august 16, 2014

See Charter, page 6

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Local fans mourn death of comedian Robin Williams ....page 5 Tyler Perry Studios to redevelop Fort McPherson ...page 7

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See Levett, page 7

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By Joshua Smith

Will DeKalb County become a public charter school system? School

officials are pondering the idea and want feedback from the public to approach state officials about making the idea a reality.

The school district would become the largest charter school system in the state, if the district’s petition is approved by the Georgia Department of Education.

“We want to get the public’s input on how we can make the petition for charter schools suitable for all parties involved—school staff members, parents, and of course, our students,” said DeKalb Schools Superintendent Michael Thurmond. “I think this concept is innovative and I know it will have tremendous potential for our students and their development.”

District officials are seeking input from the community on the flexibility that the potential system would bring to improve academic learning in schools. After receiving public input, school officials must craft and complete the petition for state review by June 30, 2015.

Former School Board member Jesse Cunningham says the flexibility can lead to innovations in teaching students and governing schools.

“The new system would be a good thing. If DeKalb goes to the charter system, schools would have more latitude on rules governing them. Schools could have their own committees comprised of principals and who the principals elect to make

decision for the schools in their cluster,” said Cunningham. “For example, if MLK High saw a need for Saturday school, they would go to their principal and get it approved. It wouldn’t have to be approved by the state (Department of Education).”

In 2013, the DeKalb School Board rejected a group of parents and educators who were seeking approval and funding for a “charter cluster” for Druid Hills High School and six feeder schools in North DeKalb. The board rejected the idea, saying that the cluster would drain money and resources from the

district and could prevent some students who live in the community from attending based on criteria set up by cluster organizers.

The DeKalb Schools District has set up five community engagement sessions, and anyone seeking to provide input is invited to attend, including parents, teachers and others in the community.

In the past, the charter cluster concept has been

By Joshua Smith

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes is expanding again. This time, the funeral business is

bringing advancements in technology to its new location in Conyers.

The company’s fifth location showcases several tech-savvy features such as four luxury family suites equipped with state-of-the-art flat screens that can allow the services to be viewed from other linked rooms at the facility, and new computer programing to log in all family information. Levett is especially happy about a new Droid and Apple phone application that posts families’ obituaries within four hours after payment.

Levett says he is the only funeral home in Georgia with an App, an exclusive agreement he has for one year with the company that launched the App.

“This is a new generation and we have to adapt. This is the future. With this application, you can pay $69, instead of running an obit in the media for $300 so it’s saving families money, too,” said Levett. “Everyone may not have a computer but pretty much everyone has some kind of smartphone. This app will make it easy for families

to communicate and share important announcements across the country, easily.”

The app also features installed GPS systems to navigate to the services.

The 10,000-square-foot funeral home in Conyers, located at 1999 Highway 138, is the former location of Horis A. Ward funeral home, the world’s largest chain. Levett said also plans to offer live streaming of

services in the next few months at the new location. Family and friends who cannot travel to a funeral will be able to view the service on their phones, computer or laptop.

Levett, who opened his first funeral home in DeKalb County’s Scottdale community in 1980, said opening a location in Conyers fulfills his father’s vision and allows him to “come back home.” Gregory Levett also has three

other funeral homes—one in South DeKalb, one in Lawrenceville and one in Buford.

“This is where my roots are. My daddy, the late George Levett, had a dream to have multiple locations across the Metro. My father had two operating at one time,” said Levett, who says the company spent two months renovating the building in Conyers. “With this location I am confirming my personal mission to make my father’s dream a reality.”

Levett says the company closed on the loan on May 30 and opened for their first day of business on Aug. 1.

Born and raised in Rockdale County, Levett is no stranger to Conyers. His first business was a Radio Shack, located in Rockdale in 1976. He also opened Levett Bail Bonding in Rockdale in 2008.

“We were already serving about 70 to 80 families in Rockdale who had to drive to our other locations for service. So the need was there. We plan to serve at least 200 to 250 families a year here,” said Levett. “In addition to that, my first client was from Rockdale. I’ll never forget that family. It was 34 years ago and my daddy told them to go use

DeKalb County School District considering shift to charter school system

Gregory Levett expands funeral homes, leading way in technology at Conyers location

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

Michael Thurmond

The Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce welcomed Gregory B. Levett & Sons to the community with a special called ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 14, in Conyers.

