About two dozen southeast DeKalb residents wearing bright green shirts saying “District 5 Matters” urged county commissioners Tuesday to find a resolution to an impasse that has left the area without a representative for nearly two years.
DeKalb commissioners then voted 4-0 to withdraw the five finalists to serve as a temporary representative as they try to find another way to resolve their long stalemate.
“We want to have a voice in making sure our district can progress and attract economic development,” said Kevin Chapman Jr., who has lived in the southeast DeKalb area for 12 years.
More than 140,000 southeast DeKalb residents have lacked a county representative since July 2013, when Gov. Nathan Deal appointed then-Commissioner Lee May to serve as DeKalb’s interim CEO, replacing suspended CEO Burrell Ellis. Ellis faces a June 1 retrial on charges that he shook down contractors for campaign contributions.
“I don’t understand how District 5 can be left out,” said Pauline Dailey, who wore a sign around her neck saying “I’m from District 5. I have no voice.”
Many residents wanted a special election to fill the seat, but that hasn’t been able to happen because May was elected as the area’s commissioner, and he hasn’t resigned. Other residents called on the commission to choose between the five candidates for the job.
May has suggested holding a straw poll at public libraries to help determine who residents want as their county commissioner.
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