DeKalb CEO Candidate Questionnaire
At Peachtree Creek Greenway Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to enhancing community engagement and promoting the importance of trails and green spaces in DeKalb County. With the 2024 elections approaching, we have reached out to candidates in the CEO race and the District One race to understand their perspectives and commitments concerning our local greenways and trails. In an effort to keep our community well-informed, we distributed a questionnaire to these candidates, focusing on their experiences, visions, and potential policies related to our trails and green spaces.
It is crucial to mention that Peachtree Creek Greenway Inc. does not endorse or recommend any candidates or their responses. Our role is strictly to facilitate communication between the candidates and the community, providing a platform where voters can learn about each candidate’s stance on issues that are important to the preservation and enhancement of our local connectivity and environment. Below, you will find the responses from the candidates, organized by each question we posed. This initiative is part of our commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged in matters that impact the quality and accessibility of our natural landscapes.
Election Day is May 21st, with Early Voting available from April 29th to May 17th. It’s important to note that DeKalb CEO and District 1 races will be determined during the May 21st election (or runoff). You can find your polling locations and sample ballots by visiting https://mvp.sos.ga.gov. Remember, decisions are made by those who show up, so make your voice heard by being part of this democratic process. Your involvement is key to shaping the future of our trails, green spaces, and overall community welfare in DeKalb County.
Steve Bradshaw: believeinsteve24.com
Lorraine Cochran-Johnson: https://lorrainefordekalbceo.com/
Larry Johnson: www.lj4ceo.com
Responses:
What is your experience with the Peachtree Creek Greenway? How has access to greenspaces and trails benefited you personally?
Steve Bradshaw: I collaborated with former Commissioner Jeff Rader on a total allocation of $499,000 to Extend South Peachtree Creek Trail. I allocated $154,000 from 2017 SPLOST Funds out of District 4 Category 1M – Commission District Discretionary Fund for planning, design, acquisition, construction of new pedestrian and bicycle connection extending the South Fork Peachtree Creek Trail from North DeKalb Mall to Orion Drive and Little Creek Horse Park. The funding authorizes The PATH Foundation to provide full professional services for landscape architecture, engineering, permitting, bidding, and contract administration for the proposed three trail segments. Myself and Jeff Rader have collaborated on the allocation of $498,970 in District 4 and District 2 discretionary funding to extend the South Peachtree Creek Trail from Medlock Park to North DeKalb Mall (Segment 2 – Orion Drive to Valley Brook Road (1.2 miles)), which I believe to be a tremendous addition to DeKalb County’s trail system. Further, I like to run and I enjoy using trails and paths for my runs. I am also a golfer and have benefitted from the occasional opportunity to play golf on some of the best golf courses and green spaces in DeKalb County.
Lorraine Chochran-Johnson: As a resident of DeKalb, I have been familiar with the Peachtree Creek Greenway. As a resident of Stonecrest, I have the luxury of having Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve within walking distance of my home. Since I have a second property near the Greenway, I usually visit the Peachtree Creek Greenway at least quarterly to enjoy its beauty and to simply engage with my neighbors and residents that I meet as a stroll.
Upon being elected, I immediately began to engage with the volunteers associated with the Greenway and it was at that time I began financially supporting the Greenway. Also, it is the result of those conversations that led to the development of the Trail Resolution to ensure dedicated funding and an actionable plan forward for strategic trail and path growth. The Trail Resolution has led to $435,000 in funding for the Comprehensive Trail Master Plan (TMP). The TMP was awarded to Toole Design Group and will be complete in August and thereafter presented to stakeholders and the community for review and formal adoption.
Through my interactions with community and Friends of Peachtree Creek I understand and support the vision is for the Greenway to run along the North Fork Peachtree Creek, from outside of I-285 until it joins the South Fork Peachtree Creek near the Lindbergh MARTA station and Path 400 in Buckhead. The significance of the Greenway has major implications for the community and the county as we see the need to increase green space, ensure trail and path development and our quality of life that such efforts afford.
Larry Johnson: I will support the expansion and improvement of trails and greenways throughout DeKalb County by leveraging public and private funding and partnerships. During my tenure as commissioner, we invested $100 million of SPLOST funding into improving our county’s infrastructure, which included our parks and nature trails. As CEO, I would push for a continued investment of SPLOST funds into the building of more trails and greenways, which are crucial to transportation, quality of life and community health. You will not find a candidate more committed to this issue. It has been a high priority; it is a high priority, and it will be a high priority.
Trails and Greenways are vital transportation alternatives that support options for residents who don’t have access to a car, have a disability, and/or prefer to get around by sustainable, healthy modes of transportation such as transit, walking, biking, etc. How will you support significantly expanding the network of trails and greenways throughout DeKalb County?
