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Join Nancy Jester at the Buckhead YR Meeting
Case Study: How To Improve Local Government
This Tuesday October 20 from 7.00pm – 9.00pm
Buckhead YR
Whitehall Tavern
2391 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30305
Recently DeKalb County was declared to be “rotten to the core.” People are calling for the interim CEO to resign. Other citizens in unincorporated parts of the county are looking to follow Dunwoody and Brookhaven’s lead to establish new cities.
With DeKalb a mess and proposed cities like LaVista Hills and Tucker on the November ballot BYR has assembled a panel to discuss what can be done to improve DeKalb from a 1) county, 2) state and 3) local city perspective.
Guest Speakers:
– Nancy Jester, DeKalb County Commissioner, District 1
– John Garst, Rosetta Stone Communications
– Meagan Hanson, The Georgia Gang on Fox 5 Atlanta
It Is Time for Lee May to Resign
This past Tuesday Commissioner Nancy Jester called on DeKalb County iCEO Lee May to resign.
Since the release of the Report of the Special Investigators on DeKalb County Corruption, I have been listening to people across DeKalb County to sort out the deeper implications of the allegations contained in the report and to determine what I myself am called upon to do.
I feel compelled by a duty to DeKalb County, to my constituents, and to my beliefs to state plainly the conclusions I have reached.
When CEO Burrell Ellis was removed from office, all across DeKalb County people of goodwill united together in support of Lee May and his mandate to clean up corruption, improve the operations of county government, and restore confidence and trust in DeKalb County government.
Given the Report of the Special Investigators and an overwhelming number of issues confirming incompetent management from senior members of his Administration, it is my belief that iCEO Lee May no longer has the ability or moral authority to fulfill that mandate.
DeKalb County is at the point where the people of DeKalb County must come to terms with the Report of the Special Prosecutors if corruption and incompetence is not to end up harming all of us and the county we love to a degree we cannot recover.
Corruption and ineffective executive management in DeKalb County can no longer be thought of as merely a rare instance such as occurs from time to time in all counties across America.
The reality is DeKalb County faces a crisis with the possibility of simultaneously wiping out our financial reserves and killing future jobs and economic development – for decades to come.
The outward signs of the depth of the crisis before DeKalb County are obvious:
- A 40 page report full of allegations alleging both criminal and un-ethical activity
- Beyond the report ongoing allegations of mismanagement in numerous departments across the board in the Lee May Administration
- Numerous, long time and respected DeKalb businesses preparing to leave the county taking their jobs and tax dollars with them
I won’t repeat the list of all of us know much too well.
However, and most troubling, at the very heart of the crisis are things which cannot so easily be listed, for they consist of felt truths – things that degrade the reputation of DeKalb County.
- The spreading cynicism about those in leadership positions, both elected and appointed in DeKalb County.
- The pervasive and undeniable sense of frustration and anger that has become the dominant feeling of many taxpayers from across DeKalb County.
- A perception of corruption that has effectively destroyed the ability of iCEO Lee May to speak from a position of moral leadership.
- The widespread belief that the Report of the Special Prosecutors and all that it has brought in its wake has done irrevocable damage to our local system of government.
There is one way by which the crisis can be resolved.
That is for Lee May’s voluntary resignation as DeKalb County iCEO.
Inevitably the iCEO is responsible and accountable. The character of the Administration is defined by the character of its leader.
It is Lee May who appoints his executive staff. If he does not explicitly command what his aides and agents may and may not do, they will do what they sense and believe he wants them to do – or will allow them to get away with.
By proposing Lee May’s resignation I do not in the least imply belief that he is legally guilty of any of the allegations brought against him.
My proposal reflects no personal judgment on the matter of guilt or innocence.
I hope and pray Lee May will realize that the greatest action he can now take for DeKalb County is to voluntarily put the best interest of the people ahead of his self.
The people of DeKalb County will, I am confident, judge this action in terms of the courage, character, and self-sacrifice it would so dramatically display.
