CrossRoadsNews, March 11, 2017 by CrossRoadsNews, Inc.

INSIDE

It’s decision time In just 10 days, voters will decide the mayor and City Council that will shape DeKalb County’s newest municipality. Section B

EAST ATLANTA • DECATUR • STONE MOUNTAIN • LITHONIA • AVONDALE ESTATES • CLARKSTON • ELLENWOOD • PINE LAKE • REDAN • SCOTTDALE • TUCKER

March 11, 2017

Volume 22, Number 46

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DA picks team to prosecute officer who killed naked vet By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

the case against Olsen, who was indicted on two Dist ric t Attorne y counts each of felony Sherry Boston will be murder and violation of pursuing the case against oath by a public officer former DeKalb Police Ofand aggravated assault ficer Robert Olsen, who and making a false stateis accused in the death of ment in connection with Anthony Hill, a mentally Hill’s death. Robert Olsen ill Air Force veteran who Olsen shot and killed was shot to death while Hill, 27, on March 9, 2015, when he answered Sherry Boston naked and unarmed. a call about a naked man behaving erratically Boston said March 8 that she has as- and running around his Heights at Chamblee sembled a new team of attorneys to prosecute apartments on Chamblee Tucker Road.

Olsen said he shot Hill because he felt threatened. A DeKalb grand jury indicted him on Jan. 21, 2016. Boston said the prosecution team comprises skilled, veteran prosecuAnthony Hill tors, including Chief Assistant District Attorney Pete Johnson, who will serve as lead prosecutor; Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Anna Cross; Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney

Lance Cross; and Senior Assistant District Attorney Buffy Thomas. She introduced the team to the victim’s family during a case briefing this week, days before the second anniversary of Hill’s death. Olsen’s case is currently on appeal in the Georgia Supreme Court. Boston’s office said the case has been docketed and a ruling is pending following attorney briefs. “The matter will be scheduled for pretrial proceedings and, eventually, trial, upon return to the Superior Court of DeKalb County,” she said in the March 8 statement.

DeKalb contractors helped build new stadium Minority share of contracts tops initial mandate By Terry Shropshire

Atlanta’s reputation for sharing city contracts to include a healthy dose of qualified minorities – dating back to Mayor Maynard Jackson’s pioneering efforts 40 years ago – continues to this day as a diverse blend of contractors helped build one of the most expensive sports arenas ever in America, the spectacular Mercedes-Benz Stadium that is replacing the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. Minority contractors from DeKalb County are among them. A report for the project that was released in February shows 36.4 percent of contracts to build the $1.5 billion NFL home of the Atlanta Falcons went to black-, minority- and women-owned firms. This surpasses the Atlanta City Council’s initial mandate of 31 percent minority participation before construction began on the stadium on Northside Drive and Ivan Allen Boulevard. The project team, headed by Holder Construction, has a minority participation of 36.4 percent. As of Thursday, $944.18 million has been awarded to all contractors overall. Of that, $343.41 million has gone to minority firms: 15.8 percent to African-American enterprises; 16.4 percent to female-owned businesses; and 4.2 percent went to other minority-owned companies, including Asian, Pacific and Hispanic, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. More than a dozen of the contractors working on the stadium project call DeKalb County home, including Billy Freeman, owner and co-founder of the Decatur-based Technique Concrete Construction with his father, the late Billy Freeman Sr. Freeman praised the project team leader and the process of inclusion. “They bent over backward to help,” said Freeman, who has made more than $8 million from several contracting jobs thus far.

A report for the Mercedes-Benz Stadium project shows 36.4 percent of contracts went to black-, minority- and women-owned firms.

“They were always asking, ‘How can we help, how can we do more?’ They went as far as [providing] super-easy pay times for people getting paid faster than 30 days. They made it easier for the smaller guy and those without a lot of financing to get contracts. They made it easier for the little guys to get their projects out there.” Freeman, who also does a lot of concrete contracting at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and other states, added that he couldn’t see how Holder could have been more fair on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium “because the more you split up the contracts, the more difficult it is to manage it. Not only did they make it easier for the smaller companies to [be awarded] contracts, they took the hit for it,” said Freeman, who

More than a dozen of the contractors working on the stadium call DeKalb County home.

was one of the first concrete construction companies awarded a contract and has been working on other parts of the stadium for the past two-and-a-half years. “Because instead of managing five or six contracts, Holder managed 10 or 11 because some of the contracts are so small, but they

still had to manage it. So the burden was on them and they made it easier on the minority guys. And you can’t do anything but commend them for that.” The numbers help to allay initial fears that diverse companies would not be awarded their fair share of contracts on the new sports arena. Because the city is a part of the financing plan to build the stadium, the Atlanta City Council made it clear that Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank and the lead construction firm adhere to the city’s Equal Business Opportunity standards. The stadium is being built by a joint venture called HHRM, comprising Holder Construction Co., Hunt Construction Group, H.J. Russell & Co. and C.D. Moody Construction Co.

CrossRoadsNews

Community

March 11, 2017

GLCC will select four graduating seniors to receive the $500 awards.

United Way offers free filing at VITA sites, My Free Taxes Households with an income of $55,000 or less can have their taxes prepared for free at United Way VITA sites in Greater Atlanta through April 18. Taxes are prepared in-person by IRStrained and certified volunteers. For the most recent location listings and hours, call 211 or reference the online database at www.211online.unitedway.org. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites in DeKalb County:

n Beulah Baptist Church, 2340 Clifton on the return; previous year’s tax return; all

Springs Road in Decatur. n Hillcrest Church of Christ, 1939 Snapfinger Road in Decatur. n Saint Philip AME Church, 240 Candler Road S.E. in Atlanta. n St. Vincent De Paul, 2050-C Chamblee Tucker Road in Chamblee. Required documents include a valid official photo identification (two if filing jointly); Social Security card for everyone

W-2s for current tax year; joint returns require both filers to be present to sign return; Form 1095-A if health insurance purchased through the Marketplace; Form 1098 mortgage interest, property taxes, closing statement; and name, address and tax ID or SSN/ ITIN of provider for child care or dependent care expenses. For direct deposit, bring a voided check or account number card.

For more information, visit www. unitedwayatlanta.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/01/VITA_CARD_FINAL_nocrop.pdf. United Way also offers My Free Taxes, a free self-preparation tax tool allowing taxpayers with incomes of $64,000 or less to prepare their federal and state returns from the comfort of their homes. For more information, visit www.unitedway.org/myfreetaxes.

Discussion focused on cyber safety March 31 deadline for scholarships Experts will share their insights on cyber safety at a community conversation on March 11 at the DeKalb School District’s Administrative and Instructional Complex in Stone Mountain. The three-hour event gets underway at 9 a.m. Superintendent R. Stephen Green and other experts will speak about the importance of educating and engaging students, parents, teachers, staff and community stakeholders about online safety, digital responsibility, the latest apps, and dangers

around social media. Attendees can learn about and discuss the good and bad of social media and the internet, how to be safe online and digitally responsible, and human/sex trafficking in metro Atlanta. There will be break-out sessions designed to increase awareness and understanding of cyber safety. The complex is at 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. For more information, contact Eileen Houston-Stewart at 678-2785476 or André Riley at 404-447-9319.

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College-bound seniors who attend Martin Luther King Jr., Lithonia, Miller Grove and Arabia Mountain high schools have until March 31 to apply for scholarships from the Greater Lithonia Chamber of Commerce. GLCC will select four graduating seniors to receive the $500 awards. Eligible students can submit an original essay written in English of at least 300 but no more than 500 words or submit a two-minute video presentation in English. Scholarships will be awarded on four topics: business and entrepreneurship,

technology, leadership, and politics. Essay questions are available at http://greaterlithoniachamber.com. Entries may be submitted via email or regular mail – 3035 Stone Mountain St., Unit 57, Lithonia, GA 30058 – no later than March 31. Winners will be recognized on April 19 at the GLCC monthly luncheon meeting. For more information, including scoring and judging, contact Kendra N. Price, GLCC president, at contactus@greaterlithoniachamber.com or 770-482-1808. Students also may contact the Work Study Program

March 11, 2017

Community

CrossRoadsNews

“We envision being able to make the existing fields, pool, and gymnasium a part of our Active Living Department.”

Decatur eyeing historic Methodist Children’s Home property By Rosie Manins

The city of Decatur is “very excited” about potentially buying the 77-acre Decatur campus of the United Methodist Children’s Home at 500 S. Columbia Drive. Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett said direct conversations with the UMCH board of trustees began once the board decided to sell the historic property on Jan. 17. “We envision being able to make the existing fields, pool, and gymnasium a part of our Active Living Department,” she said. “We would work Patti Garrett with the community to develop a long-term master plan for the property that would include preserving environmental resources and natural habitats as well as honoring the legacy and history of the UMCH mission.” The board’s decision to sell the campus, which has been the home of thousands of children since 1873, deeply upset many alumni and neighbors who fear it will be turned into a 600-home subdivision. The board wants to use money from the sale – expected to be about $35 million – to expand services and help more children and young adults throughout DeKalb and surrounding counties. Garrett said the city of Decatur has been keeping its eye on the property, which includes a 1906 chapel and stone cottage, waiting for it to become available for purchase. “Leadership at the UMCH has known for several years that the city of Decatur would be interested in purchasing the property if they made a decision to sell it,” she said. “If we were to purchase the property, it is likely

The 144-year-old UMCH campus, which opened in 1873 to help children orphaned by the Civil War, is valued at $4.2 million on the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s website.

that the city would have to use something like long-term bonds to cover the cost.” Garrett said the city is not in a position to discuss details of its ongoing conversations with the UMCH board, but there is community support for the possible purchase. “Numerous city residents and others who believe that the city would be respectful trustees of the property have indicated their support for the city as a potential owner,” Garrett said. “We are very excited about the

possibilities that this purchase could bring to the city of Decatur and the surrounding community and hope to have more information in the future.” The 144-year-old UMCH campus, which opened in 1873 to help children orphaned by the Civil War, is currently home to about 80 people – foster children, young adults who have aged out of foster care, and adults who care for them. Its value is listed as $4.2 million on the DeKalb County Tax Commis-

sioner’s website and is subject to annual taxes of $3,360. The property has an OI – office institution – zoning classification. In January, just after the board’s decision, John Cerniglia, UMCH vice president of development, said they have received dozens of unsolicited inquiries from developers and the campus is expected to attract at least $35 million. “You are not going to find a 77-acre comparable inside the Perimeter,” he said.

