosure impact and stabilize communities by using federal funds allocated to the state, which then competitively offered them to local governments in Georgia,” said Lanier. “Foreclosed and abandoned homes are purchased in targeted areas and local contractors renovate the properties. The homes are then sold to eligible homebuyers with NSP investing an average of $45,000 in repairs and improvements per home as an added benefit to the buyer. We don’t have the complete data just yet on what that process will cost when you consider demolition versus only renovations as an option for NSP.”
Rockdale Real Estate Summit provides leads to tax cuts, other benefits
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley and real estate experts discuss tax breaks and other homeowner benefits at the Rockdale Real Estate Summit on Sept. 16 in Conyers.
A
By Joshua Smith
rmy veteran James Reaves, 76, is a Rockdale homeowner on a modest fixed income. Reaves purchased a fourbedroom home in Conyers’ Windsor Creek community in February. He says Rockdale County staff opened his eyes up to tax exemptions for veterans who are homeowners. “As a 100% disabled veteran, I really learned a lot as far as Homestead and other tax exemptions go. I have pamphlets and brochures with nuggets of information like that fact that some disabled veterans can receive up to $67.55 in exemptions,” said Reaves, who served in both, the Army and the Navy, before retiring in 2000. “Now, I plan to apply for these exemptions and hope for the best. When you’re living on retirement, every little bit helps.” Reaves was among the dozen or so people who attended Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley’s inaugural Rockdale Real Estate Summit on Sept. 16. “I felt it was critical to educate potential homeowners on the critical steps of buying a home and show current homeowners ways to keep their homes,” said Hadley. “This event served as a great meeting place for residents to get answers to questions from the professionals on a one-on-one basis. A lot of people told See Rockdale, page 7
PAGE 4
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
Coming Up
Rockdale Master Gardeners set 10th Annual Fall Festival and Plant Sale Mark your calendar for the Rockdale County Master Gardeners’ 10th Annual Fall Festival and Plant Sale. The event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Cooperative Extension Service, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers. Families are invited to come out and shop for plants as well as to enjoy demonstrations, crafts and arts for kids. The group will be selling a variety of perennials, roses and shrubs.
ATLANTA
GWINNETT
Calvary New Life Tabernacle welcomes Gov. Deal for Community Day
Zumba Party in the Park
Calvary New Life Tabernacle Church, 3342 International Park Drive, S.E., Atlanta, will welcome Gov. Nathan Deal and his wife, Sandra, on Sunday, Sept. 21, for the church’s Community Day. The worship service will be held 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The church’s choir will sing several selections and there will be an inspirational word of encouragement from Bishop Sammie Conyers.
Atlanta Hip Hop Day highlights DJs, graffiti and break dancing Woodruff Park, 91 Peachtree St., Atlanta will host a free music festival, “Atlanta Hip Hop Day,” on Saturday, Sept. 27, 11 a.m. The festival, in its fourth year, pays tribute to the four elements of Hip Hop and Atlanta’s contribution to Hip Hop as a whole. The park will be divided into four sections for four exhibits and activities: “B-Boy” and “B-Girl” exhibits; break dancers, and graffiti artists. . About 20 local artists and disc jockeys will be a part of the festival. For more information, contact Amir James at 678-459-5661.
DEKALB EMA offers crisis preparation classes The DeKalb County Emergency Management Agency will offer classes throughout September to make sure you and your family are prepared for the unexpected. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Ready America” program, the classes will increase awareness and encourage action for emergency preparedness. “It is important for DeKalb residents to take time during National Preparedness Month to get disaster-ready,” said Sue Loeffler, director of DeKalb EMA. “Taking a few easy proactive steps to get ready can help ensure the safety of you and your family in the event of an emergency.” The following classes are available to residents for free: Open Streets DeKalb in Emory Village: DEMA staff will provide information regarding family and business emergency preparedness on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2:30-7:30 p.m. in Emory Village, between the traffic circles. NWS Storm Spotter Class: Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 7-9:30 p.m. located at DeKalb County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 1950 W. Exchange Place in Tucker. Registration encouraged. For more information, call Dena Glover at 770-270-0413. Emory CERT Class: Thursday nights, Sept. 25 – Nov. 13 from 7-9:30 p.m. at the Claudia Nance Rollins Building in the Rollins School of Public Health on the Emory Campus, Room CNR 4001. Registration required. For more information, contact Robert Swanson at 678-406-7858 or raswanson@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Gwinnett County will host “Zumba Party in the Park” on Saturday, Sept. 27, 10 a.m. at Rhodes Jordan Park Pavilion, 100 East Crogan St., Lawrenceville. Gwinnett Parks and Recreation is offering families a free and fun way to get fit. Professional Zumba instructors will teach the class. No pre-registration is required. For more information, call 678-2770890.
