December 13, 2014

See Reform Act, page 8

VOLUME 20 NUMBER 37  WWW.OCGNEWS.COM  DECEMBER 13, 2014  FREE

SERVING DEKALB, FULTON, GWINNETT, HENRY AND ROCKDALE COUNTIES n WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/OCGNEWS

See Krispy Kreme, page 6

See Jobs, page 8

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News

Small fry flock to Stonecrest Library for carols, holiday stories

Page 7

Stone Mountain councilman returns from deployment in time for the holidays

Page 5

Ellis’ retrial set for June 1

Page 3

PeopleCommunityCommunity

Hundreds of jobs on the way

By Joshua Smith

After nearly five months of negotiating an incentives package for Acuity Brands Lighting’s proposed expansion, Rockdale County officials say the company now has the green light to move forward.

The deal stalled after Acuity learned in August that it did not officially have the approval from the Rockdale County Development Authority for property tax abatements the company planned to use to expand, including bringing 500 jobs to Rockdale and 200 jobs to DeKalb County over the next five years.

Under the deal, the company also planned to remodel its 167,000 square-foot building in DeKalb County and 125,000-square-foot plant in Rockdale. Acuity, which manufacturers lights and light fixtures, expects to begin operations

sometime in January. The Rockdale County Development

Authority approved the deal on Dec. 2 at a vote of 3 –2. The county is providing Acuity with a 100 percent property tax exemption for five years. The county also is providing a 50 percent discount on county permitting fees, up to $100,000, along with a dedicated county liaison to expedite plan development, application renewal and permitting.

Development Authority board members Gerald Rakestraw, Rick Simons, John Hurt, Ed Cowan, and Mike Sullivan voted in favor of the incentives, while Gerald Rakestraw, Rick Simons, John Hurt, Ed Cowan opposed, saying the tax breaks would set a bad precedent.

School tax abatement was not included as part of the incentives package.

Valerie J. Morgan

Krispy Kreme doughnuts on Wesley Chapel Road in Decatur held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its grand opening on Dec. 9

and the one-of-a-kind, melt-in-your mouth doughnuts were all the rage. More than 300 people were in line before the store opened at 6 a.m., officials said.

“We have had an outpouring of

support. It was a really good opening. We are thrilled,” said Amanda Clark, marketing director for Krispy Kreme.

Clark said Keyana Vance was the first person through the doors and because she was the first, she won a prize entitling her to a free box of doughnuts every week for a year.

“She was determined to be the first one through the doors. She was in line on

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Responding to calls that the nation’s grand jury system is broken when police are investigated for the killing of civilians, Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents Georgia’s Fourth District, says he plans to introduce the “Grand Jury Reform Act” in January. House Judiciary

Committee Ranking Member John Conyers is a cosponsor of the bill. Johnson said he is disturbed that twice in the last month, the nation has seen a grand jury fail to indict a police officer even though “ample evidence suggests those officers used excessive force.”

Johnson recently gave a speech on the House Floor lamenting the deaths of the unarmed Michael Brown, who was shot by a Ferguson, MO police officer, and Eric Garner, who died as a result of a chokehold by a Staten Island, NY police office. Garner said 11 times “I can’t breathe,” as the officer

and four other officers held him down. The two men’s deaths sparked protests and national debates about police using excessive force against citizens.

“The protesters demand an end to what is perceived as unequal justice, and that

Rep. Johnson introducing Grand Jury Reform Act

Congressman Hank Johnson

Hundreds flock to Krispy Kreme’s grand opening in South DeKalb

Acuity Brands Lighting deal moves forward in Rockdale

Cheerleaders from Southwest DeKalb High School helped cut the ribbon during the grand opening.

PAGE 2  DECEMBER 13, 2014

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DECEMBER 13, 2014   PAGE 3

DECEMBER 13, 2014 VOLUME 20, NO. 37 

EDITOR/PUBLISHERValerie J. Morgan 

[email protected] 

GENERAL MANAGERGlenn L. Morgan 

[email protected]

STAFF WRITER Joshua Smith 

[email protected]

ADVERTISING MANAGER Richard S. Hill 

[email protected] 

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Neville Anderson Lee May

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By Valerie J. Morgan

Suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis will get a retrial on June 1, according to an order by

Superior Court Judge Courtney Johnson.The order, signed on Dec. 9, follows

Ellis’ first case, which ended in a mistrial in October after the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on any of the 13 counts against him.