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Community

2346 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 404-284-1888 Fax: 404-284-5007 www.crossroadsnews.com editor@crossroadsnews.com

Editor / Publisher Jennifer Parker General Manager Curtis Parker Assistant Editor Terry Shropshire Assistant Editor Brenda Yarbrough Staff Writer Jennifer Ffrench Parker Editorial Intern Rosie Manins Front Office Manager Catherine Guy Multimedia Editor Sharif Williams CrossRoadsNews is published every Saturday by CrossRoadsNews, Inc. We welcome articles on neighborhood issues and news of local happenings. The opinions expressed by writers and contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, nor those of any advertisers. The concept, design and content of CrossRoadsNews are copyrighted and may not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Advertisements are published upon the representation that the advertiser is authorized to publish the submitted material. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless from and against any loss or expenses resulting from any disputes or legal claims based upon the contents or subject matter of such advertisements, including claims of suits for libel, violation of privacy, plagiarism and copyright infringement. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement.

March 11, 2017

“We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect American consumers from these fraudulent and potentially dangerous products.”

Decatur man convicted in male drug import case By Rosie Manins

A Decatur man who lied his way into becoming a U.S. citizen while illegally importing and selling misbranded male enhancement drugs from China throughout Atlanta and the Southeast will be sentenced on four federal charges in April. Ali Khan, who was convicted Feb. 13 of conspiracy, illegal importation of misbranded drug products from China, receiving misbranded drugs that had moved in interstate commerce, and making false statements in order to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steve C. Jones on April 27 at 10 a.m. Jones will sign an order revoking Khan’s U.S. citizenship at his sentencing. His conviction followed a sixday jury trial in Atlanta. Khan and four co-defendants – his elder brother, Ahmed Ali Khan of Alabaster, Ala., and three others: Arbab Salim of Stone Mountain, Hardik Kumar Desai of Stockbridge, and Natenael Zeyid of Clarkston – were indicted by a federal grand jury on May 28, 2014, on conspiracy to illegally import male enhancement products containing the active ingredients in Viagra and

Cialis. He has been in custody since his indictment. In August 2013, during the conspiracy, Khan applied to become a naturalized U.S. citizen and became one on March 14, 2014. Three times during the application process – on the application form, in an interview with Citizenship and Naturalization Services on Jan. 6, 2014, and again on March 14, 2014, just before he took the oath to become a citizen – Khan falsely stated that he had never committed a criminal offense for which he had not been arrested. U.S. Attorney John Horn said Khan led a conspiracy that caused misbranded drugs to be illegally imported and distributed in the Atlanta area and throughout the southeastern United States. Khan and his brother began ordering male enhancement products from China in 2011 under names such as Maxman, Herb Viagra, Rock Hard Weekend, Stiff Nights, Happy Passengers, Hard Ten Days, Zhen Gongfu, and African Black Ant. The products contained sildenafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Viagra, and/or tadalafil, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Cialis. Viagra and Cialis can only be obtained

legally in the U.S. with a doctor’s prescription. Khan and his brother illegally imported the products by getting shipping agents in China to falsely declare on customs forms that the boxes contained things like tea, coffee, and beauty products. Once the drugs were in the country, Khan and his associates sold them under fake labels claiming they were herbal and allnatural. The labels did not disclose that the drugs contained sildenafil and/or tadalafil, nor did they warn consumers about the medical risks associated with taking those substances. Horn said they put consumers in danger. “Because the labeling on the products failed to warn consumers of the dangers in taking the products, consumers’ health and safety were placed in jeopardy by Khan’s conduct,” he said. In the three years leading up to their arrest, Khan and his co-conspirators wire transferred more than $2 million in U.S. currency to bank accounts in China to pay for the illegally imported merchandise. Justin Green, special agent in charge at the FDA Office of Crimi-

nal Investigations’ Miami field office, said the health of all Americans is put at risk by the distribution of unapproved and misbranded drugs disguised as herbal supplements. “We will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect American consumers from these fraudulent and potentially dangerous products,” he said. Khan, his brother, and their coconspirators received the illegally imported products at multiple addresses in the Atlanta area. They rented storage units at different locations, where they repackaged the products for distribution to wholesale and retail sites in Atlanta and throughout the country. To evade detection by law enforcement authorities, they moved their illegal operations regularly; used aliases, false addresses and fake business names; and misrepresented the nature of their business when renting storage units and mailboxes. The case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys William L. McKinnon Jr. and Trevor C. Wilmot, was investigated by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Safety Director Cedric Alexander last day in DeKalb looms Dr. Cedric Alexander, who was DeKalb Public Safety director for three years, is leaving the county on March 31. Alexander announced his resignation March 1, saying he is retiring from his 40-year career in law enforcement but Cedric Alexander will continue working as an analyst for CNN. His contract as deputy chief operating officer, Public Safety,

began Dec. 16, 2013, and ended Dec. 31, 2016. Alexander was first hired as DeKalb’s police chief in April 2013. As public safety director, he was responsible for overseeing police, fire, 911 and emergency services. The DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police is hoping the $176,800 public safety director position will be abolished so its salary can go toward officer salaries. DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond praised Alexander for doing “an excellent job” leading the department but he says the position

will remain vacant for now and likely permanently. During his tenure in DeKalb, a grand jury brought charges against Officer Robert Olsen, who was indicted in the shooting death of naked and unarmed Anthony Hill, a mentally ill Air Force veteran. Kevin Davis, a Decatur man, also was shot by police in his apartment on Dec. 29, 2014, after he called 911 for help when his girlfriend was stabbed by a roommate. A grand jury recommended no charges against Officer Joseph Pitts, who said he twice ordered

Davis to drop a firearm. Alexander, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology, is president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and a national advocate for better policing. In August 2014, he traveled to Ferguson, Mo., after the shooting of Michael Brown to help calm that city. He published “The New Guardians: Policing in America’s Communities for the 21st Century” last year. It emphasized community policing, where cops work their beats as trusted guardians instead of crusading warriors.

DeKalb employees, residents collect nearly 3.5 tons of food

DeKalb employees and residents donated nearly 3.5 tons of food for the county’s annual food drive, racking up over a ton more than in previous years. Super District 6 Commissioner Kathie Gannon kicked off the monthlong campaign in January, partnering with District Attorney Sherry Boston, Solicitor General

Donna Coleman-Stribling, Clerk of Superior Court Debra DeBerry, Tax Commissioner Irvin Johnson, and State Court Clerk Melanie Wilson along with DeKalb senior centers and the DeKalb Public Library. The canned goods were donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to help restock its pantry. “The level of participation in

this year’s canned food drive was incredible and the community really stepped up to help tackle food insecurity in DeKalb,” Gannon said in a March 1 statement. “I’m pleased to report our collaborative efforts collected enough food for 5,855 meals.” She said there is a need for donations year-round.

“There are people every day that must make hard choices. Pay their utilities or buy food, buy their prescriptions or buy food, fix their car or pay for food. Those are difficult choices and they disproportionately affect seniors and children.” For more information about the Atlanta Community Food Bank, visit acfb.org.

Safe recycling of household hazardous waste offered March 25 DeKalb residents can safely dispose of dangerous household chemicals at the county’s biannual recycling event on March 25 at the Sanitation Division’s Central Transfer Station in Decatur. The 8 a.m.-to-noon event is sponsored by the division in part-

nership with MXI Environmental Services LLC. Participation is free and only open to DeKalb County residents. Proper identification to prove residency may be requested. Hazardous materials such as aerosols, batteries, adhesives, flam-

mables, lawn care products, fluorescent light bulbs, photo chemicals, artist supplies, paint and paintrelated products will be accepted. Items such as agricultural waste, ammunition, pharmaceuticals, radioactive materials, and biohazardous and biomedical waste will not

be accepted. Paint is limited to 10 gallons per vehicle. The Central Transfer Station is at 3720 Leroy Scott Drive. For more information, email sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, visit www.dekalbsanitation.gov or call 404-294-2900.

index to advertisers Circulation Audited By

Windsong Music Group...............................A5 Atlanta Gastroenterology..............................A7 Blissful Travel Agency...................................A8 Committee to Elect Jason Lary...................... A1 Committee To Elect Rob Turner.................... A1 DeKalb County Clerk of Superior Court........A8 DeKalb County Watershed Management......A3 Disney on Ice................................................A5 First African Presbyterian Church..................A6 Georgia Piedmont Technical College............A2 Georgia Regional Transportation Authority..A6 Georgia Tax Source.......................................A8

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March 11, 2017

Scene

CrossRoadsNews

As a small group of teachers launches a last-minute battle to save the school, they put their careers, future, and safety in the hands of a fast-talking administrator.

