Commissioner Terry Embarks on Second Term with Vision for a Greener DeKalb

DEKALB COUNTY – The following is a statement from Commissioner Terry (D-Super District 6) following his re-election this week: 

“I am honored to continue serving as the Super District 6 Commissioner and I am grateful for your confidence, trust and support. My team and I are excited to build on this momentum over the next four years, working hand-in-hand with our constituents to continue efforts to improve equity, quality of life, and an even healthier, more sustainable future for DeKalb County.

“I would also like to formally congratulate CEO Elect Lorraine Cochran Johnson, and officially welcome DeKalb County District 4 Commissioner Elect Chakira Johnson and the additional members of the “Team” that represent DeKalb County that successfully won their respective seats: Congressman Hank Johnson, Congresswoman Nikema Williams, State Senator Emmanuel Jones, State Senator Sally Harrell, State Senator Kim Jackson, State Senator Randal Mangham, State Representative Long Tran, State Representative Karen Lupton, State Representative Imani Barnes, State Representative Billy Mitchell, State Representative Scott Holcomb, and neighboring Henry County State Representative El-Mahdi Holly and State Representative Regina Lewis-Ward.

“I look forward to collaborating and supporting initiatives and programs that mutually support our dedication to the people that live, work and visit our great DeKalb County!”

Commissioner Ted Terry Advocates for Responsible Watershed Management and Fair Sewer Fee Solutions

Urges targeted relief to protect seniors, residents with disabilities and underserved communities 

DEKALB COUNTY – The following is a statement from Commissioner Ted Terry in response to yesterday’s Board of Commissioners meeting, where the water and sewer rate increase was discussed:

“The Watershed Management Department oversees over 5,000 miles of water and wastewater pipes, a vital service that protects public health and supports environmental sustainability. However, years of underfunding have put the reliability of this system at risk.

“I understand the concerns about fee increases, which is why I introduced a resolution today to ensure we’re managing resources responsibly. Through regular operational audits of the Watershed Management Department, we can guarantee that every dollar spent delivers value to our community and keeps this essential service sustainable for future generations.

“I am also proud to support Commissioner Long Spear’s resolution that will protect seniors, residents with disabilities and underserved communities from being disproportionately affected by the new rate increases. This approach will maintain fairness for all ratepayers while safeguarding the long-term reliability of our water and sewer services. It’s about striking the right balance—ensuring everyone contributes fairly without placing an undue burden on any group.”

CPACS Statement

The Center for Pan Asian Community Services has been a vital asset to our community for 40 years. I have been proud to work alongside the organization many times throughout my career. Most notably, I had the honor of partnering with them when drafting last year’s resolution condemning AAPI violence, xenophobia and hate following March 2021’s tragic shootings. I am saddened to learn of these recent developments. I hope the staff and board can weather this storm, but I am most concerned about the people who depend on CPACS services. I encourage our community to rally together during this difficult time, supporting each other and helping to fill the gaps as CPACS determines what I’m sure will be a brighter, better future. 

Roe V. Wade Statement

For 50 years, rights to bodily autonomy were protected. For 50 years, though challenged countless times, the right to choose was safe. Today, the Supreme Court took us back 50 years with the overturning of Roe v Wade, the first step to advance toward a nationwide ban. No longer, per the Bench’s decision, should a woman or someone who can get pregnant have any say in their reproductive rights. In a nation where gun laws have been overturned, where Juul e-cigarettes have been labeled as a more dangerous threat than bullets, we are continuing to see the rights of our citizens stripped away, now targeting those who can get pregnant.

While we knew this decision was looming, it does not make the sting, disappointment and sadness of the overturn of this landmark case any less potent. It also does not make abortions go away, only less safe and further out of reach for the poor and marginalized communities. To those of you devastated by this news, please know that I am with you. I am with you, and I will fight for you to have a right to your bodily autonomy. Decisions over your body should not be left to the government, and the consequences of this loom large.

Now is not the time to give up, though. The court may have failed us, but there is still hope if we fight for each other. Fight by voting to expand the Senate Majority in November. Fight by supporting organizations such as Planned Parenthood. Fight by voting in our state’s gubernatorial election. We must rally together and take action to protect the rights of our fellow citizens now, and every day going forward. 

It is a dark and heartbreaking day in our country’s history. May we all come together and grieve, offer comfort to those directly affected by this decision, and keep our spark to fight alive.

–– Commissioner Ted Terry

DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Passes Ukraine Resolution 

DEKALB COUNTY, GA (March 8, 2022)  -– The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners voted to support the people of Ukraine, passing a resolution allying the county with the Eastern European nation during the Board of Commissioners meeting held on Tuesday, March 8.  The resolution was introduced last week by Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, who sought to solidify the county’s stance as a global community against unjust conflict.

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Standing in opposition to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Super District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry introduced a resolution that firmly cemented DeKalb County’s support of Ukraine and its people during the Board of Commissioners meeting held on Tuesday, March 1. 

Terry stated that as a global community, it’s vital that DeKalb take a stand against the unjust and unwarranted attacks against Ukraine, which has led to one of the worst humanitarian crises Europe has seen since World War II. 

Commissioner Terry’s Official Statement:

“Today we reaffirmed our solidarity with the Ukrainian people and recommitted to our stance as a welcoming and compassionate county. The world matters to DeKalb County,” Terry said. “More than half a million men, women, and children have already been displaced in Ukraine. It’s more important than any point in modern history for us to continue to shine our lamp beside the golden door, to the tempest-tost, persecuted families.” 

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