Author: On Common Ground News

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond released his first proposed operating budget of $1.3 billion today for fiscal year 2017. This proposal begins the implementation of Thurmond’s vision for DeKalb County. “This budget provides a framework for strengthening the government’s fiscal condition,   improving public safety, annualizing the fiscal year 2016 pay and compensation increases and funding various infrastructure and capital improvements,” Thurmond said. “By proactively managing our resources, we will be able to maintain a projected $50.1 million fund balance, which equals one month’s operating revenue.” Prior to the official adoption of the budget, the administration will submit funding proposals to address…

A crowd of people came out to commemorate the legacy of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rockdale Chairman Oz Nesbitt served as the grand marshal for the event which was organized by community activist Josie Dean and a host of volunteers Monday, Jan. 16. Photos by Glenn Morgan

The homegoing service for Bishop Eddie L long will be Wednesday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, 6400 Woodrow Rd, Lithonia. The doors will open at 8 a.m. The family is planning a wake that will be held on Tuesday,  Jan. 24. No time has been set. More details to follow. Please share from On Common Ground News.

LITHONIA, GA – Sunday, January 15 Bishop Long, Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, died early Sunday morning after a long battle  with an aggressive form of cancer. First Lady Elder Vanessa Long, Bishop Long’s wife of 27 years issued the following statement in the wake of the mega church pastor’s death: “I am confidant through my belief in God that my husband is now resting in a better place. Although, his transition leaves a void for those of us who loved him dearly, we can celebrate and be happy for him, knowing he’s at peace.” Deeply committed…

Michael Thurmond, who officially took office Jan. 1, after a private swearing in was sworn in during a packed public ceremony this evening at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur. He was joined by other newly elected county officials who also were sworn in. Thurmond promised “a new day in DeKalb County”, one in which blacks and whites, north and south would work together. Hear his speech here.

It’s campaign season in DeKalb County’s new city of Stonecrest and the candidates running for office are already stomping for votes. At the Jan. 12 meeting held by the Governor’s Commission on the City of Stonecrest, the volunteer group that is laying the groundwork for the new city, several of the candidates attended and were permitted to introduce themselves. The DeKalb Medical Auditorium where the meeting was held was prime ground for networking: The facility was packed with stakeholders. “We held the meeting to update residents on various issues, adopt resolutions, initiate activities of the Stonecrest Community Committee,…

Organizers in Rockdale County have reached a compromise concerning a celebration planned for the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday. Josie Dean, who is spearheading the planning committee, had envisioned a daylong event that included a parade in Olde Town Conyers with Rockdale’s newly-elected Chairman Oz Nesbitt serving as the grand marshal, speeches and other activities. Dean didn’t anticipate the bureaucratic redtape she said she encountered from city and county officials who told her several off-duty police officers would be needed and even more planning to get them in place and pay them. Dean called a news conference to discuss…

DeKalb County Commissioners Kathie Gannon and Jeff Rader will serve as presiding officer and deputy presiding officer respectively. The Jan. 10 elections at the Board of Commissioners’ meeting ended a longstanding battle over the leadership positions, which were criticized by Gannon who had called for the positions to be shared by blacks and whites on the board. The seven-member Board of Commissioners elected Gannon 5-2. She received support from Commissioners Steve Bradshaw, Mereda Davis Johnson, Nancy Jester and Jeff Rader. Commissioners Gregory Adams and Larry Johnson cast the dissenting votes. Adams had nominated Johnson to continue as presiding officer…

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), along with Clarkston Mayor Ted Terry will host “A Day of Resistance” on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2 to 4 p.m., at the Clarkston Community Center to protest the incoming Trump Administration and the GOP Congressional agenda. Joined by faith leaders, environmentalists, seniors, students and immigration reform supporters among others, Johnson and Terry will gather to support Bernie Sanders’ nationwide call to oppose the Republican budget, which calls for ending healthcare benefits for 30 million people, privatizing Medicare, making massive cuts in Medicaid, and at the same time giving tax breaks to the wealthy. The Clarkston Community…

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond will be the keynote speaker at the East Metro DeKalb Community Improvement District’s “State of the CID” meeting. The address will be held on Jan. 30, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Community Achievement Center, 4522 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested at wwweventbrite.com.