Volunteers needed to help clean up Yellow River The Yellow River Trail, Rivers Alive, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Keep Covington-Newton Beautiful, the Georgia Wildlife Federation and the South River Watershed Association are calling on volunteers to help them clean up the Yellow River and embankments. The river runs into Newton, Rockdalel and Gwinnett counties. The community cleanup will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. 2 p.m., starting at the Porterdale riverbank in Newton. Volunteers who have boats and land-based volunteers will be needed for the cleanup. Supplies will be provided. Those who register prior to the event will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, email info@yellowriverwatertrail.org.
ROCKDALE Free fishing derby set for youths Rockdale County Parks and Recreation will host a free fishing derby for youths 13 and older on Saturday, Sept. 27, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m., at Black Shoals Park, 3001 Black Shoals Road, N.E., Conyers. Youths are invited to this event to be exposed to “the joys of fishing.” Families will be required to bring their own fishing gear. Instructors will supervise fishing activities, as well as educate attendees on natural settings, aquatic awareness and other educational activities. For more information, contact LaVonda Bruton or April Green at 770-278-7529.
Horse Park hosts 57th Annual Southern Championship The City of Conyers’ Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers, will host the 57th Annual Southern Championship Charity Show on Saturday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. This Regional Tennessee Walking Horse show features horses from across the South, including Georgia. The event includes performance classes to showcase the versatility of different breeds. The competition will be hosted in the Charles Walker Arena at the horse park. This free event is open to the public. For more information about this event, contact Susan Paul at 770-6019289 or sgpaul@symbolene.com.
Commissioner hosts “Business Night Out” DeKalb County District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson will host “Business Night Out” on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Kroger grocery store, 1160 Moreland Ave., S.E., Atlanta. This community engagement initiative is free and Commissioner Johnson’s staff says it will provide valuable insight for all who attend. Code Enforcement, Public Safety Officers and Zoning Officials will attend the meeting. “This is your opportunity to speak directly with Larry Johnson me about issues related to your business or your potential business in DeKalb County and District 3,” said Johnson. Call 404-371-2425 for more information or to register in advance.
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 PAGE 5
ELECTIONS Elections 2014 2014
Voter registration drives target youth In an effort to fight voter suppression, the Voter Empowerment Collaborative (VEC) and the Future Voters of American project will host several voter registration drives on Tuesday, Sept. 23, throughout the metro area. Voter registrations will be held to reach and register young people between the ages of 18 and 24. Activities will take place at Therrell High School, West Lake High School, Tri-Cities High School and Maynard Jackson High School in Atlanta. Voter registration will take place simultaneously at each participating school during the lunch break at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Parents are encouraged to urge their students to register. Voter registration drives will also be held on the same day at the Mall West End from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and at Walmart, 5401 Fairington Road, Lithonia, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Future Voters of America’s President Danny Milam, Jr., a junior at New Manchester High School in Douglasville, will accompany the voter registration team for the day. The Future Voters of America, a project of the Voter Empowerment Collaborative, is a youth centered, parent supported organization designed to inspire, inform, and involve youngsters aged 7-17 in the voting process and to foster voter education, voting research and involvement among young adults ages 18-22.
Oct. 6 is deadline to register to vote Monday, Oct. 6, is the deadline to register and be eligible to vote in the Nov. 4 general Election. To register to vote in Georgia, you must be a U.S. citizen, a legal resident of Georgia and of the county in which you wish to vote. You must also be 18 years of age by Election Day. You may not register to vote if you are currently serving any sentence imposed by the conviction of a felony or judicially determined to be mentally in competent. You can contact your local public library, public assistance office, recruitment office, schools or government offices for a mail-in registration form. You may also register to vote online. Visit the Secretary of State’s website at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/. To use your smartphone or tablet to register to vote, download “GA Votes” from the Apple Store or the Droid Play Store on your device. You may also use the App for updates or to make changes to name and/or address information as well as to get information on polling locations, sample ballots and satellite voting locations.
