VOLUME 22 NUMBER 39
FREE
JANUARY 7, 2016
Published Since April 1995 Serving DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry and Rockdale Counties • www.facebook.com/ocgnews
DeKalb, Rockdale anMLK Day 2017 nounce mandatory electronic filing for What are you doing to civil cases, land records celebrate the King Holi-
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ourts in DeKalb and Rockdale counties are among those in metro Atlanta that are making electronic filing mandatory for civil cases and land records, effective this year. The new system, officials say, will enable residents and attorneys to open cases and file documents from a user-friendly, secure website — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officials say electronically filed transactions are faster the old way of filing by paper, with many e-filings taking less than 60 seconds. “We have reached a pivotal moment in our transition to electronic court records and now documents can be digitally filed, served, distributed and delivered at any time and any place,” said Debra DeBerry, Clerk of the DeKalb County Superior Court. “This transition will help us achieve greater efficiencies, as well as create time savings for attorneys and clerks and enhance access to justice for self-represented litigants.” Rockdale Clerk of Courts Ruth A. Wilson said along with the full launch of civil cases filed electronically in Rockdale, all land records—maps, plats and floor plans—also now must be filed at efile.gsccca.org. “Our e-Filing solutions feature easy-to-use interfaces. It saves attorneys time and money and greatly reduces the manual paper processing in the clerk’s office,” said Wilson. Superior and State Courts are now accepting civil cases through Rockdale Odyssey eFile GA. To begin taking advantage of civil e-Filing and training sessions for which Continuing Legal Education credit may be earned, attorneys may register using the Odyssey eFile GA link provided at www. rockdaleclerk.com, Wilson said. For more information regarding e-Filing requirements for land records, visit www.gsccca.org/ learn/efiling-information. In addition to DeKalb and Rockdale courts, other metro Atlanta areas using eFileGA include courts in Macon, Bibb; Cherokee; Clayton; Coweta; Douglas; Forsyth; Fulton; Gwinnett; and Spalding counties.
day? Check out On Common Ground’s special guide for local events and celebrations commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in honor of the national holiday observed Monday, Jan. 16, See page 4
Conyers police seek armed robber who ambushed Fred’s worker
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obbers are becoming more clever in their holdups. Conyers police are asking for the public’s help in finding the suspect who waited in a bathroom stall until closing to rob a Fred’s discount store. “It is unusual. I can’t think of any robbery we have had recently like this one,” Conyers Police Sgt. Kim Lucas said. Police said the black male entered Fred’s on New Year’s Eve around 8:40 p.m. and waited in a women’s bathroom stall before ambushing an employee at 9 p.m., closing time. The subject was armed with a black semi-automatic handgun and used duct tape to restrain the victim. “The store’s video shows the suspect had come in earlier and looked around, scoping out the store. He left and then returned a short time later and lay in wait in the bathroom until the store closed,” said Sgt. Lucas. “He ambushed the employee. She was very scared, but fortunately, she was not hurt.”
Lucas said police are hoping other jurisdictions in the metro Atlanta area will pay attention to the Conyers case in the event they may be working similar armed robberies. Any information leading to the arrest of the suspect may result in a cash reward of up to $2,000, Lucas said.
Tipsters will remain anonymous and are asked to contact Crime Stoppers with any information. Call: 404.577.TIPS (8477) Text: CSA + your tip to CRIMES (274637) Click: www.CrimeStoppersAtlanta.org
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CONYERS-ROCKDALE CHAMBER’S ENTREPRENEURIAL ACADEMY Shows you how to turn your passion into a business!
