champion free press 4-8-16

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C HA MP IO NN EW SPA PE R C HA MP IO NN EW S CHAMPIONNEWSPAPER CHAMPIONNEWS

thechampionnewspaper.com F REE P RESS FRiDaY, apRil 8, 2016 • Vol. 18, no. 51 • FREE

• A PUBLICATION OF ACE III COMMUNICATIONS • Serving East Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Clarkston, Decatur, Doraville, Dunwoody, Lithonia, Pine Lake, Tucker and Stone Mountain.

CHAMPION The

See Paws on Page 5A

See Stonecrest on Page 5A

-Jason Lary

PAWS Atlanta celebrates 50 years of saving pets’ lives

‘The first year, our

study failed. The

second year, wedidn’t have enough

time to get through the

General Assembly. The

third year, we passed

with everybody.’

Stonecrest proponents win in state house

by Andrew [email protected]

What began in the mid-1960s as a smallgroup of volunteers

concerned about the strayanimal population in DeKalbCounty is now the 50-year-old PAWS Atlanta no-killshelter.

The volunteers began theDeKalb Humane Society in966 and incorporated the

next year as a stand-aloneorganization that operatedhrough 1989. The volunteersostered animals until theshelter opened to the public.

“They started taking in petsn their own homes, doinghe spay/neuter themselvesand that grew. The concerngrew; the caring grew,” saidJacki McDonald, director ofmarketing and development

or PAWS Atlanta.The organization made

and purchases on Covington

by Andrew [email protected]

DeKalb County’s 12th municipality could

be the proposed city of Stonecrest. At the end of their 2016 session, state

egislators in March approved a bill thatcould lead to the formation of the proposedsoutheast DeKalb city, which would have apopulation of 50,000.

As of April 5, the bill had not been signedby Gov. Nathan Deal. If it is signed, votersn the boundaries of the proposed city woulddecide in November whether they want toorm the new city.

“I’m just beside myself in happiness,” saidJason Lary, president of the Stonecrest CityAlliance, about the bill’s passage.

“It’s been a three-year walk for me andhe team,” he said. “The frst year, our study

failed. The second year, we didn’t haveenough time to get through the General Assembly. The third year, we passed witheverybody.

“Not only did we pass, it’s with yingcolors,” Lary said. “And that made a realdifference. Finally we can focus on the sixkeys that we have determined...will help turnaround the corridor of Stonecrest.”

The six areas Stonecrest proponents wantto address include residential, commercialand industrial concerns, as well as schoolpartnerships, tourism and economicdevelopment, Lary said.

Addressing these six areas is key toturning the Stonecrest corridor around andmaking it a viable community, he added.

“Our biggest challenge is we lack jobs andeconomic development,” Lary said.

“Companies aren’t moving to Stonecrest or

Jacki McDonald of PAWS Atlanta holds Cheeks.

Jenica spends time with Jacki McDonald.

PAWS Atlanta is located on Covington Highway in unincorporatedDeKalb County. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Cats are allowed to roam free in PAWS Atlanta’s cat house.

Business ................................19A

Classified .............................. 18A

Education........................20-21A

Opinion ......................................7A Sports ...............................22-23A

QUICK FINDER

BUSINESS 19A

JESSE’S BRINGS TABLE-SERVICE DINING TOWESLEY CHAPEL

LOCAL, 16A

THREE SEEK TAXCOMMISSIONER’SSEAT

LOCAL, 4A

CHAMBLEECREATES SAFEMEETUP ZONE


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LOCAL The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 • Page 2A

35-gallonroll cart

18-gallon bin 65-gallon roll cart 40-gallon bag45-gallonroll cart

65-gallonroll cart

95-gallonroll cart

The DeKalb County Sanitation Division advances through Phase II of the

Rolling Forward to One sanitation service change program. Please see

below for county-provided recycling and garbage container options,

and information on soon-to-be-implemented changes to garbage and

recycling container requirements and collection procedures.

For more information, please call or visit: (404) 294-2900 • www.rollingforwardtoone.com • Follow @ItsInDeKalb on Twitter

Recycling ◊ Garbage roll cart rightsizing ◊ Additional garbage roll carts

Changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection procedures

Phase II

“We are rolling forward

together as one”

-Interim CEO Lee May

County-provided single-stream recycling options

Changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection procedures

Only county-provided garbage and recycling containers are approved for use

County-provided

garbage roll cart

Secure, durable

plastic bags for

excess garbage

County-provided

recycling bin,

bag and roll cart

Customer-provided

recycling container

or bag

Coming April 18, 2016

County-provided garbage roll cart options

Approved Not Approved

Customer-provided

garbage container


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AROUNDDEKALBCOUNTYWIDERegistration now open for Senior Olympics

The DeKalb County Department

of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairsinvites men and women 50 years ofage and older to participate in TheSenior Olympic Games.

Early registration deadline isSaturday, April 30. DeKalb CountySenior Olympics is not responsiblefor delays involving the United StatesPostal Service.

Registration and entry forms maybe mailed or delivered to DeKalbCounty Recreation, Parks & Cultural

Affairs, ATTN: DeKalb County SeniorOlympics, 1300 Commerce Drive Suite300, Decatur, GA 30030. A liability waiver must be signed and turned inwith all entry forms.

For additional information visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/parks orcall (404)-371-2711.

AVONDALE ESTATESCity to host farmers market

Avondale Estates will host its farmers market April 10, from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of My Parents’ Basement. The market willhave local produce and goods. My Parents’ Basement is located at 22North Avondale Road. For more information, visit www.avondaleestates.org.

CHAMBLEECity to host 2016 Wellness Challenge

From now until April 23, DeKalb residents have the opportunity toparticipate in group wellness activities in Chamblee. For completingsuch tasks as having a gym membership, attending tness classes,registering in a sports league, participating in organized runs and races,viewing Chamblee seminars and taking part in community cleanups,Wellness Challenge participants earn points.

The highest point earners will win prizes with one grand prizewinner in the categories of adult and youth. Prizes will be presented atChamblee Family Field Day in Keswick Park on April 23.

The challenge is open to anyone residing in DeKalb County. Formore information on the 2016 Chamblee Wellness Challenge, includinginformation on submitting points and due dates, visit www.chambleega.com.

DECATURWylde Center to hold spring plant sale festivalVegetables, herbs, trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials will be

available for purchase at the annual Plant Sale Festival hosted by theWylde Center at the organization’s Oakhurst Garden, 435 OakviewRoad, Decatur.

This year’s three-day event is presented by Cummin LandscapeSupply and will take place Friday, April 15, through Sunday, April 17,from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Wylde Center members are invited toshop at a preview evening, Thursday, April 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Proceeds from the Plant Sale Festival will benet the numerouseducational offerings at the Wylde Center and help support the nonprotorganization’s four public greenspaces.

For more information, visit www.wyldecenter.org/plant-sale.

DORAVILLECity hosts public planning session

Those looking to get involved with the “healthy and vibrant” future of

Doraville should save the date of Wednesday, April 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.The city of Doraville began updating its comprehensive plan on

March 28 through a public meeting at The Church of the New Covenant,located along 3330 Chestnut Drive. That process will continue on April13 with the help of attending residents, business owners, planners andcommunity advocates.

While part one of the two-part series focused on appropriately usingland, creating a design aesthetic for the city, and prioritizing initiatives inimprovement, the second part of the series will focus on implementingaction to achieve the city’s goals.

For more information on the upcoming comprehensive plan meeting,visit www.doravillega.us or contact Enrique Bascuñana at [email protected] or call (770) 451-8745.

LITHONIALibrary group to start book club

The Friends of Stonecrest Library will be starting a book club.Those who are interested in participating in the club are encouraged

to attend the rst meeting at the Stonecrest Library on April 11, at 6 p.m.For more information, call (770) 668-3060.

Nonprofits present Healthy ME Program for fifth-grade girls

Generations Connected Inc., with partners Lithonia Performing ArtsZone and Family Ties Inc., present the Healthy ME Program for fth-grade grade girls who live in south DeKalb County.

The program will be Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 12 to May 19,from 3 to 5 p.m. Registration with a parent or guardian is a requirementfor participation in the Healthy Me Program. The registration deadline is

Friday, April 8.The Healthy ME Program began in 2011 with wellness experiencesfor high school girls. It now offers hands-on healthy activities to currentfth-grade girls who will enter middle school in August 2016. Thiswellness program builds healthy awareness choices with professionalwomen health trainers who demonstrate wellness activities withexperiences in food preparation; journaling, spoken word poetry;dancercise and STEM—how to make a wellness shampoo/lotion or anapp.

