Archive for September, 2010

Some residents have wondered aloud why Clayton’s elected officials don’t appear to work together on issues that affect the county as a whole. This mindset could be changing, thanks to the newly formed Leadership Roundtable.

Co-hosted by Lake City Mayor Willie Oswalt and Senator Gail Buckner, these monthly meetings aim to bring our leaders from all over the county together every month to communicate with each other and the public.

“The purpose of the Leadership Roundtable is to give the elected officials of Clayton County an opportunity to have on-going conversations on a regular basis,” says Buckner. “By getting together to share information about what we’re working on, we can maximize one of our most valuable resources – our time – to give and get information that is important to our community.” All county elected officials are invited to participate.

The first meeting will take place October 2 at 9:30 a.m. at the Lake City Municipal Center council chambers (5455 Jonesboro …

Continue reading Clayton leaders come together on October 2 »

Recently, two of Clayton’s best made residents proud as they were recognized for contributions in different areas.

Forest Park H.S. World Languages Department Chair and Spanish teacher Tavane Moore was one of seven teachers in the USA (out of 1,500 nominees) who won the Jones New York (JNY), Back to School, Back to Style Contest.

Moore was nominated by former student Le Quach after helping her win a five-month scholarship to study in Mali, Africa. “Señorita Moore has something I believe many people lack within their professions: passion,” states the 2010 graduate in her nomination submission. “… My peers and I have learned … valuable life skills like patience, persistence, and respect. Señorita Moore takes learning beyond the classroom IN the classroom.” Quach is currently studying at the American University in Paris.

Moore’s prizes include: a two-night stay in NYC; a $1,500 JNY Macy’s shopping spree; a head-to-toe makeover; getting “styled” by JNY Style Guy, Lloyd Boston; and …

Continue reading Jones NY rewards Forest Park educator in style »

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Like all businesses these days, Clayton County Public Schools has been forced to make tough decisions in order to balance its budget. To that end, they recently enforced a 20+ year old policy terminating bus service for students living within a mile and a half of their schools, saving the system about $4 million.

Ever since this decision was made, I have been bombarded with stories from families directly affected and their supporters. Tonight, they will ask the Board of Education to put childrens safety first by reinstating school bus service.

Although Morrow resident “Dee” has transportation to get her children to school, she supports reinstating bus service for parents without alternatives. “The State Pardon Parole and Probation Office where criminals of all kind report, including people with a history of violent crimes, is two blocks away from Jackson Elementary and one …

Continue reading Should school bus service be reinstated? »

Although it may have felt like an eternity, C-Tran riders did not have to wait long for a public transportation alternative. And the best part for Clayton taxpayers is that this new bus service is privately funded, so no new taxes will be needed.

Although still working out some kinks in its service, Quick Transit is a lifesaver and money saver for residents who depend on mass transit. ”I split $24 cab fare one-way with my sister just to get to the airport and we still had to pay to ride MARTA,” says Riverdale resident and UGA student Myisha Jones. “We lived our lives around cab rides to and from the airport so we could split the fare, it was ridiculous.”

With 11 buses in its fleet (five buses and six paratransit vans), Quick Transit runs former C-Tran routes 503 and 504, which have been renumbered under their new system.  As per the web site, former routes 501 and 502 are on the way. The full price fare has risen to $3.50; senior citizens (65+) and disabled riders pay a …

Continue reading Quick Transit provides an option to bus riders »