Johns Creek Herald — October 29, 2020

O c t o b e r 2 9 , 2 0 2 0 | N o r t h F u l t o n . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 4 , N o . 4 4

City calls for education on stormwater initiative

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Candidates weigh in on election issues

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KATIE ANDERSON/HERALD

GROWING HOPE

About two dozen children joined Daffodils 4 Hope Oct. 16 for a field trip with Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau to plant 300 daffodil bulbs at Johns Creek City Hall. Read more, Page 16

Schools keep watch on reopening process

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2 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

POLICE BLOTTER 770-442-3278 | NorthFulton.com 319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009 PUBLISHER EMERITUS: Ray Appen PUBLISHER: Hans Appen MANAGING EDITOR: Patrick Fox EDITORIAL QUESTIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: Alpharetta: ext. 118, Roswell ext. 122 Dunwoody Crier: ext. 143 Forsyth Herald: ext. 118 Johns Creek Herald: ext. 123 Milton Herald: ext. 139 Calendar: ext. 122 TO SUBMIT EDITORIAL: News/Press Releases: NorthFulton.com/Sponsored Calendar/Events: NorthFulton.com/Calendar ADVERTISING QUESTIONS: General Advertising: ext. 100 advertising@appenmediagroup.com Classified Advertising: ext. 119 classifieds@appenmediagroup.com Circulation/Subscriptions/Delivery: ext. 100 circulation@appenmediagroup.com OUR PUBLICATIONS: Alpharetta-Roswell Herald: 28,000 circulation Johns Creek Herald: 20,000 circulation Dunwoody Crier: 18,000 circulation Forsyth Herald: 17,000 circulation Milton Herald: 10,000 circulation Answer Book: 40,000 circulation

All crime reports published by Appen Media Group are compiled from public records. Neither the law enforcement agencies nor Appen Media Group implies any guilt by publishing these names. None of the persons listed has been convicted of the alleged crimes.

Caller scams resident by posing as utility company manager JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Police investigated a fraud call Oct. 12 after a 47-yearold man reported that he had been swindled out of $245.

The victim told Johns Creek police he received a call from a man posing as a manager from his power company. The caller, who identified himself simply as “John,” told the victim that his account was past due, and that he owed $245.

“John” claimed he had crews on standby awaiting word to disconnect the man’s electricity.

The caller demanded the victim send $245 via MoneyPak, a prepaid debit card used to transfer cash, to avoid the

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DUI & Drug arrests Sarah E. Perexempel, 30, of Plantation Bridge Drive, Johns Creek, was arrested Oct. 13 on Plantation Bridge Drive for drug traffic in cocaine/marijuana/illegal drugs.

Stephanie Elizabeth Smith, 32, of Twin Springs Lane, Jasper, was arrested Oct. 13 on Medlock Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Marko Todorovic, 30, of Pilgrim Point Extension, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 15 on Medlock Bridge Road for DUI, failure to maintain lane and obedience to required traffic control devices. disconnection, and he added that his power would be cut off if he hung up the phone. The ploy worked, according to the police report.

The victim said he withdrew money from an ATM and went to a retail store to deposit the money on a MoneyPak card, which he used to send cash to the caller.

The money was immediately removed from the account, and the caller said he

Chinh Trong Le, 59, of Town Village Drive, Duluth, was arrested Oct. 15 on Abbotts Bridge Road for DUI and failure to maintain lane.

Jesse Aaron Ramski, 34, of Deauville Way, Cumming, was arrested Oct. 16 on Jones Bridge Road for DUI and two counts of possession/purchase of schedule I & II controlled substance.

Stephen M. Harper, 33, of Carlinville, Illinois, was arrested Oct. 16 on State Bridge Road for possession/purchase of schedule I & II controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

Nicholas H. Grace, 47, of Donamere Drive, Alpharetta, was arrested Oct. 17 on Compton Court for DUI. would call back with a confirmation code.

But in the meantime, the victim called his power company to inquire about the transaction. They told him his account was in good standing and that he had been scammed. The man confronted the suspect about the scam when he called back with the confirmation code, and the caller hung up, the report stated.

Johns Creek continues discussion on CARES funding distributions

By KATIE ANDERSON newsroom@appenmediagroup.com

319 N. Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009

NEWS

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek City Council continues discussions on how to distribute more than $3 million the city expects to receive in federal coronavirus relief aid.

At an Oct. 19 work session, council members Erin Elwood and Stephanie Endres presented a plan to distribute the funds to target local small to medium-sized, brickand-mortar businesses and local nonprofits.

Their plan called for awarding grants on the basis of a two-tier system.

Qualifying businesses would be required to be in good standing and have proof that they were in operation prior to the pandemic and continue to remain in operation.

Tier one would include businesses that were forced to close operations by the governor’s orders addressing health concerns. Tier two would include businesses that faced some negative impact from the orders but were able to remain open in a limited capacity. Tier two would include operations such as restaurants and certain retail stores.

Qualifying businesses would be required to be in good standing and have proof that they were in operation prior to the pandemic and continue to remain in operation.

Councilman John Bradberry said the proposal contained the core of something good the city could do, but he would like to see retail and restaurants moved up to tier one status.

“It is not a perfect plan,” he said. “I think it’s really important that we not make the perfect the enemy of good.

Councilman Lenny Zaprowski noted

his concern that the council was picking winners and losers.

“To me, it’s a little too restrictive,” Zaprowski said. “I do think there are a lot of businesses that are affected that are not on this list.”

Bradberry countered that the criteria and requirements to receive the grants is the only way to get the targeted relief that the CARES Act addresses. Elwood added that there are businesses that could operate and hold meetings online, while others could not.

Councilman Chris Coughlin said he doesn’t think the city should pick winners and losers, but there are identifiable businesses that took the brunt of the hit from the government-mandated shutdown.

Assistant City Manager Kimberly Greer said that adding more businesses or shifting businesses to different tiers will alter the grant amounts. She said she will present the council with both options at the next work session.

Greer also said she would take the feedback and create a sample application and form to go out to businesses for the council to discuss at their next work session on Nov. 2. If the council can come to an agreement on the details, she said, the city could hope to have applications back at the end of November and distribute grants in early December.

NEWS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 3

City considers education initiative to address stormwater upgrades JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — On a rainy day in Johns Creek, runoff water rushes to a nearby storm drain, sometimes overwhelming its capacity and pooling on the roads, in ditches, even in backyards.

The overflow causes erosion, flooding and contaminates rivers and lakes.

Residents, especially along the Medlock Bridge corridor, have seen the impact of stormwater on their yards. Even on sunny days, stormwater remains at the forefaront of the city’s agenda.

“It’s a highly technical issue that not all people will understand or care about unless they have a problem in their backyard or neighborhood,” City Councilwoman Erin Elwood said. “But, if you remind them that this is important to the environment that is a motivating factor for some people.”

At an Oct. 19 City Council work session, Community Development Director Ben Song said the first step in establishing a stormwater utility is educating the public.

Through infographics, an educational video and in-person and online presentations, the outreach strategy is designed to educate residents about the need for a stormwater utility and how it

can be funded.

Roughly 80 percent of the city’s stormwater management systems were installed prior to best practices methods.

Various proposals under consideration call for spending anywhere from $10-$31 million over the next 10 years to set the system right. With passage of the 2021 budget in September, the city now has $3.3 million in its stormwater accrual account, money set aside to build a workable solution to the problem.

Councilman Lenny Zaprowski said he is concerned about moving forward with a stormwater utility without more conversation with the community.

“I know this is technically not a tax, if it were a tax it would have to go on the ballot,” Zaprowski said. “The fact that we’re ramming through with stormwater utility now is quite concerning to me. I think our residents need to have input.”

Mayor Mike Bodker agreed that the community deserves to have more input.

He suggested conducting a survey along with the educational sessions to give the public a chance to weigh in on the matter.

“We had a pretty strenuous debate about the property taxes and the $60 impact on the average homeowner,” Bod-

See STORMWATER, Page 21

Chamber Music with

Charles Yang Presented by: Emory Johns Creek Hospital

Saturday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Recipient of the 2018 Leonard Bernstein Award and described by the Boston Globe as one who “plays classical violin with the charisma of a rock star,” Charles Yang joins JCSO string musicians for a stunning night of music!

Photo © NOTP

By KATIE ANDERSON newsroom@appenmediagroup.com

Concert at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, 11180 Medlock Bridge Road

Tickets: $18 - $42.50 www.JohnsCreekSymphony.org | (678) 748-5802 In-person tickets to this concert are limited due to social distancing restrictions, and tickets may sell out well in advance of the day of the show.

THANK YOU TO OUR SEASON SPONSORS: Funding for this program is provided by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

MEDIA SPONSOR:

4 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

ELECTION 2020

Fulton County Commission District 2 Bob Ellis (Incumbent) Political party: Republican Public social media handles: @BobEllisFulton (twitter) BobEllisFulton (facebook) bobellisforfulton.com ELLIS (website) Public email address: Bob.Ellis@fultoncountyga.gov Question 1. CARES funding provided directly to states and large local governments was designed to put dollars to work in communities to respond to COVID in a way which minimized the impact on citizens, not for local government shortfalls or general expenditures. When Fulton was made one of five direct recipients, along with the state, Fulton quickly executed a countywide COVID response plan.

The core focus of the plan was public health and emergency relief. Fulton’s COVID testing effort has delivered over 23 percent of the state’s testing and is a leading model in the U.S. Through testing, tracing and prevention efforts, Fulton’s cases, test positivity, and deaths on a per capita basis have been significantly lower than the state and similarly profiled metro U.S. counties.

Fulton used its existing network of community providers to put CARES dollars to work to provide emergency relief and services for citizens such as homebound seniors and those whose lives were upended financially by COVID. The Fulton COVID response plan has been highly effective and has benefited the entire county.

Other local governments that were not direct recipients of CARES funding were to receive funding via the state. Unfortunately, well after Fulton activated its plan and expended significant funds, Governor Kemp told metro cities to seek funding from their county and not the state. This unfortunately left cities and the county in an odd situation which led to some shortterm tension and unfortunate rhetoric that has since been resolved and now back to solid working relationships.

Question 2. With Fulton’s population now almost fully municipalized, the county is free to focus more on core county services, and that model allows citizens to be served with stronger traditional city services and stronger county provided services. The services provided by each are different and distinct and governed by a countywide service agreement to prevent duplication.

I don’t foresee material changes as to who provides which services, but instead

Candidate questions 1. Given that distribution of CARES funding nearly had the cities filing legal action in September, what steps should Fulton County take to reduce tensions with its municipalities?

2. With so many cities offering residents increased services, do you see Fulton County’s role as a service provider changing in the future?

3. Are there measures that can be taken to improve the reliability of property assessments and increase the faith residents have in the process? a continued trend of improved county services that are closer to citizens. Over my tenure in office, I’ve worked to improve services across the county by overhauling areas like mental health services and our county public health department, which is now playing a key role in COVID response.