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onyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is ready to help you learn the ins and outs of the business world and turn your passion into a business with the 2017 Entrepreneurial Academy. Starting on Monday, February 13, this seven-week program offers motivated individuals the essential information needed to start and run a successful business. “This entrepreneurial program is a course designed with the small business entrepreneur in mind. Whether you have
an existing business or dreams of starting one in the future, the academy has something for you,” said Fred Boscarino, president/CEO of the Chamber. “Experienced business people who have been there, tried that, share their voices of experiences to help you avoid common pitfalls and be better prepared to establish your business for growth and prosperity.” Taught by business leaders in the community, the curriculum includes sessions on: legal entities, accounting, loan options, marketing, social media, insurance and human resources. Each week, a new topic is introduced. The format ranges from panel discussions to lecture to hands-on training. “Of more than 400 academy graduates who have
come through the program since it started in 2004, more than 50% are now in business for themselves,” said Boscarino. “In addition to gaining valuable information, you also have the opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals who hope to establish or expand a small business.” The academy draws participants from Stockbridge, College Park, Stone Mountain, Covington, Forest Park, Lithonia, Decatur and McDonough. A recent graduate of the academy said it took her two years to earn her master’s degree in business administration at the University of Phoenix. Esther Williams says it took her six weeks at the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Acade-
my to learn everything she needed to start her own business. “Everything—from insurance to opening policies—was covered. It’s really what I needed to get things up and running,” said Williams, a retired Rutgers University professor. The cost for the program is $175. The fee includes snacks for every session and a graduation dinner. After completing the Entrepreneurial Academy and starting your small business, you will receive Continuing Education credits (CEUs) and a certificate of completion from Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Classes will be held from
6 – 9 p.m. at the Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) building, 1064 Culpepper Drive, SW, Conyers. Students are encouraged to arrive no later than 6:00 p.m. to network and to make sure they are fully prepared for each session which starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. Entrepreneurial experience is not necessary to attend. The course is open to the public, including those who are still pondering if they want to go out and start their own business. For more information or to register, call 770-4837049.
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EDITOR/PUBLISHER Valerie J. Morgan editor@ocgnews.com
GENERAL MANAGER Glenn L. Morgan gmorgan1@ocgnews.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill richardhill@ocgnews.com
On Common Ground News is published weekly by On Common Ground, Inc. The newspaper serves DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Rockdale and Henry counties. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher or the newspaper’s advertisers. No portion of this newspaper may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. We reserve the right to reject material and advertisements we deem inappropriate. On Common Ground News
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Rockdale Chairman Nesbitt names Hambrick Chief of Staff
CONYERS—Rockdale County Chairman Oz Nesbitt, Sr. has named Sgt. Corey K. Hambrick, currently with the City of Conyers Police Department, as the county’s new Chief of Staff. Nesbitt plans to put the selection on the Board of Commissioners (BOC) Jan. 10 meeting agenda for the commissioners’ consent. “Sgt. Hambrick’s strong communication skills coupled with his mastery of organizational management makes him a good fit to assist me in moving Rockdale County forward,” Nesbitt said. “In addition, Sgt. Hambrick will help strengthen the relationship between the City, County and other local community entities and stakeholders. We have plenty of work ahead of us and Sgt. Hambrick is clearly ready to work.” Hambrick, 33, led Nesbitt’s transition team overseeing the transfer of administrations when Nesbitt took office on Jan. 1. As Chief of Staff, Hambrick will mainly serve as the liaison among the BOC members, assist the Chairman with the County’s daily administrative functions, supervise department-level managers, represent the BOC in various relationships such as government organizations and task forces, handle oversight of
executive-level policy analysis and development, and conduct critical research and present findings that are of interest to the BOC. Hambrick said he plans to maintain his certification as a Peace Officer and serve the Police Department in a reserve capacity when called upon. “Rockdale County is a great community to reside, work and simply enjoy life in, so I’m honored to be selected to not only serve the citizens, but also the employees in such a substantial manner,” Hambrick said. “While I’ll definitely miss my fellow officers at Conyers PD, I look forward to working with the City from a different perspective of service. Hambrick is the lead pastor of The Life Church Christian Center in Conyers and also serves as CEO and founder of Thinking Under Fire (TUF), an organization specializing in bridging the gap between local law enforcement and the communities they serve. Hambrick earned a Bachelors of Political Science degree from Alabama A & M University and Masters in Public Administration from Strayer University. He has served the City of Conyers for eight years. He started his career in public service as a
Corey K. Hambrick
police officer and rose up the ranks to several positions within the department including Field Training Officer, Corporal for Uniform Patrol, City Marshall, and Sergeant for both the Uniform Patrol and Criminal Investigation divisions. During his tenure with the City, Hambrick completed and received the Leadership in Police Organizations certification by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Managerial Certification from the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. Hambrick is married to Corrinne N. Hambrick. They live in Rockdale with their two youngest children, and have an oldest daughter who is a senior in college.