Ellis is accused of pressuring county vendors to give to his election campaign and threatening to take county contracts from those who didn’t. Ellis, who has maintained his innocence, is charged with bribery, theft, extortion and perjury.

Judge Johnson, who oversaw Ellis’ first case and will oversee the retrial, declared a mistrial after the 12-woman jury announced it was unable to come to a unanimous decision. The jurors spent 51 hours deliberating and reviewing evidence in the case before announcing it was deadlocked.

Now, many in the community are asking if a retrial would be cost effective. A spokesperson for District Attorney Robert James Office has said because the case is still active, information on what has been spent so far is unavailable.

Neither James nor Ellis or his defense attorneys can comment on the

case. They are under a gag order issued by Judge Johnson. Meanwhile, Lee May continues to oversee the county as its interim CEO. May, who was appointed last year by Gov. Nathan Deal as the trial got under way, has said he plans to continue moving the county forward. He will hold the CEO seat until a verdict is reached in the Ellis case. Hearings for pre-trial motions are scheduled March 26 and 27 in Judge Johnson’s courtroom. Prosecutors and Ellis’ defense lawyers must submit juror questionnaires to the court by May 1, if they plan to use them during jury selection.

Ellis’ retrial set for June 1Suspended DeKalb County CEO Burrell EllisDistrict Attorney Robert James

By Valerie J. Morgan

Green Energy Partners, DeKalb LLC said it is moving forward with its plans to build a biomass gasification plant near Lithonia,

despite DeKalb County’s Dec. 10 decision to cancel a contract to supply yard waste for the project after the company failed to build the facility it promised more than four years ago.

The announcement from Green Energy sparked outrage from opponents, who have renewed their vow to fight to stop the plant .

“We’re not going to give in. Ever. As long as he persists, we will persist. We’re not intimidated by Neville Anderson,” said Renee Cail, president of CHASE) Citizens for a Healthy and Safe Environment).

Anderson, president and CEO of Green Energy Partners, said Green Energy plans to buy yard waste outside of DeKalb to make electricity and then sell that energy to entities such as Georgia Power. He said the company never planned to rely solely on DeKalb as a supplier. He issued the following statement regarding the county’s cancellation of the contract:

“GEP DeKalb, LLC learned via news reports that the DeKalb County BOC led by Interim CEO May has voted to cancel

the Wood Agreement between DeKalb County and Green Energy Partners-DeKalb, LLC. The project is not dependent on the yard waste generated by DeKalb County as its primary fuel. The project is a privately owned project, any reports of funding provided by DeKalb County is in error. Green Energy Partners-DeKalb LLC remains committed to the project and intends to keep moving forward.”

Anderson declined to provide any details about funding for the project, the company’s construction schedule or where it planned to seek suppliers for yard waste.

Cail said CHASE would wage a stronger battle.

“We don’t care if he brings in waste from around the nation, we will stand tall and firm and fight it,” Cail said.

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May said the company’s decision to move forward now would only fuel the community’s fight against the project. He said the agreement in 2010 stipulated that a facility

had to be built in two years, but since more than four years had passed and nothing was done, the county decided to end the contract.

“I would hope that he would no longer pursue this in DeKalb County. The community has spoken and I support them and their will and their wishes,” said May, who had initially supported issuing a special permit for the project because it touted renewable energy—something President Obama has pushed for as landfills continue filling up around the nation and more energy sources in the U.S. are needed.

Cail said CHASE will remain on the front lines as a watchdog group to protect citizens from plants that pose a hazard to people’s health.

“We can never relax when there are proposals that harm our communities. We see this kind of thing happening over and over in African American communities. We’re not giving up,” she said.

Green Energy pushes biomass plant near Lithonia, opponents vow to continue fight

“ We’re not going to give in. Ever. As long as he persists, we will persist. We’re not intimidated by Neville Anderson.”

– Renee Cail, president of CHASE


Coming Up

Scholarship Ball offers “Great Gatsby” fun

The “We Need 2 Read Foundation” and DeKalb County government will host a Black Tie Scholarship Ball on Sunday, Dec. 14, 6 – 9:30 p.m. at the Thalia N. Carlos Hellenic Community Center, 2500 Clairmont Road, N.E., Atlanta.

Grammy award winning singer Fantasia Barrino headlines the entertainment. Barrino is an American R&B/soul singer, Broadway and television actress who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of “American Idol” in 2004. Ryan Cameron of V-103 and Cynné Simpson of Fox 5 will serve as master and mistress of ceremony.

