Perimeter, Buckhead path makes progress
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Construction on PATH400, a 12-foot-wide path along the east side of Ga. 400 connecting Central Perimeter to Buckhead and the Atlanta Beltline, is making progress in Sandy Springs.
Sandy Springs residents and
commuters along Ga. 400 can already see where the northern and southern limits of the path will go. Because of protections for an endangered bat species that roosts near Nancy Creek, contractors were required to remove trees before March 31 to avoid delays with a ban on tree clearing until fall.
The first and third segments of the trail through southern Sandy Springs
are expected to be completed by January 2028.
In early November, there are construction crews working on both sides of Nancy Creek at Windsor Parkway and Starlight Drive, already pouring concrete molds for an expansive bridge.
See PROGRESS, Page 12
2
Mayor’s race will head to runoff vote
Paul, Carter advance to December ballot
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Voters whittled down the four-way Sandy Springs mayoral race to two candidates on Election Day, sending Mayor Rusty Paul and Dontaye Carter to a runoff Dec. 2.
Carter, CEO of his own public relations and media firm, also ran against then-incumbent Paul in 2021. Paul beat Carter by a 70-30 margin.
Incumbent council members Andy Bauman and Jody Reichel also entered the mayoral race this year but fell behind Paul and Carter. A little after midnight, Paul secured 43 percent with Carter at 21 percent, with all the precincts reporting.
Around 10 p.m. on election night, it was not clear who would be facing Mayor Rusty Paul in a runoff, 2021 runner-up Dontaye Carter or City Councilman Andy Bauman.
In the end, Carter edged out Bauman for second place by less than 400 votes.
In a campaign statement, Bauman said each candidate “brought ideas and perspective to an important conversation about the future of our city,”
See RUNOFF, Page 11
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Construction crews work on the PATH400 bridge over Nancy Creek near Starlight Lane in southern Sandy Springs. The bridge is along the first segment of Sandy Springs’ 2.3-mile extension of PATH400, which will run from Buckhead to Central Perimeter.
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GBI arrests three men with alleged cartel ties
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of three men Oct. 31 allegedly trafficking firearms and narcotics in Metro Atlanta for the Cartel Jalisco New Generation in central Mexico.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says the arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation into the criminal drug trafficking organization.
The GBI says its Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad, the Atlanta Police Department Narcotics Unit, the Sandy Springs Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force contributed to the investigation.
Law enforcement arrested and charged Jubenal Farfan Arellano, 52, of Mexico; Omar Flores Mena, 33, of Mexico; and Jose Radilla Maldonado, 29, of Sandy Springs, with racketeering and attempt or conspiracy to violate the Georgia Controlled Substances Act.
Flores is also charged with Possession of Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
On Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30, agents and officers executed five search warrants in Woodstock, Sandy Springs and Atlanta.
Law enforcement seized more than 500 pounds of marijuana packaged for distribution. Nine firearms were also seized.
The investigation alleges that associates of Cartel Jalisco New Generation were working with Metro Atlanta contacts to traffic firearms, marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.
All three arrestees were booked into the Cherokee County Jail. More
charges are expected. Warrants are pending for additional suspects.
Sandy Springs spokesperson Sgt. Leon Millholland gave Appen Media information about the department’s involvement in the arrests.
“The agencies executing the search warrants were allowed to conduct their briefing the morning of the operation at our headquarters,” Millholland said.
“During the execution of the search warrants at the residences within Sandy Springs, Sandy Springs Police
officers were present to support the executing agencies if needed.”
If someone has information related to drug activity, they are encouraged to call the GBI’s Appalachian Regional Drug Enforcement Office at (706) 3487410.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 1-800-597TIPS(8477), online at gbi.georgia.gov/ submit-tips-online or by downloading the See Something, Send Something mobile app.
ASK APPEN
GEORGIA BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION/PROVIDED The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced arrests and the seizure of over 500 pounds of marijuana Oct. 31. One subject is a Sandy Springs resident.
