With all that DeKalb County has endured in the last decade or so, charges that the sheriff exposed himself and ran from officers in another jurisdiction probably have many residents quoting Florida Evans of the 70s sitcom “Good Times,” “Damn, damn, damn!”
Just in case you haven’t heard, DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann was arrested on the night of May 6 on charges of indecency and obstruction, violating city of Atlanta ordinances. An incident report said a police officer saw Mann expose himself and then flee when the officer identified himself and turned his flashlight on Mann. After leading the officer on a foot chase, Mann was apprehended about a quarter-mile away.
Gov. Nathan Deal has appointed a panel to investigate Mann. Based on the findings, Mann could be suspended for 90 days. In what some call a preemptive strike, Mann suspended himself for a week.
On Tuesday, he wrote a memo to sheriff’s office employees advising them of his self-imposed punishment. Mann said the suspension wasn’t an admission of guilt, but a penalty for his conduct.
Some DeKalb residents have called for Mann’s resignation. Others have called it a victimless crime and urge the county to move past it.
What do you think? What should be done about Dekalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann?
Please send comments to communitynews@ajc.com. Your responses may be used in print and/or online and may be edited for length or clarity.
AT ISSUE: WHAT SHOULD PEACHTREE CITY DO ABOUT CART PATH SAFETY?
Peachtree City is always buzzing with golf carts, but complaints continue to arise about drivers who drive too fast or pass without warning, endangering pedestrians, pets and other users of the city’s 100 miles of multi-use paths. Although the city’s safety rules stipulate that golf cart drivers must give audible warnings when approaching pedestrians, the City Council was recently approached about mandating horns on carts. The city says its existing regulations are sufficient, but we asked Peachtree City readers what improvements might be made.
Here are some replies:
The cart paths are definitely busier than when we moved to Peachtree City 30-plus years ago. Requiring registration numbers to be visible on the front and back of carts, not the sides, would help. At least there's a chance to see the number and report unsafe drivers to police. — Shelley Hamann
Teenagers getting their first taste of freedom via the golf cart have turned the cart paths in Peachtree City into a NASCAR track. These drivers feel the need to cut blind corners, turn right in front of you without slowing or signaling, and COMPLETELY ignore stop signs. People are ignoring the law setting the speed limit on carts. In addition, it does not seem that these kids understand that if you have an accident, moving violation or speeding ticket on a cart, that infraction goes on your permanent driving record. Things have got to slow down. — David Rossetti
As a 28-year resident of Peachtree City, I have considerable experience on the city's path system. One of the first things the city can do is to not allow 12- and 13-year- old kids to drive golf carts. Another thing that might help is to have middle school resource officers teach a class to eighth graders on cart path rules and safety, including a presentation showing some of the accidents involving young kids. I think it is important that all path users be courteous and follow the rules. A majority of the cart drivers are very responsible and polite, but it only takes a few to create a big problem. — James V. Kelso
Better courtesy is definitely needed, and not just from teenagers, but also parents who should lead by example. Common courtesy, common sense, and official "yield to pedestrians" signs at crosswalks would go a long way towards pedestrian and golf cart safety. — Beth Ritchey
I'd like to suggest that Peachtree City consider requiring the display of a third cart registration sticker on the back of golf carts. Then, when a cart full of teenagers dangerously blows past pedestrians without slowing down, the pedestrians may be able to take a photograph of the cart and text or email it to an address provided by the city. If several residents report the same cart, then police can take further action. — Craig Warman
Jill Howard Church for the AJC
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