Gwinnett hiring poll workers The Voter Registrations and Elections Division in Gwinnett County is seeking people to serve as paid poll workers for the Nov. 4 elections. Candidates should demonstrate patience, enjoy working with people, be able to follow directions and are detail oriented. The jobs are open to those who are a U.S. citizen, resident of Gwinnett, at least 16 years old and able to read, write and speak English. Those who are convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude or judicially determined to be mentally incompetent are not eligible to serve. The pay ranges from $75 per day for poll workers to $300 per day for poll managers. Visit www.gwinnettcountyjobs.com and scroll down to “Election Poll official” to click and follow the prompts for more information and to apply.
DeKalb School District boosts budget surplus to $30.9 million
T
he DeKalb County School District has good news for parents: It has a 35 percent increase in its surplus for Fiscal Year 2014, reporting an additional $10.9 million in reserves over the $20-million surplus previously estimated. Superintendent Michael Thurmond cited an increase in revenue collections as well as lower expenditures to produce a FY14 fund balance of $30.9 million. “The additional $10.9 million in reserves demonstrates that we are making significant progress in stabilizing the finances of the DeKalb County School District,” said Thurmond. “Our goal is a fund balance of $66 million. We’re just halfway there, but we are confident that we will reach that milestone.” When Thurmond was appointed interim superintendent in February 2013, the school district faced a budget deficit of $21.4 million. Today’s $30.9 million fund balance represents an improvement of $52.3 million since the end of FY2012. Earlier this year, the district announced an anticipated surplus of $20 million in a budget that made new investments in instruction, technology and school safety. The FY14 budget also eliminated furlough days, and provided the first pay raises to teachers and staff in six years. “We’ve maximized existing revenue streams, reduced legal expenses and have gained better control over personnel costs,” said Melvin Johnson, chair of the DeKalb Board of Education. “We now have more accurate projections of our costs, and we’re avoiding the overspending that occurred in the past. There has been a tremendous turnaround in legal expenses alone, allowing us to shift those dollars from courtrooms to classrooms.”
PAGE 6
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
South DeKalb YMCA continued from page 1
support from the public and a divided Board of Commissioners. Three commissioners supported the idea, while three opposed spending bonds they say were intended for park green space—not development. Johnson, whose district includes the Y, said the purchase would have been an investment in South DeKalb. “With limited availability within the county for parks, walking trails and other outdoor amenities that promote enjoying the outdoors and living healthier lives, the space surrounding the South DeKalb YMCA is incredibly valuable,” Johnson had said during the tours. He could not be reached for comment late Thursday. Commissioner Kathie Gannon, one of the most vocal critics of the plan, said she felt the county’s money would have been better spent on renovating the county’s existing aging recreation centers. “The YMCA will use public money to operate a recreation facility that requires membership and fees to use,” Gannon said with regard to the master agreement. The Y stated in its letter to the community: “We are proud to have served the South DeKalb residents since 1970 and will continue to do so. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the County and others to bring people together to make DeKalb County a better place for all.” The Y’s letter to members and the community can be found below. Letter from the YMCA September 17, 2014 Dear South DeKalb YMCA Members and local community: For the past five years, the YMCA has negotiated in good faith to foster a public/private partnership with DeKalb County similar to other partnerships that have been negotiated in the past. It was our hope to create a mutually beneficial agreement for the county and our South DeKalb Family YMCA Branch. Unfortunately, the county’s most recent requests regarding our agreement make it impossible for the YMCA to continue negotiations for a framework that leads to our mutual success and would cause the YMCA to change the very essence of who we are. Therefore, the Executive Committee of our Corporate Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to no longer pursue this public/private partnership. This was an extremely difficult decision considering the years of hard wok, negotiations, planning and public meetings that have taken place. The YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta is fully committed to enhancing our facilities at South DeKalb. Efforts are presently underway to develop another option that will allow us to accomplish the end results we were seeking in the partnership with DeKalb County. During this process we welcome your comments and suggestions and will provide timely communication to keep you abreast of the latest developments We are proud to have served the South DeKalb residents since 1970 and will continue to do so. We remain committed to working collaboratively with the County and others to bring people together to make DeKalb County a better place for all. Sincerely, Curtis Winston Executive Director