Nat George portrays Sam Cooke

Recording artist Nat George will appear in “‘A Change Gonna Come’ – The Sam Cooke Story” on March 19 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts Center in Decatur. The matinee performance begins at 3 p.m. and the evening performance starts at 6:30. For tickets, visit Sam Cooke www.thelegendscollection.org or call 1-800-984-4582. Sponsors are Capitol City Investments and the Windsong Music Group. The musical drama chronicles Sam Cooke’s life from a talented teen to a seasoned star. Cooke (1931–1964), a popular and influential gospel, R&B, soul and pop singer, songwriter and entrepreneur, has been recognized as a founder of soul music. He had 29 Top 40 hits in the U.S. between 1957 and 1965, including “You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” “Wonderful World,” Singer-songwriter Nat George will appear in the Sam “Bring It on Home to Me,” and “A Cooke musical drama on March 19 at Sanford Center. Change Gonna Come.” George, a singer, songwriter, producer, He founded a record label and a publishing company and took an active part in the playwright and bandleader who wrote the musical drama, is CEO of the Windsong civil rights movement. The “King of Soul” had mainstream suc- Music Group. His recordings include “When cess, attracting black and white audiences. Snow Falls – A Nat George Christmas.” The center is at 3181 Rainbow Drive. Cooke was shot to death on Dec. 11, 1964, after an altercation in a Los Angeles Visit www.thelegendscollection.org for more information. motel.

Mature themes and language rule the day when an impending shutdown causes tensions in the school’s already volcanic neighborhood to rise to the breaking point.

Play tackles closure on many levels “Exit Strategy,” a hard-hitting look at what happens when a Chicago public high school is slated for closure at the end of the year, is playing through March 19 at the Southwest Arts Center in Atlanta. As a small group of teachers launches a last-minute battle to save the school, they put their careers, future, and safety in the

hands of a fast-talking administrator who comes on strong but might actually have no clue what he’s doing. The play by Ike Holter is directed by John Dillon and presented by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company. For tickets, call Joe Phillips at 404-3752104 or visit www.truecolorsth aeatre.org.

Rituals from a feminist perspective

Southeast, including the Auburn Artist Charmaine Minniefield’s Avenue Research Library on Afri“Footsteps in Time” exhibit is on can-American History and Culture display through March 25 at the and Fulton County Department of Stonecrest Library. Arts and Culture. Minniefield, an art history lecHer New Freedom Project exturer at Spelman College, explores plores disappearing African-AmerAfrican-American ritual from a ican communities that influenced feminist perspective in the digital the content of her recent mural in collage paintings. Atlanta’s King Historic District. Patrons can meet the artist and C. Minniefield engage in the culminating discussion of Her projects include bringing attention to her exhibit at a closing reception at 3 p.m. the Beacon Hill story in the city of Decatur on March 25. Funding is provided by the and a mural in Harlem, N.Y., in collaboration with the Schomburg Center for Research in Friends of the Stonecrest Library. Minniefield’s visual art draws from indig- Black Culture. The library is at 3123 Klondike Road in enous traditions as seen throughout Africa and the Diaspora. Her work is featured in Stonecrest. For more information, call 770public and private collections throughout the 482-3828.

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Ministry

March 11, 2017

A resolution calls him “a diligent, dedicated and compassionate administrator, facilities manager, preacher, teacher, and civic-minded leader.”

Worshippers Interceding Retirement celebration marks 12 years of ministry for executive pastor Apostle Shirley Dowling will help members of Worshippers Interceding for Excellence celebrate their 12year church anniversary and appreciation for Apostle Kathern Thomas on March 19 at the Georgia Piedmont Technical College Conference Center in Clarkston. The program begins at 3 p.m. Dowling, guest speaker for the event, is pastor of Praise Temple International Ministries in Duluth. Thomas, senior pastor and founder of Shirley Dowling Worshippers Interceding for Excellence in Scottdale, is author of “Celebrating Celibacy,” “Private Hell Public Ministry,” and “Act Like a Lady, Think Like Jesus.” She is a 2016 recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for volunteer service from President Barack Obama and founder and creator of the annual “Called to Be A D.I.V.A.” – Divine, Inspirational, Victorious, Kathern Thomas and Anointed – Women’s Conference. The GPTC conference center is at 495 N. Indian Creek Drive. For more information, call 404-587-2751.

Comforting children during bereavement

Members and leadership of Greenforest Community Baptist Church will celebrate the retirement of the Rev. Herman Cody on April 1 in Decatur. The black-tie optional event begins at 5 p.m. in the Genesis Room. For tickets, visit www.greenforest.org or call 404-486-1120. Cody, 69, a test engineer, has been a member of Greenforest since 1985 and has served as its executive pastor since 1999 with an emphasis on pastoral care. A resolution on his retirement calls him “a diligent, dedicated and compassionate administrator, facilities manager, preacher, teacher, and civic-minded Herman Cody leader.” “My plans are to focus on the Atlanta Metro Baptist Association and my HOA and enjoy retirement,” Cody said. He is moderator-elect of the association and was recently elected president of his HOA. The Air Force veteran served as senior pastor of Allen Chapel Road Baptist in Parrottsville, Tenn., before moving to Atlanta. He and his wife, Jeanette, live in Stockbridge with Mother Lillie Treece and are proud parents and grandparents.

Parents, grandparents, godparents and guardians can attend the Family Matters Conference on March 18 at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur. The program, which is free and open to the public, begins at noon in the Media Center. To register, call Mary Sheppard at 404-486-5731. Free child care is offered during the conference. This year’s title is “MinisterRhonda Hicks ing With Children Through Grief and Bereavement.” The facilitator is the Rev. Rhonda Hicks, a member of Greenforest and chaplain for the Greenforest McCalep Academic Center. The Preschool Division of the Sunday School Department is host for the Family Matters Conference, which has been held twice a year in spring and fall for the past 15 years. The church is at 3250 Rainbow Drive. For more information, visit www.greenforest.org or call 404486-1120.

‘Prom on Fleek’ teen summit tackles tough issues facing today’s youth A “Prom on Fleek” fashion show and teen summit on March 17 at Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church will tackle tough issues impacting today’s young people. It begins at 7 p.m. at the Atlanta church and is free to attend. Seating is limited – con-

tact Donna Tate at 770-879-6342. The Y.E.S. Conference is presented by the M.A.R.K.E. Grove Youth Ministry and the nonprofit Community Unification Initiatives Inc. There will be interactive discussions about the truth and consequences of choices

teens make on prom night that can affect them for years or a lifetime. Topics include domestic violence, drug use, date rape and unprotected sex. Experts will be on hand. The fashion show will feature prom dresses and tuxedos. CUI, formerly Christians United Inc., evolved in 2009 from Greater Piney Grove’s

Embrace HIV/AIDS Ministry. Its mission is to make an impact on the community by providing educational services, HIV/AIDS education, health literacy workshops, and mentoring services to families. The church is at 1879 Glenwood Ave. S.E. For more information, visit www.greaterpineygrove.com and cuiatl.org.

“Come on and be a part of the vision” First Afrikan Church is an Afrocentric Christian Ministry that empowers women, men, youth and children to move from membership to leadership in the church, community and the world. Praise & Devotion Worship Service Sundays at 10 a.m. Join us for Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

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March 11, 2017

Wellness

Community-based care is an essential tool in the arsenal of combating human trafficking in metro Atlanta, the nonprofit says. Upcoming walks include March 11 at Chapel Hill Park and March 18 at Barker Bryant Memorial Park in Decatur. Warm-up begins at 8:30 a.m.

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‘DeKalb Walks’ promotes physical activity Millennials, seniors, churches, HOAs, organizations, businesses, schools and others can take steps toward good health at “America Walks DeKalb Walks” events throughout March. District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson is leading the campaign in partnership with the Heart of South DeKalb Inc. and America Walks (americawalks.org), which awarded a grant to the Heart of South DeKalb to create a walking program that is open to everyone, especially seniors. To register for the free events, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/america-walksdekalb-walks-tickets-32012770057?aff=ehomecard.

The campaign kicked off on March 4 at the Michelle Obama Walking Trail at Georgia State University Perimeter College in Decatur with about 50 people in attendance. Upcoming walks take place in Decatur on March 11 at Chapel Hill Park, 3985 Lehigh Blvd., and March 18 at Barker Bryant Memorial Park, 2300 McAfee Road. Details of the fourth walk on March 25 will be announced later. Warm-up with exercise motivator Rae Rae Clark begins at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starts at 9. The goal is to walk 300 miles together for District 3. The group with the largest participa-

tion during the monthlong campaign will be awarded an inaugural trophy. DeKalb, designated a Let’s Move! County, is the first county in the nation to make walking the official exercise and the first to name a walking trail after the former first lady, whose Let’s Move! campaign sought to reduce childhood obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle in children. The first walk was in honor of her campaign. Residents can join walking clubs and explore the many walkable communities, parks and trails in DeKalb – email taturner@dekalbcountyga.gov or call 404-371-2425. For more information, email hosd13@yahoo.com or call or text 404-683-3599.