This event is a fundraiser to provide scholarships to deserving DeKalb County high school seniors. Themed, “A Gatsby Affair,” the ball begins with a VIP reception. The reception is followed by dinner and the CEO’s Vanguard Award ceremony.

The 2014 DeKalb County CEO Vanguard Award Honorees are: Emory University Hospital, DeKalb Chamber of Commerce President, Katerina Taylor, Larry Callahan of Pattillo Industrial Real Estate, John Shelton of DeKalb Medical Hospital, Vaughn Irons of APD Solutions, Greg Street of V-103, and Will Packer of Will Packer Productions.

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May said helping today’s youth is important to the future of the county and the country.

“The role we can play in our community to provide support to our youth as they move from high school to institutions of higher learning and vocational schools can be the determining factor in the type of citizen they become and their contributions to the betterment of our society,” said May.

Tickets are $100 dollars per person and can be purchased by visiting the Scholarship Ball Eventbrite page at https://ceoscholarshipball.eventbrite.com.

ATLANTAMARTA, Atlanta Dream players to pay it forward

On Fridays, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19, 4 – 5 p.m., MARTA customers can enjoy “Pay it Forward Fridays.”

MARTA staff and Atlanta Dream players will distribute breeze cards and other prizes at random to customers at the Doraville station on Dec. 12 and at the West End Station on Dec. 19.

Players will also sign autographs and take pictures with fans and customers. Dream President and General Manager Angela Taylor said the team enjoys being a part of MARTA’s random acts of kindness.

“As an organization, we are committed to building a positive legacy in our community,” said Taylor. “While we endeavor to do so on a regular basis, there is no better time to make an impact than during the holiday season.”

Holiday boot camp at Piedmont Park The Piedmont Park Community Center, 1071 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta,

will hold a holiday boot camp for people in the community to work out on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5:45 a.m.

The free boot camp is a way to stay fit and healthy, while supporting the park and the Piedmont Conservancy. Organizers say you can have fun all while improving your strength, cardio, balance and flexibility. All levels are encouraged to participate.

Veteran trainers lead the event. Donations will be collected to go to park activities. Pre-registration is not required.

DEKALBGresham branch to host holiday movie night

The DeKalb County Public Library’s Gresham branch, 2418 Gresham Road, S.E., Atlanta, will host a holiday movie night for families on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5 – 7 p.m.

“Pirate Fairy” and “The Search for Santa Paws,” both “G” movies, will be featured. Disney’s computer-animated “Pirate Fairy” is the sixth film in the DisneyToon Studios’ Tinker Bell film series, based on the character Tinker Bell from J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy. The film features the voices of Mae Whitman, reprising her role of “Tinker Bell,” Christina Hendricks as a dust-keeper fairy named “Zarina,” and Tom Hiddleston as a much younger “James Hook.”

In “The Search for Santa Paws” Santa Claus travels to New York City and gets hit by a cab, loses his memory and the crystal that keeps him eternal is stolen, it’s up to his new friend, his puppy named “Paws” to save him.

Flu shots offered at Antioch A.M.E. Church The Stone Mountain/Lithonia Graduate Chapter of Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Inc. in collaboration with Antioch A.M.E. Church’s Health Ministry will offer flu shots on Sunday, Dec. 21, 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. In addition, registered nurses will be available to do blood pressure checks.

If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card along with I.D. to receive your shot. If you are uninsured, Walgreens will have vouchers available so that you can receive a free shot.

Antioch A.M.E. Church is located at 765 South Hairston Road, Stone Mountain. Get the shot, not the flu.

GWINNETT

Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful gets set for Christmas tree recycling Gwinnett County Clean and Beautiful is one of the counties around

Georgia that will host “Bring One for the Chipper,” an annual Christmas tree recycling event. The event will be held Dec. 26 – Jan. 16 at participating fire stations and other locations.

After the holidays are over, drop off your live, undecorated Christmas tree to be recycled. The trees will be chipped into mulch and used for County parks and facilities. Visit www.gwinnettcb.org for locations. Fire stations will accept trees 24 hours, seven days a week. Other facilities will accept them during regular business hours. For more information on the locations, call 770-822-5187.

Registration open for emergency response classes Gwinnett County’s Office of Emergency Management Community

Emergency Response Team (CERT) is accepting registrations for its 2015 training courses/

The classes will focus on disaster preparedness for communities, fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Courses will be held Jan. 27 – March 9, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Training is open to all Gwinnett residents 18 years and older who pass a background check provided by the Gwinnett County Police Department.