BBB urges public to beware of ‘Scholastic Supply’ scam The Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta (BBB) is warning the public to beware of the “Scholastic Supply” scam. Officials say the scam has already hit victims in 22 states so far. “Currently ,there are no victims in the state of Georgia and we wish to keep it that way. This information is being sent to inform and educate so schools and so our school districts will not fall victim to this scam,” said Fred T. Elsberry, Jr., president of the Metro BBB. “Scholastic School Supply is not affiliated with Scholastic, Inc. It is a company that is illegally using Scholastic’s name and trademark.” The tactics employed by the bogus company are similar to the wellknown “Yellow Pages Scam,” a business-to-business operation that surfaced in 2013, and bilked more than $14 million from small businesses and churches before being by the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers told the BBB that the operation is sending false invoices to schools and school districts throughout the country in the amount of $647.50 for a bulk purchase of text books that were never requested or received. The only contact information available on the invoices is an email address, which does not respond to messages; a phone number, which routes to a series of voice mail boxes; and mail drop addresses in either Sewell, New Jersey or Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the entity lists addresses in New Jersey and Nevada on its invoices, the BBB has been unable to locate any corporation filings, business licensing, or otherwise required business entity documentation for it in either state to substantiate a physical location. A public release from Scholastic, Inc. states: “We only recently became aware of Scholastic Supply, but our legal department has demanded that they cease and desist using Scholastic’s name and trademark, which they have agreed to do but have not done yet. In addition, we have been investigating this company and will continue to do so, and if we determine that this company is allegedly violating any other laws, rules or regulations, we will take prompt appropriate action.”
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 PAGE 7
Letters to the Editor
DeKalb is working to fix broken government
DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May “less than candid”
By DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May
By Kathie Gannon, Commissioner, Super- District 6
The past few years have been tough ones for DeKalb County. It is outrageous that anyone would violate the public’s trust, and it is frustrating to realize that our county has refused in years past to identify and correct bad behaviors. It is maddening that the people of DeKalb have had to endure a shaming of DeKalb County government over the actions of a few. The truth, as they say, hurts. For years, DeKalb CEO’s have looked the other way when it came to BOC spending. The BOC, of which I have been a member since 2006, talked a good game of Interim DeKalb CEO auditing and oversight, but when the rubber met the road, Lee May could not reach a consensus on pulling the trigger on hiring someone to do the job. Part of the issue that caused these problems is inherent in DeKalb’s structure of government, which before now has produced a laissez-faire style of oversight. Elected officials simply cannot control other elected officials in the same way an employer can control an employee. This is one reason I have been an advocate for changing DeKalb’s form of government, and why I created the Government Operations Task Force: to deal with this issue and several others DeKalb is facing. It remains my expectation that this task force will make substantial recommendations to our government which will provide a framework on which we all become accountable. However, the larger issue has been a wholesale lack of leadership to work together to become the open, transparent and responsive government that we all say that we want. I share the collective frustration of our residents. The practice of government in DeKalb County has allowed much of what has been exposed recently by the media to go unchecked. To address the issues, this Administration implemented several safeguards and oversight to find incidences of wrongdoings and address them quickly. The direct actions we have taken to address the malaise we find ourselves in at the present moment are as follows: 1. Facilitated appointments of a full complement of Board of Ethics members to ensure consistent quorums. 2. Increased Ethics Board funding from $15,000 to over $200,000 3. Created full time positions: Chief Integrity Officer, Investigator, and staff for the Board of Ethics. 4. Increased funding for District Attorney’s office by $197,000 to expand its Public Integrity Unit. 5. Revised P-Card policies to cover all cardholders, including elected officials which requires annual training and annual audits of all cardholders. 6. Revised purchasing policies to make the process for purchasing goods and services more efficient and transparent and created a list to ban vendors who violate our policies or fail to complete work. 7. Restructured the Purchasing & Contracting and Finance departments to provide greater oversight and transparency. 8. Implemented a new ethics policy for the Administration to cover meals, travel and tickets for all employees under the CEOs power, including myself. Admittedly, these changes have only occurred under my Administration and only affect conduct moving forward. Much of the spending irregularities discovered by the press date back several years and cover multiple administrations. Those cases are now being investigated by federal prosecutors, the local district attorney and the DeKalb Board of Ethics. In due time, these agencies will take appropriate actions as needed. Furthermore, we will be taking additional measures as circumstances warrant. Make no mistake: I am, and I remain very concerned about improper and illegal spending in DeKalb County. The repercussions go far beyond the acts themselves. It impacts everything from job creation and business recruitment to federal funding allocations. It is imperative that all elected officials, myself included, continue to do everything in possible to correct the underlying problems and restore the public’s trust in DeKalb County Government. It takes years to build trust, but only a day to destroy it. Our job moving forward is to restore that trust, day by day, in DeKalb County.
