Author: On Common Ground News

Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04) says the Republicans ‘Pay More For Less’ repeal bill, also known as Trumpcare, would be disastrous, leaving millions of Americans without healthcare coverage. “After all of the Republicans’ hollow promises, the cruel reality of their wretched ‘Pay More For Less’ bill has been exposed for all to see,” said Rep. Johnson.  “Trumpcare will result in millions of hard-working families losing their coverage. Trump Care also reduces access to affordable healthcare by defunding Planned Parenthood, which will make it more difficult for women, expectant mothers and children to have their healthcare needs met. To make matters worse, Trump…

DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond has announced the appointment of Talisa R. Clark as the county’s chief procurement officer. Clark, who served as the county’s interim chief procurement officer since December 2015, began working for DeKalb County Purchasing and Contracting Department in 2005. “Through Ms. Clark’s leadership, the Purchasing and Contracting Department has leveraged the use of current and new technologies to continuously improve the procurement process and offer world-class service to internal and external stakeholders,” said Thurmond. During her tenure with DeKalb County, Clark has worked as buyer assistant, administrative operations supervisor, deputy chief procurement officer and procurement deputy director.…

Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) is joining in a statewide celebration this week to salute the efforts of local school board members. The week of March 13-17 has been proclaimed School Board Appreciation Week in Georgia. The observance calls attention to the contributions of local boards of education. “For the second consecutive year, our board has earned the distinction of Exemplary Board, the highest possible recognition by the Georgia School Boards Association,” says Superintendent Autry. “To earn this distinction, our board members have gone above and beyond what is required of them for training, annual goals, and continuous improvement…

The Conyers Police Explorers Post #2222 will host a car wash on Saturday, March 18, noon to 3 p.m., 900 Dogwood Drive. Donations are appreciated and will help support the Explorer program. For more information about the car wash, or the Explorer Program contact Sergeant Peggy Franklin at(678) 374-5603 or email peggy.franklin@conyersga.gov

To celebrate the great achievements of DeKalb County’s Arabia Mountain High School and its students, the PTSA of Arabia Mountain is hosting its second annual Arabia Mountain Food Festival on Saturday, March 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day will be packed with lots of things to do including: Local non-food vendors from our community Local food vendors with samples for tasting Food trucks Fish fry by Dad’s Initiative Entertainment Star performances from our fabulous students Booster club fundraising events Tasting tickets are $1 each or 12 for $10. Tasting tickets will be available to purchase on the…

ATLANTA— The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is going green with an electric bus pilot program. The 40-foot Proterra Catalyst bus is on loan to MARTA as the authority explores cleaner transportation options. MARTA’s General Manager/CEO Keith Parker will lead a tour of the new electric bus on March 17 at 10 a.m. at the Authority’s headquarters. Currently, MARTA’s bus fleet is inclusive of both diesel, hybrid and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. “MARTA continues to consider options to diversify our fleet by testing a range of alternative fuel innovations to greatly reduce our overall carbon footprint while…

Today, Stonecrest mayoral candidate Jason Lary released his tax returns, FICO score and the deed to his home during a noon news conference at This Is It restaurant on Panola Road in Lithonia. Lary said he held the meeting to address “financial issues” cited by opponents. He said releasing the documents to the public demonstrates his promise to be transparent and he challenged Charles Hill, Jr. and Douglas Favors II, who also are running for mayor, to do the same. Hill has questioned bankruptcies filed by Lary, stating his concerns that Lary would be responsible in handling taxpayers’ money.…

Rockdale County Board of Commissioners (BOC) named Toni Holmes, the District Community Development Coordinator. As the new director, she will oversee community development and public relations including the LifeSouth Community Blood Centers. The BOC unanimously confirmed Holmes for selection. She will begin her duties on March 15. Holmes has more than 20 years of experience in human resources, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, labor relations, organization and personnel planning. She is the president and founder of WeAreHR, LLC. Holmes earned her Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. She previously worked in consulting roles with…

Congressman Hank Johnson today helped kick off the Georgia Free File programs to assist lower and moderate income taxpayers with their federal and state tax preparation. The online filing services were demonstrated at the Stonecrest Library. To learn more about Free File, visit www.irs.gov/freefile, the Georgia Department of Revenue (www.dor.georgia.gov) and search for “Free File Alliance” or www.taxprephelp.org. See the video here.

The Conyers Police Department has released a surveillance video and is asking for the public’s help in locating suspects who used stolen credit cards at Kroger and Krispy Kreme on Cascade Road and Best Buy in Snellville on Feb. 27 after breaking into cars at two LA Fitness locations. Contact Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta with your tips: 404 577-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and eligible for a CASH reward. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/M0p1ZBwKB88