For more information or to sign up for the training, email [email protected]. Class size is limited to 25 participants.

ROCKDALE

Rotary Club gives pre-legislative warm-upThe Conyers Rotary Club will welcome Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey,

District 43 to lead a pre-legislative talk on Thursday, Dec. 18, noon – 1:15 p.m., at Cameron Hall, 1035 Green St., S.E., Conyers.

The community is invited to get a look ahead at the legislative challenges and opportunities that will impact Rockdale County and the state of Georgia.

The cost to attend the luncheon is $13. For more information: 404-605-7135 or 770-490-4744.

Rockdale Democrats seek post holders The Rockdale Democratic Party of Georgia, 1264 Parker Road, Suite K,

Conyers, will host its general meeting on Saturday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m. The meeting will cover the post holder elections process and will serve

as a holiday brunch for members and guests. Brunch is $10. Coats and toys will also be accepted for needy families. If you wish to

be considered as a post holder for your precinct, send an email to [email protected] prior to the meeting. Those who wish to be considered must be prepared to pay a $10 qualifying fee to the party.

Fantasia Barrino


Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News

Get the latest news updates ANYTIME.www.ocgnews.com

By Joshua Smith

With her husband and children by her side, DeKalb County’s newly-elected District 1 Commissioner Nancy Jester was sworn in to office on Dec. 8 by Judge Jeryl Rosh at the Maloof Auditorium in Decatur.

The swearing-in ceremony marked Round 1 for the Jester family. The family will witness a second swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5 when Jester’s husband, Stan, takes the oath of office as a new member of the DeKalb County School Board, a position Nancy Jester held formerly. Stan Jester, who ran unopposed in May, is one of seven newly elected school board members who will take their seats starting next year.

The Jesters, who will juggle raising three children–11-year-old Georgia, 9-year-old Jaxon and 7-year-old Jake–with serving in public office and holding down full-time jobs, promise fiscal accountability and accessibility in their respective new roles. “I’m looking forward to offering a fresh start in DeKalb. I was elected to get to work and that’s what I’m going to do. We have to rebuild credibility and trust in District 1 and I’m here to do just that,” said Jester, who is an accountant. “I’m looking forward to supplying new levels of disclosure and accessibility for

District 1 and all of DeKalb. We are working on a new web site to debut soon that will keep constituents up to date on everything DeKalb and how to stay in contact with me.” Stan Jester, an information technology professional, says working as a husband-wife team is what led to Nancy’s victory and that

they will continue their winning system as he serves on the county school board and his wife serves on the board of commissioners.

“We are always helping each other in some way or another. I’ll check her emails and Facebook and call her to make sure she’s on top of everything and she does the same for me,” said Stan Jester. “I want to serve the families of this county by empowering school councils, giving principals--not a central office--the power to hire teachers for their schools and improving transparency with the community.”

In her new role as county commissioner, Jester replaces Elaine Boyer, who resigned in August and pleaded guilty to defrauding taxpayers of $93,000 in a kick-back scheme and by racking up personal charges on her county-issued credit card. Boyer is awaiting sentencing in federal court, expected early next year.

Jester, who attended her first Board of Commissioners’ meeting on Dec. 9, represent more than 140,000 people in Brookhaven, Chamblee, Doraville, Dunwoody, Tucker and surrounding areas.

Jester, a Republican, defeated independent Holmes Pyles with 3,495 (75.58 percent of the vote). Pyles, 86, received 1,102 or 24.15 percent of the vote in the Dec. 2 run-off election.

Nancy Jester takes reigns at DeKalb’s new commissioner, husband ready for School Board seat

By Joshua Smith

This Christmas, Stone Mountain City Councilman Steven Wells’ best gift will be simply being at home.

Wells, a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force reserve, was called to duty in March. The 35-year-old was deployed to Qatar to oversee transportation of goods and supplies as a logistics readiness officer for the 557th Expeditionary Air Force’s R.E.D. H.O.R.S.E. Squadron. This was the first time he was deployed for service.

“It was a wonderful experience working with a great group of people to accomplish our mission, but I am thrilled to be home and ready to work hard for the City of Stone Mountain in my role as City Councilman,” Wells said.

As the Logistics Flight Commander, Wells supported several high priority U.S. Central Command construction projects located throughout the Middle East.

