John Heneghan sworn in for fifth term, Rachel Waldron fills Park Director role, Chief Billy Grogan announces his retirement and the Dunwoody City Council to meet at the high School on the 22nd.

Look at the smile on that ladies face above, it brings me great joy whenever I see this photo.   Good thing too as I'm still very happily married to that young lady.

Monday I had the honor of being sworn in for my fifth term on the Dunwoody City Council, having served since original incorporation.  Looking back to 2008, I am very proud of all this city has accomplished, but as a newly sworn City Councilman I need to rededicate myself to continue looking forward, always trying to do the next right thing for my community.

That being said, there are new residents who are unaware of our history so here is a link from 2018 highlighting my Ten Year recap of cityhood where the post has links and stories going much further back in time.   Maybe I'll do another recap at my 19th year mark, at the conclusion of this term?   God willing.

Serving in this capacity is a responsibility I do not take lightly as the challenges the City is facing now, may be different than in our start up years but it is no less daunting.  I have full faith in the City Manager, Staff, the Mayor and the Council to continue moving this City forward by providing quality service to its citizens, pushing though capital projects that foster the greatest good while still encouraging the business community to keep investing into our community.

Changes are happening within City Hall as we recently lost our Parks Director Mr. Brent Walker to the City of Sandy Springs but after an extensive interview of possible outside candidates, our Deputy Parks Director Rachel Waldron has already been named as his permanent replacement.   Rachel has been with us for many years and will continue to do a great job for us.   

In other news, Chief Billy Grogan also announced his pending retirement on June 1st after 40 years of policing.  Kudos to Chief Grogan for all that he has done for our community and I wish him well in is pending retirement.  We have known this retirement announcement was coming as some point and City Council pushed for an external review of the police department to have an action plan that has already been started and I would expect the next chief, to quickly implement the many suggestions in the Berry Dunn report.  It is my intention for Council to hopefully find the funds to make the requested staffing improvements that we need to make as well.  As we now have a few months to start a search for replacement for Chief Grogan, I am unsure what our City Manager and Mayor will do as I also have great respect for Deputy Chief Mike Carlson and believe he is ready to step up into the main role.

Monday is the Martin Luther King Holiday and a day of service is planned within the community with tree planting, daffodill planting as well as general clean up of the Book Run Playground, details are here.   There is also a food collection happening and if you would like donate there are details in the link above - please do if your are able.

In a couple of weeks, it appears that the Dunwoody City Council meeting of January 22 will be taking place at Dunwoody High School at our usual 6 pm start time to join the Dunwoody Youth City Council to foster some interesting discussion and public comment.  The last time we did something similar at the high school, I gave out 100's of hugs.  I will probably do the same this year just not sure of the format as it is also a formal meeting?   Guessing more details will be coming soon.

Talking to your middle school son about suicide is not easy, explaining that everyone is special therefore deserving of respect and love was much easier. #hugs

As usual this time of year, I review and rededicate myself to the City of Dunwoody Mission, Vision and Values and usually publish them.  The Mission and Vision statements were updated a few years ago and as much as I respect the changes, the original statements still mean something to me too, so I published them both.

Finally, I came across this photo of the core group of the Citizens for Dunwoody who worked on incorporation planning for years before finally becoming a city.   Damn we all looked so good.

Dunwoody City Council Agenda for Monday February 27, 2017

Monday, February 27, 2017
Dunwoody City Hall
41 Perimeter Center East
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Watch Live at 6:00 p.m.

Agenda

Update From State Representative Tom Taylor - HR 58 independent school systems.

Update by DeKalb Solicitor-General Donna Coleman-Stribling. (Mayor Shortal)

Presentation of Strategic Plan to City of Dunwoody for Partnering in the Arts. (Bob Kinsey)

Approval of Amendment of City Position Allocation and Compensation Chart. (Nicole Stojka)

SECOND READ: Text Amendment to Chapter 18, Noise. (Steve Foote)

Approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement with DeKalb County for Infrastructure Projects.

Approval of a Contract Amendment with Optech for Parks and Right of Way Maintenance.

Approval for City Council to Participate in the 457 Cafeteria Plan. (Mayor Shortal) (No documentation available for review? )

Resolution Appointing Members to the Volunteer Coordinating Committee.