Clanton, Turner and Cunningham to run for Stonecrest City Council
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hree more candidates have announced plans to run for the Stonecrest City Council ahead of the qualifying period, which will be held Jan. 9-11. All candidates seeking to run for mayor or City Council must pay the required fees during the three-day time period. The fee is $600 for those running for mayor and $450 for those seeking city council seats. Jimmy Clanton, Jr. said he plans to run for the District 1 City Council seat. A community activist and organizer for the past five years in the Stonecrest Overlay area, Clanton is serving his second term as president of the Parks of Stonecrest Community Civic Association (PSCCA). Under his directions the association has hosted political forums, adopted and cleaned area roads of trash and been involved with the Stonecrest Business Alliance and the Stonecrest City Alliance. Clanton was appointed by District 5 Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson to the DeKalb Citizen Website Advisory Committee to help produce a friendly, fast, and
easy-to-navigate web presence for DeKalb residents and other web site users. Clanton is employed with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), where he is the Digital Properties Manager in the Division of Communications, as well as the website developer and site manager for the Georgia Public Health website and the Governor’s Georgia Shape website. He is also the distribution and publishing manager for Public Health’s PHInsider E-Newsletter. Clanton has lived in Lithonia since1986 with his wife, Edwina. All three of his adult children (Crystal, Jimmy, Jr. and Alicia) graduated from DeKalb County Schools. Robert Turner, II has announced his candidacy for the District 2 seat. Turner, who has lived in DeKalb County for over 25 years, is the program operations manager for the Georgia Department of Labor’s Distance Learning Center. He and his wife, Vicki Turner, a member of the DeKalb County School Board, founded Augustine Preparatory Acad-
Jimmy Clanton, Jr
Robert Turner, II
emy of Atlanta, a private, Christian school in Decatur. Rob Turner assisted with strategic planning, including budget, policies and procedures and staff development at the former academy. Turner holds a Bachelor’s of Art Degree in Mass Communications from Florida State University and a Master’s of Art Degree in Radio, Television and Film from Bowling Green State University. Turner said he feels he is running for the Stonecrest City Council because he wants to enhance business opportunities and help build the economy. Jesse “Jay” Cunningham said he plans to run for the Stonecrest City Council Dis-
Jesse “Jay” Cunningham
trict 4 seat because he believes he will be an asset to the council. Cunningham, who is the District 11 director for the Georgia PTA, said he is a consensus builder who has worked with locally-elected officials as well as state lawmakers. He said his business background in operating and managing restaurants, including his own, as well as previously serving as an elected official, has prepared him to understand operating budgets, agendas and planning. He was first elected to the District 5 seat of the DeKalb County School Board in 2006, and he was re-elected to the position on Nov. 2, 2010.
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MLK Day 2017 Around Atlanta
The King Holiday will be observed Monday, Jan. 16 and several events and celebrations are scheduled to commemorate the life and legacy of the late civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. While some of the events will be held on the holiday, others are scheduled before hand. Please check the status before attending: ATLANTA
MLK Commemorative Services at Ebenezer Baptist Church The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative service will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in the historic Heritage Sanctuary, 101 Jackson Street, Atlanta. Sponsored by The King Center, this annual church service is an ecumenical endeavor, engaging members of various religious traditions and state, national, and international governments. The service features tributes to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, Father Michael Pfleger, senior pastor at The Faith Community of Saint Sabina in Chicago will be the keynote speaker. Due to limited seating, guests are encouraged to arrive early and take MARTA. For more information, visit thekingcenter.org.