PAGE 2  AUGUST 16, 2014

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Community News

Vaughn Irons Jeff Rader

Operations Task Force releases meeting schedule DeKalb County’s Operations Task Force has released its meeting schedule. All meetings will be held in the Maloof Auditorium,

1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

The meeting schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, Aug. 20, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Incorporation and Annexation• Wednesday, Aug. 27, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Governance• Thursday, Sept. 4, 6 p.m., working meeting• Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6 p.m., Full Operations Task Force meeting• Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Incorporation and Annexation• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6 p.m. for a Subcommittee on Governance• Wednesday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m., working meeting• Wednesday, Oct. 8, 6 p.m., Full Operations Task Force meeting• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Incorporation and Annexation • Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Governance• Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m., working meeting• Wednesday, Nov. 5, 6 p.m., Full Operations Task Force meeting• Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Incorporation and Annexation • Wednesday, Nov. 19, 6 p.m., Subcommittee on Governance• Monday, Dec. 1, 6 p.m., Final Task Force Meeting.

The Operations Task Force, created by DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May through an Executive Order in March, was empanelled to explore and study (1) the financial, business, zoning and quality of life impact on residents and government operations caused by the creation of new cities and annexations; (2) the effectiveness of the current governance structure of DeKalb County and ethics and transparency in County operations; (3) the equitable distribution of Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST) proceeds and legacy pension costs between the DeKalb County and it’s cities; and (4) other related matters.

The Operations Task Force is charged with making recommendations that can be forwarded to the Georgia General Assembly in December 2014.

The schedule is subject to change. For more information or to confirm the meeting schedule, call 404-371-2000 or visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov.

Operations Task Force: Keep DeKalb’s CEO form of government The DeKalb County Operations Task

Force (OTF) this week reached a landmark decision regarding the

governance of DeKalb County during its fifth meeting since its inception on June 5. The OTF decided not to deliberate the form of government, citing the lack of support from state lawmakers to advance such a measure through the 2015 legislative session. The group will instead focus its efforts on improving the existing government framework. “There seems that there is insufficient political momentum to make a wholesale change to our county government structure. It is the consensus of this task force that the best use of our time should be focusing on the balance of power in the existing form of government,” said Vaughn Irons, co-chair of the OTF. DeKalb is the only county in Georgia with an elected CEO who runs the government’s daily operations. Discussions about changing the form of government to one that is run by a county manager, a hired professional administrator, has long been a topic for discussion. Gwinnett, Fulton and Cobb

counties all have county managers.DeKalb’s District 2 Commissioner

Jeff Rader agreed with Irons that the county’s focus should be on making sure the county is accountable to taxpayers and voters, rather than overhauling the system with lack of support.

“It is imperative to look at all of the mechanics of the Organizational Act of DeKalb County, identifying deficiencies and options for improvement. No form of government is immune from defects, so the important thing is ensuring the charter informs the public on operations and makes DeKalb accountable to the voters and taxpayers” said Rader. In June, DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May convened the 17-member panel

to explore and study (1) the financial, business, zoning and quality of life impact on residents and government operations caused by the creation of new cities and annexations; (2) the effectiveness of the current governance structure of DeKalb County and ethics and transparency in County operations; (3) the equitable distribution of Homestead Option Sales Tax (HOST) proceeds and legacy pension costs between the DeKalb County and it’s cities; and (4) other related matters. The Operations Task Force will convene several more meetings before making recommendations that will be forwarded to the Georgia General Assembly in December 2014. “I’m all for changing the form of government, but this task force must operate within certain political realities if we expect to deliver a tangible work product by December,” said State Rep. Mike Jacobs.

The meeting was broadcast live on DCTV, Comcast Channel 23, and will be rebroadcast regularly. To view the Operations Task Force meeting, visit www.dekalbcountyga.gov/dctv/.


Coming Up Grant Park welcomes all to Summer Shade Festival

Grant Park, 800 Cherokee Blvd., Atlanta will host the annual Summer Shade Festival on Aug. 23 and 24, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

The festival features an artists’ market, children’s activities, food for purchase, live music and running in the park. The Children’s Fun Center is a family favorite with storytellers, jugglers, sing-a-longs and kid-sized make-and-take projects. This event will help raise funds fort the Grant Park Conversancy to use toward the enhancement and restoration of Grant Park.

ATLANTAMARTA seeks public input to improve services

In an effort to transform MARTA for future growth in the Atlanta region, transit officials are seeking public input on ways to improve access to bus, rail and mobility (paratransit) services. The Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA) initiative involves feedback from not only the general public, but customers and MARTA employees.