SECOND READ: Lang Real Estate Services, LLC, c/o Jacob Lang, on behalf of DAVECHEV, INC, owner of 5465 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338, seeks the following Special Land Use Permits from Chapter 27: a.) Section 27-97(g)(1) to exceed the maximum allowed parking in the Dunwoody Village Overlay District; b.) Section 27-97(i)(3) to reduce the pedestrian zone along the abutting sides and rear of the building; and c.) Section 27-97(k)(1)(a) to reduce the pedestrian “build to zone” requirement. The tax parcel number is 18 366 07 008. 

Approval of New Logo for the City of Dunwoody (Bob Mullen)

Dunwoody's State Representative, Tom Taylor drops HR 58 to authorize Municipal independent school systems

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HR/58

House Resolution 58
By: Representatives Taylor of the 79th, Stovall of the 74th, and Brockway of the 102nd

A RESOLUTION
1 Proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize any municipality in the State
2 of Georgia to establish by local law an independent school system; to provide definitions; to
3 provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification
4 or rejection; and for other purposes.

5 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

6 SECTION 1.
7 Article VIII, Section V of the Constitution is amended by revising Paragraph I as follows:
8 "Paragraph I. School systems continued; consolidation of school systems authorized;
9 new independent school systems prohibited. permitted. (a) Authority is granted to
10 county, municipal, and area boards of education to establish and maintain public schools
11 within their limits; provided, however, that the authority provided for in this Paragraph
12 shall not diminish any authority of the General Assembly otherwise granted under this
13 article, including the authority to establish special schools as provided for in Article VIII,
14 Section V, Paragraph VII.
15 (b) As used in this Paragraph, the term:
16 (1) 'County school system' means a school system operated under the control and
17 management of a county board of education; and
18 (2) 'Independent school system' means a school system operated under the control and
19 management of a board of education of a municipality or other political subdivision of
20 this state other than a county school district.
21 (c) Existing county and independent school systems shall be continued, except that the
22 General Assembly may provide by law for the consolidation of two or more county school
23 systems, independent school systems, portions thereof, or any combination thereof into a
24 single county, municipal, or area school system under the control and management of a
25 county, municipal, or area board of education, under such terms and conditions as the
26 General Assembly may prescribe; but no such consolidation shall become effective until
27 approved by a majority of the qualified voters voting thereon in each separate school
28 system proposed to be consolidated. No independent school system shall hereafter be
29 established."

30 SECTION 2.
31 The above proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be published and submitted as
32 provided in Article X, Section I, Paragraph II of the Constitution. The ballot submitting the
33 above proposed amendment shall have written or printed thereon the following:
34 "( ) YES
35 ( ) NO
Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow any municipality to
establish an independent school system by local law?"
36 All persons desiring to vote in favor of ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "Yes."
37 All persons desiring to vote against ratifying the proposed amendment shall vote "No." If
38 such amendment shall be ratified as provided in said Paragraph of the Constitution, it shall
39 become a part of the Constitution of this state.

Dunwoody news tidbits - zoning issues, elections & taxes

Crown pulls development application before Council vote.

https://www.bisnow.com/atlanta/news/mixed-use/crown-pure-office-possible-sale-back-on-table-60493

http://business.blog.myajc.com/2016/05/23/crown-towers-project-up-for-key-rezoning-vote/

16-story office building planned for Perimeter Center in Dunwoody

http://www.reporternewspapers.net/2016/05/24/16-story-office-building-planned-perimeter-center/

City holds park survey meeting Tues night - more details released Wed a.m.

http://www.jkheneghan.com/city/meetings/2016/May/ParksFindingsPresentationPublic_Final.pdf

Contested projected election winners - State Senate Fran Millar, State Representative Tom Taylor, DeKalb DA Sherry Boston, DeKalb CEO Mike Thurmond, DeKalb School SPLOST passes, DeKalb Commission Kathie Gannon, DeKalb Judge Seeliger.   Kudos to Stan & Nancy Jester for continuing your service to Dunwoody. 

2016 Real Estate Valuations Issued For Dunwoody

City’s Millage Rate of 2.74 Will Not Rise

The city received notice of its fourth year-over-year increase in the real and personal tax digest for 2016 as a result of the revaluation of real property tax assessments performed by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner’s office. Notwithstanding this increase in the overall tax digest for real property, the digest is relatively unchanged having increased less than 8 percent since the city’s incorporation in 2008.