Lorraine Chochran-Johnson: Trails and Greenways are vital transportation alternatives that support options for residents who don’t have access to a car, have a disability, and/or prefer to get around by sustainable, healthy modes of transportation such as transit, walking, biking, etc.
I have supported the expansion of our trail and greenway network throughout my service as a Commissioner, by providing support to local communities and organizations as they have sought to develop trails, as well as working alongside our Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs Department to shore-up and expand greenspace, greenways, and trails as opportunities have presented themselves to acquire land. I will expand my support of our trails and greenways by establishing a Land Trust as CEO. Land Trusts are valuable tools because they conserve land by acquiring and stewarding it for conservation. I will increase efforts to ensure connectivity, because trails and greenways are important to our future from a Transit Oriented Development (TOD) perspective. My intent is to be clear as we develop our path network so that we create an engaging experience that is second to none for residents, the community, and tourists.
Larry Johnson: I will support the expansion and improvement of trails and greenways throughout DeKalb County by leveraging public and private funding and partnerships. During my tenure as commissioner, we invested $100 million of SPLOST funding into improving our county’s infrastructure, which included our parks and nature trails. As CEO, I would push for a continued investment of SPLOST funds into the building of more trails and greenways, which are crucial to transportation, quality of life and community health. You will not find a candidate more committed to this issue. It has been a high priority; it is a high priority, and it will be a high priority.
Steve Bradshaw: I fully support the expansion of network trails and will continue building on our momentum. Project goals include a trail to connect the Indian Creek MARTA Station to Memorial Drive. I have submitted a request for 2024 Congressional Community District Kensington Share Path DCS Project and Senator Ossoff has expressed interest in the project. It is currently being vetted.
As an elected official, could you please detail any initiatives or actions you have undertaken to support or improve trail systems? If you have never held office, could you describe any involvement or contributions you have made towards trail development, preservation, or enhancement?
Larry Johnson: As a DeKalb commissioner, I have supported funding for the Peachtree Creek Greenway since its inception, and I will continue to do so as DeKalb County CEO. I have supported the creation and maintenance of walking and biking trails/paths publicly and behind the scenes for two decades. Along with a $6.1 million investment to expand the Michelle Obama Walking Trail, I supported a $575,000 investment to improve Gresham Park and its surrounding nature trails. My “DeKalb Walks…For the Health of It” initiative established walking as the official exercise of DeKalb County and has encouraged our residents to become more active by utilizing our trails and greenspaces.
Steve Bradshaw: In addition to my answers above, I funded District 4 Trees and PATH Trail Community Action Group (CAG) with an allocation of $10,000 of $50,000 CAG grant funds from the District 4 Reserve for Appropriation funds.
Lorraine Chochran Johnson: As an elected official, I am the author of the DeKalb Trail Resolution that led to the Comprehensive Trail Master Plan and the commitment to the establishment of a dedicated funding source for trails. Also, I have voted to support a dedicated category in the SPLOST II Transportation Category, I have voted to approve $19,386,000 for the development of 15 miles of bicycle paths, lanes, and multi-use trails.
Key components of my Trail Resolution include:
1. Adopts a comprehensive master trail plan by 2023; and 2. Acquires land and open space as necessary to conserve greenspace and build a comprehensive network of trails; and 3. Incorporates public participation to create a comprehensive master trail plan that is vital to the planning process; and 4. Creates and promotes equitable and inclusive trail development throughout DeKalb County through the use of data and public engagement to identify areas in need of trails and greenways; and 5. Develop a comprehensive master trail development prioritization plan to outline trail development cost and work to be undertaken throughout the county to establish firm timelines for trail development. 6. DeKalb County will allocate $400,000 to develop a master trail plan. DeKalb County will establish a dedicated funding source for the development of all trails included in the master trail plan and any trails added after the master trail plan has been completed. Engagement of all local municipalities will occur throughout the process to ensure they are informed about the development of the master trail plan and aid in future planning of trails and paths in their jurisdiction.
I am the founder of EMBARC Youth Farm. E.M.B.A.R.C. stands for Education, Market, Botanicals, Agriculture, and Recreational Center and offers a state-of-the-art greenhouse, raised garden beds, recreation and five miles of natural trails currently under revitalization, due to neglect. To learn more visit www.embarcyouthfarm.org.
How do greenspaces fit into your vision for DeKalb County and how should the County protect our natural resources?
Lorraine Chochran-Johnson: DeKalb must be intentional in the creation of green space. My commitment to greenways, trails, paths, and greenspace is evident through my work. Greenspace is disappearing in DeKalb County as 80% of land has undergone development, resulting in unprecedented sprawl and in-fill development where ample greenspace and critical environmental areas must be preserved. As your CEO, I will ensure the work I have begun in expanding and completing key projects like the Peachtree Creek Greenway is completed and I will engage our residents in nature and get them walking through county sponsored events and investments in trails, greenspace, community gardens and more.