In April 2014, MARTA began collecting information on the current transit services and reviewing previous ridership studies. In August and September, MARTA staff will attend public meetings and events to promote the COA and receive feedback from the public.

A formal recommendation for service improvements will be presented to management at the end of this year. Ultimately, the MARTA board will vote on the final COA plan.

To complete the online survey, visit www.itsmarta.com. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 404-848-5500.

ARC conducting community surveyThe Atlanta Regional Commission is conducting a survey to find out what

the community thinks is important to ensure that metro Atlanta remains globally competitive, raises the best workforce possible and continues to be a great place to live.

The survey is available at: https://atlantaregionalplan.metroquest.com. Input from this survey will be used to help ARC develop its regional plan, which will guide public policies and investments related to issues of transportation, land use, water quality, workforce development, aging and health resources.

DEKALB

DeKalb’s Community Education Family Fun Day rescheduled

DeKalb Interim CEO Lee May and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners will host the Community Education Family Fun Day on Sunday, Aug. 24, 1 –5 p.m., at Rock Chapel II Park (formerly Bransby Outdoor YMCA), 1185 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia. This event was originally scheduled for Aug. 9 and postponed due to weather. The Community Education Family Fun Day will include food, music, entertainment, information, games, and much more. Educational and outreach information will be available regarding several county initiatives including Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG), Recycling and Stormwater. “This is a golden opportunity for families to have some summer fun, and learn about several major county initiatives at the same time,” said May. The event is free and open to the public. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.

St. Philip A.M.E. to host S.T.E.M.S. career fair for middle schoolers

The Career Resource Ministry at Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, 240 Candler Road, S.E., Atlanta, will host the 7th Annual S.T.E.M.S. Career Fair on Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. – noon.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Service (S.T.E.M.S.) Career Fair is open to all middle school students in DeKalb County. Students will interact with science, engineering, math and other professionals working in these career fields. This year, students will learn from exhibitors with TRS Robotics, NASA, the CDC, STEM Chicks Georgia, Delta Airlines and Women in Technology. Other S.T.E.M.S. professionals will be on hand to conduct hands-on activities as well.

Parents can learn, too. The church will offer three free workshop for parents to help them plan for their children’s scholastic and career potential. Some topics include dual enrollment, college choice, finical aid, and proper planning. Last year, more than 150 students from more than 20 schools attended. This year’s fair will be held in the church’s Family Life and Administrative Building’s gymnasium.

Pre-registration is required. To register, send parent(s) name and contact information, along with children’s name, age and school to Donna Coles at [email protected]. 404-371-0749.

Johnson, Belvedere residents set walking town hallIn an effort to foster community involvement and promote healthy living,

DeKalb’s District 3 Commissioner Larry Johnson and the Belvedere Civic Association will have a walking town hall meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, 6 to 8 p.m. The walking town hall meeting will begin at Knollwood Elementary School, 3039 Santa Monica Drive, Decatur.

Joining neighbors from the Belvedere community are invited guests: Kaiser Permanente as well as DeKalb County Fire, DeKalb County Police and DeKalb County Code Enforcement departments.

“We look forward to the community coming together to learn more about the many services of our government while promoting walking as a healthy lifestyle activity,” Johnson said. “We’ve teamed up with some outstanding partners who are equally excited about making themselves accessible in hopes of making this event impactful for the residents of Belvedere and its surrounding areas.”

Ann Brown, president of the Belvedere Civic Association adds: “We are always appreciative for Commissioner Johnson and his many efforts to assure that our community is informed. The Walking Town Hall Meeting is an excellent way to continue along those lines.”

Under Commissioner Johnson’s leadership in spearheading “DeKalb Walks….For the Health of it,” walking was designated as the official exercise of DeKalb.

GWINNETT

Gwinnett Police Department to host job fair The Gwinnett County Police Department will host a job fair for men and

women looking to serve and protect on Saturday, Aug. 23, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., at the Gwinnett County Police Training Center, 854 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville.

The Department is looking to fill police officer and E-911 Communications Officer positions. The Gwinnett County Police Department is a nationally accredited, full-service department with specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, DUI and task force. The department offers a competitive compensation/benefits package along with on-the-job training. Before attending the fair, interested applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.gwinnettcounty.com. For more information, call 770-513-5000 or 770-513-5208.