In response to Interim CEO Lee May’s September letter to the editor, I believe a counter-point is necessary to provide a wider perspective. It has been over a year now that DeKalb has been tarnished by a litany of problems. In light of these revelations, Interim CEO May has taken some small steps forward to give the County administration a bit more accountability. I can certainly appreciate his desire to let the public know about the changes that he has made as Interim CEO. However, I have to take exception to him re-writing the Kathie Gannon, Commissioner history of overseeing Board of Commissioners (BOC) Super District 6 spending. While he was the District 5 Commissioner, Lee May was chairman of the Finance, Audit and Budget (FAB) committee. The previous chair was Elaine Boyer. Both then Commissioners May and Boyer held hostage, in committee, proposals made by two members of the BOC to hire an independent auditor who could investigate how taxpayer funds were spent. The Board of Commissioners is a separate branch of government and as the legislative body we are in charge of creating the policy and ordinances for the executive branch/CEO to follow (except for purchasing which is solely under the CEO). It is a structure that provides for checks and balances if those in public office do their part. For Mr. May to lay blame at the foot of previous CEO’s and the government structure is less than candid. Blaming the form of government is an effort to convince citizens that the structure of government is causing our problems rather then the people holding the power. From my perspective, checks and balances are a positive feature of our government. Changing the form of government and placing power solely in the BOC will not solve our problems. As Chairman of the Audit Committee, Commissioner May had the perfect platform to request INDEPENDENT audits and investigations. As CEO he has an even broader platform, to give support to the needed reforms that are already being advocated in our communities. For Example: • An independent auditor who reports to a citizen’s board should be a priority for DeKalb County government. The City of Atlanta and many other governments have such positions and they quickly pay for themselves from savings in waste and fraud.
Rockdale continued from page 3
me they want me to host this every quarter now, instead of annually, so they can bring their friends and neighbors.” The summit did not only provide information on common tax-related issues, but it served as a place for networking. “I came to talk homes, but ended up learning about the new car tax ad valoremm and other critical information about taxes in Rockdale,” said Sandy Greene, a RE/MAX associate broker. “I appreciate this because as a taxpayer and homeowner in Rockdale since 1983, it feels good to be able to touch your officials, to see what your officials look like on the job. I will be much more comfortable when I call the tax office from now on.” Forum topics included: “How to determine taxes for homebuyers,” “Special tax breaks available to homeowners in Rockdale,” and “Buying properties at tax sales.” Attendees also heard from real estate and mortgage agents, as well as title researchers and other county employees who work in the tax department. For more information on tax exemptions for homeowners and other events from the Rockdale Tax Commissioner’s Office, call 770-278-7605.
• The Board of Ethics should be free from the control of the CEO and the BOC as to its appointments and the hiring and delegating the duties to its staff. • Encouraging the establishment of a real public Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the GBI and FBI and police department, to investigate known concerns. • Support for an Ordinance of Procurement to allow the BOC to work with the CEO on transparent procedures that then become law to mandate accountability. People want meaningful Reform. It will take our Citizens to demand accountability and participate in Reform activities. Join with those in the four or more citizens groups that are currently working on these efforts. The Interim CEO has a Task Force of elected officials and others looking for solutions; scrutinize their recommendations. We who are elected must continue to support efforts to clean house such as my resolution requiring an audit of our own past spending. We also need to enact policies for our future spending. AND it will take engaged DeKalb voters in November to replace the District 1 BOC position, and again in 2016 as we vote for several district positions and the CEO. Stay tuned. Step Up. Please be a part of the Solution. LEGAL NOTICE
DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, September 25, 2014
Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below: REQUEST FOR QUOTATION NO.