The work was done in and around Qatar. Qatar is a sovereign Arab country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Its sole land border is with Saudi Arabia to the south, with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf.

“It’s what we do. It’s what I signed up for. Anyone else in my position as a reserve would have done the same thing. Wherever the Air Force needs us to build something, we build it,” said Wells. “I was in charge of about 50 people. We set up plane routes to take supplies and materials where they were needed, as well as organized supply troops, force protection

officers and air transportation crews.”

A member of the U.S. Air Force for 17 years, Wells enlisted in the military in 1997 and was assigned to his first duty station in South Carolina. After serving four years active duty, he joined the Air Force Reserves assigned to the 315th Civil Engineering Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, SC while at the same time attending the University of South Carolina where he earned both, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Wells said he got to Qatar in mid April, after training in Texas for weeks.

After serving for seven months at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and an 18-hour flight with a stop in Europe, Wells was finally home on Nov. 4.

“It was a thrill to come home and be with my wife of five years, Karen. I am appreciative to her for everything and I am proud to say that the City Council handled all responsibilities for the residents of Stone Mountain while I was away. We have a strong city manager and a great council,” said Wells. Stone Mountain’s City Council is comprised of six members and a mayor.

While on deployment, Wells’ father, Donald, passed away. Donald Wells was also a veteran, serving for about four years during the years of the Vietnam War.

“When my father passed, it was important for me to visit my mom as soon as I got back to the states,” said Wells. “My wife and I went to visit my mother to just be there for her after his passing. I know the family will continue to check up on her.”

In 2007, Wells was hired by the City of Stone Mountain as the Director of Downtown Development and was employed until 2010 when he was accepted to attend the Air Force Officer Training School where he received his commission in 2011. In 2013, Wells successfully ran for a vacated Stone Mountain City Council seat and currently serves as the chair of the Public Works Committee.

Wells says if all goes well, he plans to run for re-election when the term expires next year. Right now, though, he’s ready to spend the holidays with his wife.

“We are looking forward to Christmas and New Year’s together at the house. Nothing out of the ordinary or too exciting, but it is still precious family time,” he said.

Stone Mountain councilman returns from deployment in time for the holidays

Stone Mountain City Councilman Steven Wells

The Jester family poses for a picture with DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May, left, after Nancy Jester’s swearing-in ceremony on Dec. 8.


Krispy Kreme continued from page 1

Photos by Glenn L. Morgan /OCG News

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Dignitaries and other special guests got a sneak peek--and free treats--at a reception on Dec. 6.

Monday and waited overnight for the doors to open on Tuesday,” said Clark.

Krispy Kreme held a couple of pre-grand opening events including a VIP reception on Dec. 6 and a community block party with pizza on Dec. 8, Clark said.

When Clark arrived at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, the line behind Vance had snaked around the building with hundreds of people trying to win prizes. In addition to Vance’s prize to enjoy doughnuts weekly, the store gave away 99 other prizes entitling winners to a box of free doughnuts once a month for a year.

Managers say the community not only has shown an outpouring of support for Krispy Kreme doughnuts, but for the facility itself. The new 2,600-square-foot building with indoor seating is a new prototype that allows customers to have a Krispy Kreme experience and watch as doughnuts are being made. The Wesley Chapel store also has a 24-hour drive-through.

There are 12 company-owned stores in the Atlanta area and two franchisees, said Vance.

DeKalb Commissioner Larry Johnson said he was pleased with the welcoming turnout for the new store. Krispy Kreme, he said, is a good example of the kinds of businesses that have witnessed the community’s support and

will thrive in the area. “We want to continue to

attract not only corporations like these, but to encourage entrepreneurs to establish smaller quality businesses in South DeKalb,” said Johnson, who has pushed for economic development on Wesley Chapel Road and other areas that comprise District 3.

In addition to Krispy Kreme, Wesley Chapel also has seen the opening of a Dunkin Donuts and a Kroger gas station within the last year and a Planet Fitness and a farmer’s market within the last three to five years.

Johnson said that he would like to see a Ross or Burlington department store open at the former K-Mart site on Wesley Chapel Road.

“The economy is coming back. Building permits are up,” Johnson said. “We just have to keep pushing.”


By Joshua Smith

“Jingle Bells,” “Here Comes Santa Claus,” and other Christmas carols filled the Stonecrest Library branch in Lithonia as staff members sang carols and read stories to children during the morning “Holiday Storytime” on Dec. 10.