Free fall vegetable gardening class in Lawrenceville The Gwinnett County Extension Office, 750 South Perry St., Lawrenceville,

will host a fall vegetable gardening class for residents on Wednesday, Aug. 27, noon – 1 p.m. The free class will cover subjects such as soil preparation, what vegetables to plant, weed control and mulching. Extension agents say summer might be a favorite season in the vegetable garden, but autumn also brings wonderful rewards. Fast-growing salad crops will revive most fall gardens, and good care can keep sweet root crops and cabbage cousins growing for several weeks beyond the first frost. The class will help residents extend vegetable seasons long beyond the heat of summer.

The secret to having a great fall vegetable garden is getting the timing right. And that means thinking a little differently because you have to plan backward.

For more information or to pre-register for the class, call 678-377-4010 or visit www.caes.uga.edu.

ROCKDALE

Commissioner RJ Hadley to present ‘Tax Talk’Rockdale County Tax Commissioner RJ Hadley will host his next Tax

Commissioner Talk, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., at J.P. Carr Services Community Room, 981 Taylor Street in Conyers. Residents are invited to attend the open session to discuss motor vehicle and property tax matters with Tax Commissioner Hadley. Tax Commissioner Talks are open to the public, and residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend. For more information, call the Rockdale County Tax Commissioner’s office at 770-278-7600.


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By Amanda Usher

The death of actor Robin Williams has sparked several reactions as fans mourn the loss of this

comedic legend.Longtime fan and Clayton County resident

Angela Wilkins found herself in a state of disbelief upon hearing the news.

“I was in shock because I just couldn’t believe that he died,” she said. “I’ve always been a fan of his [since] Mork and Mindy. The only thing I could think of was what would’ve driven him to that. What kind of inner torment did he have that would’ve driven him to commit suicide?”

DeKalb County resident Belinda Davis was just as surprised as Wilkins.

“It was a shock to me because people see suicide as a selfish move, and to me, he didn’t appear to be a selfish person,” she said. “He presented himself as humble. He presented himself as a selfless person. I think that’s why it’s so surprising to people that he did something like this.”

Another DeKalb County resident, Danjonas Jones, has been a fan of Williams since he starred as Peter Pan in the 1991 movie, “Hook.”

“You would’ve thought he was happy,” Jones said. “It had to be something ongoing. It didn’t just happen overnight like that.”

Williams, 63, was found by his assistant hanging

by a belt that was wedged in the closet doorway at his California home on Monday, Aug. 11. According to news reports, Marin County investigators believe the cause of death is asphyxia due to hanging. A pocket knife was found in a place close to Williams, and investigators reportedly discovered cuts on the inside of his left wrist.

Williams’ media representative Mara Buxbaum said that Williams had been battling severe depression.

Drug abuse can chemically alter the brain, according to Pam Harrison, licensed clinical social worker for Embracing Hospice in Snellville. She says

that depression is a mood disorder in which people fail to see the value in their lives.

“It’s not people’s faults,” Harrison said. “A lot of times when people commit suicide, they feel the world would be better off without them. There are people who are depressed, and they can’t get out of bed. It’s not that they won’t. They can’t, so that forms a lot of issues with the family around them.”

Treatments consist of therapy, medication and inpatient treatments, though some people choose to self-medicate with alcohol or various substances.

“It’s sad but a lot of them (comedians) go through that depression and you don’t hear about it,” Wilkins said. “They’re so busy making other people laugh, and they’re crying on the inside.”

Williams is known for movies such as action fantasy, “Jumangi,” (1995); drama, “Good Will Hunting” (1997); and comedy, “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993).

More recently, Williams acted as former president Dwight D. Eisenhower in the 2013 film, Lee Daniels’ “The Butler.”

Williams was survived by his wife Susan Schneider and children Zelda Rae, Cody Alan and Zachary Pym, according to news reports.

“He’s one of the greatest comedians out there,” Wilkins said. “It’s said that laughter doeth good like a medicine and Robin Williams knew how to give a big dose of it.”

Local fans mourn death of comedian Robin Williams

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Chartercontinued from page 1

Upcoming Seminars at DeKalb MedicalDoc Talks5 Tips To Lower High Blood PressureTuesday, August 26, 2014 6:30–7:30 p.m. Community Room at DeKalb Medical Hillandale campusHigh blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions, including children and teens. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention from our experts.

Complimentary blood pressure and BMI measurement available. Call 404.596.4772 or visit www.dekalbmedical.org.

For a referral to a DeKalb Medical physician or to reserve your space for these free seminars, please call 404.596.4772. Light refreshments will be served. Parking is free.

