2016 Elections: Your Voice, Your Vote

DeKalb urges voters to learn more about Referendum No. 2

 The DeKalb Board of Commissioners proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 27, as a day for DeKalb to raise awareness and unite to “Stop Human Trafficking.” This effort was sponsored by Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon.

Together, along with D.A.T.E. Watch Unit (DeKalb Anti Trafficking and Exploitation), Solicitor Sherry Boston and Safe Harbor Yes are raising awareness to Human Trafficking and the Safe Harbor referendum, which will be on the ballot in November.

Referendum No. 2 provides the resources for counseling and education assistance to help child victims recover from the trauma endured.

“DeKalb County recognized that we are in crisis when it comes to the sex trafficking of our own children,” said Commissioner Gannon, “I am grateful to be a part of such an important effort and look forward to supporting efforts that not only prosecute and work to prevent, but as importantly, the provision of resources that rehabilitate these young victims and provide opportunities to return to a normal life.”

For more information about the safe harbor referendum, visit safeharboryes.com.

Viewpoint presents OSD forum with two perspectives

Viewpoint is hosting a forum for the public to learn more about the Opportunity School District(OSD) bill on Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m., at The Gathering Spot,
384 Northyards Blvd. N.W. 190, Atlanta.

Viewpoint is a community forum that examines one issue with opinions from proponents and opponents. The panel will discuss the proposed state takeover of Georgia’s failing schools and learn more about the comprehensive array of issues, including the law, funding, management, transparency, and the formula for success.

Panelists include: Joyce Chandler, Georgia House of Representatives, District 105;
Dr. Sid Chapman, president Georgia Association of Educators;
Janet Kishbaugh, Esq., Committee to Keep Georgia Schools Local;
Ralph Simpson, Region V Superintendent, DeKalb County Schools;
Honorable Steven C. Teske, Chief Judge, Clayton County Juvenile Court;
Kelli Bacote-Boone, Chief Operating Officer of Better Outcomes for Our Kids (BOOK).

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Upsilon Alpha Omega Chapter in Gwinnett County leads the effort in partnership with Better Outcomes For Our Kids, the Gwinnett County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.’s Kappa Omega and Psi Alpha Omega Chapters to conduct the public forum.

Ray of Hope to host OSD panel discussion, meet the candidates

Ray of Hope Christian Church’s Social Justice Ministry will host a panel discussion on the Opportunity School District referendum on Saturday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m., Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2778 Snapfinger Road, Decatur.

Former state representative Steen Miles will serve as moderator of the panel.  The panel discussion will be followed by a meet-and-greet with DeKalb County candidates running for office.  The community is urged to come out and learn about this important ballot issue that we will vote on in the upcoming Nov. 8 election.

The Southland community to host political forum

The Southland Owners Association is holding a political forum on Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m., at The Southland Country Club, 5726 Southland Drive, Stone Mountain. The forum is being held to educate and familiarize residents with the candidates running for office in order to make an informed decision in the upcoming election.

The candidates for Chief Executive Officer are Jack Lovelace and Mike Thurmond. The candidates for Board of Commissioners District 4 are Willie J. Willis and Steve Bradshaw. The candidates for the Board of Commissioners for District 7 are Gregory Adams, Diane Daniels Adoma, George Chidi, Faye Coffield, Randal Mangham, Edward Patton, Rita Robinzine and John Tolbert Jr.

State Sen. Gloria Butler will be in attendance to address the amendments on the ballot.

President of Georgia Federation of Teachers Verdaillia Turner will moderate a discussion on the governor’s proposed Opportunity School District.

Teresa Hardy of the DeKalb NAACP branch will recruit members for NAACP, and John Evens of Operation LEAD will be in attendance to encourage people to get out the VOTE.

Organized by the Southland Board of Directors Vice President Linda Mayhand

For more information, contact Delethia Foxx at the Southland office at

770-465-1329.