True expansion and protection of greenspace requires a strategic approach that begins with research and a commitment of funds and ends with the acquisition of land through a Land Trust and when practical financial investments using county funds. Also, I will commit a percent of Hotel-Motel Excise Tax dollars to greenspace and natural resources. Hotel-Motel Excise Tax funds are generated when an innkeepers must charge a state hotel-motel fee of $5.00 per night to hotel customers or short-term rentals for each calendar night a hotel room is rented or leased unless the rental agreement. This provides valuable revenue for county use and I will set aside a portion as a dedicated fund for greenspace, trails, and paths.
Larry Johnson: They are crucial infrastructure. Not only do they make sense for community well being, people demand them. They help clean the water and the soil. Obviously DeKalb is highly developed, which is why the county created its greenspace protection program and created the tree bank, which requires the replacement of cut-down trees. The county is working now on an urban forestry management plan, and greenspace figures heavily in the county’s current 5-year plan. Voters have consistently supported bonds to protect greenspaces, and we have worked hard to win state and federal grants. That work would continue in my administration. You will not find a candidate who will work harder on this issue.
Steve Bradshaw: Greenspace and protecting natural resources should be a priority for DeKalb County. I have allocated nearly $4 million in District 4 Park Bond funds for parks and greenspace improvements, and I have secured and allocated funding for land acquisitions and master plans for new neighborhood park developments. I have also advocated for greenspace additions in District 4 zoning matters.
What public safety measures do you consider most critical to incorporate into the development of the DeKalb County section of the Peachtree Creek Greenway and trails in general?
Larry Johnson: There are simple precautions that I will recommend as CEO, such as the use of clearly labeled signage and checkpoints to help people using the trail keep track of where they are and how far they have to go. Furthermore, I will invest in trail lighting, especially for areas such as tunnels at overpasses, bridge entrances and exits and crosswalks. I will also recommend that we utilize initiatives similar to Woodstock’s Greenprints Trail System, which is akin to a neighborhood watch program but for walking trails. This system would utilize Trail Watch volunteers to promote trail safety and to serve as a liaison between trail users and public safety personnel.
Lorraine Chochran-Johnson: Understanding our parks, trails, and greenspace, are not immune to crime and violence, I am committed to the installation of cameras, and where appropriate lights to ensure public safety. Also, I will ensure we consider safety and accessibility through ADA compliant development. I will also ensure contextually and aesthetically appropriate markers are placed at trail, path, greenspace and park entrances that outline best safety practices, including: situational awareness as one of your best defenses against crime; being aware that cell phones and earbuds may distract you and prevent you from seeing or hearing cues that could help you avert a dangerous situation; establishment of an accountability partner, by notifying the partner of your walk schedule as you enter the park with an estimated time of completion; and, understanding there is safety in numbers, always encouraging a walking buddy.
Steve Bradshaw: Pedestrian best practice safety measures, including lighting, security two-way cameras, cross walk features that enhance safety for walkers, runners, and bikers.
DeKalb County is in the process of finalizing an ambitious Trail & Greenway Master Plan that outlines a countywide interconnected system. SPLOST II is expected to generate $19 million for this effort which isn’t nearly enough. How would you support pursuing additional funding beyond SPLOST II for biking and walking infrastructure that benefits the economy, environment, and transportation?
Steve Bradshaw: As CEO, I intend to deliver a safer, cleaner, business friendlier, and more inclusive DeKalb County. To that end, I support a comprehensive Trail & Greenway Master Plan for DeKalb County. I also support allocating leveraging SPLOST II and applying for state and federal funding to implement recommendations made in the Master Plan.
Lorraine Chochran Johnson: The development of needed revenue for the expansion of trails, paths, and greenspace will require a conglomerate approach. To expand upon the$19 million SPLOST II funding allocation, I will dedicate a portion of Hotel-Motel excise Tax funds towards trails, paths, and greenspace, seek federal and state funds, and be aggressive in grant writing efforts and ongoing partnerships with key organizations and entities who can support my trail expansion efforts.
Understanding the current SPLOST II funds are not adequate, I will create a Park Bond Fund Committee to explore the possibility of a general obligation park bond referendum. In 2001 a $125 million park bond referendum was undertaken under former CEO Vernon Jones. A bond referendum was brought before the voters of DeKalb County to provide funding for trails, paths, parks and natural areas, preservation of greenspace, protection of clean water, improvement of existing parks, and the development of new park facilities. I look forward to engaging our twelve municipalities and the residents of DeKalb in formal discussion on all options and thereafter act based upon the will of the people.
Larry Johnson: As CEO, I will ensure that we go after every dollar we can from the state and federal governments, as well as private non-profit grants. We would also partner with private enterprise that value trails and greenspace protection as part of an overall development plan. Walkability is part of the future, and an ever-growing sector of the business community knows it.