Additionally, I’ve focused on bringing services closer to the citizens of North Fulton, including multiple new libraries and the Fulton Customer Service center in Alpharetta, one of the busiest government facilities around, and the only location in the state with a combined driver services and tax/tag office allowing one-stop services for citizens.

Looking ahead, the county purchased a large facility off of North Point Parkway, which is presently serving as a large COVID testing site. In the coming years, this site will be transformed into a North Fulton hub which will provide public health services, mental health services, a senior center and a training center serving those with developmental disabilities and the room to bring additional services closer to the doorsteps of north Fulton residents.

Question 3. The Fulton County Board of Tax Assessors have shown significant improvement since their 2017 tax assessment fiasco in which many received initial assessments, which saw significant increases and which were riddled with errors. I was happy to lead the fight for Fulton taxpayers in getting these assessments rescinded and rolled back to prior year levels as well as successfully taking on the state Department

of Revenue in that same fight and winning that battle for taxpayers.

Since that point in time, significant new homestead exemptions have been put in place to protect homeowners from having a large jump in assessed value trigger a corresponding large jump in their tax bill. Additionally, the Tax Assessors have improved their methodology, staff and general quality of property assessments, which has translated into significantly fewer appeals.

I do think that there are additional improvements which can still be made.

One, I do not think that the assessors have fully employed technology and modeling in a way which maximizes efficiency, accuracy and credibility of assessments. This is an area that I have continually pushed and will continue to push until we reach that point. Two, I think the assessment and appeal process still has room for greater transparency, such that all property owners feel that they are given a fair shake in the appeal process and that there are clearer explanations as to why a property is assessed and valued at a particular amount.

Justin Holsomback Political party: Democrat Public social media handles: Facebook.com/ HolsombackForFulton IG: @JustinHolsomback JustinHolsomback.com Public email address: justin@motivityfunds.com

HOLSOMBACK

Question 1. Citizens of Fulton County were very clear over the last two decades during the cityhood movement: they wanted as much local control and influence as possible. What is now clearer than ever is that Fulton County is not being intentional in its inclusion of local city leadership in its relevant decision-making. Fulton County received $104 million from the federal government on the back of the cities’ populations. Yet, until the cities threatened to sue, they were not given a seat at the table as decisions were being made on how to spend those funds.

As commissioner, a top priority of my term would be an open a fluid flow of communication between my office and the cities both in my district, but also countywide. City councilors, mayors, etc., know their communities far better than I ever could as a county official, and leaning on that expertise to inform my decision-making seems to be an obvious route to increasing the quality of life for Fulton County’s residents. Functionally,

whether that’s accomplished through in-person meetings, regular conference calls, etc., would be dictated by factors like whether the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, but my commitment to our cities is to be very intentional in providing them a seat at the table.

Question 2. I view the role of the Fulton County Commission as ensuring that the county as a whole is placed in the best possible position to deliver high quality county services, and to ensure the county grows effectively, efficiently and equitably. While individual legislative priorities might change and shift, that overarching goal and role seems immutable to me. There are things the cities are best at, and there are things the county is best at.

Making sure Fulton is at the forefront and cutting edge of public transit expansions and programs so that our citizens can travel freely for work and play.

Working with our cities to provide an effective and accessible system of elections that allows North, Mid and South Fulton voters easy access to voting. Ensuring that our county jail system is centered around reform and restorative justice versus punishment through jobs and careers training programs. Responding to countywide public health epidemics like COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, opiate addiction, etc.

These are just some of the spaces that Fulton County government should be at the forefront of and would be a few of my top priorities as commissioner.

Question 3. I think the most direct way to start to address this issue is to ensure there is an accessible, transparent, and fair appeals process when a resident receives their assessment. Government should be viewed by residents as a positive extension of their own lives, an additive body that helps residents pursue the American Dream, whatever that means to each individual family. If a resident feels that an error has been made in their assessment, I would hope that they view Fulton County Government as an ally to get to the bottom of the potential issue, and if one is identified, an institution they can rely on to remediate it in a timely manner.

Long term, an independent audit of the assessment process would be in order if a systemic, widespread issue is identified in residents’ assessments. Again, changing the relationship between residents and the county government from a hostile relationship to a mutually beneficial one is in the best interests of both parties, and solving critical issues like this should be a top priority.

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 5

6 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

ELECTION 2020

State Senate, District 56 John Albers (Incumbent) Political Party: Republican Public social media handles: facebook.com/senatorjohnalbers @johnalbers (twitter) @senator_john_albers (instagram) ALBERS www.SenatorAlbers.com Contact info: John@SenatorAlbers.com (678) 667-3656 Question 1. Georgia is rebounding faster than most every other state!

We are top 7 in the nation lowering the unemployment rate at a record pace. As the No. 1 state to do business for seven straight years and having a robust recovery, our revenue is returning quickly.

Georgia is considered one of the most fiscally responsible states with no debt and a AAA bond rating. This fiscal responsibility has been critical to our success.

My strategy is simple, we will continue to safely and quickly keep our economy moving forward. We all took pay cuts in the Senate to help the budget. In addition, I have donated my entire legislative salary. I believe we should always lead by example and help others.

In North Fulton, we are working together to assure our economy is growing back at a record pace. During the pandemic, I worked and led efforts with our North Fulton cities, county, schools, federal counterparts, etc. I have been endorsed by all the North Fulton mayors, commissioners, School Board members, demonstrating teamwork. Experience was critical during this time and made a real difference! I am also endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) as well as a “Champion of Georgia’s Cities” by GMA. In 2020, ACCG presented me with the Legislative Services Award. These efforts help build our economy and restore revenues.

Thankfully we are not California, New York,

Illinois and others who have double-digit unemployment, massive deficits and longterm challenges. Georgia is coming back strong!

Question 2. Public safety, education, families, special needs, small business and healthcare need to be protected always. I have passed legislation in the Senate to measure all tax credits to assure we have a return on investment for the state. I will continue to look at cutting any incentives which are not providing the benefits back to the state.

During my tenure, we have added billions to education and gave the largest teacher pay raise in history. For this reason and others, I am endorsed by the leading teacher organization, Educators First, and our North Fulton School Board Members. I helped all our homeowners in 2018 when Fulton County raised property assessments by 20-300 percent by passing legislation to reset values to the lowest amount in three years and never allow an increase more than 3 percent. This helped our families!

As the Senate Chairman of Public Safety, we need to make sure our first responders are protected as well as our National Guard. Our families with special needs are very important to me which is why I authored and passed Ava’s Law for children with autism and continue to add funds to the budget for waivers and community programs.

Our low tax rates and business friendly environment helps our small businesses. We need to continue to help our job creators; and I have sponsored numerous bills to help reduce burdensome regulations. Healthcare is paramount especially during the pandemic and we need to maintain a robust medical infrastructure with public/private partnerships.

Question 3. I am currently working on my 2021 legislative priorities. I began work this year and will pass in 2021 in-

creased senior citizen tax exemptions for school taxes. We need to be competitive with other counties and reward those who paid the longest. I will champion an additional $2,000 pay raise for teachers (on top of the $3,000 in 2019) and continue to fully fund education.

I will work on final passage of the Max Gruver Act which passed the Senate this year and was stalled due to the pandemic. Unfortunately, some hazing rituals at colleges and universities across the country have caused injuries or even deaths. One such victim was Max Gruver, a Roswell native who passed away following a ritual who this bill is named after to honor his legacy. Max’s parents, Steve and Rae Ann Gruver have dedicated their lives to keeping others safe; and I am honored to work with them on this important legislation. This bill is designed to bring an end to harmful hazing and protect our youth.

I will continue my work with the attorney general to help protect foster children, make adoptions easier and end human trafficking. I will always protect our families and communities. For those who seek to harm our fellow Georgians — you can run, but you cannot hide. I will always work tirelessly to support our men and women in uniform who serve and protect us. I will always ensure Georgia is the No. 1 place to do business!

Sarah Beeson Political Party: Democrat Public social media handles: facebook.com/votebeeson @SarahZBeeson (twitter) @SarahZBeeson (instagram) www.votebeeson.com Contact info: campaign@votebeeson.com 678-310-4291

BEESON

Candidate questions 1. With the state strapped for revenue, what strategy do you have for helping Georgia survive a down economy?

2. Are there any specific cuts in spending you’d like to see?

What should be protected?

3. What initiatives would you like to see implemented in the coming legislative session?

Question 1. I support exploring alternative revenue streams, such as increasing the cigarette tax at the state level to be more in line with the national average. The state currently spends more on providing care for those with tobacco-related illnesses than it brings in through the existing cigarette tax rate. By evaluating our large corporate tax breaks and increasing the cigarette tax, Georgia can increase state revenue to weather the economic downturn.

Question 2. The state’s education funding should be rebuilt and protected since our current lawmakers voted to slash nearly $1 billion from K-12 funding just this year. Additionally, the state should expand Medicaid by opting into the Affordable Care Act. We have millions in tax dollars we have already paid but cannot utilize because of our lawmakers’ refusal to opt into the Affordable Care Act, which could support Medicaid initiatives, improve maternal mortality, and fund hospitals.

Question 3. My top priority in the coming legislative session is to expand access to affordable healthcare for all Georgians and expedite the state’s economic recovery for both workers and businesses.

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NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 7

8 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ELECTION 2020

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

State Senate, District 48 Michelle Au Political Party: Democrat Public social media handles: facebook.com/auforga @auforga (twitter) @au4ga (instagram) auforga.com Contact info: michelle@ auforga.com

Legislature to remove the exclusions in the original Campus Carry bill. I would want this bill defeated. Campus Carry is a deeply flawed law to begin with, and it should be repealed. Guns have no business being in our places of learning.

Candidate questions AU

Question 1. The challenge to Georgia’s recovery efforts from the greatest public health and economic crisis in a century hinges on how our state leaders handle our revenue shortfalls. Slash and burn, or invest and grow? I choose the latter. I will fight to maximize revenues and budget resources to prioritize long-term recovery with investments in health, education, and job creation. I will push for Georgia to leverage federal aid, including Medicaid expansion, to provide critical resources to our hospitals and help small business owners recuperate.

In addition to leveraging federal aid, we need to modernize our tax code to fund our state budget, such as raising the tobacco tax to the national average and ending special interest tax breaks.

I’ll fight against budget cuts to education and public health that will take over a lifetime to recuperate from and ultimately slow Georgia’s progress. I also support the passage of the Georgia Earned Income Tax Credit to help low- and moderate-income households weather the storm.

Together, we will get through this crisis but we need strong, smart leaders to make common sense decisions based on the best interests of all Georgians, not based on partisan agendas.

Question 2. A state’s budget is not simply the Constitutional obligation of its legislative body to pass. It’s also a moral document. It’s a statement of our priorities.

It is also a moral and ethical obligation to ensure that our taxpayer’s investment is properly fiscally managed and that our priorities are funded.

We need to look to maximizing revenues before we decide to sacrifice the important things, like education, public health, and factors which promote job growth.

Look back to the recession of 2008, and the steep cuts to our education system the state made at that time. More than ten years later, we’re still trying to claw our way back from those cuts. And next fiscal year, we’re cutting almost $1 billion more.