Fulton County projects $66-$96 million shortfall, floats tax increase
By HAYDEN SUMLIN hayden@appenmedia.com
ATLANTA — Fulton County projects its 2026 operational budget to have a $66.7 million to $96.7 million deficit, mostly due to costs for repairs and improvements to its jail system, required by a federal consent decree.
The agreement between the county and federal government requires the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and County Commission to improve the physical Rice Street jail and mandates improved safety and staffing to address “unconstitutional conditions.”
After reports of violence and inadequate supervision in summer 2023, the County Commission funded a $13 million “jail blitz” repair program where incarcerated people are moved to different parts of the jail so contractors can address structural issues.
This August, commissioners approved a long-term plan to build a new 1,813-bed jail facility for around $1.1 billion, specifically for people with medical, mental health and special needs. That spending also includes repairs at Rice Street.
In October, County Manager Dick Williams said his team remains concerned about the jail population, which is more than 3,000 again, and the average length of stay, which exceeds 200 days.
“The blitz is nearing completion … that’s been a focus of ours,” Williams said. “That will bring on around another 400 beds. That’s very good news. I don’t think we will do a ‘Blitz 2.0,’ we will try to enhance maintenance.”
At the Nov. 5 meeting, Fulton County Chief Financial Officer Sharon Whitmore said one of the major questions facing the Commission is whether a flat property tax rate of 8.87 mills will be sufficient to support forecasted expenditures.
“Between 2026 and 2033, the estimated incremental costs related to the consent order … do present a challenge within the existing millage rate,” Whitmore said. “[That] may require an increase [to the millage rate] or other actions to align expense growth to revenue growth.”
The Nov. 5 presentation was one of the first public steps in the budget process, concluding with its final approval in January. High-level county staff began reviewing base budget details this summer, and submission of the proposed budget will be on or before Nov. 15.
Fulton County sets its millage rate in August each year, which means conversations about the 2026 rate will begin next summer.
In the next 10 years, the county
is planning an estimated $2.6 billion in debt service for jail construction, a hospital in South Fulton with Grady Memorial and office consolidation and modernization.
Whitmore said the roll-off or expiration of tax allocation districts and an expected decline in pension contributions in the next decade may be able to fund the capital investments.
The 2026 general fund budget is estimated total between $1.071 billion and $1.101 billion, up from $974 million in 2025.
The county expects to take in around $955 million in property tax revenue if it keeps the millage rate flat, creating a $36.7 million shortfall.
The Fulton County jail system’s consent order requires an additional $30-$60 million.
“You’re looking at $66.7 million to $96.7 million funding gap,” Whitmore said. “With those numbers and that picture in mind, we wanted to …seek direction from the Board about how we might consider closing this gap.”
The discussion separated funding plans for consent order compliance and
eliminating vacant positions, new department requests and/or programs; removing a cost-of-living adjustment for employees; and maintaining 2025 expenditure levels.
On the revenue side, options include assuming a higher digest growth or collection factor and increasing the millage rate.
County Commissioner Bob Ellis, representing the west side of Ga. 400, said he is looking for an option that maintains the current millage rate.
Ellis said he thinks county staff should reconsider its conservative revenue projections related to digest growth or the increasing value of properties. On the expenditure side, he said he prefers a phasing approach and wants to keep all options on the table.
County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. said he was concerned with removing vacant positions, especially in the Sheriff’s Office.
“We’re going to have to comply with the consent order … I think we have to start there and then everything else kind of has to work around compliance,” Arrington Jr. said. “I would lean more toward trying to increase revenue.”
Arrington Jr. also said he wants to find out if there are revenue growth options related to how commercial properties are assessed.
“We have maintained that millage rate for at least four years … this is my 11th year, we have decreased or maintained it every year,” he said. “We average about $70 million in surplus, so I don’t get scared when I see a $30 million shortfall in the 2026 budget.”
other incremental, operational costs.
Commissioners were given a list of options to adjust expenditures and revenues.
On the spending side, they include
Later in the meeting, commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $700,000 to nonprofits serving county residents who may not receive SNAP benefits during the government shutdown.
