I voted against the FY 2016 DeKalb County Budget. I did so in large part because the budget was structured by first addressing wants to the detriment of what is actually needed to keep residents safe.  Rather than fund the rebuilding of dilapidated and unsafe Fire Stations, DeKalb’s CEO and Board of Commissioners chose to build a new library and senior center even though they are close to existing facilities.

Rather than investing in public safety by addressing compensation problems and staffing levels, the CEO and Board of Commissioners invested in growing the unproductive aspects of government funded through the General Fund.  It is irresponsible to fund political wants before legitimate taxpayer needs.

The additional increment of funding added to police and fire is insufficient to address the real structural problems with compensation in those departments.  It was a political band-aid placed over a stab wound.  It’s like taking cough syrup to try to cure Ebola.  It demonstrates two things: (1) The majority of your elected officials do not even know how to prioritize public safety and (2) you did get their attention.  While the budget response to public safety concerns was weak, taxpayers and public safety officers made their case effectively.

My budget priorities remain unchanged:  Public Safety and Roads.  Please keep advocating with me on these issues until these areas become the focus for all elected officials.

A Devalued Government

Super District 7 Commissioner and Chair of the Public Works Committee Stan Watson along with Public Work Committee members Commissioners Sharon Barnes Sutton and Nancy Jester will host an important town hall meeting on Thursday, March 3 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Maloof Auditorium at 1300 Commerce Dr., in Decatur.

The town hall meeting is an opportunity for citizens to interactively engage with department representatives on topics such as water billing, water leaks, potholes, sanitation, recycling and claims. Updates to revised services and future initiatives will also be discussed.

This meeting is free and the public is encouraged to attend. There are no advance reservations required.

Join Nancy Jester in supporting the #Enditmovement

DeKalb Fire Station 7 – A Disaster

Over the next three 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 trucks and equipment.

The next three Nancy Jester Community Calls  – Support DeKalb County Fire Fighters:

Saturday, 26 March

9:00am – 11:00am

Fire Station 15

2107 Flightway Drive, Chamblee

Instagram: CommissionerNancyJester