Author: On Common Ground News

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—A crucial court hearing is scheduled for July 10 concerning a citizen’s lawsuit that could potentially return nearly $1 million in taxpayer money to the county treasury.  Ed Williams, a longtime government accountability advocate who chairs Concerned Citizens for Effective Government, is representing himself in the case that challenges pay raises and allowances granted to the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners in 2018. Williams contends the pay raises were approved in violation of Georgia’s Open Meetings Act and are unconstitutional under state law.  “The upcoming hearing is significant. The case was dismissed in May 2021. I appealed that…

ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) is suspending lane closures on Georgia interstates and state routes for the upcoming July 4th holiday travel period.  The suspension of lane closures will begin at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Thursday, July 3, and will continue until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 6. During this time, construction-related lane closures will be suspended to ease potential congestion, reduce delays, and increase safety for motorists across the state due to the holiday. Georgia DOT is committed to the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and our staff. While on the roads, be mindful that crews may still be…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Voters will have a chance to hear from the two Democratic candidates who are in the runoff for the Public Service Commission (PSC) District 3 seat.  The powerful PSC, comprised of five seats, is responsible for regulating the state’s utilities (electricity and natural gas), setting utility rates for Georgia consumers and approving infrastructure projects such as power plants, grid upgrades and natural gas pipelines. Two seats are up for elections this year.  Keisha Sean Waites and Peter Hubbard will discuss their platforms for the statewide position during a virtual town hall meeting on July 1, 7 to 9 p.m. (To…

WASINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) has joined a growing bloc of lawmakers supporting efforts to impeach President Trump following the U.S. military strikes on Iran, which is at war with Israel. The U.S. attacked three key nuclear facilities in Iran on June 22. So far, 79 House members dubbed the “Courage Caucus” have voted to move the Trump impeachment proceedings forward.  The move follows the introduction of House Resolution 537 on June 24 by Rep. Al Green (TX-09). The resolution charges President Trump with conducting a unilateral, illegal and unconstitutional military strike against Iran. Green filed the resolution under Rule…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County government is inviting local entrepreneurs to an event to share resources and learn how they can grow their small businesses. The South DeKalb Pop-Up Business Incubator event will be held on Aug.  28, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at New Life Church, 3592 Flat Shoals Road, Decatur.   This free, hands-on event is designed to support local entrepreneurs with practical tools, expert guidance, and networking opportunities.  To register for the event, click the link: https://bit.ly/44yN8s9

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Stay informed about the Rockdale Board of Commissioners’ meetings, Planning and Zoning hearings, advisory councils, town halls and more.  Below is the July schedule, locations and times for public meetings concerning Rockdale County. To view the meetings online: Rockdale County Government Facebook Page | https://www.youtube.com/@Rockdale23 |  https://www.rockdalecountyga.gov/board-of-commissioners-meeting-videos Rockdale County Tax Commissioner, Board of Assessors, Board of Commissioners and Public Schools   Tax Town Hall Meeting   This town hall will include an informational session on tax appeals, HB581, and the tax process for 2025. For more information, please contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 770-278-7600.   Tuesday, July 1, 2025 At 6:00…

STONECREST, GA–Join District 1 and District 3 Councilmembers Tara Graves and Alecia Washington for a Summer Household Hazardous Waste Event on Saturday, June 28.  Collections will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at two locations: City Hall, 3120 Stonecrest Blvd., and Fairington Park, 2831 Fairington Parkway, Stonecrest.  Stonecrest residents are invited to bring their household hazardous waste for proper disposal. Acceptable items include paints and solvents, batteries, electronics, pesticides and cleaning products. For more information email Constituent Services, or call 770-224-0200. 

DECATUR, GA – Join author Martin Padgett as he presents his book, The Many Passions of Michael Hardwick, and the Atlanta-area LGBTQ movement in the 1980s.   The event takes place on Thursday, July 31, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the DeKalb County History Center, 2nd floor, 101 E. Court St., downtown Decatur. In The Many Passions of Michael Hardwick, Padgett assembles the complete kaleidoscope of Hardwick’s life—as a child of Stonewall, as an artist, and as one of the many thousands claimed by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Blending biography and history, Padgett traces how Hardwick became a political symbol, first by chance, then by his…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA–The 2025 Rockin’ Rockdale Summer Concert series kicks off on Sunday, June 29, with Atlanta’s 6 Flow band featuring Ayanna. Come out and enjoy R&B, soul, and jazz from 5-7 p.m., at Wheeler Park, 1400 Parker Road, Conyers.  6Flow is a sensational crowd pleaser offering  an expansive repertoire of music.  Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and baskets. No alcohol is permitted. Food and other vendors will be on site and those who attend are encouraged to support them. Admission is free. Parking is $5 and available on site.   Rockdale’s summer concert series runs through August and will be held…

ROCKDALE COUNTY, GA—Rockdale County government is hosting a property tax town hall  on Tuesday, July 1, at 6 p.m.,  at the Rockdale Auditorium, 903 Main Street, Conyers. Homeowners are encouraged to attend the informational session on property tax appeals, HB581, and the property tax process for 2025.    For more information, contact the Tax Commissioner’s Office at 770-278-7600.