For example, we need to take a hard look at a range of revenue sources to provide the robust financial support needed to fund our state budget, including raising the tobacco tax to the na-

1. With the state strapped for revenue, what strategy do you have for helping Georgia survive a down economy?

2. Are there any specific cuts in spending you’d like to see?

What should be protected?

3. What initiatives would you like to see implemented in the coming legislative session? tional average, and rolling back specialinterest tax breaks.

We should also expand Medicaid, which would save the state more than $3 billion dollars, and help reduce our overall insurance premiums and state healthcare costs.

Stable families and healthy, productive workers lead to a stronger economy, one where people receive a quality education, get better jobs, and earn more income to reinvest into the economy.

Question 3. Georgia ranks near the bottom for access to healthcare, healthcare outcomes, and affordability of care.

One way to improve along all these metrics is full expansion of Medicaid, allowing the federal tax dollars Georgians have already spent to return to our state and help our own citizens.

Medicaid expansion could particularly improve care at our under-resourced rural hospital systems, and improve our maternal mortality outcomes, which currently rank worst in the nation.

The health of individuals is intimately related to the health of the entire community, and we owe it to all Georgians to improve healthcare access for everyone.

Georgia must also implement comprehensive reform measures to address systematic inequalities in the judicial process and law enforcement. I would like to first see the repeal of “stand your ground” laws, as well as enacting measures like requiring the use of body cameras, PTSD training for police and interventions for excessive force.

There are many such reform measures that have been proposed but have not gotten any traction in our Republican majority, and these are conversations I, in particular, will want to continue to have in our state Legislature as your next state senator.

Also, right now there is a bill in the

Matt Reeves Political Party: Republican Public social media handles: @votemattreeves (facebook) @MattReevesGA (twitter) MattReevesforSenate.com REEVES Contact info: matt@ mattreevesforsenate.com, 770-236-9768 Question 1. As we recover from the pandemic, I offer “a different kind of leadership,” where the state should do a few things and do them well, leaving the rest of the money and authority to hardworking Georgians and local elected officials.

We can re-grow the economy safely, get our children educated safely and ensure our community has the resources it needs, by remembering what got Georgia to be No. 1 in jobs.

We need bipartisan problem-solving and fiscal conservatism in state government, focused on common ground and common sense issues for the benefit of our local community in North Fulton and Gwinnett County.

The next District 48 State Senator will need to be an effective advocate in the 35-21 Republican majority State Senate to help our community overcome these challenges.

Keeping our local schools, jobs, healthcare, transportation, law enforcement, and other quality-of-life pillars strong during the recovery from COVID-19 is necessary.

The PPP Program and Cares Act from the federal government helped many local small businesses stay afloat

during the pandemic. As a small business lawyer, I remember how miserable the 2008-2013 recession was without help like that. I want to make sure that small businesses have the advocacy and freedom they need to make our small business comeback strong.

Question 2. A key difference in my race is that only I will protect the meritbased HOPE Scholarship. The merit-based HOPE Scholarship is probably the best State of Georgia program over the past 25 years. I will keep the HOPE Scholarship financially strong and merit-based, for the sake of our hardworking students’ future and our family budgets in North Fulton and Gwinnett. It would be a tragedy for the HOPE Scholarship to be bankrupted by “free college” schemes by the left.

As we recover from the pandemic, state government will be looking for opportunities to make budget cuts, and as a Republican in the 35-21 Republican majority State Senate, I would be in a better position to protect our local schools, public safety, traffic solutions, and healthcare dollars from going elsewhere in the state.

Question 3. I have reached out to independents, nonpartisans, centrist Republicans and Democrats, and many other residents in North Fulton and Gwinnett, and will advocate for 90 percent of early college admissions to go to qualified Georgia students rather than out of state residents, for local offices in Fulton and Gwinnett to become nonpartisan like our cities so that everyone will have a seat at the table, for uninsured Georgians to get covered by health insurance with preexisting condition coverage rather than to be forced onto Medicaid, to continue the fight against surprise medical billing, and to strengthen our State Ethics Commission so that state government is transparent and focused on serving the people rather than partisan politics.

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10 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

State House, District 49 Jason T. Hayes Political Party: Democrat Public social media handles: @jasonforgeorgia (facebook) @JasonForGA (twitter) @jasonforgeorgia (instagram) www.jasonhayesforga.com HAYES Contact info: info@ jasonhayesforga.com, (678) 310-6311

Question 1. One of pillars of my campaign is small business advocacy which is crucial to our economy. Small businesses are the backbone of communities. Furthermore, thriving small businesses help to reduce the unemployment rate. Thus, I will advocate for tax breaks and an emergency fund to keep small businesses open. Second, I would advocate for Georgia Medicaid expansion which would allow small business owners and their employees access to affordable healthcare. This would help improve small businesses’ cash flow by reducing the need to provide employer healthcare.

Question 2. When making budget cuts, we have to be wise. Therefore, any decision that is made to cut the budget will be exercised with fiscal responsibility while protecting the interest of Georgians. This being said, I will make sure education, including teacher salaries, school district support and the Hope Scholarship, dollars are protected.

Second, I will ensure safety net medical services, in particular mental health services, are protected as well.

Question 3. I would like to see funding to the Hope Scholarship restored along with improving teachers’ salaries.

ELECTION 2020

Second, I would like to see Georgia Medicaid expansion approved, which would give 400,000-500,000 Georgians access to affordable health insurance. This initiative would also include the recruitment of healthcare providers, in particular doctors, to accept Medicaid.

Third, I want to see better support for small business owners by offering tax breaks and an emergency fund to protect small business, especially during a crisis like COVID-19.

Finally, I want to see infrastructure improvements, in particular transportation. We have to push for more express lanes, MARTA expansion, and businesses should continue non-essential employees to work from home. We also need to start a dialogue about a four-day work week. When we alleviate the traffic burdens in North Fulton and greater Atlanta, we will begin to reduce carbon emissions and help the environment.

Charles E. “Chuck” Martin (Incumbent) Political Party: Republican Public social media handles: @ (facebook) @Martin4GA (twitter) www.martinfor georgia.com MARTIN Contact info: chuck@ martinforgeorgia.com, (404) 656-5064 Question 1. Georgia is not “strapped” for revenue; revenue is up more than $300 million from this time one year ago and has a AAA Bond Rating acknowledging our financial strength.

That financial strength is grounded in conservative revenue estimates and good financial management, and that strength will see us past this painful time.

The economy is not “down,” and neither are Georgians. This pandemic has been hard, and yet we supported each other. We have lost family, friends, and in many cases a way of life — we have even lost some long serving businesses in our community. Those losses and the uncertainty are due to this virus and are not the fault of Georgians — we are ready to bounce back!

CONNECTING JOBS AND TALENT IN NORTH FULTON

SEE PAGE 9 for CANDIDATE QUESTIONS To support our citizens, Georgia must: • Continue fighting to beat the virus and plan for the post-vaccine times.

• Assist with best practices to allow our citizens to regain their pre-COVID-19 lives, both personal and professional, including K-12 students returning safely to in-person instruction.

• Provide training for individuals that have been displaced or had the industries changed.

As chairman of the Higher Education Committee, I have been working with individuals in our University System and Technical College System to determine actions to assist Georgians back into the workforce.

To directly answer your question, my strategy to help Georgia survive is to make sure Georgians thrive — beat COVID-19, support a safe transition back to normal, and provide opportunities for displaced professionals to retrain for success.

Question 2. The money the state spends comes from the citizens of Georgia; therefore, I always have a watchful eye on state spending.

The State Constitution requires a balanced budget each year, and your state lives within its means just as your family does. When revenue is down, budget allocations must be adjusted to match, and that is why the state and local governments have savings accounts to meet immediate needs.

This past session, due entirely to the pandemic, our budget was adjusted to reflect a projected loss in revenues to the state; still core missions of the state, including K-12 education, post-secondary education, public health, and strategic citizen facing operations, were funded using budget revenue.

To avoid furloughing staff important to serving citizens from the Capitol, Republicans voted to cut our legislative salaries which are $17,342 a year by 10 percent.

Serving as chairman of the Tax Expenditure Sub-Committee of House Ways

& Means, I will lead the way to ensure Georgia taxpayers are protected and receiving value for any tax expenditures.

I will lead to ensure funding is provided for our students in K-12 education, our communities to remain safe, our most vulnerable populations to have resources, and our workforce to have opportunities for leading edge post-secondary education and training.

Additionally, with lottery funding, I will always protect the merit-based HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships.

Georgia must deploy our tax dollars wisely, providing funds guided by our constitution and laws to best assist Georgians’ recovery from this pandemic so we once again thrive.

Question 3. Responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting Georgia’s recovery will be the primary focus next session. I will focus on, and adjust as needed, my previously passed legislation for “Tele-working” that helped Georgians work from home during this pandemic. I will support efforts to beat COVID-19 and provide accommodations for citizens with medical issues until a vaccine or other options are available so families can approach a return to normal.

Our students in K-12 and beyond must have access to the tools and training that will prepare them for the “future of work.” As House Higher Education chairman, this is my focus. Offering more options for virtual learning and “re-learning” for individuals displaced by this pandemic will be a focus. I will also work to address the lack of available testing by providing alternatives to qualify for HOPE and Zell Miller scholarships while protecting their merit-based application.

Under healthcare, last session, progress was made that expanded care to low-income new mothers, reduced surprise billing, reduced cost of prescription drugs and expanded healthcare options.

I will continue to focus on legislation that delivers results and reduces the cost of medication, allows family caregivers for senior family members access to healthcare, and provides opportunities for educating more medical professionals.

For More Information, Contact Mark Goodman at: mgoodman@gnfcc.com www.gnfcc.com

ELECTION 2020

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 11

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

State House, District 50 Angelika Kausche (Incumbent) Political Party: Democrat Public social media handles: @AngelikaforGa (facebook) @AngelikaforGA (twitter) @AngelikaforGA (instagram) www.angelikafor KAUSCHE georgia.com Contact info: angelika@angelikafor georgia.com, (770) 337-3118 Question 1. Georgians have been hit hard by the pandemic, and as the pandemic lingers, much more is needed as the crisis deepens. As a state, we have the fiduciary obligation to balance our budget, so I do not think we can overcome the next months without federal assistance that could provide crucial support for Georgians statewide. I believe the best way to get out of this crisis is to continue to invest in our future, in public education, building healthy communities and a strong workforce.

To do so, we need to have the political will to put our people first and invest in programs that create jobs, in more workforce training and in clean energy, so we are building a future for the state. We are leaving Georgians’ tax dollars at the federal level by not expanding Medicaid and bringing those dollars back into the state to help us — a move that would insure about 500,000 while saving our rural hospitals. We also need to be innovative about revenue. Georgia has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the country and a bipartisan push to increase cigarette taxes while still staying under the national average was unsuccessful, leaving badly needed revenue out of the state budget.

Question 2. Following a significant drop in state revenue due to COVID-19, Georgia had to cut its budget for the fiscal year 2021 by 10 percent across the board, which included an almost $1 billion cut to public education. We cannot cut ourselves out of this crisis.