SCREENSHOT
Fulton County Commissioner Bob Ellis says he is focused on looking at spending in the 2026 budget to reduce a projected $66.7 million to $96.7 million deficit. Ellis said he wants to maintain the property tax rate.
SCREENSHOT
Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. discusses ways to bridge a significant funding gap in the 2026 operational budget. Arrington Jr. said commissioners may need to increase the property tax rate but suggested other options while pointing to surpluses in prior years.
Good luck!
ON THE MENU
1. Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel's favorite snack.
2. Panda's dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape.
3. Spare tire. Beaver's snack. Mountain peaks.
4. Blue whale's dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge.
5. Hot spot. Horse's meal. Extra-large.
6. Pillow covering. Otter's dish. Wall painting.
7. Victory's margin. Bear's feast. Hurl.
On the Menu
1 Icy coating. Low water mark. Squirrel’s favorite snack
2. Panda’s dish. Lackluster. Racetrack shape
How to Solve: Each line in the puzzle above has three clues and three answers. The last letter in the first answer on each line is the first letter of the second answer, and so on. The connecting letter is outlined, giving you the correct number of letters for each answer (the answers in line 1 are 4, 5 and 5 letters). The clues are numbered 1 through 7, which each number containing 3 clues for the 3 answers on the line. But here’s the catch! The clues are not in order - so the first clue in Line 1 may (or may not) actually be for the second or third answer in that line. Got it? Good luck!
3. Spare tire. Beaver’s snack. Mountain peaks
4. Blue whale’s dinner. Crayola color. Hawaiian binge
5. Hot spot. Horse’s meal. Extra-large
6. Pillow covering. Otter’s dish. Wall painting 7. Victory margin. Bear’s feast. Hurl
Fulton County Schools awards Sandy Springs Education Force
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Fulton County Schools recognized Sandy Springs Education Force as its 2025 Legacy of Excellence Partner of the Year Oct. 30 during a celebration at the Georgia International Convention Center.
With about 1,000 Fulton County Schools teachers, professionals, partners and guests in attendance, the Sandy Springs nonprofit took home the award, celebrating outstanding community partnerships that make a lasting difference for students and educators.
Franchesca Warren, vice president of the Fulton County Board of Education, said the Sandy Springs Education Force exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and heart.
Warren said the innovative and collaborative nonprofit is a driving force for students and teachers across the city, with 18 programs supporting 10 public schools.
“Sandy Springs Education Force begins every partnership with one question: ‘What do you need?’” Warren said. “From their Summer Book Club that helps students stay on track with reading to their High Demand Career Fair connecting graduates with employers like Northside Hospital and
Emory and their Teacher’s Supply Closet that equips classrooms with essential materials ... their impact is undeniable.”
Environment Sandy Springs launches new program for elementary schoolers
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Environment
Sandy Springs launched EcoSleuth, a new program for boys and girls in grades 3-5 and their parents to discover the magic of nature at Lost Corner Preserve.
Program leaders Claire Adair and Janet Wells encouraged the teams to open their eyes and ears to the familiar surroundings in their backyards to see and hear things they never noticed before at the inaugural class in October.
Through hands-on role playing, participants learned that they, themselves, are an essential part of the natural world.
Environment Sandy Springs President Jim Newbury said the pilot program’s success proved that kids and parents can be excellent sleuthing teams in their own backyards at home.
“[Parents and their children] discover what lives in the soil, how to identify the trees, shrubs, flowers, bugs and birds they see and how to document their discoveries in their own Nature Journals that we were happy to give them,” Newbury said.
Environment Sandy Springs is a nonprofit that seeks to serve all communities by connecting them with
nature and each other. Its mission is to preserve the environment for generations to come by protecting and restoring ecosystems today. Its goal is to make Sandy Springs “the best neighbor Nature ever had.”
Leaving behind indoor activities, program participants ventured outdoors to search for hidden secrets in the “backyard” at Lost Corner.
Using their personal magnifying glasses for up close detecting, a boy called out, “I found a worm!” as a girl replied, “I found a spider!”
The kids received EcoSleuth Kits and five backyard sleuthing assignments to complete by Oct. 31 to earn their certificates at home.