Dunwoody homeowners who filed and qualified for a homestead exemption will pay no more in city taxes than the amount they paid in 2009 based on the residential property assessment freeze exemption effective since the city’s inception.  This exemption is in addition to the one (1) mill exemption also in place granting homeowners in Dunwoody an effective millage rate of just 1.74 mills. 

By keeping the millage rate at 2.74 mills since incorporation, one of the lowest millage rates of any similarly-sized citywithin the immediate Atlanta metro area, Dunwoody property owners may see an increase or a decrease in their real estate taxes in 2016, depending on whether individual property gained or lost value this year. The City of Dunwoody does not have direct control or influence over the valuations of the tax assessor’s office.

In accordance with state law requirements, the City of Dunwoody will hold three public hearings to receive comment from taxpayers on aspects of the recent revaluation of real property tax assessments. The public is invited to attend information meetings at Dunwoody City Hall located at 41 Perimeter Center East Dunwoody, Ga. 30346 on:

·         June 6, 2016 at 8:00 a.m.

·         June 6, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.

The City Council will have a third and final public hearing followed by a vote on a tax rate for FY 2016 at the City Council Meeting held on June 13, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.
 

State Rep. Tom Taylor of Dunwoody apologizes to voters for DUI arrest & he still has my support.

Video

The Dunwoody community was shocked when our State Representative Tom Taylor of Dunwoody was arrested last week and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol in Rabun County.  Tylor, 54, a Dunwoody Republican who worked diligently to create & serve the City of Dunwoody, had a blood-alcohol content of .225, nearly three times the legal limit of .08. Taylor was stopped at 2:45 p.m. on April 7 for driving 72 mph in a 45 mph zone with four juveniles in his SUV, according to the police report. Officer Michael Bennett reported that Taylor exited his vehicle and was also legally carrying a gun on his hip.

These salacious details made national news just weeks before the election and for some, this mistake is enough for Dunwoody residents to vote for the other guy no matter what.  I understand that perspective but let's also realize that Tom has a problem that he will work to correct and maybe this community should compare Tom's voting record against what the alternative candidate will bring to our community.

As per the Crier... "Taylor came to local attention through his work with Citizens for Dunwoody, serving as vice president and then president. He was a leader in the three-year fight for cityhood, taking a prominent role in successfully lobbying the General Assembly to allow a referendum.

That and his work as chairman of the Police Task Force, helping to establish the Dunwoody police department, led to his election to the first City Council. In 2010, when Dan Weber decided on short notice not to seek re-election to the state senate and state Rep. Fran Millar decided to move up, Taylor ran for the state house and was elected.

In the state house, representing Dunwoody and pieces of Chambee and Doraville, Taylor is best known locally for championing a bill to create an independent school system for Dunwoody. Less publicized was his work on legislation to force DeKalb County to sell its parks in Dunwoody to the city for $100 an acre and convey $7 million in bond funds for Brook Run Park to the city.  In 2011 he was chosen Rookie Legislator of the Year by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.  Despite his short tenure in the house, Taylor was chosen as chairman of the MARTA Oversight Committee and is on several key committees such as economic development and tourism, governmental affairs and regulatory industries."

Bill Torpy the straight talking columnist in the AJC (whom I admire and who reminds me of Chicago's Mike Royko) wrote a spot on the perspective of Tom's arrest just prior to reelection where he outlines the options for the Dunwoody community.  My favorite quote is "There are a lot of preeners, egotists and even loons in the state legislature. Taylor isn’t one of them."  "Tom Owens, is a well-known, self-appointed, in-your-face, conspiracy-minded, immigrant-fearing fringe candidate. To put it mildly.  The prospect of Rep. Tom Owens (R-Dunwoody) heading to the Legislature has GOP and Dunwoody politicos guzzling Maalox by the pint."

Mr. Torpy is spot on, as a Dunwoody politico (I prefer the term public servant) I know Candidate Tom Owen as I have been in numerous meetings (1, 2, 3) with him and I detest the thought of him representing our community!  Character goes a long way for me and your history of arrests and interactions with law enforcement usually shows an aspect of ones character.  This is Tom Taylor's first offense and he is taking full responsibilities for his actions.   Now let's compare that against candidate Tom Owen whereby he was charged for spitting on a businesses door because of his intolerance against immigrants and whereby he thought they were funding terrorism.  There are numerous stories on candidate Owen within the links on this blog post where there are numerous restraining orders filed against him because of his threats of violence against various people, and his intolerance for differences. 