2017 MLK Commemorative March and Rally set The 2017 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commemorative march and rally will be held Monday, Jan. 16, 1:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March assembly begins at 1:15 p.m. at Peachtree and Baker Streets and ends at the King Center, 449 Auburn Ave. For more information, visit atlantaga.gov or call 404-597-7795.
NAACP President Cornell William Brooks to lecture at Emory Law Emory University’s Law School will be hosting a lecture to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King Thursday, Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m., in the Tull Auditorium, 1301 Clifton Road, Atlanta. Cornell William Brooks, president and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), will be the guest speaker of the free lecture. A reception will follow. For more information, visit law. emory.edu.
King Center events King Holiday Observance Kick-Off Join the staff at the King Center Tuesday, Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., for the King Holiday Observance Kick-Off Celebration at the King Center’s Freedom Hall Auditorium, 449 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta. The 2017 reception will include a presentation for the Dream Forward community service awards. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 404-526-8900 or visit the kingcenter. org.
Author to discuss new Coretta Scott King biography with daughter Bernice King Meet Barbara Reynolds, author of “My Life, My Love, My Legacy,” a biography of Coretta Scott King, on Friday, Jan. 13, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at the King Center, 449 Auburn Ave., NE, Atlanta. The free event will feature a candid conversation with Reynolds and Bernice King, daughter of the late Coretta Scott King. Guests will be able to purchase the book and have it signed. For more information, call 404-526-8900 or visit the kingcenter.org.
Run for freedom at the 2017 MLK Day 5K The MLK Day Let Freedom Run 5K will take place Monday, Jan. 16, 8 a.m., at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. Music starts at 8 a.m., 5k line up is at 8:45 a.m. A post race party will follow immediately after the race. The race will begin on the corner of Monroe Drive and 10th Street. Race registration is $30 in advance, $35 on race day. Runners will run along 3.1 miles of grass, pavement, gravel, a wooden bridge and dirt paths to the beat of a live drum line alongside the race course. Runners are advised to ride MARTA or get there early. For more information, visit mlkday5k.com..
Judge Glenda Hatchett to speak at GSU MLK commemoration Judge Hatchett will be the keynote speaker at Georgia State University’s annual MLK symposium on Thursday, Jan. 19, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., in the Student Center Ballroom, 55 Gilmer Street, Atlanta. Nationally recognized as an authority on juvenile and social issues and an outspoken advocate for children everywhere, Judge Hatchett speaks passionately on how to save this and future generations. Her presentations are a reminder to protect our youths to ensure our future.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta to host MLK Day for Kids The Children’s Museum of Atlanta will host a special ceremony to honor the late civil rights activist on Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., at the museum, 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive, Atlanta. The program will include music, stories and other special performances to be performed at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, visit childrensmuseumatlanta.org. .DEKALB
John Evans to serve as Grand Marshal for DeKalb NAACP parade The DeKalb NAACP will host the 15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade on the King Holiday, Monday, Jan. 16. The civil rights group’s 2017 theme is “Remembering the Dream, Honoring the Dreamer.” The grand marshal for the parade will be John Evans, founder and president of Operation LEAD and former president of the DeKalb NAACP. Parade participants will line up at Green Pastures Ministries, 5455 Flatshoals Parkway, Decatur, at 10 a.m. The parade starts at noon and will end at Martin Luther King, Jr., High School.
DeKalb County to host 33rd annual MLK celebration The county’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration program, “King’s Legacy of Peace with Justice for Our World,” will be held Friday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m., in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. The keynote address will be delivered by Francys Johnson, state president of the Georgia NAACP. Johnson is the senior minister at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Pembroke and Magnolia Missionary Baptist Church in Statesboro. Johnson practices criminal and civil law with the Johnson Firm P.C. Attorneys and Counselors of Law in Statesboro. The celebration is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www. dekalbcountyga.gov.
GWINNETT
Gwinnett County Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade and Celebration The Gwinnett United Ebony Society’s Martin Luther King, Jr. parade will take place Monday, Jan. 16, 11 a.m. The parade will begin at 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville and end at Moore Middle School, 121 Lawrenceville Highway, Lawrenceville. For more information, visit www. gwinnettmlkparade.com.