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greeted with enthusiasm in North DeKalb, where there is a history of frustration with the management of the DeKalb Schools District. But it has created suspicion in South DeKalb, where graduation rates are lower.

John Evans, president of the DeKalb branch of the NAACP, says he wouldn’t mind supporting a charter school system, as long as the charter system is truly a fair system for all DeKalb students.

“We need to come out to the meetings in numbers to get the fine print on where the funding is coming from for this new system, what this really means and how will everyone benefit. Core curriculum and everything else has to be fair across the board,” said Evans. “There’s always a hook and before I offer support I want to make sure there are no hooks in this system. We have to make sure the whole plan is fair for all of the students.”

The Georgia charter schools law provides the means to organize a charter public school subject to an academic or vocational performance-based contract approved by both the state and local boards of education.

A group of people (educators, parents, community leaders, or others) writes the charter plan (i.e. charter contract) describing the school guiding principles, governance structure, and applicable accountability measures.

Specific goals and operating procedures for the charter school are detailed in an agreement (or “charter”) between the school system, state Department of Education and charter organizers. The charter contract often exempts the school from agreed upon state and local rules, regulations, policies, and procedures and from certain provisions of Georgia law.

DeKalb Region 3 Superintendent Trenton Arnold has been tasked with putting the petition together to approach the state Board of Education. He says he is encouraging the public to get the latest on information regarding the proposed system before coming to the meetings.

“We hope parents and even students will have the chance to look over information that’s already out there concerning charter systems and review some of the petitions from other school systems around the state that are already operating as a charter district,” said Arnold. “A list of innovations, state waivers, higher academic expectations. Decisions such as financial, instruction, resource allocation and curriculum would now be decided on the school level and what benefits each school will shine through and lead to improvement in student learning.”

The five public meetings will occur at 6 p.m. as follows:

Region IV Lithonia High School, Aug. 26Region II, Lakeside High School on Aug. 27Region I, Dunwoody High School Aug. 28Region V Towers High School, Sept. 2 Region III, Stephenson High School, Sept. 3.

For more information, visit http://www.gadoe.org/External-Affairs-and-Policy/Charter-Schools/Pages/default.aspx or call 678-676-1200.

Charter school questionnaire sent to gubernatorial candidates

To help Georgia voters make informed decisions in the upcoming 2014 November election, the Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) has given the three gubernatorial candidates a questionnaire soliciting their views on public charter schools.

The questionnaires were sent to the campaign teams for Governor Nathan Deal (R), Senator Jason Carter (D), and Georgia businessman Andrew Hunt, a Libertarian candidate, last week.

“As a 501c3 organization, the Georgia Charter Schools Association has a mission to improve student achievement and promote quality options in public K-12 education in Georgia,” said Dr. Tony Roberts, President & CEO of GCSA. “While we will not endorse any candidates for political office, we can assist the public by letting them know where the candidates stand on the role of public charter schools, the expansion of public school options, and the exchange of innovative practices between charter schools and traditional public schools.”

The GCSA survey contains six charter school-specific questions. Responses will be shared with the voters of Georgia.

CAU named Tom Joyner Foundation’s School of the MonthClark Atlanta University (CAU) is the Tom Joyner

Foundation’s August 2014 School of the Month, a distinction that includes daily promotion on the “Tom Joyner Morning Show” to generate scholarship donations from listeners, CAU alumni and friends across the nation.

Nationally-syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner formed the foundation in 1998 in an ongoing effort to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in broadening and strengthening their efforts. The TJMS airs in 115 markets around the country, reaching nearly 8 million listeners every week. Joyner received an honorary degree from CAU in May 2004.

The Clark Atlanta University Alumni Association (CAUAA), under National President Marshall Taggart, also has launched a special campaign to support CAU, “Opportunity Starts At Home.” Each month through December 2014, the CAUAA will highlight alumni entrepreneurs who have pledged to support CAU.

Donations can be made via www.tomjoynerfoundation.org. For more information, call CAU’s Office of Alumni Relations: 404-880-8022.

DeKalb Schools continue dual immersion language programThe DeKalb County School District has announced the second year of

three language immersion programs. Kindergarten and first grade students at Rockbridge Elementary and Evansdale Elementary are learning French and students at Ashford Park are learning German. Students learn math and science content in French and German.

In 2013, the DeKalb County School District was awarded three grants from the Georgia Department of Education to begin the immersion programs. The immersion programs afford students the opportunity to become fluent in a second language while they are learning required state elementary content.