Our long-term perspective should not only focus on further austerity measures but also on how we can regain a healthy revenue basis to ensure Georgia’s longterm economic recovery. To do that, we need to take a serious look at what tax privileges for whom we still can afford and which ones we should let go. For example, to generate desperately needed revenue, Georgia should consider raising the tobacco tax to the national average, re-evaluate special interest tax breaks, and scale back industry-specific taxsubsidies.

Candidate questions 1. With the state strapped for revenue, what strategy do you have for helping Georgia survive a down economy?

2. Are there any specific cuts in spending you’d like to see?

What should be protected?

3. What initiatives would you like to see implemented in the coming legislative session?

Question 3. We need to invest in a pandemic recovery that is based on science and public health. To do that expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare would be my main priority.

Georgia was already one of the most under-insured states in the country before the pandemic hit, and the result of the poor handling of this crisis has exacerbated the issue. Many Georgians are struggling to receive the most basic healthcare and many are afraid of rising premiums if they visit their doctors.

People who catch the virus may be given the status of having a pre-existing condition, making the concept of affordable healthcare an even bigger uncertainty at this time. I’d like to make sure that affordable healthcare isn’t something that people are constantly stressed about. I’m a proponent of filling the Medicaid coverage gap so that families are able to get the care they need for physical ailments, contagious diseases, mental illnesses and substance abuse.

Jay Lin Political Party: Republican Public social media handles: @jaylin4ga (facebook) jaylinforga.com Contact info: jaylin@ jaylinforga.com, (770) 527-3298

LIN

Question 1. Thanks to responsible fiscal leadership over the last decade, Georgia is lucky enough to have reserve funds for difficult times like we find ourselves in today. The only way we will recover economically and restore funding for important programs is to protect our status as the best state in which to do business. We have achieved that

status through fiscally responsible leadership and not placing undue burdens on job creators. My goal is to protect our success over the last decade by continuing to lead responsibly. We cannot afford to revert to the same radical policies that have put states like California and Illinois in bad financial health. There is a reason Georgia’s population is booming while more liberal states are dwindling, and we must always remember that. I believe we must also make sure that we continue to prioritize public safety and do not allow radical movements like the “Defund the Police” movement to take hold in Georgia. Without safe communities, businesses cannot operate effectively.

Question 2. My main priority is making sure that our education funding is fully restored. Our legislators faced difficult budget decisions because of the negative impact the COVID-19 shutdown had on tax revenue, but we were able to reduce our cuts to education thanks to our rainy-day fund. Democrats have been dishonest about these education funding cuts and have neglected to let

voters know that education cuts, as a percentage, were less than cuts in every other area of the state budget. While it is easy to point fingers, real leadership is about acknowledging the crisis we faced and accepting the fact that difficult decisions had to be made. But Republican leaders made sure that our education system faced the smallest percentage cuts in the budget and put our state on a path that will ensure long-term success.

Question 3. We must continue to find innovative ways to combat coronavirus while getting our economy back on the right track. I believe that we can achieve both things. Again, without restoring our economy, we will prolong this crisis. I fear that without responsible leaders in charge, we will face a much longer recovery and potential depression. I am going to be laser-focused on making sure that we continue the same, proven methods that have made Georgia to the No. 1 state to do business. I want to make sure that we are also the No. 1 state for achieving the American Dream.

12 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ELECTION 2020

MEET YOUR CANDIDATES

State House, District 51 Alex Kaufman Political Party: Republican Public social media handles: @AlexKaufmanHD51 (twitter) votealexkaufman.com Contact info: AKaufman@foxrothschild. com, (470) 344-1730

KAUFMAN

Question 1. My opponent has failed to pass even a single bill into law. I will foster legislation that continues to ensure businesses continue reopening as quickly as possible in 2021 while following state health protocols. I am in favor of the people’s right to vote statewide — up or down — on new revenue proposals, such as legalizing mobile sports wagering and local-option pari-mutuel horse wagering with strict regulatory requirements. I will support a pro-business legislative agenda, including bills that reduce stifling business over-regulation, to attract clean industries and more jobs that translate into more revenue for state coffers.

Question 2. Fully fund Georgia’s K-12 public school system to support our educators. Expand the state’s tax credit scholarship program, give foster children and other challenged students other opportunities with scholarships.

No more tax increases in Fulton County; fight to keep Georgia’s income tax reduction. Cut spending where I identify waste and abuse in the state budget.

Question 3. Seek local legislation to create an economic opportunity zone along Roswell Road in Sandy Springs and Roswell and along Holcomb Bridge Road until it reaches Gwinnett County.

This would attract new businesses and create more jobs. Introduce legislation to reform the dysfunctional Fulton County elections system. Fight any efforts to undermine the merit-based HOPE Scholarship program. Introduce legislation to strengthen laws against criminal gangs.

Foster further preservation of our parks and water resources. Tougher criminal penalties against anyone involved in human and sex trafficking.

Josh McLaurin (Incumbent) Political Party: Democratic Public social media handles: @JoshMcLaurinForGA (facebook) @joshforgeorgia (twitter) www.joshmclaurin.com Contact info: josh@joshforgeorgia.com

Candidate questions 1. With the state strapped for revenue, what strategy do you have for helping Georgia survive a down economy?

2. Are there any specific cuts in spending you’d like to see?

What should be protected?

3. What initiatives would you like to see implemented in the coming legislative session?

Question 1. We must expand Medicaid under the ACA. It’s a cheaper option for the state than the governor’s healthcare waivers. Yet, expanding Medicaid would ensure insurance coverage for hundreds of thousands McLAURIN more Georgians by drawing down a 90 percent match in federal funds (money Georgians have already paid in taxes).

We must review billions of dollars in tax credits to ensure we aren’t just giving away dollars to out-of-state corporations rather than keeping those dollars here.

We should increase the cigarette excise tax to the national average to promote better public health outcomes and raise hundreds of millions of dollars that we could reinvest in other public health initiatives, along with support for small businesses and renters.

Question 2. It is irresponsible for the state to be cutting nearly a billion dollars in education and imposing austerity measures in critical areas like prison safety and mental health. We don’t have to be doing this. Instead, we could take a closer look at — and reform — billions of dollars in tax credits that don’t necessarily have the economic effects their advocates claim they do.

Question 3. The state isn’t doing enough to support working families during the pandemic. I have been an advocate for rent relief and further support for small businesses, such as restaurants, who have taken devastating hits during the pandemic. I also would like to see progress on criminal justice reform, including a repeal of Georgia’s unnecessary citizen’s arrest law and bills to eliminate private probation and private prisons.

State House, District 95 Erica McCurdy Political Party: Republican Website: www.electericamccurdy.com Contact info: erica@electericamccurdy.com *As of press time we had not received responses to our requests for information from the candidate. Candidates were contacted by phone or email numerous times and given a week to respond.

Beth Moore (Incumbent) Political Party: Democrat Public social media handles: @bethmooreforgeorgia (facebook) @mooreforgeorgia (twitter) @bethmooreforgeorgia (instagram) MooreForGeorgia.com MOORE Contact info: info@ mooreforgeorgia.com, (404) 381-8311 Question 1. The Legislature’s most important job is to pass a balanced budget, which itself is a reflection of our state’s values and priorities. Nearly 85 percent of our budget goes toward four categories of government services: education (50 percent), healthcare (20 percent), criminal justice and courts (8 percent), and transportation (7 percent).

A downturn in state revenues means more educator furloughs and hiring freezes, reduced payments to medical providers, crowded courts and prisons, and unsafe roads and bridges. To maintain a functioning state government, we have an obligation to our fellow Georgians to fund these critical services.

For workers, one of the most impactful economic investments we can make is to increase access to the Childcare Assistance Program so parents can afford to go back to work. Too many moms and dads struggle with allocating their entire paycheck toward childcare versus exiting the workforce altogether. We have to make it easier for parents who want to work, while also supporting childcare jobs.

For businesses, Georgia must expand health insurance offerings and subsidies, as provided under the Affordable Care Act, to start-ups and independent contractors to encourage job creation.

An entrepreneur should not be discouraged from launching a business due to concerns about the cost of health benefits. Expanding Medicaid would also repatriate $3 billion in our taxpayer dollars back to Georgia and create 50,000 new, good-paying healthcare jobs.

Question 2. There are two areas of the budget where I would like to see

more efficiency and fairness in order to realize cost savings.

First, Georgia’s refusal to join 38 other states in expanding Medicaid and healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act has left us with two indelible problems: (1) a less healthy population; and (2) a patchwork of healthcare reforms which, in the aggregate, cost more and help fewer people than simply expanding Medicaid.

The State of Georgia relinquishes $6 million per year to individual taxpayers who claim the rural healthcare tax credit. Yet there’s no evidence these credits actually help. Two more rural hospitals in Georgia have closed since the start of the pandemic — nine total over the past 12 years.

Hospitals don’t need a politically expedient tax credit; they need systemic reform in how we deliver healthcare to hard-working Georgians outside of Atlanta. Expanding Medicaid would infuse $3 billion into our communities and help prevent rural Georgia from becoming a healthcare desert.

Second, we can reduce the amount we spend on the cost of incarceration by supporting more accountability courts, mental health services and alternative reform programs for non-violent drug offenders. It is more compassionate and cost-effective to offer rehabilitation to those addicted to drugs or suffering from mental illness than it is to pay full room and board to keep them imprisoned and separated from their support networks.

Question 3. Following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, I joined the Georgia House Democratic Caucus in calling for passage of our “Justice For All” legislative package, with 12 specific reforms. Passing the Hate Crimes Bill last session was a good start by enhancing sentencing guidelines for those who commit violence against populations based on race, nationality, religion and sexual orientation. But Georgia still has a long way to go on social justice and racial justice reforms.

I sponsored a bill to create the District Attorney Oversight Commission to hold rogue D.A.s accountable. This is not a partisan issue — several Georgia communities suffer under ineffective D.A.s, yet there’s currently no legal remedy to recall or remove them. By contrast, we have institutional oversight for judges, defense attorneys and police officers. Why are D.A.s exempt?

Additionally, it’s time to retire the use of no-knock warrants. We’ve seen in the cases of Katherine Johnston, Breonna Taylor and countless others that no-knock warrants are dangerous to officers, suspects and innocent bystanders. Justice cannot be served under the pretense of a home invasion by government officials.

Furthermore, Georgia must equip every member of law enforcement with body cams, and those cameras must be on during all interactions with the public. Body cams provide critical evidence — that often benefits officers — and are proven to reduce the use of unnecessary force.

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14 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ELECTION 2020

Women hold deciding vote amid coronavirus recession Parties cite policy stands that benefit population

By TIFFANY GRIFFITH newsroom@appenmediagroup.com NORTH ATLANTA, Ga. — Women have turned out in bigger numbers at the ballot box since the 1984 presidential election. The trend has grown to the point that The Brookings Institution calls 2020 the year of the woman voter.

“This is suggestive of one of the largest gender gaps in U.S. modern history,” said Audrey Haynes, a University of Georgia associate professor of political science.