“We enjoy sharing the joy of Christmas with these little angels and I know they should be getting some nice things from Santa,” said Glenda Zachary, who is the children’s librarian for the branch.

Home school mom Kimberly Henson agreed.

“I love events like this because they help to build social skills for my daughter. She meets new friends and today is extra special, it’s Christmas time,” said Henson. “My daughter,

Cameron, has made her list and she is very persistent for a 5-year-old. We are expecting to have a great Christmas this year.”

About 40 children attended the event. Most were home-schooled students and children from the nearby private Drake School.

Some of the stories the children got to hear included “I’m Not Santa,” “Bear Stays up for Christmas,” and “It’s Christmas.”

All of the stories were favorites, except for when kissing under the mistletoe came up in which all of the children cried out “Ewww, that’s so gross!”

The Stonecrest branch, 3123 Klondike Road, Lithonia, and the DeKalb County Library System is hosting several crafts, story time and other free events for the family in anticipation of Christmas. For more information, visit www.dekalblibrary.org.

Small fry flock to Stonecrest Library for carols, holiday stories

Rockdale honors BOC member Van Ness for years of service Rockdale County Commissioner JaNice Van Ness

received special recognition for her eight years of public service at the Dec. 9 Board of Commissioners(B OC) meeting.

During the meeting, Chairman Richard Oden and Commissioner Oz Nesbitt presented Van Ness with a proclamation declaring Dec. 9 as “Commissioner JaNice Van Ness Appreciation Day,” along with a bouquet of flowers. Rockdale community members and staff applauded her for her years of dedication and passion to make Rockdale a great place.

Van Ness served two, four-year terms in the Post II seat. Her term expires Dec. 31 and newly-elected Doreen Williams will be sworn in to fill the seat on Dec. 18.

As a farewell to Van Ness, the public is invited to a reception in her honor at the upcoming BOC Holiday Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the BOC Office, 962 Milstead Ave., Conyers. No RSVPs are necessary.

DeKalb NAACP sets Celebration of VeteransThe DeKalb NAACP’s Celebration of Veterans

program will be held Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m., at the newly-renovated Scott Candler library, 1917 Candler Road, Decatur.

The program will provide veterans with helpful resources and the opportunity for veterans to network with other veterans. Several veterans will share their experiences during their early years of service when many African American servicemen endured racial discrimination and segregation.

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson will welcome veterans, and a representative from Congressman Hank Johnson’s office will pay tribute to them. A reception will follow.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the DeKalb NAACP at 404-241-8006 or

email [email protected].

JaNice Van Ness

Larry Johnson

Photos by Joshua Smith/OCG News


Reform Actcontinued from page 1

Jobscontinued from page 1

Photo by Joshua Smith/OCG News

those who are responsible for the use of excessive force be brought to justice,” said Johnson. “They do not trust a secret grand jury system that is so clearly broken. My bill will help restore that trust. No longer will communities have to rely on the secret and biased grand jury process.” Johnson said H.R. 5830 would require the appointment of a special prosecutor charged with conducting a probable cause hearing, open to the public, when reasonable grounds exist that a crime was committed by the police officer or officers involved.

Johnson said passage of the

bill would help restore trust in our justice system, while ensuring a fair process for all parties. “Grand Jury Reform Act” also specifies that in order for local law enforcement agencies to receive federal funding, they would have to comply with the new process. If enacted, the governor of the state where the incident in question occurred would appoint a prosecutor, who would present evidence on behalf of the state at the hearing. The preliminary hearing would also remain open to the public, except as determined appropriate by the presiding judge.

Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council Director Marty Jones said Acuity would still pay about $50,000 a year in taxes to the county school system.

Jones said the expansion and tax credits could help overcome some of the functional problems of the older building’s design and contribute to revitalization of the area.

“This should be the beginning of some continued growth for Acuity in Rockdale County. It is a good thing that we were able to hash out the details such as the bond fees and the attorney fees,” said Jones. “It will make it more attractive for a prospect and help move that building in a better direction. As it sits right now, it generates little tax revenue for the city and county and school board.”

Acuity Brands, Inc. is one of the world’s leading providers of lighting for indoor and outdoor applications. The company employs approximately 7,000 associates and has operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia. This fiscal year, Acuity reported $2.4 billion in net sales.

Incentives for the Acuity deal

Acuity’s deal with Rockdale County not only includes a five-year property tax abatement but other incentives as well. Other perks include:

Assistance with recruitment, workforce development and training programs through Rockdale Career Academy, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Georgia Perimeter College, Georgia QuickStart program, Georgia Great Promise Partnership and others.