“Everyone is excited about EcoSleuth,” Newbury said. “This first program was a big success, and we look forward to offering seasonal programs next year. We hope the kids find that Nature is even more fun than video games.”
For information about Environment Sandy Springs and EcoSleuth, visit environment-sandysprings.org/ecosleuthchildrens-program.
— Hayden Sumlin
Education Force has proudly served as a leading education nonprofit in Sandy Springs,” Schweiger said. “We are deeply grateful to Fulton County Schools for recognizing our impact with this distinguished honor and look forward to building on our strong partnerships to continue to deliver programs that educate, inspire and prepare public school students in Sandy Springs for success in a competitive world.”
She was joined by SSEF Board members Emily Hewitt, Julia Bernath, Carolyn Axt, Judy Roseman, Katie Gregory and Alexandra Bates, along with SSEF Programming Director Beppie Lever and Marketing Director Miriam Salpeter, as they celebrated the distinction.
About Sandy Springs Education Force
Through partnerships with businesses, community organizations and schools, SSEF works to enhance learning opportunities and prepare students for successful futures.
SSEF Executive Director Irene Schweiger proudly accepted the honor recognizing the organization’s impact.
“Since 2008, Sandy Springs
To find out how you can help and support SSEF, visit sandyspringseducationforce.org.
Hayden Sumlin
SANDY SPRINGS EDUCATION FORCE/PROVIDED
Sandy Springs Education Force board members and staff celebrate receiving Fulton County Schools’ 2025 Legacy Excellence Partner of the Year Oct. 30. From left, Emily Hewitt, Julia Bernath, Miriam Salpeter, Irene Schweiger, Carolyn Axt, Judy Roseman, Beppie Lever, Katie Gregory and Alexandra Bates.
City Springs Theatre prepares for ‘Wizard of Oz’
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The City Springs Theatre Company invites Metro Atlanta audiences to journey “over the rainbow” with its stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” Dec. 12-28 at the Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs.
The “Wizard of Oz” is the timeless tale of Kansas teenager Dorothy Gale, who finds herself transported to the magical Land of Oz, where she meets colorful characters along the way and makes an enemy of a wicked witch.
The musical is based on the classic 1939 film adaptation and the book by L. Frank Baum.
The production features all the film’s legendary songs, including “Ding Dong! The Witch is Dead,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “If I Were King of the Forest” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz.”
With music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, the John Kane-inspired adaptation has thrilled audiences worldwide since its 1987 debut, including classic songs
“With a cast of 50 performers, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is certainly one of our most-ambitious productions to date,” Executive Director Natalie DeLancey said. “As this is our December
production, we’re adding a heavy dose of holiday magic to accompany the Broadway-sized dazzle that audiences have come to expect, especially from our previous Baayork Lee-helmed productions.”
“The Wizard of Oz” is the second production in the company’s 20252026 PNC Bank Season and is presented by Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists and Resurgens Spine Center.
It also marks the company’s sixth collaboration with the esteemed director-choreographer Baayork Lee, who is a veteran of 14 Broadway shows as either a performer or choreographer. She has previously staged CSTC’s wildly successful productions of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” “Cats” and “A Chorus Line.”
Like Lee’s prior productions, “The Wizard of Oz” will include many young performers from the City Springs Theatre Conservatory and other local schools.
The ensemble will also feature 10 students from the City Springs Theatre Conservatory Pre-Professional Program Bella Dole, Bram Fages, Yennelle Gordon, Gabe Hardin,
Justin Kimbro, Jayla Lopez, Adrienne Ocfemia, Adrian Perez-Arciniegas, Ivy Stull and Elizabeth Windley.
The Wizard of Oz will star Elizabeth Hall as Dorothy Gale. Hall is an alumnus of City Springs Theatre Conservatory’s pre-professional program and now a student at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She leads a cast that includes Broadway veteran Kristine Reese as Glinda and CSTC veteran Courtenay Collins as The Wicked Witch.
A special 1 p.m. performance is scheduled for Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24.