The free program will be held at Lithonia Performing Arts Zonestudio located at 7245 Rockbridge Road, Suite 2100, Lithonia.

Further information and registration is available onsite at LithoniaPerforming Arts Zone. The registration form can be requested bycontacting Generations Connected at (770) 873-4049 or via email [email protected].

STONE MOUNTAINTeen girls group seeking new membersCoalition of Successful Young Women (CSYW), a nonprot that

supports parents in raising healthy and well-balanced young women, isseeking new members.

Some of the goals of the organization are to empower young womento maintain control over their lives help them maintain their dignity andself-respect provide volunteer opportunities for them to give back tosociety and expose them to successful women and leaders.

Membership is open to young women ages 13 to 18. Theorganization has ve adult advisers. Parent participation is encouragedbut not required. The club generally meets in Stone Mountain at 2 p.m.on the third Saturday of each month.

For more information or to join the organization, call or text Arlene Fitts Winfrey at (770) 595-7888, or email her at [email protected] use the subject CSYW in the email.

Clarification: The Champion would like to clarify information in a story titled “Dunwoody residents voice concerns, approval” in its March24, 2016, issue. The originators of the Dunwoody Community Survey believe its estimations to be 95 percent accurate.


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Laresa Jones

Laresa Jones

Chamblee creates safe meetup zone

For longtime DeKalb residentLaresa Jones, volunteering is justanother way of building up andmproving life for others.

Jones, 43, has lived in the metro

Atlanta area her entire life and hascalled DeKalb County her home forseveral years. She graduated fromSouthwest DeKalb High Schoolbefore heading to the University ofGeorgia where she pursued degreesn family and consumer scienceas well as organizational workdevelopment.

While Jones has earned herpaycheck through the Coca-ColaCompany for the past decade, themajority of her free time is spentvolunteering with the Junior Leagueof DeKalb County. She serves ashe chairwoman for membershipdevelopment.

“What membership developmentdoes is bring in new members,”ones said. “I’m very much a

champion in developing women andthat we, as a league, can be the bestthat we can.”

Jones said the focus of JuniorLeague is to promote volunteerism

throughout the county and isspecically aimed at women. Joneshelps promote, recruit and educateinterested women in joining thegroup. She said the group will have20 new active members by May.

“We do a lot of great work inDeKalb County and are a voice forDeKalb County,” Jones said. “ButI think the other piece that a lot ofpeople don’t see is that we developwomen, not just inside the league,but provide things that translate toeveryday life: leadership skills, howto run an organization, how to run abetter meeting, how to lead a groupof women.”

Jones said DeKalb JuniorLeague’s current mission is ghtingchildhood obesity. She takes part

in and helps organize sessionsin which children and parents areeducated on healthy eating habits.By going to farmer’s markets andorganizing pop-up farmer’s markets

where people learn how to make ahealthy salad, Jones said this effortis producing results.

“They thought, ‘Salad isn’tsupposed to be this good,’ and Isaid, ‘It can be,’” Jones said.

Jones said the majority of herservice work is done through theJunior League due to obligationswith Coca-Cola. However, shemakes sure she continues to be partof the positive change happening inand around Atlanta.

“I was born and raised here andI’ve watched the metropolitan areago through tremendous change,”Jones said. “It’s rare to nd someone

born and raised here. I really takehow our county grows and improvesseriously. I want to see DeKalb

County grow and prosper.”Jones said she loves facilitating

such changes and seeing people’seyes light up through the JuniorLeague of DeKalb County’s efforts.

by R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

It could happen to any-one.

An item, such as shoesor car equipment, is wantedand desired by an individual.The usual channels of pur-chasing such an item are ofno use; the local store is outor doesn’t carry a specicmodel while the store requir-ng a day trip just sold out.

Friends suggest pur-chasing the item online.

Compared to hoongt and traditional shopping,shopping online seemske a revelation. The items found through a privateseller and a meetup isarranged. Even thoughwebsites such as Ebay or

Craigslist have their fairshare of bad press, it hasalways seemed like a fewbad apples spoiling thebushel.

The excitement, howev-er, drowns out voices warn-ng of potential dangers.This is a stranger, after all,and anything could happen.

The city of Chambleehas taken steps to makesuch a situation worry free.On March 30, the city des-gnated two downtown loca-ons as “Online Exchange

Zones” where the public canmeet to buy, sell or tradetems.

The two areas, locatedat the Chamblee Police De-

partment lobby and nearbyparking lot, offer a place toconduct business 24 hoursa day and seven days aweek through constantvideo surveillance.

“In addition, police of-cers will be available ifneeded to stand by to in-crease everyone’s sense ofsecurity,” reads a release.“If requested, police ofcerswill check serial numbersagainst stolen item data-bases in an effort to assurethey are not already report-ed stolen.”

In order to exchangesafely, users are instructedto call the Chamblee PoliceDepartment a few minutesbefore their arrival.

According to ChambleeChief of Police Donny Wil-

liams, the idea was pre-sented to the departmentby councilman John Ma-son last year after seeinga similar program in HollySprings.

“We’ve had it up andready to go for a while, we

just haven’t had the camerasystem ready to go,” Wil-liams said. “Now that wehave that accomplished, wehave the site up and readyto go.”

Williams said the prob-lem isn’t all that prevalent inthe Chamblee area but anymeasure that guaranteesthe safety residents is onewell taken.

“Occasionally, you may

hear that someone was de-ceived and things of that na-ture, but it’s rare that some-thing serious happens,” Wil-liams said. “Nationally, it’s

known that serious incidentsoccur and we’re looking tohost a safe option and pro-vide transaction space in asafe environment.”

Williams said zonessimilar to the one inChamblee are a step in theright direction for any policedepartment.

“If someone is up tono good and looking to dosomething serious, chancesare they will not completethe transaction at a policedepartment,” Williams said.

Chamblee’s move tomake online transactionssafer does not come unwar-ranted. Last year, an Atlantacouple, Elrey and June

Runion met Ronnie Towns with the hopes of purchas-ing a 1966 Ford Mustang.Rather than engaging in apeaceful transaction, Towns

robbed and murdered theRunions before dumpingthem in a nearby body ofwater.

Craigslist, possibly thelargest person-to-persononline market, engages inhundreds of millions of post-ings and transactions peryear. Statistics provided bya competitor in 2011 stated330 crimes in the UnitedStates took place via Craig-slist, including 12 killings, 31assaults, 74 robberies, 52prostitution cases and 161“other” crimes.

A spokesman fromCraigslist told Fast Com- pany that same year “[It’s]probably worth considering

we had over 573 millionpostings on Craigslist lastyear. What are the odds?”

In addition, Craigsliststates in its “Personal

Safety” section how “Theoverwhelming majority ofCraigslist users are trust-worthy and well-meaning,”as well as “With billions ofhuman interactions, theincidence of violent crimerelated to Craigslist is ex-tremely low.” The websiteinstructs users to meet inpublic spaces, taking extraprecaution when sellinghigh-end items, taking afriend and always carrying acellular phone.

The Chamblee PoliceDepartment is located at3518 Broad Street. Formore information, contactthe department at (770)986-5005.

On March 30, the city designated two downtown locations as “Online Exchange Zones” where thepublic can meet to buy, sell or trade items. Photo provided


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The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 local Page 5A

PAWS Continued From Page 1A

STONECREST Continued From Page 1A

Highway in 1983 and 1997 that totaled 4.5acres. And in 2002, its name was changedo PAWS Atlanta Inc. “Because we keptgetting confused with DeKalb County AnimalControl,” McDonald said.

The original building on the property now

unctions as a cat house. Additionally, PAWSAtlanta has a dog house, dog kennels, aseparate intake building for dogs and ansolation area.

The facility also has a vet clinic, a newventure for PAWS Atlanta.

“We always had outsourced vettingo take care of our own pets,” McDonaldsaid. “We initially started just vaccinatingor the public and having ea and tick andheartworm preventatives. Now we canactually do much more for the public. Wecan do pet dentals. We can do spay/ neuterservices. You can come in to just do yourannual exam to get your pet checked up on.”

PAWS Atlanta is staffed by 23 employees,McDonald said.

“It’s a very small staff for a lot that getsdone because we have about 160 animalsn our care at any given time—dogs andcats,” she said, adding that the staff issupplemented by “hundreds” of volunteers.

“We’re very lucky that we have such astrong volunteer base, both individuals andcorporation that come out,” McDonald said.

McDonald said that most of the calls thatPAWS Atlanta receives are from people whowant to surrender their pets, and one of theop reasons they give is because they aremoving.