ROCKDALE
Annual MLK breakfast set The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual MLK breakfast on Monday, Jan. 16, 7:30 to 9 a.m., at Longhorn Steakhouse, 1294 Iris Dr S.W., Conyers. The cost of breakfast is $10 and will benefit the homeless population in Conyers. Pay at the door. For more information, visit www.conyers-rockdale.com or call 770- 483-7049.
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DeKalb BOC to elect board’s presiding officer
JANUARY 7, 2016 • PAGE 5
East Metro Atlanta Health & Fitness Expo seeking exhibitors The 2017 East Metro Atlanta Health and Fitness Expo will be held Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Georgia International Horse Park, 1996 Centennial Olympic Parkway, Conyers. Admission to the health expo is free and offers attendees access to health experts and physical activities for every level. There will be a 5K run/walk, a rock climbing wall and golfing. If you are interested in being a sponsor or exhibitor, visit emetrohealth.com
RCPS Specialty and Choice deadline is Jan. 9 Kathie Gannon
Larry Johnson
The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will elect its presiding officer on Jan. 10. The presiding officer, elected by the seven county commissioners themselves, sets the agendas, runs the board meetings and makes appointments to the board’s committees. Kathie Gannon and Larry Johnson have announced they will seek the year-long position. Gannon held the seat in 2008. Johnson has held the seat since January 2014. The board also will elect a deputy presiding officer. The elections may be the first look at how the new board will conduct business going forward. For several years, the board has been racially-divided on issues, including its leadership. Voters recently elected Gregory Adams, Steve Bradshaw and Mereda Davis Johnson to the board and either could change the dynamics of the board. “I think it is time for a change in leadership and vision of the Board, so I have decided to run for Presiding Officer. In recent elections, DeKalb voters have indicated they want to see changes in the way DeKalb governs and a change in Presiding Officer will be in keeping with that desire,” Gannon wrote in a newsletter emailed to constituents on Jan. 3 morning. Gannon said she is running because she believes change is needed. “I think it is time for a change in leadership and vision of the Board, so I have decided to run for Presiding Officer. In recent elections, DeKalb voters have indicated they want to see changes in the way DeKalb governs and a change in Presiding Officer will be in keeping with that desire,” Gannon wrote in a newsletter emailed to constituents on Jan. 3 morning. Johnson is touting his experience as a proven leader who has brought stability and continuity to the board during tumultuous times. He said he plans to push to get roads paved—not patched; increase pay for police; get rail transportation for DeKalb; build a better rapport with the cities in DeKalb and clean up dilapidated housing in the county.
Community Achievement Center to host job fair in DeKalb on Jan. 18 Start the New Year with a new job. The Masonic Admiration Lodge #25 and DeKalb County Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson will present a hiring event on Jan. 18, 1 to 4 p.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur HR managers from a wide variety of fields will be in attendance including AT&T, the Centers for Disease Control, Diaz Foods, Georgia Department of Transportation, law enforcement, logistics and customer service. Candidates should come dressed to interview, bring resumes and be prepared to speak directly with hiring personnel. The jobs fair is free and open to the public. A $50 gas card will be given to the 250th person who arrives at the career fair.
Get help signing up for ObamaCare DeKalb Medical will provide free assistance to help you determine the best health insurance options available under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as ObamaCare. DeKalb Medical is partnering with Insure Georgia and the DeKalb County Chapter of 100 Black Men of America to offer the free assistance: Tuesday, Jan. 17, 6:30 until 9 p.m., at the hospital’s Hillandale campus Thursday, Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the North Decatur Campus. Registration for the event is recommended but everyone is welcome to attend including drop-ins. To register or for more information, call 404-501WELL.