To learn more about the immersion programs at DeKalb County School District, please contact the Department of School Choice for any available openings http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/school-choice.

Tom Joyner


Levettcontinued from page 1

Photo by Glenn L. Morgan/OCG News

at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

isitors are welcome year-round at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, the inspirational home of Georgia’s Trappist

Monks. Nestled on 2,300 acres in Conyers, the Monastery offers a scenic and peaceful environment to explore.

Experience a day in the life of a monk, or learn about the Trappists in Georgia at the Historic Museum. See the beautiful Abbey Church. Browse through the Bonsai Garden, Bonsai Nursery and gift shop. Visit the Abbey Store for monk-made biscotti, fruitcake, fudge, free trade items and the largest selection of Christian books in the state.

Stay for the day – or experience our overnight retreats.

www.trappist.net

BE INSPIRED...

my son and I haven’t looked back since.” The Conyers funeral home has more than 200

parking spaces and is currently being operated by three staff members. It features a chapel that can seat 300.

Levett’s eldest son, Gregory Bernard Levett, Jr., is operating the Conyers home and says the company will offer members of the community jobs as the location grows.

“We are set and ready to go so that we can serve the community the best way possible. The people of Conyers deserve this. No longer will they have to drive 30 minutes to Decatur to receive our great services and customer services,” said Levett who has a degree in architecture as well. He designed all of his father’s funeral homes and an addition to the South DeKalb funeral home.

The new Conyers location already has received business.

“We’ve had two funeral services already and four clients who have preplanned their services, ” Levett, Jr. said.

The Levetts say they plan to stay involved in the community. They plan to start a scholarship fund, help churches in the area financially and host pre-need seminars to communicate to people the costs and other benefits of pre-planning.

Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes will host a grand opening celebration for its Conyers location on Saturday, Aug. 23, 5 p.m. There will be raffle giveaways, live jazz performers and food. 770-285-6673.

ATLANTA – Southwest Atlanta could soon receive an economic shot in the arm now that the board of the civilian authority tasked with redeveloping Fort McPherson has approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the sale of 330 acres of property to Tyler Perry Studios. The agreement was approved Aug. 8. Perry has held talks with the city for months about acquiring land at the nearly 500-acre site for a movie and television production complex. No city funds would be used to close the transaction. The McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority (MILRA) is expected to acquire the entire post from the U.S. Army this year. Perry’s company would then purchase land at the post, which closed in 2011. Perry plans to shift all or some of his film and television production to Fort McPherson, which could provide a much-needed catalyst for future redevelopment at the complex. “We foresee more than just a state-

of-the-art film and television studio in southwest Atlanta,” said Atlanta City Councilmember Joyce Sheperd, an ex-officio member of the MILRA board and the council representative for that area. “I see a jobs generator and a catalyst for economic investment along the Campbellton Road and Lee Street corridors.” Tyler Perry Studios will become the anchor tenant on the property. It will include 15-16 sound stages to be built on the property. The move is also expected to add over 8,000 new jobs to Atlanta, including the relocation of 350 jobs. Under the MOU, the City of Atlanta

will retain 144 acres at the site, for economic and housing development, equivalent in size to Atlanta’s mixed use property Atlantic Station. “Through the McPherson Community Engagement Subcommittee that was formed, citizens and neighborhood organizations have made it clear that any redevelopment should be done in a manner that benefits the community as whole,” Sheperd said. “The walls along Lee Street and Campbellton Road will come down allowing for the development of new housing, green space, retail and restaurants in the area,” she said.

New streetscapes and transit improvements are also being negotiated. The entire campus lies within the Campbellton Road Tax Allocation District, which will provide much-needed infrastructure funding. In recent years, southwest Atlanta has quickly become the home of the metro area’s film and television production industry. EUE/Screen Gem Studios opened in 2010 after signing a 50-year lease with the city. The company, which is also in Councilmember Sheperd’s district, benefits from a 30-percent state tax credit in addition to a sales and use tax exemption. Sheperd said she envisions Tyler Perry Studios providing an even larger investment at Fort Mac. “There are beautiful ornate buildings at the base which makes it a perfect fit for film and television production,” Sheperd said. “This studio will be a jewel not only for south Atlanta, but also a model facility in the industry and a model for economic redevelopment of underserved communities.”

Tyler Perry Studios to redevelop Fort McPherson

Tyler Perry Fort McPherson

Gregory B. Levett, Sr. (left) was excited to show off the funeral home’s new phone application to residents and dignitaries in Conyers at the Aug. 14 ribbon cutting ceremony.