“Someone said recently, ‘Are they movingto Mars?’ Because where are you going thatyou can’t bring a pet?” McDonald said.

Sometimes a pet owner is moving into anapartment that does not allow pets or hasvery high pet fees and initial deposits, she

said.“If they would contact us sooner we couldcounsel them,” McDonald said. “We knowapartments that are dog-friendly. Of course,with bigger breeds—pit bulls, Rottweilers,German shepherds—it is challenging inapartments.”

Another reason owners give up pets isthey’re having a baby.

“Pets are not a starter kit,” McDonaldsaid. “They’re not [just to keep] until youhave a baby, until you get married. Ithappens so often that someone will have adog for nine years and then say ‘I’m havinga baby; I’m just not going to have time for [apet].’

“That to me is heartbreaking,” McDonald

said. “Yes, you have a child but you justhave to take the dog for a walk and stuff.He’s not asking for you to dance and partywith him every day. I know once you have achild it changes your life, but it’s weird how[some pet owners] can just turn it off—it’slike the dog means nothing then.”

Other pet owners who surrender theirpets say they cannot afford the care.

“We offer a lot of solutions to that,”McDonald said. “We offer low-cost vet care,free food [and] free spay/neuter if we have agrant...to cover it.

“I know they think they’re doing what’sbest for the animal,” McDonald said.“Leaving your animals home eight hours aday is better than putting them in a shelter ora cage here with us.”

McDonald said PAWS Atlanta staff is

“always compassionate…whatever theexcuse or the reason [is that] someone hasto give up their pet.”

Staff members “really try to counsel them,offer them a solution,” McDonald said. “If it’sreally about affording their pet, we have apet food pantry so we offer free pet food.

“Our only requirement is that you spay/neuter your pet,” she said. “We’re not goingto feed it for you to breed it.”

PAWS Atlanta, Georgia’s oldest no-kill animal shelter, is celebrating its 50thanniversary on April 16, from 3 to 7 p.m., atHistoric Fourth Ward Park, 680 Dallas St.NE, Atlanta.

The event will feature food trucks, artists,vendors, live entertainment, dog activities,

Creature Comforts Beer and a lantern-typeparade on the beltline.

“So much of this 50th [anniversary] is tohonor our adopters,” McDonald said. “Welove when someone from 10 years agocomes back and tells us how much theylove their dog or if...they come back to adoptanother animal.”

“There’s so many that come back and say‘my mom or my aunt volunteered here 20years ago,’” she said.

PAWS Atlanta’s van is “saving lives one tail at a time.”he vet clinic is a new venture for PAWS Atlanta. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Lithonia Industrial Boulevard where we have500,000 square feet of available warehousespace for light industrial, for manufacturing,and] for green opportunities.

“No one’s paying us any attention,” Larysaid. “Now we get a chance to sell the waresof the Stonecrest corridor.”

Stonecrest will be attractive forbusinesses because it has “a commercialand industrial park that’s friendly, thathas] greenspace available, that hasavailable land and has available stores andwarehousing space,” Lary said.

If Senate Bill 208, the Stonecrestegislation, is signed by the governor andapproved by voters, the new city would beun by a mayor and ve-member city council.

Additionally, Stonecrest, which could beginn May 2017, would start off with threemunicipal services: planning and zoning,

parks and recreation, and code enforcement.The other services, including police andre rescue services, would continue to beperformed by DeKalb County.

Lary said the next step for cityhoodproponents is to “continue to inform ourneighbors and...the business and industrialcommunity on why we’re doing this [and]what the advantages are.”

The “most important thing…we have tolet the general public [know is that] there areno new taxes and there’s not a double tax,”Lary said, adding that tax increases wouldhave to be approved by residents of theproposed city.

Lary said one reason Stonecresthas made it as far as it has, while otherproposed cities, such as LaVista Hillsand Greenhaven, have not is becauseStonecrest proponents have worked with the

county.“The reason that we’ve been so

successful so far is we’ve taken theapproach of having a partnership withDeKalb County,” Lary said, citing the manymeetings Stonecrest proponents have hadwith county ofcials.

“That’s where, quite frankly, some ofthe other places have run into a problembecause they considered it to be anadversarial relationship with the county,”Lary added.

Lary said he has high hopes forStonecrest.

“If you can get people to live, work, play,worship [and] shop in your community, it’sgoing to grow and it’s going to do well,” Larysaid. “It takes a brand to be able to do that. Ittakes a new brand with new people with newideas and a fresh start.”


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The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 opinion Page 6A

@AndrewChampNews

Andrew Cauthen

[email protected]

Managing Editor

How much do you make? An always enjoyable part

of my job is participating in aschool’s career day.

I enjoy the break from

my normal journalistic dutieso mingle with school facultyand other professionals. Ike the chance to play withhe digital whiteboards thatwould have tried to hack if

we’d had them when I wasa kid.

But most importantly,as someone who has beennvolved with youth ministryand mentoring and tutoringmy whole adult life, I enjoybeing around the youngpeople.

I usually bring a stack a

newspapers to pass to thestudents and bring some ofthe tools of my trade: a lap-top, cellphone, camera andnotepad.

Using the now ubiquitousdigital whiteboards, I projecta PowerPoint presenta-tion that shows the basics

about my job and includessome cool photos such asa student catching air as heskateboards down somestairs or serious photos suchas a Black Lives Matter rallyin Decatur.

I nd it rewarding to tellthem about my job and an-swer their questions aboutcollege, careers, salariesand life in general.

And the students alwayshave interesting questionslike some I heard during acareer day at The Champion

School in Stone Mountain.How much money do youmake? Have you met any-one famous? Have you ever

seen someone get shot?In a letter to career day

participants, counselors fromThe Champion School stat-ed, “The career informationthat you share with our stu-dents will be very valuable inbroadening their knowledgeof the world of work. Youngpeople need to know what ittakes to be successful in thecareer they choose.”

Career day is an impor-tant part of the educationa school provides. It givesstudents a glimpse of the

so-called real world, and itprovides them with a breakfrom their regular school rou-tines. Additionally, it allows

community members theopportunity to give back toschools.

Schools are always look-ing for people of all careersand trades and economiclevels to talk to their stu-dents about the various jobsstudents can pursue.

So nd a school andvolunteer for its next careerday. And be prepared to an-swer the “How much do youmake” question without ac-tually telling how much youmake?


7/24

“...There has to besome type of punish-ment,” responds GOProntrunner DonaldTrump to MSNBC’sChris Matthews onMarch 30 during a live-elevised Town Hall fromGreen Bay, Wisc.

Hypothetical questionsare, with good reason,he bane of many a can-didate’s existence. Re-porters and pundits lovehem, as they are ableo engage in ights ofancy and the occasionalgotcha,” under the guise

of attempting to sharewith their audience, lis-eners or readers howhe mind of a particularcandidate works. I haveoften warned candidateshat if you are going towalk down that road, andespond to the hypotheti-

cals, be prepared in ad-vance with a wide arrayof potential responses onhe major issues of the

day which are clear, con-cise and easy to recall.

Instead, we areblanketed, or perhapsrumpeted is a more ap-propriate phrase, withcatch phrases like “makeAmerica great again,”build a 50-foot wall” or...just bomb the sh-- out

of them and take the oil.”Simplistic non-solutions,many of which may t ona bumper sticker, typically

are impractical if not im-possible to implement in

the complicated, layeredand real world in whichwe live.

The same DonaldTrump who avoids Megyn Kelly of the FoxNews Network, sees nodanger or illogic in sit-ting down with MSNBC’sChris Matthews, a prac-tically self-avowed parti-san for a town hall chat.Matthews throws Trumpa hypothetical curve ball:“President Trump and a

more conservative Su-preme Court have out-lawed abortion. But abor-tions still occur. Shouldthere be criminal pros-ecution or punishment?Who should be pun-ished?”

Trump, who at rststruggles, says, “Well...there would have to besome form of punish-ment, yes.”

“For the women?” Mat-

thews further probes.

“Yes, for the women”,Trump replies.Matthews attempted

to get sentencing optionsout of Trump, but by thenthe candidate appearedalready aware of what hehad just stepped in.

Trump, who spentdecades self-labeled aspro-choice, now declareshimself pro-life. With thisanswer, he was able toiname and anger bothsides on perhaps the hot-test social issue of ourtime, while simultane-ously accentuating theGOP’s greatest Achilles’heel among female vot-ers.

Trump’s campaignquickly issues a formalfollow-up statement, re-tracting his statement toMatthews, now indicatingthat it would be the doc-tor or technician who willbe prosecuted if abortionis made illegal. Scoretwo for Matthews. He has

the GOP frontrunner ac-knowledging a potentialgoal of making abortionillegal, and allowing thathe might prosecute theprospective mother.