The power that women bring to the polls can be found in a Kaiser Family Foundation study. In Georgia, during the 2018 midterms, more than 58-percent of eligible female voters cast a ballot, while male participation was at 53-percent. Similar gender gaps are found when the data is broken down by race/ethnicity and education level.

The intensity of female voters is not lost on the presidential candidates.

The latest Washington Post-ABC News poll shows women leaning more toward Democrat Joe Biden by 23 points.

At a Pennsylvania rally in midOctober, President Trump asked female voters, “Will you please like me?”

Asking might not be enough. Haynes said women are keenly aware of the issues impacting them, such as tense negotiations between the White House and Congress over a second stimulus package as the pandemic continues.

“This would suggest to me, the likelihood of women, in general, particularly those who have been hit by the economic consequences, looking more toward the Democratic ticket,” Haynes said. “Many may have been in that area already, but now, may be more easily mobilized due to the intensity of their concern for their livelihoods. The stock market doing okay has little meaning for those who are unemployed or only marginally employed.”

As for those who are more secure in their economic situation, Haynes sees a potential divide.

“Depending on attitudes toward cultural and social issues, White women split their votes,” she said. “Trump has lost some of these women primarily due to the approach that he has taken to COVID-19 and his appearance of a lack of leadership and empathy on the domestic front.”

However, the “saving the suburbs” messaging from the president has resonated with Trump’s base.

“There are women who support Trump,” Haynes added. “They are primarily White, some are educated, and some work. But most care about par-

ticular issues, such as abortion or have very strong partisan roots in the Republican Party, and strong beliefs in terms of culture issues, generally. Some are primarily focused on economic beliefs while others may be more focused on law and order.”

The coronavirus recession has hit women hardest in a variety of different ways. Women of color, for example, have the added fight for justice among the racial unrest of 2020. But when it comes to the primary causes of the shecession — the economic downturn and global pandemic — a September study by The Commonwealth Fund revealed who women trust to address the public health needs and economic costs of COVID-19.

Thousands of women were questioned about the country’s current crisis and the presidential race. The survey of likely women voters found 61-percent trust Biden, over 34-percent who trust Trump.

The numbers were similar on the issues of protecting coverage for preexisting conditions and lowering healthcare costs.

In Georgia, the survey asked male and female likely voters who would be better at handling public health needs and economic costs from the pandemic. Biden came out on top, 60-35, over Trump.

The study by the Commonwealth Fund included interviews with more than 7,000 voters across the county and carried a margin of error of plus or minus 1.7 percentage points. For its state of Georgia survey, which included a sampling of 417 likely voters, the margin of error was plus or minus 6.1 percent.

Candidates for public office and their representatives were contacted and offered the chance to speak to local female voters. Some responded. Here are their replies: President Donald Trump, Republican “President Trump is delivering on an array of issues that really matter to women. President Trump is rebuilding our economy and restoring jobs, defending our police to ensure safe communities, prioritizing education and school choice, strengthening our national security, and even brokering peace in the Middle East.

While Joe Biden seeks to tax us into oblivion and regulate every aspect of our lives, women across the nation can trust in President Trump to put them and their families first.” — Courtney Parella, Donald Trump Campaign Vice President Joe Biden, Democrat “Women in this country, particularly women of color, have never had a fair shot, and the COVID-19 pandemic only further underscored these inequities. To make matters worse, we currently have a president who not only belittles and ridicules women publicly and privately, but one who also seeks to undermine our

U.S. Senate candidate Jon Ossoff, Democrat “Working moms have had a terrible time during this pandemic and recession, and our government hasn’t provided the relief and support they need. Congress didn’t provide critical support for school districts that needed help re-opening or launching effective remote learning programs, nor did Congress provide emergency childcare credits to help working families access childcare while schools have been closed. Women have been laid off at higher rates and unfairly forced out of the workforce due to lack of safe childcare. We should have already had another round of direct, federal relief months ago to help families and womenowned small businesses get by.” basic constitutional rights. Joe Biden has a plan to ensure women have access to comprehensive, affordable health care, including a plan to reduce the unacceptably high maternal mortality rate. We know Joe will tackle the gender wage gap and wage discrimination, and ensure that every working mother has access to quality, affordable childcare.”

– Jaclyn Rothenberg, Biden for President Georgia Director of Communications Georgia Democratic Party “This year, when Georgia Democrats flip the State House, gain two Democratic Senate seats, and deliver the Biden/Harris ticket 16 electoral votes for Georgia, we will ensure women have equal pay for equal work, make childcare and education adequate and affordable, protect health care and coverage for pre-existing conditions, and defend women’s bodily autonomy and reproductive freedoms.” — Maggie Chambers, Communications director U.S. Senate candidate Sen. David Perdue, Republican “During the COVID-19 crisis, Sen. David Perdue reached out to over a million Georgians to listen and help them access critical support. What he heard in many of those conversations is how this pandemic presented unique challenges for women and families. All parents are concerned about keeping their children safe, defeating COVID-19, and getting back to normal life as soon as possible.

Senator Perdue introduced the SCHOOL Act to provide protective equipment for students and help local school systems safely reopen or learn virtually until the community is ready. Before this virus, Senator Perdue helped lead the greatest economic turnaround in U.S. history that created 7.5 million new jobs and helped 6.6 million people pull themselves out of poverty, many of which were single-parent mothers.” – Casey Black, spokeswoman for Senator Perdue

U.S. Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, Republican “Over the last several months, I have worked hand-in-hand with President Trump to provide much-needed relief to American families, small businesses, health care professionals, and states and localities. Through the CARES Act, we created the Paycheck Protection Program, which has ensured female entrepreneurs, contractors, and small business owners can weather this crisis. Through the relief I supported, Georgia families were sent economic impact payments, providing them supplemental income in the early days of the virus. Further, I supported provisions that allowed for family leave, permitting family members to take paid and unpaid time off to care for sick loved ones. To ensure Georgians can get back to work and to support the services they depend on to do so, I voted for grants to female-owned business center programs, funds for child care centers, and relief funds for the Headstart Program. Finally, reopening our schools is a critical component of getting mothers back to work, which is why I’ve continually advocated for safely sending our kids back to school. As we continue to recover from the devastating effects of COVID-19, I look forward to continue working for every Georgian.”

U.S. Senate candidate Rev. Raphael Warnock, Democrat “Georgians deserve a senator who believes essential workers should be paid an essential wage, who will fight for expanded access to affordable, quality healthcare, and who knows that women deserve equal pay for equal work…We are the richest nation in the world, but you wouldn’t see that when you consider the number of women who died trying to bring children into the world. Black women, disproportionately, make up Georgia’s high maternal mortality statistics. I will fight to ensure mothers and babies thrive in our state.”

See WOMEN, Page 15

Dunwoody Crier 10/29/20 Crossword

ELECTION 2020

Women:

Continued from Page 14 Fulton County Republican Party “The Republican Party can more adequately help women handle the pandemic by improving the supply chain and logistics for everyday products.

As a mother and wife, I’m responsible for ensuring my family has the supplies they need to thrive. Forty percent of households are headed by women.

Second Amendment protections and support for law enforcement are vital for the protection of our family. The Republican Party makes national and personal security a priority. That alone is enough to push women towards voting Republican.” — Kaaryn Walker, secretary of Georgia’s 6th Congressional District Republican Party Fulton County Democratic Party “Democrats support aggressive and immediate COVID-19 relief policies to expand unemployment insurance and paycheck protection programs as well as impose eviction moratoriums across the state. Women are experiencing higher job and business losses and are at a higher risk of losing their homes during this health crisis. Democrats support expanding access to affordable pre-K and early childhood education programs, as well as other affordable childcare options.” — Lauren Higdon, Communications chair DeKalb County Republican Party “Our support for President Trump is stronger than ever before, but women voters are not a monolithic group but share a common value of protecting lives and livelihoods in a number of ways. For some, that means preserving law and order in our communities, and for others having school choice where they determine the best educational fit for their children. President Trump’s concern for how our country supports working and entrepreneurial women and their families is admirable and actionable. A lower corporate tax rate paired with child/dependent tax credits only puts money back into women’s pocketbooks.” — Marci McCarthy, vicechairman Communications, DeKalb County GOP DeKalb County Democratic Party “The Democratic Party will lessen the impact of the pandemic and the recession by implementing the outlined policies: Get a national movement and organization to control the pandemic by providing additional money for essential workers, which primarily are women.

Provide sufficient funds to make our schools safe. This will allow children to return to school which will lessen the strain on women who are often the

primary person responsible for making sure that their children participate in online learning. Ensure that legislation is in place that allows women to make the decisions of what they do with their own bodies. Provide an increase in the minimum wage which will increase the income of many families out of poverty.

Ensure that health coverage is available for everyone. This will increase the life span of women by covering physical and other medical coverage related to pregnancy. Provide additional funds for home ownership and education, thus improving the lives of women.” — Karen Davenport, DeKalb County Dems GOTV Committee chair

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Andrea Johnson, Republican for Georgia House District 79 “Mothers, female employees, and female entrepreneurs are suffering greatly due to the harsh impact the pandemic has had on business. Stay at home moms are impacted too, as their household income is dependent on their husband’s jobs and ability to provide for their families. It is highly important to keep taxes low on all citizens and businesses in our community in order to ensure that the economy recovers so that women and men can return to work and live prosperous and happy lives.”

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Representative Mike Wilensky, Democrat For Georgia House District 79 “As your state representative, I have continuously fought for women and considered the impact my votes at the State Capitol will have. There are a large percentage of women who work in the education field. This past year I fought to protect teachers and their pay by voting against the $1 billion in cuts to our education system. Also, I was the only male that spoke out on the House Floor against HB 481, the fetal heartbeat bill. A woman’s medical decisions should be between her and her doctor. I will continue to fight for equal pay, fair treatment in the workplace, affordable childcare, and increasing paid maternity leave. In addition, there are a large percentage of women who work in the medical field. I will continue to support legislation that eases the burdens put on healthcare providers instead of continuing to slash funding. I will make sure those in the medical field get the infrastructure, technology, and PPE they need. I will continue to be vocal about expanding Medicaid, which will cost less and cover more people than the current waivers. It is the fiscally responsible decision and would also bring at least 50,000 new jobs to Georgia. The Democratic party has consistently fought for women to make their own medical decisions, equal pay, affordable childcare, increasing paid maternity leave, fair treatment in the workplace, and Medicaid expansion.”

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16 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

NEWS

Election officials address missing absentee ballot concerns

By TIFFANY GRIFFITH newsroom@appenmediagroup.com NORTH ATLANTA, Ga. — Whether on the ballot or casting a ballot, whether voting from the left or the right, there is one thing most Americans can agree on — there is a lot at stake for this election.

The pressure has turned the Peach State into an unexpected battleground.

Also unexpected is the coronavirus which has raised interest in vote-by-mail nationwide, as an alternative to large crowds at the polls.

The Georgia Secretary of State’s office has mailed 6.9 million absentee ballot request forms to registered voters in Georgia. The department website says the mailing was an effort to give as many Georgians as possible their right to vote without leaving their homes.