As a fellow Dunwoody City Councilman, Tom Taylor and I have had a long friendship based on mutual respect but when we talked earlier this week I informed him that he needs to regain that level of respect from not only myself but from the entire community and this needs to be done by kicking this habit in order to clear any demons that he may be facing.

Once that is done, I believe Tom Taylor should be reelected to the Georgia Legislature in order to represent us and push the needs of our community within the State Legislature. If you disagree with my assessment, I respect that decision but I would like you to be fully informed as to the other choice for State Representative as it is my opinion that Tom Owen is not a viable candidate to work with others in the state legislature to push for positive change in our community.

In case you are not fully aware of the story of Tom Taylor or the history of Candidate Tom Owen, here are a few links.

AJC - Georgia Rep. Tom Taylor charged with DUI in Rabun County Thurs Apr 14
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/state-regional-govt-politics/rep-tom-taylor-charged-with-dui-in-rabun-county/nq5b4/

The Crier - Taylor apologizes to voters for DUI arrest
http://www.thecrier.net/news/article_992d09e8-05d2-11e6-a3f3-4bf989e3c2cf.html

AJC - Rep. Tom Taylor said DUI arrest was his wake-up call Thurs Apr 21
http://www.ajc.com/news/news/local/rep-tom-taylor-said-dui-arrest-was-his-wake-up-cal/nq8nP/

Atlanta Area Lawmaker with DUI – His Opponent says He’s a Drunk
http://www.thebryancrabtreeshow.com/atlanta-area-lawmaker-with-dui-his-opponent-says-hes-a-drunk/

Ga. State Rep. Tom Taylor Of Dunwoody Charged With DUI  - Full Report
http://news.wabe.org/post/ga-state-rep-tom-taylor-dunwoody-charged-dui

AJC - Bill Torpy at Large: Kids, a .45 and a high-speed DUI
http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local/kids-guns-and-dui-at-72-mph-a-nasty-knot-for-rep-t/nq6s3/

Peach Pundit - Tom Owens, A Man Amok from Oct 2014
http://www.peachpundit.com/2014/10/06/tom-owens-man-amok/

Doraville Police Report - Tom Owen for spitting on a business.

MARTOC Chairman Arrested for DUI
https://www.georgiapol.com/2016/04/14/martoc-chairman-arrested-for-dui/

AJC - And you thought DeKalb politics couldn’t get any crazier? http://www.myajc.com/news/news/local-govt-politics/and-you-thought-dekalb-politics-couldnt-get-any-cr/nhfzZ/#8bad1097.3715759.735516

Tom Owen addresses the DHA Political Forum - watch the question & answer at 29:55
http://dunwoodynorth.blogspot.com/2014/10/dunwoody-forum-for-dekalb-commissioner.html

Georgians for Local Area School System needs your financial assistance to push for Constitutional Amendment.

Please consider taking a quick moment to donate now to Georgians for Local Area School System and support HR 4 and the future of independent school systems in Georgia. Together we can make a difference.

Donations are needed to support this statewide legislative effort.

Georgians for Local Area School System is a grassroots effort to amend the Georgia State Constitution to allow for the creation of independent school systems. HR 4, a Georgia House Resolution carried by State Representative Tom Taylor, will bring this important reformation to the Georgia constitution.

Nearly 70 years ago, Georgia (under extreme financial, organizational, and learning outcome mismanagement) consolidated many of their school systems and prohibited the creation of independent school systems from forming in the future.  What was yesterday's solution is today's liability.

State wide our school systems are growing in population at a tremendous rate.  This growth is leading to the formation of mega school systems that are either at risk of or are currently disconnected to the diverse needs of their learning communities.

What Georgia needs are school systems attuned to the specific needs of their students, parents, teachers, and communities.  We need school systems that are preparing our students for a competitive and global economy and work force.  We need school systems that are responsive to their tax paying constituents.  We need school systems that are able to preemptively make adjustments to their programs rather than respond re-actively as crisis after crisis appears before them.

Georgia needs to reintroduce dual flexibility in the organization of their school systems.  Just as school systems can be too small to survive - school systems can be too large to ensure that each of their students are being given the best opportunity to achieve to their own highest potential.  Educational outcomes and financial efficacy is lost.

Help GLASS change the Georgia State Constitution and allow for the creation of independent school systems - school systems that are close enough to the communities that they serve to allow for their students to thrive and walk into their future prepared with an exceptional education.