And then days later,Trump’s campaign ac-knowledges what most inthe GOP leadership haveunderstood for a fewdecades, Roe v. Wadeis now the establishedlaw of the land. Abortion

can be restricted, but not

abolished. In 1992, duringthe Planned Parenthoodv. Casey deliberations,eight of the nine mem-bers of the SupremeCourt had been appoint-ed by Republicans. Thelone Democrat on thecourt at that time was adissenter in the originalRoe v. Wade decision. And yet that case uphelda women’s legal right toan abortion, while alsoallowing states to placerestrictions on the timingand particulars of the pro-cedure.

The handful of folksI know who are strongTrump supporters willargue, yell at and repeat-edly tell me that I justdon’t get it. I understandtheir beliefs and mindset,I also happen to believethat they are wildly under-and misinformed. A majority of those who havetold me they have votedfor or plan to vote for

Trump also shared thatin many cases they havenot voted for decades orhave at least sat out thepast several election cy-cles. I again understandthe why on this, though Idon’t agree with that be-havior either.

Former Secretary ofState Hillary Clinton hasbeen struggling with anuninspired DemocraticPrimary base vote, a

So...here’s the situation....

Bill Crane

[email protected]

Columnist

ONE MAN’S OPINION

stronger-than-expectedchallenge by VermontSen. Bernie Sanders and an email review bythe FBI which just won’tseem to fade away. Andnow, with a few minuteson MSNBC, Mr. Trumphas given her an ace toplay in the fall, at practi-cally no cost. No wonderhis casinos all went bank-rupt.

So here’s my hypo-thetical situation: A docu-mented chauvinist, witha long track record ofhateful Tweets and publicstatements takes on amore experienced, albeitawed, female opponentto lead a country whichis poised to elect its rstfemale chief executive.Whose odds do you likebetter in that scenario, ina country with a votingbase that is 54 percentfemale?

Bill Crane also serves as

a political analyst and com-

mentator for Channel 2’s Ac-tion News, WSB-AM News/ Talk 750 and now 95.5 FM,as well as a columnist forThe Champion, ChampionFree Press and GeorgiaTrend. Crane is a DeKalbnative and business owner,living in Scottdale. You canreach him or comment ona column at [email protected].

The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 opinion Page 7A

THE CHAMPION FREE PRESS encourages opinionsfrom its readers. Please write to us and express yourviews. Letters should be brief, typewritten and containthe writer’s name, address and telephone number for

verication. All letters will be considered for publica-tion.

STATEMENT FROM THE

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8/24


Elmore

Avondale Estates focusing on business growthby Carla Parker [email protected]

In 2015, 22 newbusinesses opened inAvondale Estates and

he city hopes the trendcontinues.

During his state of thecity address on March28, Avondale EstatesMayor Jonathan Elmoreexpressed his excitementor the new businesses andaid out the plan for bringingn more businesses, whichwill be tasked by the city’sDowntown DevelopmentAuthority (DDA).

“This year we’ve reallybeen working on innovating,energizing and enabling

he DDA to better do theirob,” Elmore said. “We’ren talks with them right nowo start funding them much

more substantially than

we have in the past andhopefully we’ll be reachingan intergovernmentalagreement with them prettysoon.”

Elmore said city ofcialsare looking for the DDAto do more to promotethe city, promote the

existing businesses, helpthe existing businesses,and also bring in newbusinesses, new events,and more visitors to the city.

“As such, they havedecided to divide andconquer and they have nowstarted these committees—events, marketing, adepartment of juvenile

justice representative,business recruitment andorganization and land useredevelopment,” Elmoresaid. “These are incrediblyimportant things and welook forward to working withthe DDA more closely andpushing the goals of ourcity.”

Elmore also stated inhis address that the cityhas formed two new adhoc committees that willfocus on education andgreenspace.

“These are two thingsthat are important to allof us,” Elmore said. “Wedon’t have our own schoolsystem here in Avondale

but [education] is somethingthat is very important to allof us, so we’ve decidedto form an educationcommittee so they can helpus put information on the

website for people who aremoving here, for peoplewho live here about oureducation resources.”

Elmore said thecommittee includeseducation professionalswho will keep an eye on the“education politics” in thecounty, “so that we knowwhat’s going on and we’rebetter prepared for anythingthat’s coming down theroad.”

Elmore said thegreenspace committee is

currently putting together adraft for the residential treeordinance.

“They recently askedus to commission a tree

canopy study, which isunder way, so we can takea look at our tree canopyto see if it’s increasing, isit decreasing and wherewe’re going,” he said. “It’ll

also better inform the treeordinance that they’redrafting. They’re alsogoing to be looking at thegreenspace resources thatthe city owns…to see howwe can possibly betterutilize the greenspace for allof us.

“We’re really excitedto have both of these[committees],” Elmoreadded. “They’re ad hoccommittees, which meansthey’ll be in place for a year.

At the end of that year we’ll

take a look at what they’vedone and if we’re happywith that we’ll reappointthem. I’m looking forward toseeing the results.”

Photo by Travis Hudgons

Robbins, Monferdini win Tucker council seatsby Carla Parker [email protected]

The nal two seats of theTucker City Council are lled.

Matt Robbins won the District2, Post 1 council seat, and NoelleMonferdini won the District 2, Post2 council seat in the March 29 runoffelections. Monferdini thanked hersupporters on her Facebook page.

“Thank you all for your support,your willingness to open up andspeak with me about the thingshat are important to you, attending

our forums and meet and greetsand your vote,” Monferdini said.Without all of you I would not be

here today. Thank you so verymuch and I am very excited to buildhis city with all of you. I am proudo serve you all.”

Monferdini won the seatwith 68.85 percent of votes. Heropponent, Susan Wood, received31.15 percent. Robbins edged out a

51.56 percent to 48.44 percent overopponent Katherine Atteberry.

The election had a voter turnoutof 13.30 percent.

The newly elected councilmembers joined the city councilafter their swearing in ceremony

on April 1. The mayor and councilhave been meeting since March 15without representation for District 2.

The candidates acknowledgedresidents’ concerns about thecouncil holding meetings with aDistrict 2 representative but did not

disagree with the council meetings.“I want to make it very clear

that the four of us who are runningfor District 2 will make a pledgeand partnership and participation

with the existing council,” Robbinshad said prior to the lection. “Thebottom line is we’re going toserve the whole city. Yes, we aresegmented into [three districts]with two going to be completed ina couple of weeks. But the bottomline is we want to work together forthe city and for the needs of thecity.”

Monferdini suggested at therst council meeting that the councilconsider changing the city charterto address the issue of a district notbeing represented due to a runoffelection.

“Remember that not everyoneagreed with a city to begin with,”Monferdini said. “We’re trying to getthem on board. We want everyoneto move forward together.”

Robbins Monferdini


9/24


Local leaders encourage students to engageby Andrew [email protected]

A local nonprot broughtogether four local leaderso encourage Clarkston

High School students to beengaged in their community.

Sponsored by SmallCreek Alliance, a local

onprot that aimso curb violence, the

event featured Steve

Bradshaw, a candidateor DeKalb CountyDistrict 4 commissioneat; Mechel McKinley,

executive director of theStone Mountain DowntownDevelopment Authority; andDiamond Sands, owneror Luxvi Hair, a seller ofuxurious virgin hair. Theprogram was emceed by Bria Janelle, CEO of theLoud Genius nonprot,an online news sourceedicated to the music,

comedy and sports culture.“Today’s event was

eally to expose the youtho leaders in our community

and also give the leadersn our community theopportunity to listen andengage the youth ultimatelyn an effort to curb violencen the central DeKalbcommunity,” said BrandonBrant, of Small CreekAlliance, which focuses onuality of education, quality

of environment and qualityof health.

The panelists eldedeveral questions including

one asking for theirmotivation for communitynvolvement.

“The reason that I dowhat I do is because what

I do makes a difference…in the community I live in,”McKinley said.

“I work with youngentrepreneurs who arelooking to open a businessand I help them with theirbusiness plan and I helpthem nd a space for theirbusiness and I help themdo their grand opening andstart to grow their businessand take it to the next level,”

she said.Bradshaw said he ismotivated by “an interestand a love for publicservice.”

“I’ve been impressedwith public service sinceI was very young,” saidBradshaw, U.S. Armyveteran.

“When I was a childgrowing up in Savannah,I remember my father’sdream was to be mayor ofSavannah one day,” saidBradshaw, who also wasappointed by former Gov.