A recent New York Times and Sienna College survey found 18 percent of Georgians planned to submit mail-in ballots.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said 1.6 million Georgians have so far registered to vote by mail.

“Georgia is a leader in election access,” Raffensperger said. “Notwithstanding the pandemic, voters in the Peach State can take advantage of no-excuse absentee ballot voting by mail or through

a secure drop box; three weeks of early, in-person voting; or Election Day voting.”

Early voting began in Georgia on Oct. 12. According to state data, within the first eight days, 675,825 mail-in ballots were received. That’s more than six times the number recorded during the same period in 2016.

A closer look at Fulton County shows about 211,000 absentee ballots were mailed out. Richard Barron, the county elections chief, said as of Oct. 21, approximately 96,000 absentee ballots have been returned and processed.

Raffensperger’s office describes the state’s voting system as “the gold-standard.” While many absentee ballots have been delivered and submitted, Fulton County election officials said they have heard from concerned voters who have yet to receive their ballot in the mail.

“We do get calls,” Barron said. “I think part of the reason is the state set up a vendor for all of the counties to use and the ballots were being mailed from Arizona.”

As of Oct. 16, those ballots are now being distributed from within Fulton County.

Barron said it usually takes two weeks for a ballot to show up in your mailbox.

However, some residents had not received their ballots after three weeks.

“Most of the issues that we have are

Early voting underway FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Early voting for the Nov. 3 General Election is now underway at several locations in North Fulton.

Advanced voting will take place Monday through Friday through Oct. 30 with select dates for Saturday and Sunday voting.

Early voting is available Monday through Friday Oct. 12-16 and Oct. 19-23 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Oct. 26-30 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 17 and Oct. 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 18 and 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Polling locations in North Fulton include: • Alpharetta Branch Library, 10 Park Plaza, Alpharetta • East Roswell Branch Library, 2310 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell • Johns Creek Environmental Campus, 8100 Holcomb Bridge Road, Alpharetta • Milton Library, 855 Mayfield Road, Milton people just waiting to get the ballots in the mail,” said Barron. “We’ve had to reissue some ballots.”

Overall, Barron said the absentee ballot process is going smoothly in Fulton County. But for those who have not received their mail-in ballot, state officials said there are steps to follow.

Deputy Secretary of State Jordan Fuchs said voters always have the options of voting in-person and canceling that ballot or request one at their nearest early voting location.”

Election officials have also provided online tools to help voters check the delivery and acceptance status of their mail-in ballot. Those resources can be found on the Georgia Secretary of State website.

• Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, Johns Creek • Park Place at Newtown, 3125 Old Alabama Road, Johns Creek • Robert E. Fulton Ocee Library, 5090 Abbotts Bridge Road, Johns Creek • Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell An early voting outreach location will also be open at the Crabapple Neighborhood Senior Center, 12624 Broadwell Road, Alpharetta, from Oct 15-17 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Those voting by an absentee ballot can either mail their ballot or use a ballot drop box. Drop boxes are available at the Alpharetta Branch Library; East Roswell Branch Library; Johns Creek Environmental Campus; Milton Branch Library; Northeast/Spruill Oaks Library; Robert E. Fulton Ocee Library; Roswell Branch Library; and the Fulton County Customer Service Center at Maxwell Road, 11575 Maxwell Road, Alpharetta.

Raffensperger said some voters who requested their ballots by mail, changed their minds and showed up at polling locations.

“What I would really encourage is that the 1.6 million people who requested absentee ballots actually send them in, and not show up in person,” Raffensperger said.

The Secretary of State added that he has seen some of the longest lines in Roswell and the North Fulton area.

Raffensperger said he would at least like to have 1.5 million ballots returned, because the added time to cancel a ballot puts more stress on county workers and increases wait times.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot in Georgia is Oct. 30, which is also the final day of early voting.

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SCHOOLS

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 17

Schools reopening logs rocky first week COVID cases briefly close two county high schools

By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@appenmediagroup.com NORTH FULTON — Resumption of inperson instruction in the Fulton County School System hit an early snag this month when two high schools promptly closed after incidents of COVID-19 cases triggered the district’s protocol for closure.

All 100-plus schools across the district opened on Oct. 14 for students who wished to return to classrooms after seven months of remote learning. Approximately 60 percent of students opted to return to classrooms.

The return was short-lived at Cambridge High. Two positive cases among staff or students reported on Oct. 16 led to the quarantine of 141 individuals, prompting the building to close and students to revert to remote learning.

After a three-day pause while the school was deep cleaned and sanitized, students returned to school Oct. 23.

Banneker High in South Fulton also closed for three days after similar circumstances. A district spokesman said no other schools reported issues last week, but the threat of the virus remains.

As of Oct. 18, Fulton County Schools reported 59 cases of COVID among staff and students, with 489 quarantined.

This includes numbers from Banneker and Cambridge high schools. In the previous reporting period ending Oct. 11, there were 50 positive cases and 254 in quarantine.

“We fully acknowledge there are go-

COVID-19 selfreporting portal With the return of in-person instruction, the Fulton County School System implemented an online COVID-19 reporting portal for parents, in partnership with the Fulton County Board of Health. Parents are asked to promptly report if their child: • Has tested positive for COVID-19 • Is waiting for test results for COVID-19 • Has been in contact (within six feet for 15 minutes or more with someone diagnosed with COVID-19) Once information is received, the Board of Health will: • Contact, investigate and follow up directly with the parent and student.

• Share essential information with the school system to allow for any necessary action.

• Provide direction to the parent and student on testing, self-isolation, quarantine or additional medical care.

Information will remain confidential and only parents whose children have been directly affected will receive notices.

Fulton County Board of Health. Since the beginning of the crisis last spring, Fulton Schools Superintendent Mike Looney has stressed “data drives the decisions.”

The return to face-to-face learning hinged on countywide data showing fewer than 100 positive cases of COVID out of a population of 100,000. That mark was reached in early October and allowed the schools to open for those who wished to return.

During a recent board meeting, Looney said shuttering all schools again, as it did in March after just one case of COVID, is unlikely. Much has been learned since then about keeping kids and schools safe, he said.

“Honestly, looking back that wasn’t necessary,” Looney said. “The assumption is [the district] will remain open unless the Fulton Board of Health or the state Department of Health gives us the recommendation to close.”

He outlined the three-tiered closing process: Level 1 (1-2 positive COVID diagnosis) – Positive individual(s) would be isolated, along with those directly impacted. Learning would not be affected.

Level 2 (3+ positive COVID diagnosis) – Level 1 protocols, with the addition of

learning may change to remote for up to 72 hours to allow for building disinfection/contact tracing, etc.

Level 3 – Additional factors as determined by the Fulton County Board of Health.

The temporary closing of Cambridge and Banneker was a Level 2 incident.

Fulton Schools has also implemented a self-reporting portal for parents to assist the district in mitigating the spread of COVID. Looney stressed the importance of students and staff remaining home while they await COVID test results, or if they exhibit any symptoms of illness as flu season ramps up.

“If staff or students have flu-like symptoms, stay home and don’t risk your health or the health of others,” Looney said. “The only way we are going to be successful in [keeping] our schools open is if everyone works together toward that goal.”

A district official acknowledged the school system continues to take direction from public health officials on the recent change by the CDC on what defines “close contact.” The CDC now says 15 minutes of close contact with a COVID-positive person over a 24-hour period may pose a risk.

ing to be cases from time to time that will require us to act,” said Brian Noyes, chief communications officer for the district. “We are committed to following the process we have outlined to keep our students and staff safe and limit disruption to learning.”

The protocols for reopening and closing schools follow a plan developed by the district in partnership with the

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18 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

Please vote I have friends all over the political spectrum. Two of my best friends happen to fall on the side that I struggle to understand. I value their friendship highly; it’s the kind of RAY APPEN friendship that one Publisher Emeritus ray@appenmediagroup.com protects with sharp swords or F-35s. I would walk on hot coals for them, and they would do the same for me, but we cannot discuss anything political. With us, it is that 800-pound elephant in the room that we all agree not too overtly see or smell when we are in the same room together.

At times it is really hard to maintain that silence or ignore the smell, especially when manifestations of that elephant appear — flags, broadcasts, and signs, to name a few I had an interesting and surprising exchange with a childhood friend — actually two of them — recently that touched on politics.

The first friend was about five years older than I and was always the leader in our neighborhood — Eagle Scout, organizer of the football games, first to try alcohol, big time hunter, Army ROTC, and always a good mixer with his parents’ friends. His parents shipped him off to boarding school for high school, the same school I went to, actually. He went career Army and ended up doing — with enthusiasm I suspect — multiple tours in Vietnam. Later he was stationed in Alaska where he was in charge of the National Guard. He stayed in Alaska and lives there today where he spends a considerable amount of time hunting in retirement.

Anyway, I sent him something I wrote about our old neighborhood recently because I thought he would get a kick out of it. I had not talked to him or seen him more than once in the past 50 years but, those early shared experiences allowed me to feel safe reaching out to him. Those ties I think in many cases are forever and withstand, if not defy, the ravages of time.

Because I emailed him, I heard back almost immediately — a thank you for thinking of him and that he enjoyed my memories.

Then he asked me a question that caught me off guard. It was the same question that the other childhood friend asked me when he replied to my email. Instead of paraphrasing these, I’ll just quote them for you. I am sure they won’t mind.

Julian: “Hello Ray, Excellent article;

OPINION

What values do you hold dear and support? What values did you teach to your children and hope your grandchildren also adopt? lots of memories, lots of emotion.

Thanks for writing and thanks for sending…. I’d like to hear your political views. Also, while I appreciate the promotion (I thought he was a general, which he was and always will be in my eyes), I actually retired as a Lt. Colonel….”

Richard: “Ray, Thanks for sharing the column. It brings back many good memories of the Circle and your memories are quite good. Regarding the fallout shelters, I remember asking Julian (the same Julian above) why his parents didn’t build a fallout shelter, too (like their neighbors did). He said that his parents told him that they could not tolerate turning away anyone who didn’t have one, so they didn’t build one. I hope we can get by the election without a civil war. Julian and I are in the same camp… Biden… Hope that didn’t offend you.”

When I shared my thoughts in reply to Julian’s question, he then replied to me that it was reassuring that I was “more concerned about preserving democratic institutions and the rule of law over a potential bump in my taxes or (a couple single-issue) constitutionality issues…”

But my point is not so much who I or my childhood friends plan to vote for soon. The correspondence with these two childhood friends drove home to me that the question should not be so much the “who” as much as it should be the “what” — what are you voting for, really? What values do you hold dear and support? What values did you teach to your children and hope your grandchildren also adopt?

Please vote. Vote for your “what.”

A guide on how you can reduce traffic You may think that the only way to ease traffic is to widen roads, improve intersections and the like, but even Mrs. Daily Commuter and Mr. Out-On-Errands can mitigate congestion that we all suffer JOE PARKER as a result of living in Editor north Metro Atlanta. joe@appenmediagroup.com So, I’ll be your expert on the subject, because I happen to have a newspaper column and you don’t, and outline the ways that you can help fight traffic snarls from behind the wheel.

