After nearly two years without representation, voters in southeast DeKalb will choose a county commissioner in a special election Tuesday, a step that many residents hope will help revitalize their neglected area.
The importance of the election extends beyond the Lithonia and Stonecrest region — the winner could tip DeKalb’s balance of power. The county commission’s six current members are divided into two factions on some issues, with commissioners from the north and west at odds with those from the south and east.
Southeast DeKalb has lacked full representation since July 2013, when then-Commissioner Lee May was appointed to replace CEO Burrell Ellis while he fights corruption charges. The remaining commissioners deadlocked on nominees to succeed May, but his resignation last month cleared the way for the special election.
Ten candidates entered the race to serve the last year and half of the four-year term. The winner will represent about 144,000 residents. A runoff will be held July 14 if no candidate wins a majority.
About the candidates
Gregory Adams
Background: Emory University police officer and pastor who ran against Ellis in 2012.
Website: adams4action.com
In his words: "We're not holding these elected officials accountable, and that's why everything seems to be falling through the cracks. If I'm elected commissioner, I'll make sure to work with all commissioners to make sure we're serving the people of DeKalb County with integrity, honesty and effort. … I'm about business. I'm about growth and development. I care about people."
Harmel Deanne Codi
Background: Former DeKalb Community Development Financial Officer who resigned after she felt her allegations of bid-rigging were being ignored.
Website: codifordekalb.com
In her words: "We need integrity and trust and honestly in the leadership in DeKalb County; otherwise, we will not be able to attract the type of businesses we want to move into this community. … I've worked for DeKalb County. I know the issues and the challenges from an inside-out perspective, and I want to be the voice for working families, small businesses, DeKalb County employees and public safety officers."
Jerome Edmondson
Background: Owns call centers that employ about 1,100 people, including 200 people in DeKalb. He ran against Ellis in 2012.
Website: edmondsonfordekalb.com
In his words: "DeKalb needs a united front to look at commercial real estate in Stonecrest with the hundreds of acres here. Now it's time for us to look at (developing) Class A office space. I don't think there's a problem, but there's an opportunity for us to work together. I have the business savvy and the business skills."
Gwen Russell Green
Background: DeKalb library media specialist, poet and essayist.
Website: gwenrussellgreen.com
In her words: "I'm the everyday person. I'm not the career politician, I'm not the business owner. … Working with people is what I do every day, and that's what's needed on the commission because people don't get along. Let's focus on what's good for the whole map of DeKalb, not just one section or another."
Vaughn Irons
Background: CEO of APD Solutions, a property development company, and chairman of the board for the DeKalb Development Authority.
Website: vaughnirons.com
In his words: "I'm the candidate that's the most qualified. I can start on Day 1 and understand how our government works and how our budget cycle works. I've invested in the district. I've built and developed in the district. … Since we've been left behind the last couple of years, we don't have any time to waste with a commissioner trying to figure it out."
Mereda Davis Johnson
Background: Attorney and wife of U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga.
Website: meredafordistrict5.com
In her words: "There are potholes that need to be fixed or paved, the right-of-ways aren't kept up, you have grass growing and trash thrown on the streets. … I want to be known as the pothole commissioner because there's so many dangerous potholes in this district. We have been neglected for two years."
Gina Mangham
Background: Attorney and mediator who worked to prevent a biomass facility from being built. She ran against May in 2012.
Website: ginamangham.com
In her words: "I'm part of the new guard. A lot of these folks have been around for a long time, and I have nothing against that, but we really do need a fresh way of looking at things. I'm not an insider. I'm not a person who's sat on boards and done things the way they've always been done."
Kathryn Rice
Background: Leader of an effort to form a city of Greenhaven in South DeKalb, founder of the South DeKalb Improvement Association. She ran against Commissioner Stan Watson in 2010.
Website: www.ricefordekalb.com
In her words: "I think South DeKalb, which is where I live, is really more in need of economic development actions moreso than the north. I have an understanding of economic development and how to get out of this. I'm somebody who has leadership, who's not afraid to take a stand, who's not afraid to bring something new to the table."
Kenneth Saunders III
Background: Technology consultant and vice president of the Hidden Hills Civic Association.
Website: ks3fordekalb.com
In his words: "We have to start working together and seeing how we can bring new businesses to this area. Instead of Mercedes locating (its U.S. headquarters) in Sandy Springs, because the airport is close to us, they should have located in South DeKalb."
George Turner
Background: Retired MARTA manager and the president of the District 5 Community Council.
Website: www.turnerforcommissioner.com
In his words: "I think we're going to have to clean up and get on with some serious ethics reforms so that the people can trust their government again. … I have but one agenda, and that is to serve DeKalb County. I love it. It is my home. … You can trust in what I say, and I do what I say I'm going to do."
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