Roy Barnes to the StateBoard of Examiners for theCertication of Water andWastewater Plant Operatorsand Laboratory Analysts.“That never happened,…butI guess it planted a seed inmy when I was young.

“I see an acute needin DeKalb County forleadership and that’s what’smotivating me to run forofce,” Bradshaw said.

Sands said as a youngBlack girl she had short hairand was teased about it.

“A lot of African- American women andwomen of color…haveexperienced similar storiesin terms of their hair,” she

said.

Sands said she has aphilanthropic platform thataddresses self love.

“Because withoutthat nothing else matters,whether your hair is naturalor you wear a weave,”Sands said. “I have locs upunderneath this. I could takethis off and aunt my locs. Ican wear the weave, I canwear the wigs. It doesn’tmatter.

“As long as you loveyourself, as long as you’retaking the proper steps tobe able to really and truly becondent in the skin you’rein, that’s all that matters,”she said. “You can dowhatever you want to do. All

that matters is that you love

yourself.”Brant said he sponsoredthe program because “alot of times the peoplethat have the opportunityto grasp their attentionand give them a messageare your athletes or yourrappers or your everydayteachers.

“Today I felt like theycould get an alternativeperspective from aviewpoint of people thatactually have achieved what

they might have in mind,” he

said.“Our research showsthat…the overall value ofDeKalb will be improvedif we can tackle and focusour efforts in empoweringour youth and decreasingviolence,” Brant added.

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Brandon Brant, of Small Creek Alliance, sponsoredthe community engagement forum at Clarkston HighSchool.

The panelists were Mechel McKinley, executive director of the Stone Mountain Downtown Development Authority; smallbusiness owner Diamond Sands; and Steve Bradshaw, a candidate for DeKalb County District 4 commission seat.

McKinley talked with students after the forum. Photos by Andrew Cauthen

Bria Janelle, CEO of the Loud Genius nonprofit,emceed the program.


10/24


See NJROTC on Page 12A

See BuHi on Page 11A

Cross Keys freshmen engage with public, officialsby R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

For three hours on March30, the hustle and bustle ofthe Plaza Fiesta shoppingcenter was met with dozens

trying to implement change.One may think these voices

and ideas, echoing throughout theChamblee based Hispanic culturalhub, originated from collegestudents or community advocates.However, the voices calling foraffordable housing, access tomeetings for Latinos and betterinfrastructure came from CrossKeys High School freshmen.

March 30 marked the beginningof Cross Keys High School’s BuHi(Buford Highway) Project. From 6

to 9 p.m., approximately two dozenfreshmen from the DeKalb highschool shared ideas on how tomake the Buford Highway regionuniversally and inclusively better.Local ofcials from Doraville andBrookhaven, including mayorDonna Pittman, joined students inthe lively, constructive discussion.

English teacher RebekahMorris said the project took rootwhen discussing issues withMarian Liou of We Love BuHi, aBuford Highway-specic enterpriseseeking to improve the corridor. Inrealizing Liou and Morris’s interestswere similar, Morris devised theproject as a way of reading, writingand critically thinking about thequestion “What’s better – lookingout for yourself or looking out forothers?”

“We’ve been realizingthat when you look out for thecommunity, it directly impacts

your life,” Morris said. “Instead ofteaching them what displacementmeans, they’re looking atdisplacement in context. Theyremember vocabulary and why itmatters.”

Jenifer Monzon andJacqueline Gutierrez, two CrossKeys freshmen, said they wanttheir project to lead the way inmaking Buford Highway a betterplace to live.

“We are trying to nd and showpeople better ways to improveBuford Highway so we canappreciate it more,” Monzon said.“We’re trying to nd better ways toimprove our community.

Monzon and Gutierrez’s ideasinvolve adding more bike lanes,more access to travel information

for minorities and improved publictransit. The duo explained how ifmore people, namely minorities,in the BuHi area knew of and hadaccess to public meetings, betterchanges would be implemented.

“People aren’t really informedabout meetings we have,” Monzonsaid. “[Information] should getout to everyone so they can getinvolved more with the community.We need people who live here togive ideas; we don’t need peoplewho don’t live here giving ideas.They don’t know how it is to livehere.”

Monzon, as did other freshmenat Plaza Fiesta that evening, seesBuford Highway as a thriving,beautiful community. The studentsexplained how the proximity ofplaces to eat, businesses andservice industries make it an

Stone Mountain NJROTC receives annual inspectionby R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

For most of the day March30, the sounds of militarycommands rang through thehalls of Stone Mountain HighSchool’s auditorium. They werequick, direct and authoritative, allfor the purpose of obtaining anexceptional score.

The commands’ forthrightnessstems from a years’ worth of hardwork. They seemed to representhours spent in the DeKalb school’sgym memorizing steps, marchesand directions. The shoutsexplicitly demanded the correctturn and cadence, but seemed

to implicitly provide students withthings all the more important:validation and meaning.

March 30 marked Stone

Mountain High School’s NavalJunior Reserve Ofcer’s Training

Corps’ (NJROTC) annualinspection. From 7:30 a.m. until2 p.m., more than 100 studentsdressed in military regalia stood information, marched and presentedarms in unison.

Commander Patrick Callan ofthe Navy Recruitment District of

Atlanta performed the inspection,which consisted of judging cadets’enthusiasm, cleanliness, ability tofollow orders and knowledge ofmilitary direction. Six total platoonswere judged over a two hourperiod amounting to 129 students.

The event concluded with aceremonial program consisting

of a presentation of colors andnational anthem, presentationof awards and acknowledgmentof the highest ranking platoon,

demonstration by the armedand unarmed drill teams, and a

pass-in-review in which studentspassed by Commander Callum,the two NJROTC teachers atStone Mountain High, as wellas assistant principal TarristineSimmons.

Immediately following, cadetswere briefed by their platoonleaders and teachers on howthey performed. LieutenantCommander John-MichaelJones, who teaches secondthrough fourth year NJROTCcadets, will then send that reportto Stone Mountain High’s regionalmanager.

According to Senior Chief

Haamid Malik, who teaches rstyear NJROTC students at StoneMountain High, the event stoodas a school year culmination for

cadets. Malik recently retired fromthe Navy after 26 years of service

and enjoys “continuing his service”by passing along knowledge toStone Mountain students.

“This is like an annual reportcard to show how motivatedstudents are,” Malik said. “It’san opportunity for the cadets toshow off what they’ve learnedthroughout the year. It’s a showtime – it shows the discipline theyhave.”

The importance of the eventcould be read on each cadet’sstern, uninching face. The retiredNavy serviceman was the rst topoint out how stressful such aninspection can be for each platoon.

Small mistakes such as a wrinkledshirt, improper turn or unenthused

Cross Keys High School teacher Rebekah Morris greets the public at the openingof The BuHi Project, created by Cross Keys freshmen. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

Onlookers discuss one of several poster boards outlining potential Buford Highwayimprovements.


11/24


BUHI Continued From Page 10A

How You Can Help?Provide employment to our graduates

Encourage others to employ our graduates.

District Attorney Robert James

hosts

Jobs Not Jail:A Call To Action

• Two-thirds of every offender will be re-arrested within 3 years• The DA’s diversion program holds youthful, non-violent offenders accountable

• Come learn more about our Anti-Recidivism Diversion Court• Hear from our Anti-Recidivism Diversion Court graduates as they share their experiences

For information about our programs RSVP for the event by 4/5/2016

[email protected] [email protected]

April 13, 2016Historic DeKalb Courthouse

101 East Court SquareDecatur, GA 3003010:00am-1:00pm

Complimentary Breakfast

deal neighborhood, but lackingnecessary infrastructure such asbike lanes and safe sidewalks. Thestreets, similarly, are constantlycrowded due to trafc anddiscourage exploration.

Freshman Bryan Franciscosaid the streets are also lled witheasily xable problems such ascracks, potholes and trafc lightmalfunctions. Francisco suggestedsuch solutions as lowering speedmits and including bike lanes in

original road planning.“It makes it dangerous for

drivers,” Francisco said. “Peoplealso don’t feel safe riding their bikeson Buford Highway because they’reafraid of getting hit. There are

huge chunks of sidewalk missingand hard for people to just walk. Iknow it’s our tax dollars and there’spolitics and all that, but it shouldn’tbe that hard to x.”

Students Maria Diaz and LizGelacio suggested changing laneusage along BuHi. The duo outlined

how changing certain portions ofBuford Highway from seven lanesto ve and creating sidewalks orbike lanes instead will make theregion more pedestrian friendly.

“It will be for people who can’tafford vehicles or people who justwant to be healthy and help theenvironment need bike lanes,” Diazsaid.