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Parents who are interested in enrolling their child into a Special or Choice Program in Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) for the 20172018 school year must apply by Jan. 9. Applications must be received by 6 p.m. For an application, go to www.rockdaleschools.org/specialtyandchoice or contact rcpsinfo@rockdale.k12.ga.us
National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees to meet
The DeKalb Chapter of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) will hold its next meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m., at Piccadilly’s restaurant, The Galleria at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. All active and retired federal employees, their spouses, and surviving spouses who are not currently a member of NARFE are welcome to attend this free meeting to learn more about the benefits of NARFE. For more information, visit ganarfe.org or contact Chapter President Calvin Stevens, 404-288-3604.
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Rockdale Board of Commissioners adjusts pay raises for county workers By Mackenzie N. Morgan
the raise because she believes it is important to foster an environment where county employees ockdale County employees will earn a feel valued. little more than expected this year, after “I feel it’s imperative that our employees have the Board of Commissioners (BOC) a wage that is both liveable and comparable to approved a slight adjustment during its first meetthose similarly employed in other counties. We ing of 2017. In a 2-1 vote on Jan. 3, the board must stop the perception that Rockdale County is approved a 5 percent pay raise, rather than the 4.5 where you come to get training and then use the percent previously approved. skills that you obtain while working here to obtain The raise was pushed through after newemployment that pays more somewhere else,” ly-elected Chairman Oz Nesbitt, who made the Washington said. proposal while conducting his very first meeting, Post 2 Commissioner Doreen Williams voted won support from Post 1 Commissioner Sherri against the increase, saying she was concerned Washington, who also is newly elected. Nesbitt about dipping into the county’s fund balance (rehad tried to get the raise last year when he was serve fund). Post 1 commissioner but was unsuccessful. “For the last four years, we’ve had to balance “I can’t think of a better way to start this year the budget assuming we must use the fund baloff, I can’t think of a better way to add some kind ance. The goal is to have expenditures covered by of increase to that budget other than supporting our revenues—incoming money—rather than dipping employees,” said Nesbitt. into the fund balance,” said Williams. “By law, Commissioner Washington said she voted for you have to keep a certain amount in there—I be-
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lieve $24 million and we’ve got $30 million.” The amendment will add $173,036 to the county’s general fund budget, increasing the total needed from the fund budget from %5.5 million to $5.7 million. The total operating budget now comes to $65,131,099. First evening BOC Work Session for the public In other business, the BOC approved holding an evening work session to make it easier for residents to attend and learn about the issues and other matters that come before the board. Chairman Nesbitt wants to make meetings more accessible to the public and is holding the first evening work session on Feb. 21, 7 p.m., at the county’s Assembly Hall, 901 Main St., Conyers. The work sessions are generally held on the first and third Tuesday each month. The voting board meetings are generally held second and fourth Tuesday of every month.
Rockdale Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington appoints chief, deputy tax commissioners
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ockdale County Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington has named RJ Hadley Chief Deputy Tax Commissioner, and Carol Simpson and Connie Shepperd Deputy Tax Commissioners in Rockdale. “We have operated as an effective leadership team in the Office of the Tax Commissioner for the past 4 years and I am excited our leadership team will remain in place,” said Smart-Washington. “Hadley’s appointment and Simpson and Shepperd’s reappointments ensure continuity in our operations and allow us to focus on being an office that is resident-centered, innovative and responsive with no disruption.” Hadley, who previously served as Chief of Staff and Tax Commissioner for Rockdale Coun-
ty, has a background in technology as a software engineer and a project manager with the Federal Aviation Administration, Motorola, and Logica. While at Logica, RJ managed engineering staff in multiple U.S. cities and in London, England. “RJ’s background in the technology and project management will serve our office well as we focus on innovation over the next 4 years,” Smart-Washington said. Simpson and Shepperd have been with the Tax Commissioner’s Office for 22 years and 12 years, respectively. Simpson oversees the accounting department and has been in the position for 10 years. Shepperd oversees the service department and was promoted to Deputy Tax Commissioner in 2015.
“Simpson and Shepperd have a wealth of knowledge and a long history of service to Rockdale County. I could not imagine moving forward as Tax Commissioner without their valued support,” said Smart-Washington.
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JANUARY 7,2016 • PAGE 7
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