Author: On Common Ground News

ATLANTA—Stonecrest City Councilwoman-Elect Alecia Washington was sworn into office today (Nov. 17) at 3 p.m. by U.S. Federal Judge Eleanor Ross at the United States Courthouse in the Richard Russell Federal Building in Atlanta. Washington won the election on Nov. 8 for the District 3 City Council Seat to fill the unexpired term of then-Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble, who vacated the seat to run for Stonecrest Mayor. Councilwoman Washington wanted to be sworn in by Judge Ross, who was the first African-American woman to serve on the federal court as a judge on the Northern District Court of Georgia. Judge Ross was…

ATLANTA – Georgia is mourning the loss of David Ralston, long-time Speaker of Georgia’s House of Representatives, who passed away from an extended illness.  The death of Speaker Ralston, (R-Blue Ridge), comes just 12 days following his announcement that he would not seek nomination for another term as Speaker, citing a “health challenge.”  Ralston was 68. Ralston had announced on Nov. 4 that he planned to serve the remainder of his term as Speaker, which ends in January 2023, and his term as state representative for the 2023-2024 legislative term. He ran unopposed for re-election on Nov. 8. “Serving as…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week marks the first anniversary of the Democrats’ landmark Infrastructure Law. Congressman Hank Johnson highlighted the historic federal investments that are already creating good-paying jobs and transforming Georgia communities. “One year ago, President Biden and the Democratic Congress delivered a once-in-a-generation investment to create millions of good-paying jobs: repairing, rebuilding and revitalizing our communities,” said Rep. Johnson. “Democrats’ Infrastructure Law is already putting shovels in the ground and putting Georgians to work in good-paying jobs— fixing roads, upgrading public transit, slashing commute times, improving broadband access and more.  As Georgians mark the extraordinary progress of the…

DEKALB COUNTY—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections announces a polling place change that will impact some voters in the upcoming Dec. 6 runoff election. Previous location Runoff location for Dec. 6, 2022 only The Church at Chapel Hill Dunwoody Campus 5067 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 Dunwoody Library 5339 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Dunwoody, GA 30338 A complete list of polling locations for both Advanced Voting and Election Day voting can be found at www.DeKalbVotes.com upon the Board’s approval, on the scheduled agenda for Nov. 15, 2022. Any comments on the proposed change may be directed to the DeKalb…

DEKALB COUNTY—DeKalb County Voter Registration and Elections (VRE) announced advance voting and drop box locations for the upcoming Dec. 6, General Election runoff. Advance voting for the runoff will take place Nov. 23 through Dec. 2. With the Thanksgiving holiday, voters are encouraged to carefully review the hours and locations prior to heading to vote. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Memorial Drive location ONLY No voting Thursday, Nov. 24 – Saturday, Nov. 26. Sunday, Nov. 27, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at all locations Monday, Nov. 28 through Friday, Dec. 2, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.…

STONECREST, GA – The Stonecrest City Council voted to adopt the Fiscal Year (FY) 23 budget at its Special Called Meeting on Nov. 14. The balanced budget includes many of the Council’s priorities such as improving Browns Mill Recreation Center, park upgrades, and an expanded list of community engagement activities and events, the city stated in a news release. The budget also highlights the City’s desire to serve residents through a largely in-house staffing model. As a result, the Leisure Services Department plans to hire up to 29 additional personnel to oversee day-to-day operations, including landscape, janitorial, aquatics and right-of-way…

STONECREST, GA – The Stonecrest City Council has awarded $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). The grant will be used to support continuing education and workforce training at GPTC’s Regional Transportation Training Center, which is undergoing renovations and construction in Stonecrest. Mayor Jazzmin Cobble presented the funds to the College’s staff during GPTC’s annual Grateful Gathering program. “Today is a great day for Stonecrest. I am thrilled to announce our financial pledge to Georgia Piedmont Technical College. This grant will create more jobs and expand educational opportunities,” said Mayor Cobble. “I want…

ATLANTA—Mayor Andre Dickens announced the appointment of Southwest Atlanta native Solomon Caviness, IV, to serve as the second permanent Commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Transportation (ATLDOT). Caviness will lead the department effective Jan. 3, 2023, assuming the role currently held by Interim ATLDOT Commissioner Marsha Anderson-Bomar. “What I envisioned for ATLDOT back in 2017 was a centralized, cohesive hub for Atlanta’s transportation initiatives that a growing city needs, and that residents and businesses deserve,” said Mayor Dickens. “Solomon shares our Administration’s vision for smarter, more efficient government that delivers transportation projects—large, small and in between—in a manner that ensures…

ATLANTA, GA – Attorney General Chris Carr and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) of North Georgia are recognizing Nov. 16 as Utility Scam Awareness Day by warning consumers and businesses to watch out for scammers posing as utility company representatives in an attempt to steal your money. “Criminals will often use scare tactics in an attempt to pressure consumers into turning over their hard-earned money before they have a chance to think things through or verify the supposed claims,” said Carr. “Unfortunately, since utilities are such an essential service, these tactics are often successful. Knowledge is key, and we encourage…

DECATUR, GA – The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s Office announces its operating schedule for the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. Customers are reminded that online service and kiosk options are available after business hours and on weekends year-round. Holiday schedule: Nov. 23, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Nov. 24-25 Dec. 23, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Dec. 26 Dec. 30, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., closed Jan. 2 “With the holiday season upon us, we are reminding customers that most property tax and motor vehicle services are available online daily,” said Tax Commissioner Irvin J. Johnson. “Taxpayers…