“We know that Buford Highway

is one of the most dangeroushighways,” Gelacio said. “Forbuses, there are students whohave to cross it. So why not havea specic place for pedestrians tocross safely?”

Diaz and Gelacio also said inorder to make Buford Highway

“what it once was” improvementsalso need to be made in therealm of housing and food retail.When it came to housing, the duosuggested lowering rent acrossthe board and making it easier topurchase a home. The pair alsopointed to the vast amount of fastfood restaurants along the highway,which is ironically known for being afood destination in metro Atlanta.

“I feel like a one bedroom, onebathroom apartment doesn’t needto be $900,” Diaz said. “That’s alot to pay. Isn’t $550 enough forthat? In order to make all of thishappen, we need to get together asa community and help.”

Cross Keys High principal

Jason Heard said he was proud tosee students being the change theywish to see.

“Students are not only bringingto light issues but solutions toproblems,” Heard said. “It’s onething to talk about being changeagents, but another thing to actuallybe a participant in making thingshappen.”

Maria Diaz and Liz Gelacio discuss their project with thepublic. Photos by R. Scott Belzer

Bryan Francisco stands proudly by his Buford Highwayimprovement project.

Cross Keys High School principal Jason Hearddiscusses The BuHi Project with teacher RebekahMorris.


12/24


NJROTC Continued From Page 10A

_ _ _ _ . . _ . :

esponse to CommanderCallan meant points off forhe entire platoon.

“Even as a senior personwith 26 years of experience inhe Navy, I still get nervous inhese situations,” Malik said.

Malik said NJROTCrograms throughout theountry help instill leadership,iscipline and values totudents. While students willocus on academics one dayuring the week, anotheray will be dedicated totness. The same amount

of importance is stressed inhe areas of drilling, learninghain-of-command androcedure.

In addition, NJROTCrograms help exposetudents to things notormally considered in the

igh school setting. Whilehe program bases itsnstructions and overall goalson the United States military,

is not a military program.“We give them an

opportunity to lead theireers and nd additional

opportunities after highchool,” Malik said. “Wexpose them to different

options. If they decide to gointo the service, we give themaccelerated advancementin the military, but we do notpush it.”

According to Lt.Commander Jones, theNJROTC representsapproximately 15 to 20percent of students attendingStone Mountain High Schoolwith a 3.5 or higher gradepoint average and is oneof the most diverse groupson campus. In addition, 45percent of its membershipis female, making it one ofthe most well-representedgroups at the DeKalb school.

“I just want to say howproud I am in teaching ourcadets,” said Jones. “[Ourprogram] has made us proud.”

Simmons concluded

the event by extending herown thanks to the cadetsattending Stone MountainHigh School.

“On behalf of all of thefaculty, administration teamand staff, I just want to thank[the cadets],” said Simmons.“Thank you for all of yourhard work and diligence, ithas all paid off.”

The Stone Mountain NJROTC Unarmed Drill Team performs during its annual inspection.

Commander Patrick Callan inspects one of six Stone Mountain NJROTC platoons. Photos by R.Scott Belzer


13/24


PHOTOS BROUGHT TO YOU BY DCTV

WEEK inPICTURES

DeKalb County implements changes to garbage and recycling container requirements and collection

procedures April 18, 2016.

Only county-provided garbage and recycling containers are approved for sanitation collection service.

For more info, call or visit:

(404) 294-2900

www.rollingforwardtoone.com

Commander Patrick Callan consults inspection paperwork with anassistant during Stone Mountain High School’s NJROTC annualinspection. See story on page 10A. Photos by Scott Belzer

A platoon leader stands at attention while awaiting inspection duringStone Mountain High School’s NJROTC annual inspection on March 30.

Senior Chief Haamid Malik, who teaches first-year NJROTC students, watches attentively while his class is inspected.

Stone Mountain High School’s color guard students stand awaiting inspection on March 30.

A banner asking daddy to be careful on a construction worksite as seen in downtown Decatur.Photo by John Hewitt


14/24


Chapel Hill Park gets makeover

Saturday, April 23, 201611am - 5pm

Join the Junior League of DeKalb County, Inc. forthe 4th Annual Tour of Kitchens. Tour of Kitchensshowcases some of the area’s best residential

kitchens with eye-catching yet functional designson a self-guided tour.

This year’s tour will feature newly renovatedkitchens by Splice Design,CSI Kitchen and Bath

Studios, Home Rebuilders as well as JLD’s historicheadquarters, the Mary Gay House, with a patio

remodel by Steve Brewer Landscaping.

There will also be chef demonstrations scheduledthroughout the event at each of the kitchens

by local chefs from:Farm Burger, Parker’s on Ponce, Revival, M572,Growler Time, The Marlay House, Strippaggio

Bamboo Juices

If you are looking for inspiration for yourkitchen renovation, need new ideas for

cooking meals at home or just want a funday out, don’t miss this wonderful event!

General Admission $15VIP Admission $25

For more information on this year’sTour of Kitchensand to purchase tickets,visit www.jldekalb.org.

by Travis [email protected]

Chapel Hill Park inDecatur received neweatures and cosmeticmprovements April 2. Inconjunction with EarthDay, Kaiser Permenantepartnered with Earth ShareGeorgia, Park Pride andFriends of Chapel Hill Parko make improvements tohe park as part of its annual

environmental serviceproject.

Approximately 40volunteers came to the parko plant plants, install erosion

control features, powerwashhe pavilions and create an

outdoor classroom.“We’re very happy to

be here...giving back to thecommunity,” said SharonGetties Johnson, managerof community service withKaiser Permenante.

“[This] keeps ourcommunity healthy–andhealthy is more than going tohe doctor. It’s greenspace,clean water and clean air,”

Getties Johnson said.

Volunteers install erosion control features to the park’s hillside. Photos by Travis Hudgons

Benches for the outdoor classroom are assembled.


15/24


Dunwoody to spend more than $400K on stormwater repairsby R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

The Dunwoody CityCouncil approvedspending more than$400,000 on ve sepa-

ate residential projects re-ated to stormwater drainage,ncluding pipe, foundationand sinkhole repairs at twoseparate city council meet-ngs.

The largest project pre-sented before the council,amounting to $162,018, in-cluded storm water repairs atseven addresses along Ver-mack Road. According to thedocument presented to thepublic and council from Da-vid Elliott, stormwater man-ager for the city, “Problems

with this stormwater systemwere originally located in2012,” prompting repairs in2014.

“Several sections of thepipe system were partiallycrushed during installation,which resulted in a varietyof problems,” according tohe document. “The systems roughly 40 years old andbeginning to fail from wear inseveral areas. The repairs in2014 replaced the most dam-aged portions of this systemand eliminated the immediateisk of ooding.”

The $162,018 gure alsoncludes a 20 percent con-ngency, meaning the entire

amount may not be spent. At the regularly sched-

uled March 14 meeting ofDunwoody’s city council,Councilman Terry Nallbrought up the issue ofstormwater repairs duringa discussion about paving.Dunwoody ofcials havestressed in the past that ev-ery road within city limits willeventually be paved, prompt-ng an opportunity to com-

bine priorities.“I’m all for extra paving,”

Nall said. “But we need tohave a conversation as acouncil that when we startadding a lot more money topaving, it also impacts thestorm drain work. We alwaysgo in and look at all the stormdrains [when paving], and wemay be pushing some stormdrain projects behind so wecan look at storm drain proj-ects for newly paved roads.Not to mention, it’s going toeat into our storm drain fund.”

A project at a residencealong Devonshire Way willcost the city $72,734, includ-ng a 10 percent contingency.According to Elliott’s docu-

ment memorandum present-ed to the council, a complaintconcerning a sinkhole from aresident eventually resultedin the nding of a 300-footpipe “deteriorated throughoutits length.”

Another sinkhole com-plaint along Twin BranchesWay in Dunwoody will costthe city $74,964 with contin-gency. Elliott told the councilvia memorandum that thisparticular case was causedby an overgrown root mass,which has since been takencare of.

Sinkhole complaintsalong Ben Creek Road founda “failed brick junction box”and “signicantly deterio-

rated” pipe located near aresidence. The project, whichwill cost Dunwoody $61,809with contingency, will also re-quire the rehabilitation of twoheadwalls. Headwalls arethe concrete portion of outletareas where pipes drain andare typically visible to thepublic.

A project that initially costDunwoody $83,100 alongWoodsong Drive will nowcost the city $100,545 follow-ing the city council approvalMarch 28, making the grandtotal for all projects approved$472,070.