ITEM
CLOSING DATE
3003277 ITB
Dirt Screening
November 11, 2014
3003278 ITB
Composting Operations
October 29, 2014
3003307 ITB
Concrete Sidewalk Access Ramps
October 23, 2014
3003341 ITB
Compact Track Loader with Rotary Brush Cutter
October 23, 2014
3003343 ITB
October 23, 2014
14-100423 ITB
Cab and Chassis with Vacuum Machine and Jet Rodder Reel Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events 2015-2017
14-100428 ITB
Street Sweeping and Debris Removal Services
October 30, 2014
14-500330 RFP
Professional and Managed Support and Maintenance of Voice and Data Network Services
October 23, 2014
October 29, 2014
Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise. By: Scott M. Callan, Acting Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting
PAGE 8
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SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
Movers & Shakers in the Community
City of Atlanta pays tribute to black baseball legends
A
tlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond honored five black baseball legends at Atlanta City Hall on Sept. 15. The city paid tribute to Norman F. “Geronimo” Lumpkin; James “Red” Moore and Lawrence “Larry” Williams, who were all members of the Negro Baseball Leagues, which were formed during segregation in 1867 and fell apart gradually between 1947 and 1959. In addition, Bond honored Rubye Mims Lucas, the wife of the late Bill Lucas, who was the first African-American general manager in Major League Baseball as a front-office boss; and two-sport great Brian Jordan, who played baseball and football, for their contributions to the Atlanta community. Norman Fred “Geronimo” Lumpkin was born on Jan. 15, 1919 in Atlanta in a part of the Old Fourth Ward section of Atlanta known as Buttermilk Bottom. Lumpkin started playing baseball in empty lots at school. He joined the Negro Leagues from 1938 to 1949 on commercial and industrial teams and
played semi-pro during World War II and was picked up by the Atlanta Black Crackers. James “Red” Moore was born in Atlanta on Nov. 18, 1916 and is recognized as one of the Negro Major League’s premier first basemen. He played for the Atlanta Black Crackers in 1935, 1938, and 1946-48. During Moore’s storied career, which was abbreviated by his military service, he played on three All-Star teams, three Second Half Championship teams and was selected to the 1938 Southern News Services All-American Negro League Baseball Team. Lawrence “Larry” Williams was born Feb. 9, 1933 in LaGrange. Williams was hired by Buck O’Neil as a lead of hitter for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1954. He once had a perfect night going four for four, with four doubles in one game. Williams has teamed up with Melvin Duncan and James Moore to educate the Seated left to right: James “Red” Moore, Norman F. “Geronimo” Lumpkin and Lawrence Williams. public about the Negro Leagues through Standing left to right: Brian Jordan, Rubye Mims Lucas and Atlanta City Councilmember Michael Julian Bond panel discussions throughout the U.S.
DeKalb Medical welcomes new board member DeKalb Medical announced this week that Scott Overcarsh has been appointed to the DeKalb Medical Board of Directors. Overcarsh will help oversee and direct the vision and mission of DeKalb Regional Health System which includes: DeKalb Medical at North Decatur, DeKalb Medical at Hillandale, DeKalb Medical at Downtown Decatur/Long Term Acute Care, the DeKalb Medical Physicians Group and the DeKalb Medical Foundation. “This is a great addition to our Board of
Directors,” said DeKalb Medical President and CEO John Shelton. “Scott’s wealth of knowledge and a diverse background will translate into great advancements for DeKalb Medical.” In addition to his role on the Board of Directors, Overcarsh is a DeKalb Medical Foundation Founders’ Circle member as well as a Foundation board member where he uses his business acumen to bring new ideas to the Foundation on leveraging charitable dollars to help others.
“There’s so much about DeKalb Medical that you just wouldn’t know, unless you visit. People don’t realize there is a premier hospital sitting right here in their midst,” said Overcash. “Whether they need an emergency room, a place to bring a new baby into the world or a good fitness center, it’s all here.” A senior management consultant for business operations at Chick-fil-A and native of Charlotte, N.C., Overcarsh lives in Decatur with his wife, Jody. They have three children.
Scott Overcarsh
2 1 5 2 Ro c k C h a p el Rd. Lithonia, GA 30058
September 27, 2014 •10:00 a.m.