By Congressman Hank Johnson,

Georgia’s Fourth District

As co-chair of the new State Medicaid Expansion Caucus in the

U.S. House of Representatives, I look forward to leading an ongoing dialogue on the how important expanding Medicaid is for Georgia and the entire country.

I’m thrilled my good friend from North Carolina, Congressman G. K. Butterfield, has agreed to co-chair this important caucus. There are few people in Congress who understand this issue as well as G. K. does and it means a lot that he would agree to work on this issue with me.

And I am proud that 33 members of Congress – including Congressmen John Lewis and David Scott—have joined the State Medicaid Expansion Caucus. We want to have an ongoing conversation about why it is so critical that every state expand Medicaid. Medicaid expansion is a choice that states can make because of the Supreme Court’s ruling.

However, when the Court struck the requirement and gave states the choice to expand Medicaid, it did NOT strike the facts that make Medicaid expansion the correct budgetary, economic, health and, yes, moral choice.

Twenty-seven states, a majority of the states of this great country, looked at the facts and made the choice to help their people be healthier and therefore lead more productive lives. Expanding Medicaid in those states provided health coverage to approximately 10.5 million people who otherwise wouldn’t have had it, according to Families USA.

Despite the political winds that swirl around the Affordable Care Act, this is a bipartisan issue. The Republican Governor of Arizona pushed her state’s legislature to expand Medicaid because Gov. Brewer and her allies know that expansion allows the program

to help 300,000 low-income Arizonans who otherwise would not have health care.

In Ohio, the state’s Republican Governor expanded Medicaid grounding the move in his faith and his belief that Ohioans should benefit from their federal tax dollars.

Because of the Governor’s action, Ohio will see $13 billion from the federal government over the next seven years to cover those newly eligible for Medicaid and approximately 366,000 Ohio residents would be eligible for coverage beginning this year. According to some estimates, as many as 789,000 people will ultimately benefit from the Governor’s decision.

In California, almost three million people have benefitted by getting access to health care when their state expanded Medicaid.

These are just some of the success stories. The Federal Government will cover 100 percent

of the costs of expanding Medicaid today, and 90 percent of the cost for the duration of the program in every state. Like in Ohio, this investment will bring billions of federal tax dollars back into states that will help develop the health care infrastructure and improve the economy.

It will also help low-income Americans access health care. We must remember that the people who will benefit from expanding Medicaid are no less deserving of health care than anyone else.

According to a recent Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report, states that expanded Medicaid saw 17 percent more people enroll in the Medicaid and CHIP programs. Those are children across this country who now have the option for a healthier life. Unfortunately, millions of low-income Americans are being denied health care by their state legislators.

They are being punished for being poor and for living where they do. The New York Times recently ran a story entitled: “In Texarkana, Uninsured and on the Wrong Side of a State Line.” It described the harsh realities for those who live on the wrong side of a state line.

The author wrote that Texarkana is “perhaps the

starkest example of how President Obama’s health care law is altering the economic geography of the country. The poor living in the Arkansas half of town won access to a government benefit worth thousands of dollars annually, yet nothing changed for those on the Texas side of the state line.”

Here in Georgia, expanding Medicaid would mean access to health care for 684,000 people, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute estimates that expanding Medicaid will bring in $65 billion in new economic activity in Georgia over 10 years, which will support more than 56,000 new jobs throughout state.

Our governor reacted to this news by signing a bill eliminating his authority to expand Medicaid. I can’t think of a time that a chief executive has willingly given away some of his authority.

We know why Governors and state legislators are choosing to deny access to health care for their people -- politics. But we also know that when legislators of both parties look at the facts, they make the only choice they have left -- to expand Medicaid.

I write today to urge every state to expand Medicaid. And I will not stop today.

The State Medicaid Expansion Caucus members will be speaking every week on the floor of the House of Representatives about this issue. We will be writing op-eds and talking to our constituents and urging them to keep the pressure on their state legislators.

With 27 states having expanded Medicaid, we have a lot to be thankful for. I hope this caucus will be a part of the solution that gets us to the finish line. Congressman Hank Johnson is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and Judiciary Committee and is ranking member of the House Judiciary subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. A champion of fairness for working American families, Johnson has introduced, co-sponsored and passed legislation to level the playing field and create opportunity.

