Issue Position: DeKalb County Reform

Issue Position

Since taking office, I have been a leader on reforming government. I have taken an especially active role in reforming DeKalb County. Most of the 81st House District is located in DeKalb.

In 2013, I was the first elected official to recommend that the DeKalb County School Board be removed and replaced by the governor. This was a difficult decision because the board members had been elected by their communities. However, the threat of the school system potentially losing accreditation was too great so I knew we had to take action. Today, our school system is fully accredited and performing better.

In 2015, I was the House author of bills that improved ethics, transparency, and accountability in DeKalb. These important proposals were passed as House Bills 597, 598, and 599 and have already made a positive effect on county governance.

In 2016, I authored legislation to reform the county government by moving away from the CEO model and replacing it with an elected chair and a professional county manager. This is more than a simple name change. It is about changing the structure--which means shifting power and responsibilities--to make the county government work better and to reduce corruption.

For this effort to pass, it must be inclusive and there must be support from across the county. I have spoken about this proposal across DeKalb and will continue to be an advocate for this reform. I have studied the issue extensively and believe this structural change will help to improve governance--but in the end we will still need to elect quality leaders.

Ultimately, any change would need to be approved by the voters.

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