UPS grant to help sex trafficking survivors Sex trafficking survivors and at-risk women will benefit from a $25,000 UPS Foundation grant to the Atlanta-based nonprofit Wellspring Living Inc. The grant will be used toward resources for the Empowered Living Academy, its community-based program, increasing the number of women served. The goal of the academy is to facilitate access to sustainable employment and independent living. Due to the vast numbers of survivors and those vulnerable to trafficking in area neighborhoods, communitybased care is an essential tool in the arsenal of combating human trafficking in metro Atlanta, the nonprofit says. Wellspring Living Executive Director Mary Frances Bowley said UPS has supported the organization’s work for the past four years. “Their efforts as a corporation around domestic sex trafficking are commendable and our partnership helps young women and girls receive transformational services,” Bowley said Mary Bowley in a Feb. 27 statement. Eduardo Martinez, president of the foundation and chief diversity and inclusion officer at UPS, said the foundation “is honored to support Wellspring Living’s efforts to restore the lives of sexual exploitation survivors.” The academy is modeled after its residential programs and provides survivors and at-risk young women the opportunity to earn their GED and Eduardo Martinez receive therapeutic services, life skills classes, and career readiness training. Founded in 2001, Wellspring Living provides specialized recovery services through three residential programs and the community-based program. Through its Wellspring Living Institute, it is able to educate, train and mentor organizations around the world. For more information, visit www.wellspringliving.org.

Town hall to discuss ACA repeal Residents concerned about the potential effect of the repeal of the Affordable Care Act can attend a town hall meeting on March 18 at Fire Station No. 25 in Stone Mountain. It begins at 10 a.m. with House District 94 Rep. Karen Bennett as host. Key components of the ACA, also known as Obamacare, include allowing young adults to remain on their parents’ Karen Bennett insurance until they are 26 and accessible, affordable health care to individuals with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes. “The constituents of my district and

DeKalb and Gwinnett counties – in fact, all Georgians – owe it to themselves and their families to learn about the possible consequences of repealing the Affordable Care Act without an equal or better health care replacement and what to do about voicing their concerns,” Bennett said on March 7. Bennett, a longtime Stone Mountain resident, has offered education and access to sign-up for affordable health care. As a physical therapist, she said she knows firsthand what can happen to a family if there is not adequate health care for those who need it, especially the children who are born with pre-existing conditions. The fire station is at 7136 Stockbridge Road. For more information, call 404-6560202.

HIV down each year from 2008-14 HIV infections in Georgia have dropped 6 percent each year from 2008 to 2014, a recent CDC analysis shows. Georgia is among seven states and the District of Columbia whose infection rate dropped significantly during the six-year period. The Georgia Department of Public Health attributes the decline to effective prevention and treatment strategies. Dr. J. Patrick O’Neal, director of Health Protection for DPH, called it “very encouraging news” as public health officials work to

eliminate HIV/AIDS in the state. “It also reinforces what we’ve said all along that linking patients with treatment is essential to reducing HIV transmission in Georgia,” O’Neal said in a March 6 statement. The CDC reports the number of annual HIV infections in the U.S. fell 18 percent between 2008 and 2014 – from an estimated 45,700 to 37,600. For more information, visit dph.georgia.gov/linkage-care or gacapus. com.

Senior health issues topic of discussion Residents 55 and older can participate in a Seniors First! discussion on senior health issues on March 14 at the Redan-Trotti Library in Lithonia. The program begins at 11:30 a.m. Speakers are Shannon Glover, Serials & Outreach librarian at Morehouse School of Medicine’s M. Delmar Edwards M.D. Library,

and Edwards Library assistant Mary White. Topics include disaster preparation, heart health, medication, aging, and talking to the doctor about health issues. Funding is provided by the Friends of Redan-Trotti Library. The branch is at 1569 Wellborn Road. For more information, call 770-482-3821.

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March 11, 2017 Notice of PUBLICATION

03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Legal Notices 02/25, 03/04, 03/11, 03/18

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM1283-4 Schaquita Morris filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Dec. 30, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Kateerah Monea Woods White to Kateerah Monea Woods-White. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Dec. 29, 2016 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2121-7 Baby Green filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 08, 2017 to change name from: Baby Green to Earl William Green. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jan. 20, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 3/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN)

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2089-7 Lisa Michelle Williams filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Jan. 24, 2017 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Sydney Milan Brown and Ava Elise Brown to Sydney Milan Williams and Ava Elise Williams. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Jan. 24, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2089-7 Lisa Michelle Williams PLAINTIFF VS Kennard Darius Brown DEFENDANT To: By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 13, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Feb. 08, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for: Petition to change names of minor children, Sydney and Ava Brown. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Lisa Michelle Williams, 219 Buchanan Terrace, Dec., GA 30030. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days

in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

of Feb. 13, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 13th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM1368-7 Destiny Upshaw PLAINTIFF VS Alton Upshaw DEFENDANT To: 1716 Ellington St. Decatur, GA 30032 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 09, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Jan. 17, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Destiny Upshaw, 2454 Shiloh Dr., Decatur, GA 30034. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 09, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 9th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number:

16FM13201-7 Paola Mendoza PLAINTIFF VS Hector Rangel DEFENDANT To: Hector Rangel Unknown By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Jan. 05, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Dec. 22, 2017, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce, fallen out of contact for more than 5 years.. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Paola Mendoza, 3602 Meadowglenn Village Ln., Apt. C, Atlanta, GA 30340. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Jan. 05, 2017. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr., Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 6th day of Feb., 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2348-1 Clifton Phillips, Jr., filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 16, 2017 to change name from: Clifton Phillips, Jr., to Clifford Phillips. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 08, 2017

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2593 Courtney Falcon Hardt filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court to change name from: Courtney Falcon Hardt to Cleo Falcon Ledvina Hardt. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Jan. 04, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of ADULT in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2517-10 Shelia Largen, a/k/a Shelia Smith filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Feb. 22, 2017 to change name from: Shelia Lois Largen to Shelia Lois Smith. Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within 30 days after the Petition was filed. Dated: Feb. 09, 2017 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 3/25

Notice of Petition to CHANGE Name of MINOR CHILD(REN) in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM12298-3 Noelani Reynoso-Carrasoco filed a petition in the DeKalb County Superior Court on Nov. 23, 2016 to change name(s) following minor child(ren) from: Marquez Davis to Marquez Reynoso Any interested party has the right to appear In this case and file objections within the time prescribed in OCGA 19-12-1(f)(2) and (3). Dated: Nov. 22, 2016 03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Civil Action Case Number: 16FM11196-6 Tavish Liggons PLAINTIFF VS Sharika C. Stevenson DEFENDANT To: Sharika C. Stevenson By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated Feb. 13, 2017. You are hereby notified that on Oct. 21, 2016, the above-named Plaintiff filed suit against you for Divorce. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon the Plaintiff’s attorney whose name and address is: Tavish Liggons #1001001150; Jenkins Correctional Center, 3404 Kent Farm Dr., Miller, GA 30442. Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of Feb. 09, 2017. Witness the Honorable J.P. Boulee; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 22nd day of Feb., 2017

03/04, 03/11, 03/18, 03/25

Notice of PUBLICATION in the Superior Court of DeKalb County State of Georgia

Civil Action Case Number: 17FM2437-7 Julie Marie Brown PLAINTIFF VS Byron Brown DEFENDANT To: Byron Brown 1158 Applegate Lane Sandy Springs, GA 30350 By ORDER of the Court service for service by publication dated 24th day of 2017. You are hereby notified that on 17th day of Feb. 2017, the abovenamed Plaintiff filed suit against you for Abandonment. You are required to file with the Clerk of Superior Court, and to serve upon Plaintiff Julie Marie Brown-PRO-SE an Answer in writing within sixty (60) days of the first date of publication. Witness the Honorable Daniel M. Coursey, Jr.; Judge of the DeKalb Superior Court. This the 24th day of Feb., 2017

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Election fever in DeKalbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest city

Candidates woo voters to be Stonecrestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first leaders

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Excitement is building to a fever pitch as voter in the new city of Stonecrest prepare to elect its inaugural mayoral and City Council on March 21. Twenty candidates are vying for the hearts and minds of the electorate in hopes of Election Day victory.

Election

CrossRoadsNews

March 11, 2017

“I have been on the ground working for a clean, vibrant and thriving Stonecrest long before the city borders were drawn.”

