Author: On Common Ground News

STONECREST, GA –The Stonecrest City Council unanimously approved a resolution to support women’s reproductive rights at its Oct. 24 meeting. Resolution 2022-10-01prohibits the use of City funds to investigate, store, or catalog reports of abortion care. It also encourages the DeKalb County Police Department to place reports of abortion care as its lowest priority in Stonecrest, except in criminal cases such as sexual assault or coercion. “The City of Stonecrest proudly honors the personal health care choices of women,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “Georgia passed one of the strictest abortion bills in the nation, and, unfortunately, this resolution does not…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Voters across the state of Georgia are turning out in record numbers for this year’s midterm election, and two more precincts are opening in DeKalb County to accommodate  voters who want to cast their ballots early. DeKalb is witnessing a record turnout with more than 103,000 who have voted early, according to elections officials. DeKalb County Voter Registrations and Elections (DeKalb VRE) announced today that two addition sites will be available Oct. 29 – Nov. 4. The new locations will offer the same hours as all locations, which now total 15 advance voting sites in DeKalb. The polls…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA—Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner Denise R. Mitchell reminds homeowners that 2022 property tax bills are due Nov. 1. Taxpayers may pay their bills online from any internet-connected device at www.GwinnettTaxCommissioner.com/pay. Paying online with an e-check is free and secure, and any checking account can be used to pay by e-check. Other ways to pay include: Online via debit or credit card with added convenience fees – $3.95 flat fee for debit cards and 2.25 percent of the total paid for credit cards and PayPal. By mail: P.O. Box 372, Lawrenceville, GA  30046. By drop box: Payments by check may be…

In addition to the candidates running for office, please take time to review important questions that are on the ballot.

ATLANTA – State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) will hold a public hearing on housing and homeownership on Thursday, Oct. 27, 2:30 – 5 p.m., in room 406 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (18 Capitol Sq. SW) in Atlanta. “Too many residents are under the threat of losing basic city services, and even their homes, from failing to pay bills on time,” said Rep. Scott. “No one should lose their home because of a water bill, trash bill or homeowners association fees. If residents are paying their mortgages and their taxes, they should…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA- The Peoples Agenda, faith leaders and collaborative partners will host a “Souls to the Polls Caravan & Rally on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2 to 5 p.m. DeKalb County- area residents are encouraged to join in the GET OUT TO VOTE(GOTV) efforts for the upcoming election on Nov. 8, 2022. The caravan will begin at Rainbow Park Baptist Church, 2941 Columbia Drive, Decatur, and travel to The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall to vote and then on  to McDonald’s, 2020 Candler Road, Decatur, wave signs encouraging the community to get out to vote. Community Organizer Teresa Hardy said…

DEKALB COUNTY, GA—Voters in DeKalb County who wish to vote with an absentee ballot are encouraged to review the steps for voting absentee. Here are five important reminders for absentee voters: If you haven’t already, request your ballot NOW at www.dekalbvotes.com or securemyballot@sos.go.gov to request online. The deadline is Friday, Oct. 28 to request a ballot, but DeKalb Voter Registration and Elections (VRE) cannot guarantee mail times. Once you receive your ballot, read it completely and fill it out thoroughly. IMPORTANT: you must place your completed ballot in the “Official Absentee Envelope” that comes with your blank ballot and complete…

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Construction on the first themed library in the Southeast is now underway. Gwinnett officials, in partnership with the city of Lawrenceville, the Hooper-Renwick Legacy Preservation Committee and the Gwinnett County Public Library Board of Trustees, broke ground on the new Hooper-Renwick Themed Library today, Oct. 26, at 56 Neal Blvd., Lawrenceville. The finished 25,000-square-foot facility will include library amenities, community space and exhibits, which will showcase stories, accomplishments and memorabilia related to the school and highlight the Black experience in Gwinnett The themed library will revive and expand the existing 11,400-square-foot Hooper-Renwick School building, which once served…

CONYERS, GA– The Conyers Police Department K9 Wick and K9 Briscoe need your vote. The The Police Department is asking for your help to earn the 2022 Aftermath K9 Grant. This opportunity will award a total of $15,000 in grants to the top eight agencies to create or maintain a K9 unit, purchase safety equipment, or support officer training. Winners are selected by local communities by popular vote. Voting is open now through Monday, Oct. 31. Visit www.aftermath.com/k9-grant to vote for Conyers Police K9s Wick and Briscoe. You may also vote on Facebook @AftermathCares or Instagram @AftermathK9Grant by following the…