Individual tickets begin at $70. Tickets include all fees, with discounts for seniors, groups and active and retired military personnel. Also, $25 rush tickets (available two hours prior to showtime) are available for students, educators, first responders and entertainment industry professionals.
Tickets are now on sale at CitySpringsTheatre.com.
For more information contact City Springs Theatre Company at 404-4774365 during regular business hours.
— Hayden Sumlin
CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY/PROVIDED Elizabeth Hall is playing Dorothy Gale in the City Springs Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “The Wizard of Oz,” running Dec. 12-28 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre.
Fulton County Schools launches podcast
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — Fulton County Schools debuted a bimonthly podcast, “Let’s Talk Schools,” that strives to pull back the curtain on education.
Hosted by Chief Communications Officer Brian Noyes and Director of Community Relations Sarah Maxey, the show will explore real stories, challenges and breakthroughs happening in Fulton County Schools and beyond. From creative classroom innovations to student well-being and the power of learning, each episode features candid conversations with expert guests who know what it takes to help schools thrive.
The first episode, “The Impact of Attendance and Engagement,” premiered on Oct. 31. Charity Trowbridge, director of student support services and Dr. Keenan Cameron, principal of McNair Middle School, dive into the critical topic, exploring how consistent school attendance shapes academic success, social development, and lifelong habits.
Listeners will learn about the impact of chronic absenteeism,
strategies for engaging families and students, and innovative solutions like remote learning days.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community member, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips to help every child thrive—starting with simply showing up.
“Let’s Talk Schools” first episode is available now on all podcast platforms.
— Hannah Yahne
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As we move deeper into fall here in Atlanta, many patients notice that their skin feels different—and not always in a good way. The cooler, drier air of November often intensifies dryness, making skin feel tight, flaky, and more sensitive. At the same time, fine lines, wrinkles, and areas of pigmentation tend to look more noticeable when the skin is dehydrated and lacking its natural glow. This is the perfect time to check in with your skin and give it the care it deserves. A visit with your board-certified dermatologist can help identify whether your dryness is seasonal or tied to an underlying condition like eczema and ensure you’re using the right products
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PEXELS
Recognizing the need for in-home care over the holidays
The approaching holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and joy. It can also bring unique challenges for older adults, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those recovering from medical procedures.
Over the holidays we all experience increased social demands, but the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overwhelming for those with limited mobility or health concerns. Winter weather and shorter daylight hours may increase fall risks or make transportation difficult for seniors. Disruptions to regular schedules can affect medication management, nutrition, and emotional health. Feelings of loneliness or isolation can intensify as holiday stressors mount, especially for those living alone or far from family.
Here are some signs that can help you understand when support with the activities of daily living is needed to ensure the safety, well-being and happiness of your older loved one.
• Difficulty Managing Daily Tasks: Trouble with cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, or getting dressed may signal the need for assistance.
• Health and Medication Issues: Missed doses, confusion about prescriptions, or noticeable decline in health could mean support is necessary.
• Mobility Challenges: Difficulty moving around the house, using stairs, or increased risk of falls.
• Changes in Behavior: Withdrawal from social activities, mood changes, or increased anxiety and depression.
• Neglected Home Environment: Unkempt living spaces, spoiled food, or piles of unopened mail might indicate that help is needed.
Discussing the need for in-home care can be sensitive. Approach the topic with empathy, focusing on the benefits rather than limitations. Use holiday plans as an opportunity to observe your loved one's needs and gently suggest extra help to make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone.
At Home Helpers we know that inhome care is not just about meeting immediate needs, it’s about creating peace of mind. Aging in the warmth and comfort of home is the preference of most seniors, and care that makes a difference is based on a wonderful match of a skilled, heart centered caregiver and the hands-on attention of a dedicated team with depth and skill. Your caregiver can assist with all personal care, help around the house, accompany you on doctor’s visits and provide specialized care for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc.
When home is in an assisted living community, in-home care provides a bridge with immediate response to your care needs if you experience an increased fall risk, changing health condition or need to recuperate from a procedure. Your caregiver can help you remain in the setting and with the friends and lifestyle you want.