Op-Editorial

Ready to lead new caucus focusing on expanding Medicaid


Anne Torres has been appointed Director of Communications for the City of Atlanta. In her position, Torres will be responsible for the long-term planning and oversight of the mayor’s communications strategy and will work closely with the mayor and top administration officials as the senior media relations advisor.

“Anne’s commitment to public service and years of government communications experience make her uniquely qualified to lead our communications effort,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “We are fortunate to have her as a key member of our team. She plays an essential and strategic role in my Administration, and her leadership and counsel is invaluable to me.”

Torres previously served as Deputy Communications Director since 2012, where she oversaw the expansion of the city’s social media presence and provided counsel on the administration’s efforts to engage the city’s growing tech and startup community to enhance government services and foster greater civic engagement and collaboration.

Prior to joining the Reed administration, Torres served as Director of Communications for former Mayor Cory A. Booker in Newark, New Jersey for more than five years. In that role, she established an award-winning multi-platform communications network, which included the launch of the Newark Tech Group, a working group of technology sector founders and executives who teamed with the City of Newark to activate and amplify social web audiences. Under her

leadership, the New Jersey League of Municipalities named the city’s Office of Communications the “Best Public Information Office in the State of New Jersey.”

Torres is a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising and marketing communications.

Torres succeeds Carlos Campos, who has served as Interim Communications Director since September, 2013. Campos will return to the Atlanta Police Department as Manager of Public Affairs, and Melissa Mullinax will serve as Deputy Director of Communications.

“Carlos is an exceptional communications leader and I am deeply grateful for his service as the interim leader of my communications team. I am confident that he will continue to serve this Administration well in his role at the Atlanta Police Department,” said Mayor Reed.

Anne Torres named City of Atlanta Director of Communications

Anne Torres

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By Joshua Smith

A long-time South DeKalb community activist, George Turner, has been nominated

to fill DeKalb County’s District 5 seat on the Board of Commissioners. The nomination, announced Aug. 11 by Interim CEO Lee May, must be approved by the board before Turner officially takes on the position. As the appointed interim commissioner for District 5, Turner will represent about 140,000 residents.

May stepped down from the District 5 post last year to accept Gov. Nathan Deal’s appointment as DeKalb’s Interim CEO after Burrell Ellis was suspended and indicted on racketeering charges.

“I can’t speak to the appointment in detail because nothing is final, but I am excited and just the possibility of me representing this District is a huge honor,” said Turner, who serves as president of the South Lithonia Neighborhood Coalition. “I’ve been ripping and running everywhere since that announcement. I may not answer the calls right away, but I appreciate all the calls, Facebook messages and positive support.”

Turner is a board member of the Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, where he lives, and has also served as the president of the DeKalb County Commission District 5 Community Council. He is a former general superintendent of MARTA.

May says the nomination was a tough decision because the two finalists his three-member appointed citizen panel presented to him have more than two decades as community activists and volunteers.

“Let me say first that this was not an easy pick by any means. Both,

Mr. Turner and Kathryn Rice’s, were very impressive,” said May. “I truly trusted the citizen panel and their recommendations of Turner and Kathryn Rice, who is president of Building Quality Communities, from a slate of 20 applicants for the job. After interviewing both candidates, I believe I made the right decision.”

DeKalb County Commissioners voted on Aug. 12 to wait two weeks before deciding whether Turner should become the temporary commissioner for District 5.

May says he was impressed by Turner’s experience with budgets and annexations.

“Mr. Turner has experience supervising operations and budgets while at MARTA. He constantly deals with annexation possibilities with his roles in neighborhood associations,” said May.

May said it was important to make an appointment to temporarily fill the District 5 seat while he serves as interim CEO.

“This seat has been left vacant way to long and District 5 residents deserve someone to address their issues directly,” said May.

Commissioner Larry Johnson, who serves as presiding officer of the board, says the board will use the time between now and the next commissioners’ meeting to meet with Turner and discuss the position with him.

“I want all the commissioners, including myself, to use this time to

meet with Mr. Turner. I wouldn’t say an interview as much as it will be independent discussions between Mr. Turner and my fellow commissioners,” said Johnson who represents DeKalb County’s District 3.

May and other officials are expecting the board to make a decision on Turner’s nomination by the next commissioners meeting on Aug. 26, 10 a.m. in the Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur.

View CEO Lee May’s YouTube video announcement on Turner’s appointment on our website at www.ocgnews.com.

George Turner nominated to lead DeKalb’s District 5

George Turner

“I can’t speak to the appointment in detail because nothing is final, but I am excited and just the possibility of me representing this District is a huge honor.”

– George Turner


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