Through supporting GLASS you are helping with the effort of sharing this important message through: education of our state legislature and communities throughout Georgia, community events, print material, website management, and basic needs of grass root efforts such as insurance.

For more information on GLASS, please visit our website at: www.glassnow.org

GLASS and the future of Georgia thank you.

House Education sub-commitee to review HR 4 to allow municipalities to form independent school systems

The House Education Sub-Committee on Academic Innovations will meet Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at 1:00PM in Room 403 CAP. The agenda will be as follows: 1. HR 4 – Representative Tom Taylor - Municipalities; establish by local law an independent school system; authorize

It is unknown if this meeting with will be live streamed but check here on Wednesday.

Holy urbanization! Dunwoody Megapolis just ate my office! by Bill Torpy of the AJC

An artist’s rendition of High Street, a development the size of a small city that will swallow the tract to the west of Perimeter Mall that is now the site (not that it matters) of the AJC.

Bill Torpy of the AJC is one of my favorite columnists and today's article about the "Megapolis" that will replace the current location of the AJC, located next to the Dunwoody Marta station is spot on and therefore recommended reading. The article is currently behind the "paywall" but I have published just a bit of it below for you to get a feel for the article.  Transportation, traffic, future 285 construction, and schools are all discussed, with the article quoting Mayor Mike Davis, Representative Tom Taylor and Senator Fran Millar.

Holy urbanization! Megapolis just ate my office! by Bill Torpy

Sometimes news hits you over the head.

That’s the case with an e-mail last week telling us AJC employees that we’re moving around the corner to the Cox Enterprises headquarters. It turns out the ugly building we currently rent will be levelled to create a development whose working title is Megapolis Behind The Mall.

The preliminary plan would create a 42-acre-complex with 3,000 rental and condo units. It would cram a population more than twice that of Avondale Estates into a few blocks of live/work/play hipness. High Street, its official name, could include 400,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, a million square feet of office space, 750 hotel rooms, promenades, parks and plazas. It would, according to its Boston developers, “transform Atlanta’s Perimeter Center area and become its urban heart.”

Dunwoody officials inherited Megapolis from DeKalb County, which approved the zoning before the city was incorporated in 2008. In fact, it would be fair to say that former county CEO Vernon Jones, a large reason why Dunwoody was created in the first place, is enjoying this a good bit.

The city was created as a leafy suburb with 4-bedroom ranches walking distance from community swimming pools. But, Davis said, “the millennials don’t want that. They want to go downstairs and have their pick of six restaurants.”

Millennials are the new generation that developers are still trying to figure out. Millennials wear porkpie hats and make us Boomers look old, stodgy and avaricious because they don’t want to drive or buy homes. And they love craft breweries and tapas.

The mayor and council members must toe a fine line between accommodating growth and keeping true to the folks who take time from watering their lawns to vote in local elections.

Dunwoody City Council offers resolution in support of HR 4 to authorize any municipality in the State of Georgia to establish by local law, an independent school system.

HR 4 presented by Rep. Tom Taylor - A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize any municipality in the State of Georgia to establish by local law an independent school system; to provide definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

---

A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HR 4

WHEREAS, the 2015 Georgia General Assembly Legislative Session begins on January 12, 2015 to consider important legislative matters of the state; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dunwoody is concerned with legislative matters at the state level which have an impact on the governmental operations of the City of Dunwoody; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the City of Dunwoody to adopt legislative priorities to present to its representatives in the General Assembly; and

WHEREAS, the City of Dunwoody has identified a number of important legislative items that may be considered by the state legislature in the upcoming year including opportunities to enhance and improve K-12 Educational opportunities; and

WHEREAS, HR 4 is a proposed amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize any municipality to establish individually or collectively by local law an independent school system; to provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejections; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, adoption of HR 4 will empower City officials, staff, and representatives to advocate on the City’s behalf, before and to members of the state legislature on such educational values and goals which are most feasible, urgent and/or of the highest importance.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND EFFECTIVE this 12th day of January, 2015 that the Mayor and Council of the City of Dunwoody commit its support of HR 4.

---

H.R. 4 requires 120 votes in the Georgia state House and 38 votes in the Georgia state Senate before it can be placed on the 2016 ballot for approval or rejection by the voters.