DeKalb Implements New Sanitation
Collection Procedure
Residents without county-issued containers to receive
compliance extension
The DeKalb County Sanitation Division announces it will no longer service third-party or customer-provided garbage or recycling containers placed at the curb for collection on residents’ designated sanitation collection day. Only county-issued garbage roll carts and recycling containers will be serviced. Residents who have not received a county-issued garbage roll cart will receive a compliance extension beyond the Oct. 19 date. Third-party or customer-provided yard trimmings containers are exempt from this procedure, which takes effect Monday, Oct. 19.
The use of secure, durable plastic bags for garbage disposal is permitted with the new procedure.
Residents who have already received county-issued garbage roll carts and are not in compliance after
Oct. 19 will be issued a notice advising of the use of an unauthorized container.
Customers who do not have a county-issued garbage roll cart, or would like to join the recycling program and obtain a county-issued 18-gallon recycling bin should contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov. Phase II of the sanitation service change program, which will focus on recycling, is expected to begin early November. Recycling roll carts with a 65-gallon capacity will be available during Phase II for a one-time $15 fee. More information on Phase II will be provided in the coming weeks.
For program updates or more details about the sanitation service change, including a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit the “Rolling Forward to One” program website at www.rollingforwardtoone.com.
DeKalb Continues Garbage Roll Cart Delivery to
Townhome and Condominium Residents
Residents without roll carts urged to contact
Sanitation Division
The DeKalb County Sanitation Division announces the continuation of garbage roll cart delivery to townhome and condominium residents in all areas of DeKalb County.
Residents, association presidents, and leaders in townhome and condominium communities where roll carts have not been delivered, or a roll cart declaration form indicating residents’ roll cart preference has not been completed should contact Adrian Sloan at 404-294-2310 or adsloan@dekalbcountyga.gov. The roll cart declaration form is also available at http://www.rollingforwardtoone.com. Condominium and townhome communities that have not contacted the Sanitation Division by Oct. 30 regarding roll cart preferences will receive the County’s standard-size 65-gallon garbage roll cart.
Residents in single-family detached homes who have not received a garbage roll cart should contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900.
Roll cart delivery to townhomes and condominiums marks the end of Phase I of the “Rolling Forward to One” program, with Phase II expected to begin early November. More information on Phase II, with a focus on recycling, will be provided in the coming weeks. For program updates, inquiries from customers who have not received a roll cart, or more details about the sanitation service change, including a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), contact the Sanitation Division’s customer service team at 404-294-2900 or sanitation@dekalbcountyga.gov, or visit the “Rolling Forward to One” program website at www.rollingforwardtoone.com. November 3 Election Day Information
The DeKalb County Board of Registration & Elections announces that upcoming elections are to be held on November 3, 2015 to elect mayors and council members for the ten cities wholly in DeKalb County. These will also include special elections to fill two vacancies and several county referendums.
There will be a countywide election to vote on the proposed changes to the County Ordinance that will revamp the Ethics Board. In addition, the vote for cityhood for both LaVista Hills and Tucker, as well as annexation of an area into the City of Clarkston, will be put before the voters in each of the affected areas.
Potential voters for LaVista Hills and Tucker can visit www.dekalbvotes.com, (look under the link “Voter Information” and “Find my Representative”) to see an overlay map of the proposed municipalities. Also, special elections to fill vacancies in Senate District 43 and House District 92 will take place. There have been several precinct changes since the 2014 elections. The Board is reminding voters to check polling locations before voting on Election Day. To see if you are registered and to locate your polling place, go to the My Voter Page at http://www.mvp.sos.ga.gov/MVP/mvp.do or on your smart phone at the “GA Votes” app. The summary of polling place changes can be found under the “Current Election Information” link. Early voting for the upcoming November 3, 2015 election begins on Monday, October 12, 2015. Voting will be held at the main office at 4380 Memorial Drive, Suite 300, Decatur, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4:30 PM. In addition, the poll will be open on Saturday, October 24th from 9 AM to 4 PM. The last day for early voting is Friday, October 30 and there will be no voting on Saturday, October 31 or Monday, November 2. Election Day voting will take place at each voter’s assigned polling place from 7 AM to 7 PM.