We’re here to help, from six hours a day, several days a week to 24/7 care. For a free consultation, please call Home Helpers of Alpharetta and North Atlanta Suburbs at (770) 681-0323.
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A message to college students, part three
JIM VANDEHEI Guest Columnist
We cover politics clinically, not ideologically. So it's not our job or mission to offer policy or political advice.
• But thousands of you asked for thoughts on how college kids — or anyone, really — can truly think differently, or more calmly, about politics in charged moments.
So here are eight clinical, nonideological changes you could make today:
1. Vote. Ya don't get to whine if ya don't get in line — and vote. The presidency, Congress, and many state and local races come down to thousands of votes. So, yes, your vote often matters. Yet outside of presidential elections, most don't even try. The good news: Presidential turnout was roughly 65% of eligible voters in 2024. Not too shabby. But less than half of adults vote in congressional races. Average turnout in state and local races? 15%-30%. A big uprising by like-minded people can literally shape politics at federal, state and local levels.
2. Serve. Less than 1% of Americans go into the military. Our best and brightest aren't choosing government instead. They're going into the private sector, while holding an increasingly sour view of government competence. I can tell you this as someone who started and runs companies: You're only as good as your talent. So unless a lot more talented, well-intentioned people choose service, the country suffers. Somehow, we need to make this prestigious and valiant again. It might take mandatory service programs, but that's not happening anytime soon. So, volunteer.
3. Get informed. I'm horrified by how many people argue about policies or politics without knowing the facts, history or context. Don't Be That Person. Take the time to understand governance based on what you know, not how you feel. Read trustworthy news more regularly, dig a little deeper if you don't understand. Find sources — media, podcasts, friends or family — who routinely demonstrate clinical, fact-based understanding of big issues.
4. Pop your bubble. Take time to understand views or people you oppose — or even loathe. To our liberal readers, watch or listen to hard-core Trumpers like Steve Bannon or Charlie Kirk, and conservatives with more mixed views of
Trump like Ben Shapiro or Bari Weiss. To our conservative readers, read or listen to New York Times columnist Ezra Klein, mainstream Democrats like the Pod Save America guys, or proud progressives like Rachel Maddow.
5. Share knowledge, not noise. One massive, easy change all of you can make: Stop sharing stuff you didn't read or authenticate. It's wild how many people share things on social media based on a headline or even one word that juiced their dopamine and rage. Stop! And then start sharing fact-based, useful information that might actually help others better understand the inherent complexities of issues. When in doubt, share nothing.
6. Give yourself a reality check. Take to heart our message that politicians and your social media feed are designed to make things feel more hateful and hopeless than they actually are. Then, realize a lot of social media accounts are bots controlled by foreign countries and other scumbags playing to your worst impulses. Social media is not reality. Put down your phone. Clean up your feed (who and what you follow). Stay alert and clear-eyed when scrolling.
7. Fix your politics diet. We cofounded Politico and Axios, where the vast majority of our traffic and money comes from people reading political and policy coverage. So my advice might shock you (or rattle our bean counters!): Stop reading so much politics. This stuff used to be boring and consumed in small quantities. Our brains (and mental health) aren't built to marinate in politics all day, every day. Everything in moderation, especially politics.
8. Widen your eyes. Everyone is hopped up about political change. But there are three or four tectonic shifts unfolding that might be bigger and more lasting than today's politics: AI, media, China and birth rates. Take time to read up and think about how AI might be more impactful than the internet ... how media is being shattered into scores of ecosystems, shaping realities based on people's age, profession and politics ... how China represents the biggest threat to America's dominance in a centuryplus ... and the consequences of people having fewer babies — not just here, but in most advanced nations.
The big picture: There are clear alternatives to disengaging or doom-sharing. You simply need to choose them.
Jim VandeHei is the CEO of Axios. Let him know what you think by emailing jim@axios.com.
Runoff:
Continued from Page 1
congratulating all his opponents.
“While I came up just short of making the runoff, I’m incredibly proud of the campaign we built and the message we carried,” Bauman wrote. “Voter turnout was the highest in our city’s history, and that’s something to celebrate.”