Dunwoody Founders Park Bench, Brook Run walking trail thru the deep woods to Nancy Creek and Treetop Quest zip lines are under construction.

Children's Playground Entrance - Founders of Dunwoody Bench

In Dunwoody if elected officials want their name on something they do it the "old fashioned way" they pay for it themselves out of their own pockets.  (I wouldn't want it any other way!)

A few weeks ago I lead a group of long time Dunwoody citizens to the most remote, deepest jungles of Dunwoody, along a relatively easy walking trail to view the serine waters of Nancy Creek rolling by.   Now that the Dunwoody Trailway loop is complete and shown on Google Maps, please allow me to share with you a quiet place to experience nature.  At the very back of the park there is a bridge on the trailway crossing a small creek and you will notice a small walking trail at the North West corner of the bridge heading into the woods.  Nature lovers - I suggest you follow it, you can thank me later.

 https://www.treetopquest.com/dunwoody/

Finally, during my walk through Brook Run Park, I discovered a team of men who were about to start putting these Lincoln Log looking items to good use a 100 feet in the air as the Brook Run Tree Top Quest Zip Line Course started construction today.   They should be finished by mid-March and if you want a sneak peek of what will be installed, check out this drawing and map that the construction crew was using.   Prices are still steep. 

Tonight DeKalb delegation meeting at Brookhaven city hall - Monday Oct 13th from 7-9

Senator Fran Millar and Representative Tom Taylor will be looking for your feedback this evening on the upcoming legislative session.

Brookhaven City Hall
4362 Peachtree Road
(between Oglethorpe & Town Brookhaven)
 Brookhaven, Georgia 30319

Marta CEO Keith Parker, the Driver Behind Public Transit’s Transformation in Atlanta - Governing.com

 Keith Parker

As a daily rider of Marta, I notice and appreciate the positive changes made by CEO Parker and also know that a portion of the Kudos being given needs to go to the Georgia Legislative MARTOC Committee, including Chairman Mike Jacobs, Vice Chairman Fran Millar and representative Tom Taylor.

Governing Magazine - Oct 2014

Keith Parker took over one of the most beleaguered and least loved transit systems in America -- and almost instantly reversed its course.

Keith Parker had run large-scale transit operations in Charlotte and San Antonio, but he realized from the start that Atlanta would be his toughest assignment yet.

The beleaguered Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) is the ninth-largest enterprise of its kind in the country. But ever since its beginnings in the early 1970s, it has been ensnared in racial, regional and partisan acrimony. Georgia’s state legislators have never been shy to criticize or to micromanage the agency, which they have denounced as inefficient and unreliable. Originally envisioned as a five-county system, MARTA has never been able to expand beyond its initial two counties in the center of the Atlanta metropolis.

Much of MARTA’s problem has always been its unorthodox funding mechanism. Most of the nation’s public transit agencies get about a quarter of their income from state funds, but MARTA doesn’t get any operating money at all from the state of Georgia. Its budget is heavily dependent on local sales taxes, leaving the system especially vulnerable to economic downturns. During the Great Recession, MARTA took a cleaver to its operating expenses. A third of its bus routes were eliminated. Wait times between trains hit 15 minutes. Bathrooms in most stations were closed. Along with reduced services, passengers saw fares rise more than 40 percent. Customers were incensed. Ridership dropped by a sixth in the four years before Parker arrived.

Read the rest here. 

Dunwoody resident's response to Brad Goodchild’s “Attack on Education and Tom Taylor”

Video

By, Erika Harris

       Co-Chair of Georgians for Local Area School Systems and Dunwoody Resident

This election campaign cycle has been an interesting and sometimes difficult one to observe.  I’ve been proud to watch Representative Tom Taylor stay positive, refuse to engage the mud slinging & negative campaign run by Goodchild, and focus on his own past efforts, successes, and his future intentions. 

Just days before the May 20^th Primary, Brad Goodchild has put out a mailer attacking Representative Taylor for the extraordinary work he has put forth on the Independent School Resolution (HR486).  For the record, I have workedin lock step with Tom Taylor on this resolution for the past eight months.  

“My opponent spends a lot of time touting his bill for a Dunwoody school district... that never saw a vote. Why does he feel pride in this legislative non-accomplishment?”  - Brad Goodchild

I am floored by the ignorance and arrogance that Mr.Goodchild reveals in his commentary.  Both Tom Taylor and Fran Millar were extremely upfront that this effort was going to be one that would require patience and time to accomplish.  Consider that it took three years for Dunwoody to become a city through Legislative approval, something already allowed by the constitution.  How is it then that Brad Goodchild would assume that this constitutional amendment wouldn’t be vetted with equal time and consideration?