A 50 percent discount on county permitting fees, up to $100,000, along with a dedicated liaison with Rockdale County to provide priority clearance to expedite plan development, application review and permitting.

A maximum of $500,000 in county SPLOST funds or grants to assist with offsite road and public infrastructure improvements, although Conyers-Rockdale Economic Development Council Director Marty Jones Marty Jones said it would be unlikely that any road construction would be needed in the expansion.

A possible match of up to $100,000 from the county or from state or federal grants to be used for beautification of rights of way in the immediate area of Acuity’s properties.

Quality Job Tax Credits of $1,750 for creating a minimum of 15 new jobs that pay at least 110 percent of the county’s average wage.

Job Tax Credits for each new full-time job created over a five-year period.

$750,000 in Regional Economic Business Assistance that is paid from monies appropriated by the state Legislature.

Students in Atlanta protest after the police shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO.


Gov. Nathan Deal

Gov. Nathan Deal announced that Castellini Group of Companies, one of the largest fresh produce distributors in the U.S., will develop a large-scale fresh-cut fruits and vegetables processing and produce distribution center in Conley, creating 300 jobs and investing $52 million into the project over the next several years.

“With our No. 1 business climate and highly skilled workforce, Georgia has become a hub for growing companies that require a strong logistics infrastructure,” said Deal. “I’m confident that our state will provide Castellini with the support and resources it needs to remain competitive in today’s fast-moving market, and in return, deliver high-quality jobs to our citizens.”

The company will construct a facility to process and distribute produce to leading wholesale, retail and food service customers on the East Coast. The new distribution center in Georgia strengthens the Castellini Group of Companies’ position in the Southeast, enabling them to reach 80 percent of the U.S. market within a single day’s truck drive. Site preparation for the 180,000-square-foot facility has already begun and is slated to open in September 2015.

“Our expansion in the Southeast will allow

us to better serve current customers and continue our growth strategy by opening up new markets,” said Bill Schuler, Castellini Group of Companies President and CEO. “By working together with the state of Georgia and Clayton County, we¹re able to further grow our business while bringing much-needed jobs and economic growth to the region. We appreciate all the assistance they¹ve provided to help make this initiative a reality.”

The Castellini Group of Companies, based in the Greater Cincinnati area, offers a full spectrum of fresh fruits and vegetables and value-added services, which include a complete line of organic produce, fresh-cut processing, tomato repacking and transportation for its retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.

Charlie Moseley, senior project manager at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), supported Castellini Group on behalf of the state of Georgia, along with the Georgia Power Co., the Clayton County Office of Economic Development, the Georgia Department of Transportation and the Metro Atlanta Chamber.

“Castellini’s marquee investment in the Highway 42 corridor near the Gillem Logistics Center brings a new level of corporate presence to an area we have long sought to improve, and we are so grateful to the company leadership for selecting Clayton County for these new jobs,” said District 1 Commissioner Sonna Gregory.

“We are so proud of the incredible

partnerships that evolved over the two-year course of this hugely impactful project,” said Clayton County Economic Development and Film Office Director Grant Wainscott. “From our county water authority and community and transportation development departments to our statewide project team, this new industry for Georgia is great proof of the collaboration that happens every day in our communities.”

“Leading companies continue to choose Georgia as the ideal location to better reach their customers,” said GDEcD Commissioner Chris Carr.

“This emphasizes the importance of our solid logistics and distribution infrastructure, one that has received a significant increase in investment over last fiscal year’s numbers. Castellini will also take advantage of a highly skilled workforce and network of thriving businesses to support and grow its presence in the Southeast.”

About the Castellini Group of Companies – Founded in 1896 in the original Cincinnati produce terminal market, Castellini Co. is one of the oldest companies in the produce industry. Today, the Castellini Group of Companies combine to form one of the largest distributors of fresh produce in the United States, including a complete line of fresh-cut, value-added, organic, specialty, locally grown products and transportation services for the retail and foodservice markets.

Christopher Tomlinson has been named executive director of Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) by GRTA’s board of directors.

Tomlinson currently serves as executive director for the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA), the State of Georgia’s toll operator and transportation financing authority. He will continue to serve in that role while taking on the additional responsibilities of GRTA executive director.

Kirk Fjelstul, GRTA’s deputy director, has been serving as acting executive director since February 2014 and will continue to serve as deputy executive director and chief Counsel.