Carter, who spent election night with his team at his home in the northern Sandy Springs panhandle, reacted to heading to a runoff and 2021 rematch.
“I’m still processing everything,” Carter said, who was trailing Bauman after advanced voting results were released. “But here’s what I know — tonight’s results show that our campaign connected with people on a real level. Sandy Springs is a tale of two cities — families are being priced out, we saw a school close because enrollment keeps dropping and too many residents feel overlooked. It’s time to address the elephants in the room: affordability, transportation and protecting our schools.”
Appen Media asked Paul Nov. 5 about his election to the runoff against Carter and his pitch to voters.
“I’m delighted so many Sandy Springs voters endorsed my candidacy, and I look forward to engaging Mr. Carter in the runoff where we will have an opportunity to discuss our very different visions for Sandy Springs future,” Paul said. “I have reached out to both Mr. Bauman and Ms. Reichel. Both have made significant contributions to the city through their council service, and I look forward to more conversations over the coming days.”
Traveling on Election Night
After a six minute Nov. 4 Sandy Springs City Council meeting with one item on the agenda, all elected officials went off to their election night watch parties. The city has all City Council seats and the mayor up for reelection the same year.
Paul’s election night watch party was at J. Christopher’s at City Walk shopping center. Several candidates stopped by the packed watch party. City Attorney Dan Lee was also in attendance.
Advance voting results were released just after 8 p.m. with no mayoral candidate taking a majority of the 11,586 votes cast.
Paul was on his computer looking at the results, showing him in first place with 5,229 votes, or 45 percent of ballots. On a spreadsheet, the three-term incumbent was plugging in precinct returns, or tally sheets, from each of the polling places in the city. With only advanced voting results,
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, right, looks over advanced voting numbers and precinct returns with supporters around 8:15 p.m. Nov. 4 at J. Christopher’s. Before 2021 runner-up Dontaye Carter took clear second, Paul said he was trying to find out who he was facing in the Nov. 2 runoff.
Paul said he did not know if he would win outright.
“It’s too close to call between Bauman and Carter for second place right now,” Paul said. “We’ll see ... I’m comfortably ahead, 24 points ahead right now and this pretty much transfers to our polling.”
With only partial precinct returns on hand a little after 8 p.m., Paul said there were more votes to count.
It would be a few minutes after midnight that the ballots were all secured.
A mile down Roswell Road at The Prado’s Taco Mac, Bauman and his supporters watched election results pour in on a projector screen. Some of the elected officials who were at Paul’s watch party also made the trip.
City Councilman Tibby DeJulio, the only sitting official not running, announced he would not seek reelection in late April and endorsed Mary Ford, president of the High Point Civic Association.
“It’s mixed emotions,” DeJulio said. “I have confidence in Mary, she’s very organized person and she’s done a great job with the civic association.”
Mary Ford will take the District 5 seat vacated by DeJulio. With almost 52% of the vote, she will not have to go to a runoff. She defeats Kristen DaddowRodriguez and Colin Hubbard.
City Councilman John Paulson, a four-term incumbent in District 1, defeated challenger Lorri Connor by a 54-45 margin. With DeJulio stepping down at the beginning of next year, Paulson will be the veteran on City Council.
City Councilwoman Melody Kelley is the presumptive winner as the only qualified candidate on the ballot in
upset about, you learn what they aspire to and if those aspirations have changed from four years ago,” Kelley said. “I actually like the fact that we have so many people running because I think that competition sharpens you.”
Kelley said she thinks the city is in good hands regardless of who becomes mayor with its high-performing staff.
City Councilwoman Melissa Mular won her reelection bid in District 3 with more than 70 percent of the vote, defeating Tara Overzat.
In the District 4 seat vacated by City Councilwoman Jody Reichel, Frank Roberts and Michelle Sullivan are headed to a Dec. 2 runoff. The other two candidates, Dave Flynn and Steven D. Hickey, each received just under 12 percent of votes.
In the District 6 seat vacated by City Councilman Andy Bauman, Andrew Chinsky cruised to victory in his first campaign for local elected office, defeating Tesula Stewart by an 80-20 margin.
