Author: On Common Ground News

Vernon Jones was among the newly-elected state legislators who attended orientation on Nov. 15 at the state capitol in preparation for the 2017 General Assembly. Although Jones, a Democrat, was elected on Nov. 8 over a Republican candidate to represent House District 91, which includes parts of DeKalb and Rockdale counties, he is not a brand new state legislator. Before serving two terms as DeKalb’s CEO from 2001 to 2008, Jones served as a state lawmaker from 1993 to 2000. “I’m excited to be back. I have the experience and I understand how to effect change. I’m looking forward to…

It took a small army of volunteers to unload the trucks filled with food, beverages and household products for the drive-through mobile pantry in Rockdale County, a week before Thanksgiving Day. The grocery bags and boxes that volunteers assembled for those in need contained not only food, but in some cases, cough drops and other medicines and small gifts such as headsets. The free event was hosted by the Resource Center for Community Action, Inc. (RCCA) at the county annex parking lot, which is located at 1400 Parker Road in Conyers. The food was given out on a first-come, first-served…

 DeKalb County residents wishing to dispute their water bills now have additional times and locations throughout the county to begin the dispute process. In September, DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May issued a moratorium through the end of 2016 on the disconnection of residential water accounts that have been contested through the Utility Customer Operations Center’s Customer Assurance Team. “By adding these additional sites and times, we are providing convenient locations to accommodate varying schedules to help address customers concerns about their water bills,” Interim CEO May said. At these locations, water customers will be able to speak with county representatives…

A runoff will be held on Dec. 6 in the special election for Commission District 7. Gregory Adams and Randal Mangham are in the race. Candidate Diane Adoma is contesting the race and has asked for a recount. Adoma who garnered 15.39 percent of the vote, during the Nov. 8 election, was within a one percent margin of Mangham, who qualified for the District 7 runoff with 16.27 percent. Early voting will begin on Monday, Nov. 28, and continue through Friday, Dec. 2. All early voting will be held at the main office of the Voter Registration and Elections office…

With the approval of the incorporation of the city of Stonecrest, the new municipality must now elect a mayor and city council. In accordance with the Georgia election calendar, March 21, 2017, is the earliest date for holding that election. The Board of Registration and Elections will schedule the election and set the dates for qualifying at the board’s Jan. 12, 2017 meeting. Precinct cards will be mailed to voters within the city to inform them of their council districts.

In an effort to help reduce water pollution, Rockdale Recreation and Maintenance and Rockdale Water Resources (RWR) have partnered to install pet waste disposal units in parks that border Rockdale’s waterways. Recreation and Maintenance and RWR are encouraging citizens to use these pet waste disposal units installed recently at Black Shoals Park, Daniels Bridge Trailhead and Lakeview Park. According to the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, studies show that pet waste in urban areas is a “significant contributor of pathogens and nutrients” to the watershed. Pet waste that is not properly disposed of can be carried by rain runoff…

Farmers Insurance is conducting a suit drive for male and female military veterans. Darold Honore, who recently opened a Farmers Insurance office in the city of Lithonia, says gently-used suits are being accepted at his office for the drive. “The suits will be given to veterans who need attire to search for jobs. Over 1 million military personnel will be making the transition to the civilian workforce and we are asking the community to join Farmers Insurance in donating clean, gently-used suits for them,” said Honore. Honore’s new office is located at 6844 Main St., Lithonia. For more information, call…

Unemployment and underemployment are significant contributors to crime in DeKalb County. Helping people of working age find adequate employment goes a long way toward preventing crime. Having a criminal record, however, makes finding a job more difficult. But if you’re able to clear that blemish from your record, your chances of finding work – or perhaps finding a better job – are greatly improved. This is why I am creating an opportunity for qualifying individuals with DeKalb County felony arrest records to have their records cleared. On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, the District Attorney’s Office will host DeKalb County Record…

On Dec. 19, the Electoral College’s 538 members are slated to gather at their respective state capitols to cast the formal vote for President. As registered citizen voters, we only indirectly determine who will be President by choosing Electors, thus the winner of the popular vote can still lose. It has been stated that to lose the popular vote and win the Electoral College is a violation of democracy, one that defies the principle of “one man, one vote.” A Yale professor stated that the Founders created the Electoral College to protect slavery. The question is should the people elect…

For the first time in approximately seven years, DeKalb County has updated its nearly 2,400-page website to make it more user-friendly, customer-focused and easy to update. The new website is adaptable on mobile devices and easily translates into dozens of languages. “We have been rebuilding our website to create greater access, transparency and responsiveness,” said DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May. “The website is a tool most people use as the primary interface with government and government resources. It should change and grow with technology.” In addition to a more contemporary look, the new website features a number of improvements to…