“Both GRTA and SRTA share similar missions that focus on addressing congestion and mobility primarily in metro Atlanta, so more closely aligning their efforts under Chris’ leadership is a natural fit that will strengthen an already existing partnership,” said GRTA Board Chairman Sonny Deriso. “At the same time, each agency serves a unique role in implementing valuable transportation solutions, and we look forward to Chris helping to keep GRTA’s momentum

going and to see continued success on our top priorities.”

GRTA is currently undergoing Direct Xpress – a full-scale evaluation of its existing Xpress commuter coach service and a strategic exploration of future opportunities for growth. The program is designed to maximize the productivity of the service and to strengthen Xpress’ value for the future as both a reliable,

low-cost commute option to major employment centers and a critical asset for improving capacity and mobility on Georgia’s most congested highways.

“A key component of Georgia’s long-term transportation strategy is a comprehensive system of managed lanes throughout metro Atlanta augmented by commuter transit service like Xpress, which have been shown to be a cost-effective

option for commuters that can improve reliability and throughput of the managed lanes,” said Chris Tomlinson. “Right now commuter buses make up less than 2% of the vehicles going through the existing managed lane on I-85 during the peak morning commute time but carry nearly 26% of the people moving through the lane. There is a great opportunity for GRTA and SRTA to build upon that success story, and I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of both teams.”

Prior to being appointed executive director of SRTA, Tomlinson served as deputy executive director and deneral counsel for SRTA. He has previously served as general counsel for several agencies including the Georgia Department of Transportation, the Georgia Technology Authority and the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission, where he also served as deputy director for the Construction Division. Tomlinson is a cum laude political science graduate from Morehouse College and holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Georgia State University College of Law.

GRTA appoints Chris Tomlinson executive director

Fresh produce distributor to create 300 jobs in Clayton

Chris Tomlinson

LEGAL NOTICE

DEKALB COUNTY GOVERNMENT Advertisement for Thursday, December 18, 2014

Sealed bids will be received in the Department of Purchasing and Contracting, The Maloof Center, 1300 Commerce Drive, 2nd Floor, Decatur, Georgia 30030, for the following until 3:00 P.M. on date(s) designated below:

REQUEST FOR SOLICITATION

NO.

ITEM

CLOSING DATE

3003316

3003413

Chemical Maintenance of Swimming Pools Scott Quick Connect Regulators and Sure Seal Face Pieces

January 20, 2015

January 05,

2015

Specifications and other details will be available in the Purchasing and Contracting Department, The Maloof Center, 2nd Floor, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur, Georgia 30030. For additional information, please view the DeKalb County Website at: http://www.dekalbcountyga.gov/purchasing/index.html

DeKalb County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids or any part thereof, to waive any technicalities, and to re-advertise.

By: Scott M. Callan, CPSM, Chief Procurement Officer DeKalb County Department of Purchasing and Contracting


Atlanta Public Schools’ Carver Early College High School senior, Sir Dalvin Holloman, was named the

Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta 2014-2015 “Youth of the Year” during an awards ceremony last month.

Holloman is a member of the George Washington Carver Boys & Girls Club. As Youth of the Year, Holloman was awarded a $2,500 college scholarship. In the spring of 2015, he will represent Metro Atlanta as Youth of the Year at the statewide competition.

“Over the course of the last decade, my Boys & Girls Club has molded me into the leader I am today. They helped me find my true identity, accept my individuality, and set high standards,” said Holloman, who was selected among 18 Youth of the Year nominees. “I’m so honored to receive this award and couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity.”

Holloman, who is dually enrolled at

Carver Early College High School and Atlanta Metropolitan College, is a leader at school.

“We were impressed, but not surprised by the honor because that’s the kind of student Sir Dalvin is – very community-minded,” said Carver Early College High School Principal Marcene Thornton. “We are so very proud of him because he has always served as a role model for others.”

The award is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s highest honor, recognizing teens from clubs in the metro Atlanta area who work hard, invest in themselves and their communities, and have their sights set on a great future.

During the awards ceremony, more than 800 attendees, including community leaders, supporters, staff and family, heard speeches about where these young leaders started, how their clubs helped shape who they are today and what big dreams they have for the future.

Carver Early College High School student named Boys & Girls Clubs “Youth of the Year”

APS Carver Early College senior Sir Dalvin Holloman pictured with Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta President and CEO Missy Dugan at the awards ceremony.

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December 13, 2014