According to Dunwoody’sproposed 2016 budget, morethan 25 stormwater repair

and replacement projectstook place throughout thecity in 2015. According tothe city’s approved budgetfor 2016, Dunwoody spentapproximately $2.1 millionon stormwater projects lastyear and has requested $1.9million for the remainder of2016.

Dunwoody reserves ap-proximately $3.4 million instormwater funds for repairsand “catastrophic stormwa-ter events.” The city alsosets aside $24,000 for streetsweeping to help combatstormwater effects such asdebris and ooding.

Dunwoody holds publiccity council meetings every

second and fourth Monday at6 p.m. For more information,visit www.dunwoodyga.gov.

Dunwoody begins transition to LED lightingby R. Scott Belzer [email protected]

On March 28, the Dunwoody citycouncil unanimously approved aninitiative that will replace 2,221 regularlight bulbs with light-emitting diodelights (LED) streetlights.

According to ofcials involved withthe project, the total monthly bill forsuch a change will be $24,682.37.

That amount is $230 more permonth than the city’s current lightingcosts. According to Georgia PowerCompany ofcials, no capital costs willbe presented to the city

Jessica Tolley, the LEDroadway manager for GeorgiaPower, and account executive JerryCook presented the matter beforeDunwoody’s city council on March14. The presentation included aPowerPoint display demonstrating LEDclarity in addition to information.

“Why are we even looking atchanging to LED? The current highpressure sodium (HPS) lights are litby high pressure sodium and emit anamber glow,” Tolley said. “But LEDsare bright white light, they’re broadspectrum so the eye actually sees a

little better.”Tolley went on to say LEDs use

half the amount of energy of a highpressure sodium HPS equivalent andare easier to direct. As a result, shesaid, there is little waste. In addition,the lights have a longer life expectan-cy than normal HPS lighting.

“LEDs are very controllable in na-ture,” Tolley said. “We don’t get a lot ofwasted light. We can put light exactlywhere it’s needed on the roadway.”

Tolley said more than 400,000lights throughout Georgia Power’scoverage area will be converted toLED as part of the Georgia Power

LED Roadway Initiative, which be-gan in February 2015. Last year, thecompany converted 78,000 lights inall. The company also will be able tomonitor bulb activity remotely from its

home ofce.“This is a voluntary program from

Georgia Power,” Tolley said. “I will tellyou the technology is really moving inthis direction.”

Tolley assured this would onlyaffect governmental and regulatedlighting. The normal, everyday “acornshaped” lights usually associated withdecorative lampposts will not be tak-ing part in the change. Only the “cobrahead” lights will be changed out in thecurrent changeover.

Councilman Doug Thompson asked Tolley whether the lightingchange would affect Dunwoodyresidents in any way. Currently, asThompson pointed out, residents arerequired to pay approximately $30 forstreet light usage.

“LEDs are more expensive

xtures,” Tolley said. “While you reduceenergy, you pay a higher xture chargethan you would on a HPS xture.”

Thompson said due to the minimalchange in the city’s monthly lighting

charge, residents would in all likelihoodnot face an increase in charges.

“This is the way of the future,”Thompson said. “We’re already doingit in our houses. The bulbs cost more;

the energy usage goes down; how itworks out in the end, nobody reallyknows, but I’m favorable.”

Council member Pam Tallmadge asked if the lights would have the “bluehue” normally associated with LEDlighting. Tolley assured her the amountof energy being used was enough toassure white lighting. In addition, Tolleyinformed the board about shieldingmeasures such as paint in caseresidents are not impressed with thechangeover.

On March 14 the council deferreda decision on moving forward withthe LED initiative until March 28,

where it was unanimously approved.Plans to begin the LED switch werenot announced, but Tolley saidDunwoody was slated to take action“later this year.”

Dunwoody approved moving forward with LED lighting for the entire city, increasingvisibility while lowering energy costs. Georgia Power is set to update Dunwoody’slighting from high pressure sodium to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Photos by R.Scott Belzer

Stormwater pipe repairsthroughout several Dunwoodyresidences will cost the citymore than $400,000. Photos byR. Scott Belzer


16/24


Name: Irvin J. Johnson

Education:B.A., liberal arts, Slippery Rock UniversityM.A., education, Slippery Rock University

Occupation:Tax commissioner, DeKalb County

What political offices have you held in thepast?None

Why are you seeking this office?

• Provide trusted, ethical and transparent publicservice

• Faithfully discharge the duties of this ofce.• Be scally responsible once annual budget is

approved by the Board of Commissioners.• Ensure the integrity and reputation of your tax

commissioner’s ofce in the future

What expertise do you have that will help youulfill the duties of this office?

• 15 years of multifunctional experience withinthe DeKalb tax ofce since July 2000

• Customer service, tag and title, property tax,delinquent collections, tax sale process

• Knowledge and training in the application of

above and the allowable exemptions• Knowledgeable about tax digest preparationand property tax billing and payment cycle

• Knowledge…. (answer truncated after 50words)

Why should you be elected (or re-elected) tohis office?

My qualications as listed above are uniquelysuited to perform the duties of the taxcommissioner on day one, no on the job trainings required. I am currently performing the dutiesof the tax commissioner (since Jan. 1) and theeam is meeting service expectations daily.received the enthusiastic endorsement ….answer truncated after 50 words)

What is your campaign website address?www.irvinfordekalb.com

Three seek tax commissioner’s seatcompiled by Andrew [email protected]

The current tax commissioner,the daughter of a former tax

commissioner and a formercounty commissioner willface each other in the May 24Democratic primary in the race toll the tax commissioner position.

Candidates for the positioninclude Irvin Johnson, who wasappointed to ll the position afterformer tax commissioner Claudia Lawson retired in December2015 after serving as taxcommissioner for approximatelynine years.

Susannah Scott, daughterof former county CommissionerJacqueline Scott, is seeking to

ll the tax commissioner position

held by her father Tom Scott from1992 to 2006.

Former DeKalb County SuperDistrict 7 Commissioner Stan Watson resigned his commissionseat to run for the position herst attempted to ll in 1988.

Watson also served as a state

representative August 1997 toDecember 2008.

Each candidate was given aquestionnaire by The Champion with instructions to limit answersto 50 words. Answers thatwere more than the limit were

truncated.

Johnson Scott Watson

Name: Stan Watson

Education:Georgia State University (1980-1984), majored in criminal justice and

corrections, played basketball andwas 2nd Lieutenant in Army ROTC;Columbia College (1976-1978), majoredin criminal justice/police science.

Occupation:I am a U.S. Navy veteran who alsohas more than 16 years’ experienceas a healthcare professional. I haveworked as a regional manager forTenet Healthcare and served as thevice president of government affairs forMatria Healthcare, a division of AlereInc.

What political offices have you held

in the past?I have served as Super District 7 CountyCommissioner from January 2010 until Iresigned this position in March 2016. In1997, I was elected to DeKalb County’s91st district seat and served as a staterepresentative. I was the chairman ofDeKalb House Delegation and workedwith Republicans and Democrats servedon the healthcare, insurance, publicutilities and appropriations committees.


My goal is to help DeKalb Countymove forward by making sure I improveaccess by adding another ofce and

upgrading technology to expand greatercustomer service.

What expertise do you have thatwill help you fulfill the duties of thisoffice?

I have a lifetime of service, both inthe private and public sector of thecommunity. I have skills in healthcare,collections, reimbursements and creditand in local government. I also workedas a nancial accounts examiner withthe U.S. Department of Education foreight years with student loans.

Why should you be elected (or re-elected) to this office?

As a state representative andcommissioner, I presented andprepared budgets at the federal, stateand local level for over 18 years.I would work with the appropriatebranches of our county governmentto alert them of foreclosures, tax liensand vacant properties that violate codeenforcement.

What is your campaign websiteaddress?www.stan4dekalb.com

Name: Susannah Scott

Education:Mount Holyoke College (BA)Georgia State University College of Law (JD)Trinity College Dublin University (LLM) Occupation: Attorney What political offices have you held in thepast? None


I am seeking the ofce of DeKalb Countytax commissioner because I have the skills,motivation, and fresh perspective needed toserve the citizens of DeKalb fairly and ethically,while striving to ensure the ofce adapts to theneeds of its constituents over time.

What expertise do you have that will help youfulfill the duties of this office?

Through my work as a contract negotiator andmy volunteer service with the League of WomenVoters of DeKalb and Junior League of DeKalb,I have developed skills in problem-solving,working collaboratively with diverse groups, andevaluating systems and processes for continued

improvement. Why should you be elected (or re-elected) tothis office?