As of a little after midnight, Paul secured 43 percent with Carter at 21 percent, with all the precincts reporting.
District 2. District 2 candidate Lauren Locke dropped out before ballots were printed after qualifying in August.
Early in the night, Appen Media asked Kelley what she learned during her campaign and how the city may change under new leadership.
“You learn what [constituents] are
The two will head to a Dec. 2 runoff election. The registration deadline for that election has already passed, so voters must already be signed up.
Advance voting will begin as soon as the county is able to begin, but no later than Nov. 24. Advance voting will end Nov. 26.
Progress:
Continued from Page 1
The first segment is from the Atlanta-Sandy Springs border north to Windsor Parkway in Sandy Springs. The third segment is from Ridgeview Middle School to the Ga. 400 and I-285 interchange, where the trail will connect into Peachtree Dunwoody Road in Central Perimeter.
The Sandy Springs City Council approved a contract extension with Heath & Lineback at its Nov. 4 meeting, securing the firm’s engineering services through the end of 2027.
The current contract totals just under $2.43 million, and the requested time extension does not change its value.
Public Works Director Marty Martin said the extension was needed because of four approved cost increases, included in the contract total.
“The original contract between the city and Heath & Lineback executed in 2018 included a contract time of 24 months,” Martin said. “Those subsequent task orders did not necessarily address or did not address time as they probably ought to have.”
The election night meeting lasted six minutes with no discussion among elected officials.
The $20.1 million construction contract for segments one and three, and other project costs, are primarily funded by the federal government.
The city is using its share of revenue from the county’s local option sales tax for transportation to fund the local match.
The total cost of the PATH400 extension project in Sandy Springs is estimated to be around $40 million.
More than a decade in the making, the PATH400 trail is designed to be a green corridor along the state highway from Buckhead’s border with Midtown Atlanta to the city’s northern city limits.
In September, officials from the City of Atlanta and nonprofit Livable Buckhead celebrated the opening of a section of PATH400 from Wieuca Road to Loridans Drive.
The path will continue north on the east side of Ga. 400 after a switchback underneath the Loridans bridge.
Atlanta is funding construction of the 12-foot-wide multi-use trail from Loridans Drive to just south of Nancy Creek at its city limits and has also begun construction.
Sandy Springs is then building the path’s bridge over Nancy Creek to Windsor Parkway and another segment from Ridgeview Park to Johnson Ferry Road.
In early November, a city spokesperson told Appen Media construction efforts are focused on building bridges and walls.
“These activities are concentrated in two primary locations: from the city limit south of Nancy Creek to Windsor Parkway and at the Glenridge Connector,” the spokesperson said. “These improvements are critical to
ensuring safe and continuous passage along the trail.”
The bridge over Nancy Creek, the most expensive part of the project, will be 400 feet long and 50 feet over the creek.
The city spokesperson said the bridge fencing will be similar to the aesthetics of the Pitts Road and Roberts Drive bridges over Ga. 400.
Sandy Springs received $18 million in May for final design and construction of the middle segment to form a connected path. The city is setting aside an estimated $5.75 million for its local match for construction.
The spokesperson said the city had recently received bids for the construction of the middle segment between Windsor Parkway and Ridgeview Middle School.
“The bids are currently under review with staff preparing a recommendation for the contract award,” the spokesperson said. “Segment 2 should start construction in the summer of 2026 with a duration of three years.”
Before anything moves forward, the Sandy Springs City Council will need to approve a construction contract. Then, the Georgia Department of Transportation will need to sign off.
All three segments of the 2.3-mile extension of PATH400 are expected to be completed by summer 2029.
At that point, people could ride a bike from Sandy Springs and Dunwoody to downtown Atlanta and the Beltline.
HAYDEN SUMLIN/APPEN MEDIA
A look south from Windsor Parkway in Sandy Springs in early November shows Ga. 400 south into Buckhead and ongoing construction on PATH400, a multi-use trail along the highway. A Sandy Springs spokesperson said the first two segments of the trail are expected to be completed by January 2028 with the middle one beginning construction next summer.
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