There have been several studies on how a single driver, or an autonomous car, can improve traffic flow, some highlighting “jam-absorption driving.”

If you are looking for an alternative to a traditional sleep aid, might I suggest the study, “A Jam-Absorption Driving Strategy for Mitigating Traffic Oscillations,” which could still manage to knock out a person even if they had approximately 3 pounds of cocaine in their system.

Unlike those studies, my strategies are not based in scientific analysis, rather, road rage. I will do my best to not let myself succumb to this anger while writing this.

Let’s start with a simple suggestion.

When entering a turning lane, do so at the beginning of the lane, not halfway or three-quarters of the way from the beginning of the lane to the intersection. That way, you can gradually slow down without impeding traffic in any way INSTEAD OF WAITING UNTIL JUST BEFORE THE INTERSECTION CAUSING YOU TO BRAKE HARDER AND SLOW DOWN AN ENTIRE LANE OF TRAFFIC YOU MISERABLE CLOD! Sorry, I tried to contain the road rage. I’ll do better from now on.

While we are on the subject on turning, I’m here to remind you that you

can, in fact, make a 90-degree turn onto another street at a rate faster than the speed of smell. By taking a turn that would be considered “slow” in terms of plate tectonics, you are essentially brining the entire traffic lane to a stop.

The same people who take turns only at a rate of speed beginning with “0” mph probably also need to hear this — you yield to traffic before entering a roundabout, YOU DON’T COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WHEN THE ONLY CAR IN WITHIN 3 MILES IS MINE, AND I’M BEHIND YOU! Sorry, another slip-up.

The roundabout is a beautiful bit of engineering, and with their proliferation in our area, you need to invest in a MARTA Breeze card if you don’t know how they work by now.

Another way to improve traffic flow is to have lane discipline on the highway. If you are not passing someone, move over to the right. If everyone practiced this, it would have an immediate and immense improvement on highway congestion, and I wouldn’t have to imagine what your head looks like on a spike when you’re doing 64 mph in the left lane on Ga. 400.

And if you are one of the drivers that will stay in the left lane just because someone is traveling, or wants to be traveling, at a speed you deem too fast, here’s a little checklist. Do you have a badge on your chest and a set of blue lights on the roof of your car? No? Then it is not up to you and your self-righteousness to enforce traffic laws. Just let them over, get on with your day and let traffic flow.

If we all followed these tips, we could all save ourselves a bit of unnecessary time behind the wheel without major intersection overhauls or additional lanes.

Here’s to hoping.

For my next installment, I’ll outline how you can avoid road rage; don’t ever drive in metro Atlanta.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 19

Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra to return to the stage

By PHOEBE LIU newsroom@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — After eight months away from the stage, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present its first live performance since the coronavirus pandemic struck.

Renowned violinist Charles Yang will join a strings-only subset of the orchestra Nov. 7 in an evening of chamber music — Astor Piazzolla’s “The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” and Henri Vieuxtemps’ showpiece “Yankee Doodle.”

The concert is at 7:30 p.m. at Johns Creek United Methodist Church, with limited in-person and socially distanced seating available, as well as a Facebook livestream.

“We’re just so grateful to be in the space, to be playing together and to have the opportunity to perform programs for people,” orchestra violinist Jessica Stinson said.

As with all arts organizations, the Johns Creek Symphony has adapted its rehearsal and performance practices to prioritize public safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In March, following mounting case counts and Gov. Brian Kemp’s declaration of a state of emergency in Georgia, the symphony

SPECIAL

After eight months away from the stage, the Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra will present its first live performance since the coronavirus pandemic struck.

canceled what Music Director J. Wayne Baughman said would have been the orchestra’s “largest event ever,” a concert in collaboration with Chattahoochee High School musicians.

Soon afterward, the orchestra formed a COVID-19 task force led by Emory Johns Creek Hospital CEO Marilyn Margolis, who serves on the orches-

tra’s board of directors. The task force is charged with addressing patron and musician safety at all performances in whatever form they might take, keeping a close eye on virus-related scientific developments.

“We want our patrons to know that we want to bring great music to Johns Creek and that we’re trying to do it safely,” said Linda Brill, Johns Creek Symphony Orchestra executive director.

During the statewide stay-at-home order in April and May, the orchestra began an online performance series called “#HomeWithJCSO,” in which musicians recorded performance videos from home to “show people that we’re still thinking about our community and fellow musicians even while at home,” said Stinson, who participated in the series.

Then, this fall, the orchestra began to rehearse in person again. The task force created safety protocols that include sanitizing rehearsal spaces and enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing. Before every rehearsal, task force members screen everyone who enters the rehearsal space — taking temperatures, asking health-related questions and providing hand sanitizer.

To prevent aerosol transmission, orchestra members are also spaced much

further apart than normal, a precaution made possible with a reduced orchestra size. The Nov. 7 concert will feature only eight musicians, all string players who can perform while wearing masks — woodwind and brass players cannot.

Audience capacity is also reduced.

The Johns Creek United Methodist Church seats more than 1,000, but the symphony is selling around 150 tickets for the upcoming concert, Brill said.

Baughman said that despite the emotional and financial impacts of canceled concerts and limited in-person ticket sales, the pandemic’s restrictive environment has forced arts organizations to be creative in developing new strategies to bring their music to the public.

“That’s the beauty of being in the cultural arts or any kind of creative arts, visual and performing arts is that we are creators,” Baughman said. “That’s what we do.”

Tickets for the Nov. 7 concert can be purchased on the orchestra’s website, johnscreeksymphony.org, or by calling 678-748-5802. In the coming weeks, the orchestra’s recently recorded “Virtual Concert Series” will launch online. The orchestra will JCSO will present two additional live concerts, on Dec. 19 and March 27.

Get More News, Opinion & Events Every Friday Morning Stay in the know with Herald Headlines.

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20 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

COMMUNITY

Students, community groups lay groundwork for spreading hope Flowers bring promise of continued growth

By KATIE ANDERSON newsroom@appenmediagroup.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — About two dozen children joined Daffodils 4 Hope Oct. 16 for a field trip with Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau to plant 300 daffodil bulbs at Johns Creek City Hall.

Johns Creek Beautification was formed to enhance and preserve the natural beauty in common areas and public spaces through landscape improvements, environmental preservation and public works of art. Working with CanCare Atlanta, a community of cancer survivors, Johns Creek Beautification formed Daffodils 4 Hope to provide support and awareness for those battling and living with the condition.

Marilyn Davis, coordinator for the Johns Creek Daffodils 4 Hope effort, said the daffodil has become a symbol of cancer survivorship.

Photos online Visit northfulton.com to see more photos from the event “The daffodil regenerates and regrows each year in the spring,” Davis said.

“There are cemeteries where the daffodils have been blooming for 100 years.

Not only are they beautiful, but they are everlasting.”

The first step, Davis said, is to find a site for the plantings. Once City Hall was selected as a site for one of this year’s plantings, the next step was to find a group to lend a hand.

The Johns Creek Convention and Visitors Bureau was at the ready.

CVB Executive Director Stacey Gross said the planting was incorporated into a newly developed series of field trips designed to bring kids out from behind their computers and experience hands-on learning in a safe outdoor environment.

“Education is a foundational pillar in

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS, PUBLIC HEARING: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2020 AT 7:00 P.M. CITY OF JOHNS CREEK COUNCIL CHAMBERS 11360 LAKEFIELD DRIVE JOHNS CREEK, GA 30097 The following variance proposals are scheduled for Public Hearing as stated above: Case Number: Property Address: Current Zoning: Petitioners: Variance Request:

V-20-003 90 Old Sandhurst Landing, Johns Creek, GA 30022 R-4A (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Marvin and Amy Woodward Encroach into the 75-foot impervious surface setback to expand an existing deck

Case Number: Property Address: Current Zoning: Petitioners: Variance Request:

V-20-004 325 Bracknell Way, Johns Creek, GA 30022 R-4A (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Kyle & Carmen Leach Encroach into the 50-foot undisturbed buffer and 75-foot impervious surface setback to expand an existing deck

Case Number: Property Address: Current Zoning: Petitioners: Variance Request:

V-20-005 520 Harbour Gate Circle, Johns Creek, GA 30022 R-4A (Single-Family Dwelling District) Conditional Richard & Jill Levine Encroach into the 75-foot impervious surface setback to construct a pool and pool patio

Johns Creek, so the CVB wants to take this opportunity to show both those within Johns Creek and outside of our city limits the great history, art, science and memorials that are present here,” Gross said.

The third step in the process is fundraising. Typically, the groups planting the bulbs do their own fundraising year-round.

The organizations buy the daffodil bulbs in bulk, Davis said. A thousand bulbs can cost around $400 and fill a space the size of a parking spot, or 200 square feet.

Before the children planted the bulbs, Dr. Neal Kuhlhorst, development officer for CanCare Atlanta, spoke about what the flowers mean and the gift that they were providing to cancer survivors and those battling cancer.

“CanCare provides the gift of hope to people fighting cancer that they can get healthy again,” Kuhlhorst explained.

“These bulbs that you’re putting in the ground are going to become these beautiful flowers, and every year they’re going to come back up. They are symbols of hope, which means that when we plant them, we believe and we hope that they’re going to spring forward and they’re going to blossom.”

The Rotary Club of Johns Creek partnered with Daffodils 4 Hope for a dig on Oct. 24 around the Peace Pole at Emory Johns Creek Hospital. On Nov. 1, both Johns Creek Methodist Church and

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church will sponsor digs.

Davis said another goal is to plant 58,000 bulbs at the Veterans Memorial in Newtown Park, one for every name on the Wall That Heals memorial.

Those wishing to learn more about how Johns Creek Beautification can bring the Daffodils 4 Hope program to their school, church or community group, can contact Marilyn Davis at marilyn@johnscreekcpa.com.

The Johns Creek CVB will host another field trip Nov. 13, the last scheduled outing until April. Parents can register for these field trips on the Johns Creek CVB Facebook page, facebook.

Solution com/visitjohnscreek.

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Stormwater: Continued from Page 3 ker said. “Stormwater utility will be equal to or greater than that on an annual basis, and for the commercial, much, much more than that. I think in fairness we need to

make sure that the public is ready for that.”

The mayor added that problems with stormwater runoff will not fix themselves. He said it might be wise to seek public input after the city is closer to a plan to address the issue and has done all it can to educate citizens.

Following discussion among coun-

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 21

cil members, officials agreed to move forward with measures to educate the public on the threat the city faces with stormwater runoff, then survey residents on a plan of addressing the issue.

“I don’t think we’re anywhere close to

this coming up for a vote,” Councilman John Bradberry said. “We don’t even have our proposal in front of us. Hopefully we’re going to have a lot of education and interaction and engagement before that ever comes in front of us.”

CITY OF JOHNS CREEK PUBLIC NOTICE PURPOSE An Alcoholic Beverage License Application was summited to City on October 20, 2020 for Consumption on Premises of Malt Beverage and Wine.