Voters to pick between community activist, educator in District 1 By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Jimmy Clanton Jr. and Dr. Charles Ross’ bid to be the first city council member for the Stonecrest Post 1 seat has pitted a community activist against an educator. Clanton, a longtime community activist, lists economic development as the most pressing issue facing the new 29-square-mile city. He said companies and businesses want to move into an area with the least amount of obstruction as possible. “Most of the time, most of the obstructions to growth come from legislation,” he said. “So what we want to do is remove those barriers, remove the obstructions and move forward with new businesses in the area. To grow, we have to signal that we are willing, ready and waiting to help you grow in this neighborhood.” Ross, a fifth-grade teacher, says education is key to spurring economic development. “The bottom line is that education is the foundation of a community,” he said. “Yes, we need to think about crime, we need to raise issues about business development, but if you don’t start with educating the young folks and making sure that they’re reading at grade level by third grade, the success is going to be very, very limited.” The two are among 20 candidates seeking to make up the inaugural elected leadership of the city of Stonecrest. The winner of the March 21 special election will serve until Dec. 31, 2017, before running for a full fouryear term of office. Clanton, a self-described community activist, has lived in DeKalb since 1986. He moved to the Stonecrest area 12 years ago. He has been active in his Parks at Stonecrest Civic Association for eight years and its president for four years. A graphic designer, web developer and content manager, Clanton, 61, was part of the movement to create the new city, working with the Stonecrest City Alliance and Stonecrest Yes committee. “I have been on the ground working for a clean, vibrant and thriving Stonecrest long before the city borders were drawn,” he said. “I’m very proud of the work I’ve done in the area.” Ross has lived 33 years in DeKalb, the past eight years at Stonecrest. He said he has built his platform on education because it is a tool to help get people out of poverty. “We have 20 percent poverty,” said Ross, 60, who teaches fifth grade in Rockdale County Schools. “We need to make sure that people are lifted out of poverty and to make

Jimmy Clanton Jr. (left) and Dr. Charles Ross say economic development and education, respectively, are key to getting the city of Stonecrest off to a good start.

sure that they have the opportunity to get the right jobs.” Even though creating a school district is not part of the Stonecrest charter, Ross said education should be a key issue because 15 percent of the city’s thirdgraders are not reading on grade level. “We have to do something about that. I know that the School Board has responsibility for our schools. I understand that. But we need another set of eyes looking at it.” Clanton’s community involvement is deep. He participates in the Stonecrest Business Alliance and has done voter education campaigns in the Parks at Stonecrest, which has 400 homeowners. He said it is one of the first communities in South DeKalb to have an online communications network because of his efforts. “We have to engage the people,” he said. Clanton said a council representative needs to know what’s going on in the community and “it would definitely be a good thing to have someone who has been working in the community and is involved with

District 1 includes the Mall at Stonecrest and areas south of I-20 between Evans Mill Road and Rockdale County, and areas west and north of downtown Lithonia toward Rogers Lake.

the concerns of the people he is going to represent.” Clanton says the new city of 50,000 has to do a good job on economic development. He is a big supporter of the proposed $200 million Atlanta Sports Complex at Stonecrest announced on Feb. 22. “The project is really awesome,” he told more than 250 voters at the Feb. 27 CrossRoadsNews/First Afrikan Presbyterian forum. “We will have 2,000 new jobs – lasting jobs that will be created because of this project. Over 200 acres of undeveloped land that will be developed near Stonecrest mall. That right there will drive economic development.”

Clanton points out that education, the linchpin of his opponent’s platform, is not one of the 41 things the city will start off with. Still, he adds that cities do have a role in making sure their citizens are educated well. “Education and all that is important and everybody is for that,” he said. “But what we got to do in this city is, we’ve got to move forward with what the governor’s commission has been laying before us to do. We got to pay attention to what the citizens want – what we have started doing is organizing neighborhoods already and we’re going continue to do that.” Ross said crime and public safety are also priorities and the city should look at community policing models like neighborhood watches and business watches. Both candidates told voters that their taxes will not increase.

March 11, 2017

Election

CrossRoadsNews

All 19 precincts in the city of Stonecrest will be open on election day, March 21, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eligible voters can cast early ballots weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DeKalb Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur.

More than 33,000 eligible voters to pick Stonecrest leadership By Jennifer Ffrench-Parker

More than 33,000 Stonecrest voters will pick the first mayor and city council members in the March 21 special election. Three candidates are vying for mayor and 17 for the five council seats. Maxine Daniels, director of DeKalb Registration and Elections, said voting cards were recently mailed to 33,373 active and inactive voters. She said the final count of voters is being prepared and will be available next week. The slate includes 13 men and seven women. Among them are three Phds, two lawyers and six who have had bankruptcies. The candidates for mayor are selfemployed businessman Douglas Favors II; Charles Hill II, a vice president of Rooms Around Campus LLC and a Yale graduate student;; and real estate manager and Stonecrest city organizer Jason Lary. In District 1, the candidates are Charles Ross, an educator and businessowner; and Jimmy Clanton, Jr., a web developer/graphic designer. In District 2, the candidates are business-

man Plez Joyner; Alexis Bethel Morris, a high school social studies teacher; Gretchen Jones Torbert, an educator and life coach; and program manager Rob Turner. In District 3, the candidates are Eric Hubbard, who is outreach director for Congressman Hank Johnson; and Jazzmin Randall Cobble, an operations manager for the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts. District 4, with five candidates, yielded the largest slate of the election. They are retired police detective Geraldine Champion, former DeKalb School Board member Jesse “Jay” Cunningham, Mary-Pat Hector, a Spelman student and National Action Net-

work Youth director; Jonathan “JP” Phillips, a nonprofit executive; and community advocate and retired MARTA manager George Turner Jr. In District 5, the candidates are businesswoman Diane Daniels Adoma, Tammy L. Grimes; Lloyd Morrison, an educator and business owner; and Richard Stone, a retired DeKalb County Police detective. Early voting for the election has been

underway since Feb. 27 and ends on March 17. Eligible voters can cast early ballots weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the DeKalb Elections Office, 4380 Memorial Drive in Decatur. Through March 3, only 77 voters had cast ballots. All 10 precincts in the city of Stonecrest will be open on election day, March 21, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Runoffs, if needed, will take place April 18. A sample ballot is available at www.dekalbvotes.com/ Residents can verify if they live within the new city and their council district at http://stonecrestcityalliance.com/dmap. html and searching by their address. Voters can also search at for their district at www. stonecrestcity.com. The winners of the March 21 election will make up the first elected government of the new city of 50,000.

Election

CrossRoadsNews

March 11, 2017

Both skill sets would be useful when the new city council and mayor take their seats after the March 21 special election.

District 3 candidates bring different government experience to table By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

In the battle for the Stonecrest Post 3 council seat, government auditor Jazzmin Cobble and congressional outreach director Eric Hubbard bring different government experience to the table. Cobble, a five-year resident of the area, has audited local governments, municipalities, boards of education and the state university and technical college systems. Hubbard, a 26-year Stonecrest area resident, has strong chops in government relations and constituent services. Both skill sets would be useful when the new city council and mayor take their seats after the March 21 special election. At forums and on the campaign trail, Cobble – who has seven years with the state of Georgia, the last four with the Department of Audits and Accounts – says numbers are her strong suit. “I understand the numbers and I have fresh ideas,” she said, adding that “the numbers” are going to be real important in sustaining economic development in Stonecrest. “To have our city running at full pace, we need to be in the black and never in the red,” she said. “We have to be in the black and have a surplus.” Cobble, 32, who has a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in government management, said she understands what it looks like for government management to function properly and has the education to back it. Hubbard, who has worked 17 years with U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, first as his executive assistant when he was a DeKalb commissioner and now as his 4th District outreach director, is well-known in the area. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and has a law degree from John Marshall Law School. He points to his experience in governmental relations, community development, connecting students with scholarships, and working in veteran and senior services. “We need people who know how to deal with government, deal with contracts, talk about economic development,” Hubbard said. “I am offering myself for service to make sure no stone is unturned as it relates to our government and our new city.” Coming out of law school, Hubbard said he fell behind on his taxes and the IRS put a lien on his home because “I did not give the IRS all the money that they felt they needed. I had to pay so much a month until they got all the money they felt they needed.” Hubbard, 47, said residents have the opportunity to build a model city not only for Georgia, but for the world. The two are among 20 candidates vying for five council seats and mayor in the city. The special election winner will serve until Dec. 31, 2017, before running for a full fouryear term. Cobble cut her teeth in the community volunteering with the Albany State University Alumni Association. “I bleed blue and gold,” she told voters at a Feb. 11 candidate forum. “Albany State University gave me everything I have to begin with, so I only feel it’s right to give that back.”

Jazzmin Cobble, left, has a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in government management. Eric Hubbard has worked 17 years with U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, first as his executive assistant when he was a DeKalb commissioner and now as his 4th District outreach director.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

She said council members’ responsibility is to talk to residents, to ask, “What would you like to see?” “We can’t stand here and say I think this is great,” she told 253 voters at the Feb. 27 CrossRoads N e w s / FA P C Fo r u m . “ We have to talk to you first.” District 3 is bounded by Rock Springs Road, Miller If elected, Cobble Road and I-20 said her service will be for residents and she will listen to them. “I want to bring what we want,” she said, “not what I want. We have ford services. to understand that local government makes it “I had a chance to work with legislators easy. I can run laps around District 3 so there on both sides of the aisle to help pass the is no reason why I can’t come to you and ask autism bill,” he said. “And this way, those what is it you would like to see in Stonecrest. of us who have kids with special needs, we It’s not about me. It’s about you.” have the resources, we have the money to Cobble said that it is important to get help them.” input from constituents. He said the new city will have to work Hubbard, who has a son with autism, with the governor’s office and legislators losaid that a lot of the time, families can’t af- cally and on the federal level.