HR486 serves to amend our state constitution, ratifying an amendment from nearly 70 years ago.  If Brad Goodchild knew any of the background of education legislation in Georgia, he would know why this was not going to be a one session push through.  Further, if he understood the dynamics and complexity of rural versus metro politics, he would not be so quick to criticize Mr. Taylor’s legislation.

But Brad Goodchild does not know these things.  Why?  Simply because he has not been involved in any of the efforts to improve education in our city or our state. He has not attended information sessions, city events to learn more about improving education through legislative efforts, or shown support down at the Capitol... 

“My opponent personifies the "showing up is good enough" mentality that has brought DeKalb County schools to the brink of losing accreditation.” – Brad Goodchild

Well, if this is really the bar he is using, “showing up”, Mr. Goodchild has not even come near reaching his own bar. Let’s recap: not showing up for any educational events, not showing up for the DHA debate, not answering media phone calls…  When does he show up? 

Our children do deserve better, as Brad Goodchild points out in his letter.  They don’t deserve someone who seeks to “pad his resume” using false claims and undeserved bravado in an attempt to win an election against a proven incumbent, as Mr. Goodchild does. 

I urge everyone to show up on Tuesday the 20^th and cast their vote for Tom Taylor who stands for honesty, integrity, and accountability in more than words, but in proven leadership.

Dunwoody State Senator Fran Millar & State House Representative Tom Taylor sponsoring Food Truck Thursday at Brook Run Park from 5 to 8.

Food Truck - May 15th

The weather forecast for Thursday evening as I type this is that the rain will be gone and the sun may be out for this week's Dunwoody Food Truck Thursday. This week the event is being sponsored by State Senate incumbent Fran Millar & State House incumbent Tom Taylor both of whom have done so much to make Dunwoody a better place to live.

If you haven't read this week's Dunwoody Crier, I highly recommend that you do as I really enjoyed reading the article on the Valedictorians and Salutatorians plus there are numerous informational articles and letters to the editor on the upcoming election.

Talk Back to The Crier
Vernon, can you hear me?
With primary ahead, who is Brad Goodchild?

Tuesday is the official election day but there is early voting available at the Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad Street, Chamblee, GA 30341 only today & Friday from 7 am to 7 pm.

Please join us for entertainment by Marshall Coats!

Blaxican Food Truck
Hail Caesar
Ibiza Bites
On Tapa The World
Pho Sho Sandwiches & Pastries
Soup'r Noodles
Yumbii
WOW! Food Truck
Chay J's New Orleans Candies, LLC
King of Pops
Rita's Italian Ice
Yum Yum Dessert Co

Dunwoody Homeowners Association is hosting a Candidate Forum on Thursday April 24th at Kingsley

The Dunwoody Homeowners Association is hosting a Candidate Forum on Thursday April 24th from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Kingsley Racquet & Swim Clubhouse.

Both Republican and Democrat candidates running for State House District 79 and State Senate District 40 will attend to present their views on a variety of issues.

The tentative schedule is as follows:

6:30-6:55 Candidate Meet and Greet
7:00-7:30 Democrat Candidate Debate
7:45-8:30 Republican Candidate Debate

Dick Williams from the Dunwoody Crier will be the moderator for the forum. The primary election is May 20, 2014.

Kinglsey Racquet & Swim Club

2325 North Peachtree Way

Dunwoody, GA 30338

Georgia House of Representatives, District 79
Democratic Primary
*No candidates registered.

Georgia House of Representatives, District 79
Republican Primary

Tom Taylor (incumbent)
www.tomgetsresults.com
(404) 376-7862
TomGetsResults@gmail.com

Brad Goodchild
www.goodchildforgeorgia.com

Georgia State Senate, District 40
Democratic Primary

Benedict Truman

Tamara Johnson
www.tamaraforgeorgia.com
Tamara@TamaraForGeorgia.com

Georgia State Senate, District 40
Republican Primary

Fran Millar (incumbent)
www.senatorfranmillar.com
senatorfranmillar@gmail.com

Dick Anderson
www.anderson4theconstitution.com
(770) 377-6430
dickRDAanderson@gmail.com

We hope to see you at this event.