As a native of DeKalb, I care passionately aboutDeKalb. I am dedicated to working for my fellowcitizens to provide ethical, efcient, and effectiveservices, while holding employees to a highstandard of public service and making sure staffmembers are valued for their execution of qualityservice.

What is your campaign website address?www.ScottForDeKalb.com


17/24

BUSINESS The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 • Page 17A

Brought to you in partnership with: The Champion Newspaper

DEKALB CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

July 2015

News and events of the

UPCOMING EVENTS April 12 – Cuba Trip Informational Meeting – 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. –DeKalb Chamber of Commerce, 125 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 235,Decatur

April 15 – Weebly “Like a Boss” Bus Tour – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. –Decatur Square

April 21 – The Status of Health in DeKalb County & Its Impact onEconomic Development – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Atlanta MarriottCentury Center, 2000 Century Boulevard NE, Atlanta

April 28 – DeKalb District Attorney & CEO Candidate Forum –6:00 to 8:30 p.m. – Oglethorpe University, Conant Performing ArtsCenter, 4484 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta

April 29 – DeKalb Relay for Life – 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. - DeKalbCounty Exchange Park & Recreation Center, 2771 Columbia Drive,Decatur

May 25 – 2016 APEX Business Awards – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.– Atlanta Marriott Century Center, 2000 Century Boulevard NE,

Atlanta

For more information and to register for any of these events, please

visit www.dekalbchamber.org.

Earlier this year, The DeKalbChamber of Commerce presented Selig

nterprises with the inaugural EconomicDevelopment Project of the Year forheir work to redevelop Suburban Plazan Decatur.

“DeKalb Chamber’s role inpromoting the economic viability of our

ommunity is pivotal. This award is a

way for us to show appreciation to theorganizations who provide the vision

nd foundation for economic growth inDeKalb County,” said Vaughn D. Irons,Chair of the Economic DevelopmentCommittee and CEO of APD Solutions.

The redevelopment wi ll bring anstimated 400 to 450 full-and part-time

obs, and g enerate $150 to $200 mi llionn annual sales, resulting in $3 to 4

million in sal es taxes. Tenants includeWalmart, HomeGoods, Ross, Jo-AnnFabrics, L.A. Fitness, Starbucks, a nd TheComet Pub and Lanes.

What is the history of SeligEnterprises and Suburban Plaza?

Suburban Plaza was designed inthe late 1950s and built in the early1960s and is often dubbed the first

suburban mall in Metro Atlanta. Theoriginal center was developed by SteveSelig’s grandfather, Ben Massell, inpartnership with Morris Arnovitz, andwas approximately 290,000 square feet.

Why was there a need toredevelop Suburban Plaza?

After nearly 50 years, SuburbanPlaza reflected outdated designphilosophies, including a “sea

of asphalt” method of parking.Additionally, due to the growth ofthe area around Suburban Plaza, wewere constantly getting requests fromretailers for space.

What enhancements have beenmade to Suburban Plaza for a bettershopping experience?

Approximately two acres of

greenspace have been added tothis redevelopment. The site did notpreviously contain any storm waterdetention or water quality controlfeatures. Now more than 50 percent ofthe storm water runoff is retained andtreated before being discharged into thecounty’s drainage system. More than 90percent of the electrical and mechanicalsystems have been upgraded to b ecome

more energy efficient. White TPO roofshave been installed on 95 percent ofthe buildings, which helps reduce heatisland effect and energy use associatedwith interior cooling of the bu ildings.

The redevel opment provided anopportunity for drastic improvementby incorporating underground parkingfor Walmart, shielding it from view and

allowing the building to be locatedcloser to North Decatur Road. This allowsbetter accessibility for and adheresclosely to the planning ideals thecommunity expressed in the LCI MedlineStudy. In addition, the parking areas forthe remaining portion of the center havebeen redesigned to include ex tensivelandscaping and sidewalks to makethem pedestrian friendly.

Selig Enterprises awarded inaugural DeKalb Cham-ber Economic Development Project of the Year

By redeveloping Suburban Plaza, Selig Enterprises will help bring in $150 to $200 million annual sales and 400 to 450 full- and part-time jobs.

The 2015 Nationwide County HealthRankings Report ranked DeKalb as the 19thhealthiest county in Georgia, demonstratingthere is room for improvement.

On April 21, DeKalb Chamber will host“The Status of Health in DeKalb County andIts Impact on Economic Development” for thepublic to hear about health issues facing thecounty, steps to take to improve quality of life,and the effect of health on economic growth.

Stephen Vault, Ph.D of Grady Health Systemwill moderate the conversation. Speakersinclude Dr. S. Elizabeth Ford of the DeKalbCounty Board of Health. Additional speakers tobe announced.

Cost to attend is $40 for Chamber membersand $50 for nonmembers. For more information

and to register, visit www.bit.ly/DeKalbSOH.

San Francisco tech firmmakes stop in DeKalb tohelp local entrepreneurs

The DeKalb Chamber ofCommerce is partnering with Weebly,a global tech firm, to empowerentrepreneurs to create their ownwebsite at the “Like a Boss” Bus Touron Friday, April 15 at Decatur Square.

At the event, Weebly webexperts will help entrepreneursbuild a website in just 45 minutes;host on-site web workshops; takefree headshots; and give away swagitems and a $1,000 cash prize. DeKalbChamber will also raffl e away 2 one-year Partner memberships for newmembers.

The public event is free. For moreinformation and to register, visit www.

bit.ly/DeKalbWeeblyTour.

The status of health inDeKalb County & its impacton economic development

APRIL 2016

Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave. Suite 235, Decatur, GA, 30030 • 404.378.8000 • www.DeKalbChamber.org


18/24

CLASSIFIED The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 • Page 18A

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DISCLAIMER: We do not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate, or intend to discriminate, on any illegal basis. Nor do we knowingly accept employment advertisements that are notbona-de job offers. All real estate advertisements are subject to the fair housing act and we do not accept advertising that is in violation of the law. The law prohibits discrimination based on color,religion, sex, national origin, handicap or familial status.

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19/24

BUSINESS The Champion FREE PRESS, Friday, April 8, 2016 • Page 19A

Jesse’s brings table-service dining option to Wesley Chapel

COLLABORATIONDeKalb Chamber of Commerce • Two Decatur Town Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite, Decatur, GA 30030 • 404.378.8000 • www.dekalbchamber.org

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by Kathy Mitchell

Until recently, peoplecraving a mealin the WesleyChapel area around

nterstate-20 were left tochoose among a varietyof fast food restaurants.Jesse “Jay” Cunningham decided that needed tochange. In February, heopened Jesse’s RestaurantLounge, a table-serviceeatery that featuresve entertainment andnternational cuisine onWesley Chapel Road.

“I grew up in southDeKalb County. I care abouthis area. I want the peoplewho live here to have nicedining options,” Cunninghamsaid. “A couple on a date or

a group of friends gettingogether for an evening outshouldn’t have to drive 15or 20 miles from where theyve to be served a high-

quality plated dinner and acocktail.”

Cunningham’sexperience in the foodservice industry began inast food, where he hasworked in a corporate ofceand as a franchise owner.He said there is much that

can be learned from thefast food segment of theindustry. “The major fastfood chains emphasizethat customers care aboutquality, service, cleanlinessand value. Those are apart of any successful foodbusiness. I want to buildon that and take it a stepfurther and give people asophisticated atmospherewhere they have more thana great meal—they have agreat dining experience.”

In developing hisconcept, Cunninghamsaid he visited a numberof popular Atlanta-arearestaurants. “People want anice ambiance, an inspiredmenu and rst-rate service,”he said. “A great staff iscrucial.”

Currently Jesse’sseats approximately 96customers, but Cunninghamsaid he is looking atexpansion plans—bothin terms of enlarging thecurrent restaurant andopening other restaurantsunder the Jesse’s brand.“But that’s long-termthinking,” he added. “Rightnow, I just want to get thisplace on solid footing.”

Among Cunningham’s

past business enterprisesis a pizza franchise andhe said hand-made pizzasare a specialty in his newrestaurant. “We make ourown dough and our ownsauces,” he said.

The menu includesother Italian-inspired dishessuch as parmesan chickenand lasagna along withtraditional Southern offeringssuch as fried chicken, friedsh, honey bourbon porkchops, and shrimp and grits.“The chicken and wafesare very popular,” he said.

There also are steaks,burgers and Mexican- andJamaican-inspired dishesalong with such traditionalbar food as wings andnachos. At the urging of hiswife, who is a vegetarian,

Cunningham included asection of vegetarian disheson the menu.

Although Jesse’s

champion free press 4-8-16

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