“Stonecrest succeeds, DeKalb succeeds,” he said. “DeKalb succeeds, Georgia succeeds. Georgia succeeds, our nation succeeds. Both candidates are supportive of the proposed $200 million Atlanta Sports Complex at Stonecrest. Cobble said she is “very excited about our sports complex” and that to be a progressive city, we have to invest in Stonecrest. “When we talk about bringing a $200 million complex, that will provide jobs, that will provide our children with exposure and also create avenues of economic development. With that complex come hotels, better eateries, concerts,” she said. “It’s a ripple effect. When we think of a progressive city, we have to take ourselves out of the narrow and think about the impact for our future. “Hubbard said he too is happy to see business wanting to invest in Stonecrest and make things happen. He said that if you are not at the table, you are on the menu. “They own the land. They put the money up,” he said. “They are bringing the jobs. It’s not a bio-plant like some of the stuff they want to dump in South DeKalb.”

March 11, 2017

Election

CrossRoadsNews

“I want to sit at a round table with city council members. I am not looking to be boss or to dictate anything. I will work, work, work for you.”

Businessmen battling to be city of Stonecrest’s first mayor

By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Jason Lary, the de facto “Father” of the city of Stonecrest; Charles Hill II, who grew up in the area and was shaped by it; and relative newcomer Douglas Favors all want to be mayor of the new 29-square-mile city. Lary, 55, thinks that having worked to bring the city into existence, he deserves the office. Hill, 32, thinks it’s time for new blood in his hometown. And Favors, who arrived in Stonecrest a mere three years, says, “I am smiling all the time.” The three are among 20 candidates seeking the first elected offices for the city of 50,000 in the March 21 special election. The winner will serve until Dec. 31, 2019, before running for a full four-year term. Favors, who was born in Germany to military parents, said he put his roots in Stonecrest and want to be representative of what he has learned. He is self-employed and says he is running for mayor because he is not a politician, business as usual, or a traditional candidate. “My energy and abilities combined with my vision of a great Stonecrest are unmatched,” he says. Favors says he said he has the time to do the work of mayor. “I just need the title,” he said. Favors, 35, has positioned himself as an unconventional candidate. At his first forum on Feb. 19 at Big Miller Grove Baptist Church, he took off his jacket, loosened his tie, and pulled his shirttail out before taking the microphone. In his closing remarks, he told the voters “to vote for the beard.” At the recent Feb. 27 forum at First Afrikan Church, he declined to offer a vision for Stonecrest. Instead, he said he wants to see what the voters want. “I see my work and yours together,” he said. “That’s what I see.” Favors said he supports the proposed Atlanta Sports Complex at Stonecrest and a technology hub for the city. “Nothing wrong with either,” he said. “I am only hearing this is not going to work. We are in a new city. We can do both of those things.” Favors said both things can co-exist in the city. “Everybody is not into technology,” he said. “Some kids are good at sports. They should be able to live in the same city and have the same opportunity to do exactly what they want to do with their lives.” Favors said that while he hasn’t been in the city as long as everybody else, he knows exactly what’s going on. “You might want to go with the guy who don’t want the outcome to be exactly what it will end up being,” he said.

Charles Hill Hill, a 2003 graduate of Lithonia High School, said he is running for mayor because he thinks something is broken in the community. “I think it’s time for a change,” Hill said. “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. It’s time for some new blood and some new leadership. I offer that.”

Douglas Favors (from left), Charles Hill II and Jason Lary are seeking to become mayor of the new 29-square-mile city of Stonecrest in the March 21 special election. The winner will serve until Dec. 31, 2019, before running for a full four-year term.

Hill, a 2008 graduate of Morehouse College and 2012 graduate of Harvard Divinity School, is completing his studies at Yale Divinity School this summer. He told more than 250 voters at the Feb. 27 forum that he is “a shining example of what can come out of this community when we get back to producing.” Hill is vice president of Rooms Around Campus, his family-owned business that he describes as a multimillion-dollar real estate business. He said he worked with residential and commercial developers and has the skills to lead the city. “I want to sit at a round table with city council members,” he said. “I am not looking to be boss or to dictate anything. I will work, work, work for you.” He said he wants to see some positive things come to Stonecrest. “I am tired of dollar stores, fast-food restaurants and liquors and other things that are not uplifting to our community,” he said. “We have to set a precedent in the city of Stonecrest for entrepreneurship and to strengthen black-owned businesses.” Hill, who is the son of Dr. Charles Hill, whose ophthalmology practice is on Snapfinger Woods Drive in Decatur, said he did not grow up with a silver spoon in his mouth. “Both of my parents grew up poor,” he said. “My father grew up poor in Alabama during the height of the civil rights movement. My mom grew up in West Philadelphia.” Despite his academic accomplishments, Hill said he is still very, very humble. “I have not forgotten where I came from,” he said. “I am a product of this community. I will serve you with honesty and transparency, and I promise never to take advantage of you. And if you vote for me, you will have someone who is qualified, competent, and talented enough to get the job done.” If elected, Hill said he will not take a salary from the city. In three years, he envisions the city charter with term limits on elected

officeholders. He does not support the proposed $200 million Atlanta Sports Complex at Stonecrest. “I am sick and tired of young African American men and women always thinking about being pro athletes in middle and high schools,” he said. “We do not need a sports arena that’s only going to service the needs and interest of those who will be living off the land around Stonecrest mall. We need to invite tech innovators into the city of Stonecrest. We need some different options. We need our young people to be prepared and trained for the jobs of tomorrow so they don’t become the permanent underclass.” Hill said that this is not time to be cute and to say things that are catchy. “We have to do something to improve our community,” he said. “I have the ideas. We need to look at Stonecrest as a hub for tech innovation. I have connections at Harvard and Yale. We need jobs of the future.” Hill said that the job projection from the proposed sports complex “is not rooted in pure fact.” “Take time to read because we are fighting for the soul of our community and the devil is in the details,” he said. “This sports arena is only speculated to provide 365 jobs. The 2,000 jobs is an estimate based on other things being built and other things being developed.” Hill said that the city does not need that type of facility without community input. “If I am elected your mayor, we would not have such a facility without a large number of community meetings to get your input,” he said. “This community deserves to have a say in what type of major development is happening.”

Jason Lary Lary, a businessman, has lived in Stonecrest for most of the past 20 years. He began and led the Stonecrest cityhood movement four years ago and says he wants to be mayor to complete the vision

he started. “It morphed from leading the movement to leading the town,” he said. “It moved from business side to a political side – from business to public service.” Lary said the large turnout of candidates for the city’s elected offices and mayor surprised him. “I underestimated the desires of other people who want to lead without having done the work,” he said. “I thought the leadership base would come from Stonecrest City Alliance or Stonecrest Yes.” At the Feb. 27 forum, he asked: “Where were all these people when it was time to go down to the Capitol, when it was time to convince black folks, and to get GOP majority to make sure we actually had an opportunity to vote? Where was all of them then? “Now that we have a $200 million complex to replace the grass and overgrown weeds, somebody going to have the nerve to complain about it. “Are you kidding me?” Lary, whose Jason Lary Management Co. owns multiple rental properties in the city of Lithonia and in Stonecrest, said there is nothing to prevent him from being mayor of Stonecrest. He told voters at the forum that he filed for bankruptcy because of his business. “I lost everything before and then turned around and bought it back,” he said. “So if you have been in trouble before, is it about you having been in trouble with regards to your finances, or is about whether you can recover from things that have happened to you in the past? Can you pull yourself up. I can because I am a fully grown man on my own. I don’t live with Mommy and Daddy. I don’t have Mommy and Daddy.” Lary said his financial woes did not prohibit him from raising capital three years in a row to make sure that the referendum would be on the ballot. “I am Jason Lary and I am the man here to be your mayor,” he said.

CrossRoadsNews

Election

March 11, 2017

“It is important that we meet when all citizens can be involved with the decisions that we make for this community,”

Stonecrest 4, the race with the most candidates, experience By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

In an election that has attracted a crowd, the Stonecrest District 4 council seat is the big winner with the most candidates. The five political hopefuls include the election’s youngest candidate, Mary-Pat Hector, who is 20; its oldest candidate, retired police detective Geraldine Champion, who is 77; and the only former elected official, Jesse Jay Cunningham. Nonprofit executive Jonathan “JP” Phillips and community advocate George Turner round out the slate. The winner of the March 21 special election will serve until Dec. 31, 2019, before running for a full four-year term of office. The District 4 race also has the most experienced campaigners. Both Champion and Turner have run for office before – Champion for sheriff twice and Turner for county commissioner. Champion, who has lived in the Stonecrest area for 30 years, said her Minors Creek subdivision neighbors asked her to run for city council because “they want to see the city set up right.” Champion, who retired from the Atlanta Police Department in 1993 after 26 years, is a veteran who worked as a U.S. Army interrogator. She says she does not want any corruption in the new city. “I’ve always emphasized honesty and integrity,” she tells voters at every candidate forum. “You [are] going to hear that honesty and integrity a thousand times, which tells me you can make the mouth say anything.” If elected, Champion said she will be on the hunt for corruption. “So don’t wonder about who ratted you out,” she said. “You looking at her.” Champion said fighting crime is a high priority for the new city. “Nobody is coming nowhere if every time you go to unlock that business door, somebody got a gun stuck to your head,” she said. “Crime is No. 1 because any business going anywhere is going to check to see what the crime rate is.” If elected, Champion said she will be accessible and available. “That’s the way I would be even if you don’t live in my district,” she said. “And if you can’t get the person in your district, call me. You shouldn’t have to wait three or four days to get your concern listened to.” Champion said she has been working in her neighborhood for a long time and is not running for the money. If elected, she said she will serve no more than two years. “I don’t jump into this for no $50,000,” she said. “My thing is we have to be honest. You know that it is going to start off on the right foot if you see my name on it.”

