Voters to decide ethics, education issues and slew of other races

Tuesday is Election Day, and metro Atlanta voters will decide a slew of local races, two statehouse seats and ballot measures on ethics, cityhood and school funding.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the issues and races on the ballot.

DeKalb County

DeKalb residents have been bombarded by scandals in recent years, including criminal prosecutions of government officials and accusations of wasteful spending.

Now DeKalb voters will decide whether to overhaul the county’s ethics board. The measure would change the way the board is chosen — instead of DeKalb’s CEO and county commission appointing members, various community organizations would. And it would authorize the board to fine ethics violators up to $1,000 and refer cases for prosecution. Public officials who are convicted could face up to six months in prison.

In addition, LaVista Hills and Tucker residents will decide whether to form new cities out of unincorporated areas of DeKalb.

Gwinnett County

Gwinnett residents will consider a 1 percent sales tax for school construction, renovation and other improvements. The measure would generate an estimated $950 million over five years for Gwinnett County and Buford schools.

State and local races

Some residents of DeKalb and Rockdale counties will elect a new state representative for House District 92. Two Democrats – Doreen Carter of Lithonia and Sherri L. Washington of Conyers – are vying for the seat.

Some DeKalb, Rockdale and Newton County residents will elect a new state senator for Senate District 43. Nine candidates are competing for the seat, and there’s a good chance the race will be decided in a runoff election Dec. 8.

Area voters also will decide dozens of mayoral and city council races. In Johns Creek, for example, voters will fill four City Council posts in general or special elections. Kennesaw residents will select a mayor and three City Council members. Snellville voters also will fill the mayor’s job and three council seats.