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Lawn Cemetery.

Patricia A. Barker, 87, of Alpharetta, passed away October 15, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green

Roswell Funeral Home Christensen, 91, of Kenneth Louis Green Lawn Cemetary Cumming, passed away October 19, 2020.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Lawn Cemetery.

Brian C. Edenfield, 46, of Roswell, passed away October 17, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green

Roswell Funeral Robert KentHome Griffin, 66, of Suwanee, Green Lawn Cemetary passed away October 16, 2020.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Charlotte Lou Guffey, 80, of Cumming, passed away October 14th, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Sekhar Maitra, 60, of Cumming, passed away October 15, 2020. Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Eugenia Ann Mote, of Alpharetta, passed away October 11, 2020.

Arrangements by McDonald & Son Funeral Home.

Ronnie Lee Hamby, 62, of Cumming, passed away October 16, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Cemetery.

John D. Henry, 87, passed away October 20, 2020. Arrangement

by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn

Roswell Funeral HomeJoseph Green Lawn Cemetary

Hopkins, 84, of Cumming, passed away October 16, 2020.

Arrangements by Northside Roswell Funeral HomeChapel Funeral Directors & Green Lawn Cemetary Crematory.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Edward Mountford, 93, passed away October 18, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Robert J. Perta, 74, of Cumming, passed Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetaryaway October 19, 2020.

Arrangements by Roswell Funeral Home and Green Lawn Cemetery.

Faithfully Serving Families Since 1839

Roswell Funeral Home Green Lawn Cemetary Faithfully Serving Roswell Since 1839

Billy Ray Shirley, 63, of Cumming, passed away October 21, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Frances Lucille Smith Sosebee, 90, of Cumming, passed away October 19, 2020. Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

Marie Tomes, 94, of Milton, passed away October 17, 2020. Arrangements by Northside Chapel Funeral Directors & Crematory.

Vera H. Williams, 86, of Cumming, passed away October 19, 2020.

Arrangements by Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory.

22 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

ONLINE INCLUDED C a l l t o d a y t o p l a c e y o u r a d 4 7 0 . 2 2 2 . 8 4 6 9 o r e m a i l c l a s s i f i e d s @ a p p e n m e d i a g r o u p . c o m • FA X : 7 7 0 - 4 7 5 - 1 2 1 6

Help Wanted

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GREENLAWNROSWELL Well maintained eye level crypt in first mausoleum, across from the pond. Benches. . $4999. 229-300-2343

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Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details about this insurance solicitation. This specific offer is not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-799-4433 or respond for similar offer. Certificate C250A (ID: C250E; PA: C250Q); Insurance Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: P150NY; OK: P150OK; TN: P150TN).

Product not available in all states. Acceptance guaranteed for one insurance policy/certificate of this type. Contact us for complete details Product not available in specifi all states. guaranteed for oneorinsurance about this insurance solicitation. This c offer isAcceptance not available in CO, NY; call 1-888-799-4433 respond for similar offer. Certificate Product Product notnot available in all in all states. states.

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This This specifi specifi c offer c offer is not is not available available in CO, in CO, NY;NY; callcall 1-888-799-4433 1-888-799-4433 or or respond respo 6154-0120 solicitation.

This specifi cC250Q); offerInsurance is Insurance not available in P150 CO,(GA: NY; callP150GA; 1-888-799-4433 orOK: HughesNet is a registered trademark of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, an EchoStar Company. 2 If you C250A C250A (ID: (ID: C250E; C250E; PA: PA: C250Q); Policy Policy P150 (GA: P150GA; NY: NY: P150NY; P150NY; OK: P150OK; P150OK; TN: TN: P150TN).

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Miscellaneous GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages.

FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!)

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888-986-3616

Thinking about installing a new shower? American Standard makes it easy. FREE design consultation. Enjoy your shower again! Call 1-855-337-8855 today to see how you can save $1,000 on installation, or visit www. newshowerdeal.com/cadnet Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e FREE. FREE iPhone with AT&T’s Buy one, Give One. While supplies last!

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Wanted to Buy DISH Network $59.99 For 190 Channels! Add High Speed Internet for ONLY $19.95/month.

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Wants to purchase minerals and other oil and gas interests.

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In the Herald classIfIeds

Classes MATHEMATICS: Many students advanced to Ivy league/20 years advanced experience, especially SAT. KAIST Mathematics B.S. Purdue Mathematics M.S. Your home-$35/ hour.

404-933-7094/ pauljkim1@yahoo.com

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license identification or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it’s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in U.S. dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

Help Wanted Autos

Furniture

Homes

Services

Bargins

Household Haulers Gutters

coverIng nortH atlanta – In prInt and onlIne!

Alpharetta-Roswell Herald • Milton Herald • Johns Creek Herald • Forsyth Herald • NorthFulton.com

contact us at 770-442-3278

NorthFulton.com | Johns Creek Herald | October 29, 2020 | 23

NATIONAL ADVERTISING Autos Wanted

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CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!!

2002 and Newer!

Any Condition. Running or Not. Competitive Offer! Free Towing!

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AT&T Internet. Starting at $40/ month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions

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Medical Attention oxygen therapy users!

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SERVICE DIRECTORY Concrete/Asphalt

We fix ugly

DRIVEWAYS & PATIOS $150 OFF

Any job over $1500.

Discounts. Call 1-855-995-2490

Driveways

Boy Scout compensation fund Anyone inappropriately touched by a Scout leader deserves justice & compensation! Victims may be eligible for significant cash settlement. Time is limited.

Patios

833-729-0164 Attention homeowners! You can protect your appliances & systems. For just a little more than a $1.00/day. Call now for 1st month free, $75.00 /off 1st year. 1-855-514-1183 Generac generators. Weather is increasingly unpredictable.

Be prepared for power outages.

Free 7-yr ext warranty.

Schedule free in-home assessment 1-844-334-8353.

Special financing if qualified.

Thinking about installing a new shower? American Standard makes it easy. Free design consult.1-888-674-3005 today to see how to save $1,000 on installation or visit www. newshowerdeal.com/display CASH FOR CARS: We Buy Any Condition Vehicle, 2002 and Newer.

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Dish TV $59.99 190 channels + $14.95 high speed internet.

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ADVERTISE HERE!

Sidewalks Walls & Steps Slabs NEW or REPAIR Residential Or Commercial FREE ESTIMATES

Text or Call 678-648-2010 Many local references.

Competitive rates.

McKemey Concrete

Retaining Walls Brick or Wood

Contact Ralph Rucker.

Many local references.

Honest, punctual, professional and reasonable prices!

678-898-7237 CALL 470222-8469 TO LIST YOUR BUSINESS IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

Driveway

Haulers

PINESTRAW, mulch

$250 OFF NEW DRIVEWAY!

Mention this ad. Concrete driveway specialists. Driveways, Pool Decks, Patios, Walkways, Slabs. A+ BBB rating. FREE ESTIMATE. Call Rachael at 678-250-4546 to schedule a FREE Estimate. 30 years of experience. ARBOR HILLS CONSTRUCTION INC. Please note we do have a minimum charge on accepted jobs of $4,500.

Flooring PHILLIPS FLOORING Hardwood, laminate, carpet & tile installation and repairs. We do tile floors, showers, tub surrounds and kitchen back-splashes.

Re-grouting is also available. Call 678-8871868 for free estimate.

Gutters AARON’S ALL-TYPE GUTTERS Repaired and Installed. Covers, siding, soffit, facia. www.aarons-gutters. com. Senior citizen discount! 770-934-2766

Handyman Kitchen, Bath:

Plumbing, Electrical, Drywall, faucets, disposal, Best Prices; Lawn Mower Engine Repair. 20 years experience. Affordable Rates. Call or text Mike at 678-986-4833 Wood Rot Repair, Deck Repair and Staining.

Roof Leaks, Carpentry, Painting, Siding and Soffits. Flooring, Tile, Electrical and Plumbing.

770-262-6272.

CALL 770-442-3278 OR EMAIL US AT CLASSIFIEDS@ APPENMEDIAGROUP.COM

Pinestraw

delivery/installation

Bush Hogging, Clearing, Grading, Hauling, Etc. Many local references-

Call Ralph Rucker

678-898-7237 Home Improvement Finegan Home Improvements LLC: License #RBQA004932.

Remodeling, handyman.

34 years experience.

Basements finished, decks, screen porches, doors, drywall, painting,

available. Firewood available. Licensed, insured. Angels of Earth Pinestraw and Mulch. 770-831-3612

Pressure Wash

Roofing

ROOF LEAKING? Call us for roof repair or roof replacement. FREE quotes. $200 Leak Repairs or 10% off New Roof. Affordable, quality roofing. Based in Roswell. Serving North Atlanta since 1983. Call to schedule FREE Quote: 770-284-3123. Christian Brothers Roofing

PRESSURE WASHING

Residential & Commercial.

Best service and most reasonable prices since 1999.

Appen-Rated 99. Home: Driveways, Fences, Decks, Home exteriors, more.

Commercial: Offices, Restaurants, Tennis Courts, Pools, Apt. Complexes, more. All Pro Pressurewash call 770-766-5566 for Mark.

ROOF TROUBLE? Call for FREE Quote $500 OFF* New Roof Purchase.

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770-744-5700 “Appen-Rated 99” *Cannot combine with any other discount.

flooring, custom kitchens, bathrooms.

All insurance. Paul Finegan 404-353-5611 Phillips Home Improvement We offer drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing and electrical.

Basements finished, kitchen and bath rehabs.

All types flooring. Also total home rehab for those who have a rental house or one to sell.

Call 678-887-1868 for a free estimate

Landscaping

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678-898-7237

ADVERTISE HERE! CALL 770-442-3278 OR EMAIL US AT CLASSIFIEDS@ APPENMEDIAGROUP.COM

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Professional.

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Licensed.

Insured.

Serving Roswell/North Fulton 20+ years. 404513-7387

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BOLD TYPE WILL REALLY MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT. CALL 770-442-3278

AVOID THE HEADACHE

SELL IT, FIND IT, BUY IT

IN OUR CLASSIFIEDS The Herald and Crier newspapers reach 93,000 homes and thousands more online!

CONTACT US AT 770-442-3278

24 | October 29, 2020 | Johns Creek Herald | NorthFulton.com

The fall season is upon us and homes across Metro Atlanta are continuing to sell very quickly. Home values are up, while mortgage rates are at an all-time low. With a shortage of inventory, buyer demand is extremely high, oftentimes resulting in multiple-offer situations. If you are thinking about selling your home, now is a great time. Allow us to share with you how we can help you win in this competitive market. Please contact us. We are here to serve you.

The Kaufman Team Top-Performing Team, Company-Wide d. 770.480.9694 | o. 770.442.7300 thekaufmanteam@atlantafinehomes.com

Left to right: Nandie Gibbons, David Kaufman, Holly Horwege and Will Battle

atlantafinehomes.com

sothebysrealty.com

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty North Atlanta Office: 1125 Sanctuary Parkway, Suite 400, Alpharetta, Georgia 30009.