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

Geraldine Champion (from left), Jesse Jay Cunningham, Mary-Pat Hector, Jonathan “JP” Phillips and George Turner are vying for the District 4 Stonecrest council seat in the March 21 election.

Stonecrest city council because he has a passion for the community. “I am a server,” he said. “I’m here to serve you. I am a doer. If you know me, I’m going to be out here in the community talking to folks making sure that people understand what is needed to make the city great.” Cunningham, 58, said he does not have a quick fix for crime but that there is one thing he knows for sure. “Kids want to be loved,” he said. “They want somebody to talk to – they want somebody to listen to them. We got to do a better job of that and we can start right here in Stonecrest. We got to do things to get them more involved. And the way to do that is jobs – we got to bring jobs.” Cunningham said Stonecrest’s development is personal to him. He operated a restaurant there in the early 2000s that failed. “I had to file for bankruptcy because of business,” he told voters on Feb. 27 at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church. “I was lied to by Stonecrest. It never developed the way it was supposed to.” He said the proposed $200 million soccer complex will give the city the chance to reach out to other areas. “We must bring economic development so we can live, work and play. And we need to help our seniors at the same time.” Cunningham said voters should pick him because he has experience, commitment and Jesse Jay Cunningham knowledge. Cunningham, who runs a restaurant on “No one else up here has that,” he said. Wesley Chapel Road, is a 54-year DeKalb resident. He has lived in the Stonecrest area Mary-Pat Hector for 17 years in the Burlington subdivision off Hector, who is a sophomore at Spelman Browns Mill Road. College and the youth director of the Rev. Al He served eight years as the District 5 Sharpton’s National Action Network, said her School Board member before Gov. Nathan family has invested in DeKalb County and Deal removed the School Board he was Stonecrest for more than 15 years. part of in February 2013 for dysfunctional She said she is seeking the council seat behavior. because she understands the importance of Cunningham said he is running for the

Elect Jimmy Clanton, Jr. Stonecrest City Council District 1 The future of Stonecrest deserves seasoned civic leadership, a person who is already involved in community advocacy and not folks who are just looking to rack up trophies. Vote For: • Common Sense Leadership • Economic Development • Neighborhood Involvement • A Safe and Clean City www.JimmyClantonJr.com

District 4 is bounded by Evans Mill Road, Rock Springs Road and I55.

making the new city. “We have a unique chance, and opportunity, to become a green and very sustainable city,” she said. “And that is what I see: Stonecrest as the Silicon Valley of t h e South.” Hector said she is the only candidate who has had the opportunity to work with President Barack Obama on criminal justice reform and with organizations to decrease gun violence. “I’ve been losing more friends than I can imagine and I attended more funerals by the age of 15,” she said. “I understand the importance of young people getting involved in the political process.” Hector said she would like to see the new city become one that people can relate to and one that assures diversity. “Not just with age, not just with gender,” she said. “But with everything.” To fight crime in Stonecrest, Hector said the city needs to invest in amenities for its youth. “We have to ensure that we’re giving our children something else to do,” she said. “Maybe they can get in trouble because there’s nothing in Stonecrest for them to do because we’re not investing in them.” She told voters that a vote for her will ensure diversity on the city council. “What better way to ensure that our young people are heard … than ensuring that they are at the table within the process,” she said.

Jonathan “JP” Phillips Phillips, who has lived in the Stonecrest area for 18 years, said he is running for office because it is important to listen to the citizens. He is creator of “New Dads 101” and

“New Moms 101” workshops for young parents, and his wife, Dr. Lynette Phillips, owns Decatur Pediatric Group, which has served thousands of DeKalb children over more than 20 years. Phillips, 55, said the new city must create an environment that is honest and open and it is critical it does not hold meetings at 9 a.m. when residents are at work. “It is important that we meet when all citizens can be involved with the decisions that we make for this community,” he said. If elected, Phillips said that he will fight against tax increases. “I’m not about that ’cause I got to pay my own bills too,” he said. He told voters it is important that they elect council members who will be their voice. “I will make sure that you will get honest transparency and timely budgetary decisions on all budget matters,” he said.

George Turner Turner, who has lived in the Stonecrest area for 31 years, is a retired MARTA manager and a longtime community worker. He has more than 20 years of community service under his belt and says he volunteers because he believes in the community. “Service is a part of my DNA,” Turner told more than 250 voters at the forum at First Afrikan Church. “I’m constantly working with my neighbors trying to make things better for this community. That’s what I do. Why? Perhaps it’s because of the way I came up.” He said he is a country boy. “One thing you learn in the country is that if your neighbor needs help, you don’t wait for them to ask,” said Turner, 66. “You go out and you help them.” When he was asked to help with the creation of the city of Stonecrest more than three years ago, Turner said he did not hesitate. “I know a little bit about zoning and land use,” he said. “I volunteered to help with that process.” For him, code enforcement and economic development are top priorities for the city. “When you have blight, it attracts crime,” Turner said. “We need to clean up DeKalb County. We have to clean up Stonecrest. You take care of the blight, you take care of crime. You take care of the blight, you take care of your home values. All of that works together.” Turner said that economic development is key for Stonecrest because of the domino effect it has on other issues. “Bring economic development to our area and you solve several problems,” he said. “If people have jobs, it reduces the inclination to commit crime. If people can work in this community versus having to drive two hours across town to get to a job, they can spend more time in the school system with parental involvement.” As they are choosing, Turner asked voters to keep three things in mind. “Who is ready on day one to start representing you?” he said. “Who has knowledge of the charter, zoning, parks and recreation? Who has the time to serve you – 24/7 if needs be?”

March 11, 2017

Election

CrossRoadsNews

“This is a brand-new city that needs a brand-new image. If we project a new image, we will bring businesses to Stonecrest.”

Two teachers, a businesswoman and a retiree seek District 5 seat By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

The race for the Stonecrest District 5 seat is pitting a businesswoman, two teachers, and a retired police officer against each other. Dr. Diane Daniel Adoma, 60; Tammy Grimes, 51; Lloyd Morrison, 42; and Richard Stone, 63, are facing off in the March 21 special election to represent the district. The winner will serve until Dec. 31, 2017, before running for a full four-year term. Adoma, a DeKalb resident for 25 years, has lived in the Stonecrest area for the past eight. She has been in business for 20 years, working with clients like CNN News, AT&T and H&R Block. She worked to help create the city and says she is running for the council because she has a unique set of skills that can help it grow and thrive. “I recognize that it is important for us to attract quality business to the city of Stonecrest,” she said, adding that she wants to increase Stonecrest’s median income from $38,000 by expanding job options. “I want to bring in high-paying jobs,” said Adoma. “I want to build a smart city, create high-paying jobs by bringing in a technology village and engineering and software jobs. “If we make Stonecrest an environment that is attractive to businesses, we can increase the tax base,” Adoma said. She told voters at a Feb. 27 forum at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church that the city council needs a person like her who can reach across the aisle and work with anybody, no matter their gender or political affiliation. “It is very important to have a collaborator, to have someone who can compromise,” she said. “You need someone who recognizes that if you have one vote, you need two other votes to pass any policy or legislation.” Adoma said a city council member’s role is to look out for the well-being of the community and that she can do it with transparency and accountability. “I am willing to work with anybody,” she said. Adoma called the proposed $200 million sports complex, unveiled on Feb. 22, a fabulous idea and a great opportunity. “I support it but I also support diverse businesses, so I am not going to rest until everybody in here has a job and I don’t have to drive out of my neighborhood to get what I want.” Adoma said the city has to lure back the businesses it lost to neighboring counties.

Tammy Grimes Grimes, who taught at Salem Middle School for 18 years, has been a Stonecrest area resident since 1989. She and her husband were developers of the Trinity subdivision, where they still live. “Talk about economic development,” she said. “Top that.” She said she is running for the council to help the city grow. “We can do all those flowery, glittery things that we are talking about, but nobody is coming to Stonecrest unless they feel safe,” she said. She said she is excited about the sports complex and is not concerned that it was un-

Diane Adoma (from far left), Tammy Grimes, Lloyd Morrison and Richard Stone are vying for the District 5 post in the March 21 special election.

Rosie Manins / CrossRoadsNews

veiled before the council is elected. “I am hoping what has been shown to us will come to pass,” she said. “If what we were presented is absolute truth, if it is private funding and it is not going to affect my taxes, I don’t care when you present it.” Grimes said one of the tenets of her platform is honest government. “We cannot allow anybody to be part of our new city who does not have the ability to be ethical,” she said. “That’s law according to the land of Stonecrest. If you want to do government in Stonecrest, you have to do it decently, and in order. That goes from the mayor to the custodians.”

District 5 is bounded by I-20, Evans Mill Road and the Rockdale County line.