Dunwoody Homeowners Association

On the web at: DunwoodyGA.org
Like us on Facebook at: facebook.com/TheDHA

State Representative Tom Taylor starts re-election campaign with Sunday meet & greet at Kingsley Swim Tennis.

A note from Dunwoody's State Representative Tom Taylor:

Hi Neighbors!

I have an opponent in the Republican Primary election on May 20th. As the incumbent, I am prohibited from campaigning during the Legislative session. Now that the session is over, I am in full campaign mode. I would appreciate your help deploying my campaign signs.

Sunday, March 30th, I will be distributing my campaign signs at Kingsley Swim and Tennis Club (2325 N Peachtree Way, Dunwoody, GA 30338) from 2 to 6 pm. Come by, have a cool adult beverage, chat with me issues that concern you, and take home some signs for your yard and your neighbors' yards.

If you can’t swing by on Sunday, but have good real estate for my campaign signs, let me know where and how many signs to drop off.

Thank you for your support!

Tom Taylor
State Representative, District 79
TomGetsResults@gmail.com
Cell: 404-376-7862
TomGetsResults.com

My PROVEN and EFFECTIVE conservative leadership have delivered RESULTS to District 79 (Dunwoody and North DeKalb).

* Leading legislative effort to form an independent municipal school system
* Passed legislation to cap State personal income tax at 6%
* Preserved Dunwoody’s representation on DeKalb School Board redistricting
* Founded and was VP and Board Member of Citizens for Dunwoody
* Led legislative lobbying effort that allowed Dunwoody to become a city
* Provided blueprint for Dunwoody Police as Police Task Force Chair
* Elected to first City Council, ramped up City of Dunwoody government
* Successfully promoted legislation that allowed Dunwoody to take control of parks

AJC debate over Dunwoody Cityhood, today's Hazardous Waste Event, child safety seat check, Adopt a Bench, Judge, and Page at Capital

AJC Point / Counterpoint

New debate over Dunwoody Cityhood

Cityhood: Be careful what you wish for by Jim Dickson

Dunwoody on road to improved services by Mayor Mike Davis

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Household Hazardous Waste Event - Today from 8 to Noon in Decatur

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Parents of babies - Mark the Calenders.
Let the Dunwoody Police Department’s Certified Child Safety Seat Technicians check or help install your child safety seat for FREE. Friday April 18, 2014 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Kingswood United Methodist Church 5015 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338

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People of all ages visit our parks on a daily basis for athletic sports, playground activities, events, their gatherings and neighborhood activities. Many come to the parks to relax and get away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life. Whatever the reason for visiting our parks, your generous gift of a park bench will be recognized and appreciated by thousands who visit each year.

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Dunwoody Searching for Additional Municipal Court Judge - no additional cost to city; we just need to spread the work around a bit mote.

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Special thanks to State Rep. Tom Taylor for letting my son Riley work the floor of the House of Representatives.

HR 486, the bill to create independent school systems in Georgia passes out of committee. Video of meeting.

Video

The link to the video above shows the Georgia state House Education committee who passed HR 486 to create Independent school districts for new cities by a 7-3 vote Feb. 5. The bill now goes to the Rules Committee for consideration. The bill calls for a state constitutional amendment allowing new school districts under those limitations. A constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds vote of both the state House and Senate and a simple majority vote of the people in November.

My favorite comments in the meeting came from Rep. Edward Setzler (R - Acworth) and I thought they needed to be broken out and highlighted from the main video.

Video 

Kudos and thank you to Rep Tom Taylor, Senator Fran Millar, the Leadership at State Capital and all of the Citizens who are working so hard to move this difficult bill forward. 

Video

Dunwoody Perimeter Coffee Connection with Fran Millar and Tom Taylor on January 28, 2014

 

 Details

Video of Dunwoody State Representative Forum held on Jan 12, 2014 at DUMC

Playlist of four videos - one hour.

Interesting forum, introductions at the beginning gives a nice overview of our legislators priorities then questions from public touched on various issues including possible City Charter changes, Independent School Systems, Juvenile Justice, New Cities in DeKalb, Public Transportation System Mergers, and a few other items.  The forum closes with 2 min closing statements of each panel member.

Video 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw65JUA2y2U

Video 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFBi87W5Z7Q

Video 3 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4A5CQN2G0U

Video 4 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6-lRYlCido