Health & Wellness Saturday
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• James C. Ward, Pastor • Dr. Shirley Harris, Gastroenterology • Mr. Kenneth Stevens, Georgia Prostate Cancer Coalition A host vendors offering a multitude of information: • Grady Health System • Emory University Alzheimers’s Disease Research Center • Avon Foundation Breast Cancer • Georgia Prostate Cancer
• Emergency Preparedness • Blood Sugar Screening • Wellcare • Blood Pressure Screening
• Right From The Start Medicaid • HisGrip Homecare • Alzheimer’s Association • First Fruit Holistic Wellness Center
• First Watch Restaurant • The Alliance on Mental Illness • Enroll America • La Fitness • Living Water pH9
First Lady Idell Ward
Pastor James C. Ward
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 PAGE 9
Conyers-Rockdale Library hires assistant director Stacy L. Brown has joined the Conyers-Rockdale Library System as the new Assistant Director. She will coordinate and supervise the four public service departments: Adult Services, Circulation, the Computer Center, and Youth Services. Brown, originally from Marietta, attended Kennesaw State University, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. After working for many years in the private sector, she secured a position at the University of West Georgia as a library paraprofessional. It was there that she began her pursuit of a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science at Valdosta State University. During her 4 ½-year stint at the Ingram Library, she acquired substantial knowledge of research methods, departmental functions and processes, and extensive managerial experience. Upon completing the Master’s program, she secured a Public Services Librarian position at Georgia Highlands College’s Cartersville campus, and spent seven years functioning as an academic librarian. However, her desire to work in a public library was ever present, and she eventually made the transition from a college setting to one that served the public as a whole. “I grew up spending summers participating in a wide range of programs and activities,” and I always
Stacy L. Brown
considered the local library to be a second home,” Brown said. Her fond childhood memories spurred a move to an atmosphere where she felt extremely comfortable—a public library. Said Brown: “I derive much pleasure in helping patrons obtain the information that they seek and introducing them to a vast number of resources that are available to them. I’m very fortunate to have the ability to serve a diverse population and promote information literacy within the community. This, coupled with the opportunity to work with a patronfocused, highly competent, energized, and committed staff, makes for the ideal environment. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Conyers-Rockdale Library System.”
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Seniors
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
News for our Senior Community
Lithonia seniors ready to showdown with Motown
T
By Joshua Smith
here will be plenty of platform shoes, bell-bottoms and singing seniors on Sept. 19 in Lithonia. The young at heart will be competing for bragging rights, prizes and the title of best retro costume at the Lou Walker Senior Center’s first “Showdown with Motown!” “I’ll be singing one of my favorite melodies—Forever My Darling—by Johnny Ace. I have a keyboard player coming and I’m really going to give it my all,” said Mary Woodard, who has been a member of the Lou Walker Senior Center since 2006. The song she is performing originated in 1955. Woodard will be one of 15-20 contestants competing in the show. Singers will be performing the hits of Lenny Williams, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and others. The event also includes line dancers and solo dancers performing to the hits of The
Temptations, The Four Tops and other performers from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s. There also will be a live band playing between performance sets and a DJ. “We wanted to mark National Senior Center Month with something fun that our members could enjoy and relate to,” said Bridgette Thompson, the center’s administrative assistant who led the planning committee for the event. Anyone can attend the 12 – 4 p.m. “Showdown with Motown”—not just senior citizens. The 40,000-square-foot Lou Walker Senior Center will host a wide range of activities during the month to mark National Senior Center Month. Lou Walker Senior Center Photography Exhibit through Sept. 24 at Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur. For more information, call 404-687-2731 or 770-322-2900 or visit www.louwalkercenter.com.
Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News
Lou Walker Senior Center members look to channel musical greats such as Diana Ross, Lenny Williams and Aretha Franklin at the center’s “Showdown with Motown” on Sept. 19.
Here is a list of some of the events: Sept. 23 - National Fall Prevention Day with LWSC Fitness Director Tyrone Bailey, noon – 12:45 p.m., at the Lou Walker Senior Center.
Sept. 24 - AARP technology workshop, open to seniors ages 50 and older. Learn how
to use tablets and smartphones, 10 a.m. – noon, or 2 – 4 p.m. Seating is limited; call 1-877-926-8300 or visit http://aarp.cvent.com/aarptekgeorgia to register. Members of the center will also host a farmers’ market every Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Offered by Metro Atlanta Urban Farmers in the LWSC lobby.
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014 PAGE 11
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