Nancy Jester Community Call
Support Our DeKalb County Fire Fighters
Over the next six months Commissioner Jester will ask the community to support one of the six fire stations in District One.
Commissioner Nancy Jester is asking community residents and businesses to show our appreciation for these hard working heroes by helping to stock the pantry at our stations.
Staple food items such as sugar, salad dressing, seasonings, cereal, snacks, and beverages such as coffee, tea, sodas and sports drinks are welcomed.
Children are invited to come see the truck and equipment.
The first three Nancy Jester Community Call – Support DeKalb County Fire Fighters:
Saturday November 7
9:00am – 12:00pm
Fire Station 18
4588 Barclay Drive Dunwoody
Saturday December 5
9:00am – 12:00pm
Fire Station 12
5323 Roberts Drive Dunwoody
Saturday January 16
9:00am – 12:00pm
Fire Station 21
1098 Crown Point Parkway Dunwoody
Veterans Job Fair – Tucker
The Fair will also feature Information on Veterans’ services, as well as complimentary resume critiques and on-site printing for resumes.
Interested businesses, universities and veterans’ organizations are invited to participate. The suggested donation for a booth at the Fair is $100 for a large business (more than 100 employees) or $50 for a small business. Booths are complimentary for university and non-profit organizations, including Veterans groups.
To reserve a booth for your company or organization, please visit:
DeKalb County Auto Auction
The DeKalb County Auto Auction is Saturday October 24, 2015 at 10.00am.
200 + available units including cars, trucks, fire trucks, garbage trucks, heavy duty trucks, heavy equipment, trailers, office supplies, and more…
Preview inventory online at ADESARigs.com and in person Friday October 23 from 9:00am – 5:00pm or Saturday October 24 starting at 8:00am.
Call 770.357.2277 for additional information.
ADESA Atlanta
5055 Oakley Industrial Blvd.
Fairburn, GA 30213
Nancy Jester – Listening To DeKalb County
Commissioner Nancy Jester announces her third series of meetings listening to DeKalb County tax payers.
The Nancy Jester Listening to DeKalb County Town Halls are free and open to the public. The format will begin with a brief update from Commissioner Jester followed by discussion and questions from the public.
Dunwoody: Dunwoody City Hall
combined meeting with iCEO Lee May
October 27, 2015: 6:30pm -8:00pm
41 Perimeter Center
Dunwoody, GA 30346
iCEO Lee May Town Hall Schedule
Lee May wants to hear from you on his recent Executive Order and the recent report that was released.
The revised “Up Close and Personal” meeting schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, Oct 20, 6:30-8 p.m.
Derwin Brown Memorial South Precinct 2842 H.F. Shepherd Drive Decatur, GA 30032
Thursday, Oct. 22, 6:30-8 p.m.
Welcome Friend Baptist Church 3198 Bouldercrest Road Ellenwood, GA 30294
Monday, Oct 26, 6:30-8 p.m.
Maloof Auditorium 1300 Commerce Drive Decatur, GA 30030
Tuesday, Oct 27, 6:30-8 p.m.
Dunwoody City Hall 41 Perimeter Center E Dunwoody, GA 30346
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8 p.m.
Stonecrest Library 3123 Klondike Rd Lithonia, GA 30038
Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8 p.m.
Brookhaven City Hall 4362 Peachtree Rd Brookhaven, GA 30319
Thanks to everyone who attended the Nancy Jester Town Hall in LaVista Hills.
The Calendar: New at http://www.nancyjester.com we have a new calendar. The icon is on your screen right upper right corner. We will list Commissioner Jester’s public schedule, dates of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioner meetings, and other meetings across DeKalb County.
All the Best,
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