What I can guarantee you from me is that you will get greatness.” He told the voters that they will get economic development with him – part light manufacturing and building on the infrastructure already in place in two industrial parks located within the city. “We need to build industries that will complement our green space, bring jobs and industries that won’t flee at the first sign of economic depression.” For his part, Morrison said he employs three young men within the city of Stonecrest with his construction company. “I also own a trucking company with my brother that we began as a part of my double minority status as a veteran and a black man.” Morrison said that with him, voters will have transparency. “I have done nothing in my life that I won’t tell you or that I am ashamed of,” he said. Morrison said that he has been accused of a lot of things, “but you will not call me a liar, you will not call me a thief,” he said. “As a young man, I lived outside my means. As a soldier, I made very little. So when I came out of the U.S. Army and started a business, it was important for me to come in with a clean slate, I filed bankruptcy.” He applauded the proposed sports complex announced for Mall Parkway and said he is for anything that enhances the quality

Lloyd Morrison Morrison, an Army vet, teacher, coach and businessman, has lived in the Stonecrest area for 13 years. Over the past 10 years, he has taught at Flat Rock Elementary, Salem Middle, and Lithonia High. “I am affectionately known as ‘Coach Mo,’” he said. “Over the last 10 years, I’ve put over 70 young men through college through my efforts as a head coach and assistant head coach at Lithonia High School. “ Morrison said he is running for city council to continue the work he has done in the city. “At Flat Rock Elementary, I began my Father’s Initiative, Muffins With Mom, and Donuts With Dad,” he said. “At Salem Middle School, where I was working over with Mr. Mason, we did some great things. At Lithonia High School, we’ve done some great things.

of life for the children, for the community and the city. “Anything that takes our children off the streets … I am all for it,” Morrison said. “That facility is going to allow our students to regenerate from injuries. It is going to allow our students to be exposed to universities and colleges. It’s going to expand our students, not just to football and soccer but into other sports such as rugby and lacrosse.”

Richard Stone Stone, who is a retired DeKalb County police detective, has lived in the Stonecrest area for 39 years. He said he is running for the council to protect and serve the city and its citizens. “What this city needs is transparency, and I want to make sure that is what we have,” he said. “This is a brand-new city that needs a brand-new image. If we project a new image, we will bring businesses to Stonecrest. If we project with transparency, have a corruptionfree government, it will come. As they say, build it and they will come.” If elected, Stone said he will listen to residents and get to work on getting the train to come to Stonecrest. “I envision a day when that train is going to come down I-20 and pull into that station right at Stonecrest mall,” he said. “This will bring in that industry that we need. That along with the $200 million sports complex. That’s going to bring more prosperity to DeKalb.” Stone said he would like Stonecrest to be the place of destination. “We want it to be the place that people want to come,” he said. Stone said the sports complex’s 15,000seat stadium could be a concert venue as well. “It will be good to have concerts and not have to go to Wolf Creek,” he said. “I see that as a plus. Anything that keeps our money at home is a plus and I agree with it.”

CrossRoadsNews

Election

March 11, 2017

“I want when people think of Stonecrest, they think of a city that takes care of its people, takes care of its seniors, takes care of our children.”

Four Stonecrest District 2 candidates offer varied backgrounds By Jennifer Ffrench Parker

Businessman Plez Joyner, program manager Rob Turner, and teachers Alexis Morris and Dr. Gretchen Jones-Torbert want to see a vibrant city of Stonecrest, but they are coming to it from different places. The four, who are vying for the Post 2 council seat, are among 20 candidates seeking to be the new city’s first elected officials in the March 21 special election. The Post 2 winner will serve until Dec. 31, 2019, before running for a full four-year term. Joyner, who joined the Stonecrest cityhood movement in 2014, reminded voters at a forum that it took seven years to create the city. He said he was immediately attracted to the promise of self-determination for residents. “This just didn’t happen overnight,” he said at a Feb. 11 forum at Stonecrest Library. “This has been a labor of love – a love for our community, a love for our neighborhoods, a love for our children, a love for our city and everything that it encompasses.” Joyner, who has lived in the area for 17 years, said he has the vision, business acumen and leadership skills to help move Stonecrest forward. He said he is running for city council because he believes a small city government is best suited to deliver services that address the needs of citizens. “I am the only candidate who is ready to serve on day one,” he said. “I’ve been preparing to run the city of Stonecrest before there was a Stonecrest.” Joyner, 55, a Georgia Tech graduate who runs Joyner Global Consulting, said Stonecrest is going to be like a multimilliondollar business. “We need someone who is really focused and knows how to run a business,” he said at the Feb. 27 CrossRoadsNews/FAPC Forum. “We need somebody who knows how to attract those types of business to this area and nurture and grow them.” A longtime community worker, Joyner, who is president of the Lionshead Homeowners Association, said he is running for the council to make sure the government is set up as well as the city’s charter and framework they created. He wants to build a brand for Stonecrest, bring economic development to the city, and take advantage of the economic opportunity already in the city. Because he grew up in a town as small as District 2, Joyner also wants to build the same kind of cohesiveness among the city’s neighborhoods. “We can foster the community by working to break down barriers between our subdivisions and being more neighborly,” he said.

Curtis Parker / CrossRoadsNews

District 2 candidates Rob Turner (from left), Plez Joyner, Alexis Morris and Gretchen Jones-Torbert are among 20 hopefuls seeking to be Stonecrest’s first elected officials.

2 “When I was growing up, if we got into trouble, Miss Jackson down the street would call our parents and tell them we were acting up. Those are the kinds of things we want to build, where we all feel as one and think that Stonecrest is something special.”

Alexis Morris Morris, who has lived in the Stonecrest area for 10 years, is an Atlanta Public School teacher and a lawyer. She also co-owns a construction business with her husband. Her platform is about bringing trust, transparency, education and balance to the new city. “I am about transparency, honesty, hope, and building our community, making it better,” she told voters at the Feb. 11 forum. Continuing that theme at the Feb. 27 CrossRoadsNews/FAPC Forum, she said trust needs to be re-established in the community. “Many of the constituents don’t believe in local government anymore,” she said. “We have to establish that we are correct and not trying to establish an air of manipulation.” On the transparency issue, Morris, 45, said that all information about the business of the city must be available to citizens. “Making sure you are all aware of the issues, the economic decisions that are being

District 2 is bounded by Lithonia Industiral Boulevard, I-20, Miller Road and I-278.

made, that you don’t feel left out, that your voices are being heard at the table,” she said. “That we hear from you first. That we don’t develop vision, projects and plans without you.” Morris, who chairs APS Go Team, the governing council for the charter commission, says she is used to working with a cross section of people and has a listening ear and is patient. “As an educator, and a leader and a lawyer, I promise you, elect me and I will serve the community without any appearance of impropriety,” she said. “You can trust me. You can believe in me. I will represent you, your voice, your vision.”

Dr. Gretchen Jones-Torbert Jones-Torbert, a 40-year DeKalb resident, has lived in the Stonecrest area for the past 13. An educator for 16 years, she teaches in Rockdale County Public Schools. She says education is a huge concern and “my first priority” because students and parents need assistance and resources. “We need to compete globally. We can empower people with education,” she said. “Education, economics and empowerment. Once you have those three, you can develop a city that can stand strong and be competitive with other cities.”

Jones-Torbert, 41, who once published a health magazine that folded, said she was forced to file for bankruptcy because she did not pick the right business partner. “Those lessons, along with my Ph.D., have allowed me to help others not to make those kinds of decisions without first doing their due diligence,” she said. Jones-Torbert said that Stonecrest should make STEM and STEAM resources available in the city. She said it’s not enough to merely bring businesses to the city. “The sports complex [the $200 million Atlanta Sports Complex at Stonecrest unveiled Feb. 22] is great, but we can bring other businesses to the area as well,” she said. She told the voters that she has a heart to serve. “How can I serve you?” she asked the more than 250 voters who attended the CrossRoadsNews/FAPC Candidate Forum on Feb. 27.

Rob Turner Turner calls Stonecrest “a gift from God” and said it’s an opportunity for citizens to create something from the bottom up. He wants to create a culture for the new city that is focused on its citizens. “I want when people think of Stonecrest, they think of a city that takes care of its people, takes care of its seniors, takes care of our children,” he said. “We can build all the skyscrapers we want, but our people are the foundation. Taking care of people is the most important aspect and then we build upon that with economic development. “ Turner, who is married to District 5 DeKalb School Board member Vickie Turner, has lived in DeKalb County for 25 years and in the Stonecrest area for nine years. He is a program operations manager for the Georgia Department of Labor, Distance Learning Center, and Public Service and was chancellor for nine years for the former Augustine Preparatory Academy, which he and his wife co-founded. The school closed when Vickie Turner was elected to the DeKalb School Board. He has worked in the community, advocating for children, serving as PTA president, and chairing various committees. Turner also has been a GED instructor and athletics coach for church, school and community leagues. He has been a deacon and hosted marriage workshops. Turner, 62, says he is running for the city council to defeat the stigma that is trying to stick to South DeKalb. “It’s a stigma that says that we have ineffective leadership in our politicians; a stigma that says that we ineffective schools that are not producing quality education; a stigma that says our communities are rundown and not being beautified, not being taken care of,” he said. “A stigma that says we cannot maintain or retain quality businesses in this area.” To succeed, Turner said Stonecrest needs to have a strong governmental coalition in place before it brings economic development. “Some businesses will not come in here unless we have something strong that we can show them that we are a community that is viable,” he said. Turner says tax incentives are important to building the city, but that once businesses come, they must give back to the city. “They need to develop programs for our students,” he said. “They need to have scholarship programs, internships and shadowing programs for our students.” He called on citizens to be involved. “You are the ones that’s going to make this city great,” he told the audience at First Afrikan Presbyterian Church. “You are Stonecrest. We have power here in this room. Five people, a mayor and a city manager can’t do it by themselves. We need everybody’s buy-in.”