In the battle between good, evil and education, there could not be a higher compliment than this one from the dedicated folks who tackle all the difficult issues and work hard on volunteer time to make sure the truth gets out, the rumors are discussed and the corrupt know they are being watched.
Thank you, DeKalb School Watch for inspiring us and many others to speak up and speak loudly for the many voices of the children that are not being heard.
- GTCO-ATL
CONGRATULATIONS, Get The Cell Out – Atlanta!!
Posted on August 1, 2012
Woo-hoo! You did it! Your determination and your perseverance won the day!
The “NO!” vote was 62% of the total votes cast!
Thank you, on behalf of DeKalb County’s students. Without you and your hard work, Paul Womack (who we hope will soon be a former board member) would have succeeded in selling those students down the river.
We are proud to know you.
****************************
6 Responses to CONGRATULATIONS, Get The Cell Out – Atlanta!!
GTCO-ATL says:
August 1, 2012 at 10:46 PM
Thank you School Watch and to everyone who comes here to participate in the discussions. We are so happy that the citizens of DeKalb came through for their neighbors and the children to learn about this issue and then get out and vote appropriately.
We have remained motivated to stay vigilant on this issue because it truly has helped us to work with people across all barriers that those currently in power would like to think will keep us all divided.
We have learned that there are many misunderstandings and rumors that lead us to all fight against each other when, in reality, we are all being pitted against one another when all we want are the same things (well, there are a few exceptions, but … for the most part…) ETHICS, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY and a school board that is concerned about instruction over construction (to coin a McMahon phrase).
When it came to an issue that really mattered, we were able to spread the word, work together, stand up for each other, understand one another…. it has really been inspirational at times. We still need help with putting pressure on the CEO’s office to deterine the status of these current contracts and the construction timelines. Twice our Open Records Requests have been denied for information we know they must have because it is referenced in the contracts themselves. But, we have heard some talk from Rep. Karla Drenner’s office that T-mobile is on the ropes and is considering backing out of the contracts. Perhaps Drenner will come through for us after all and negotiate with them to leave our schools alone. We will keep everyone posted if we have anything new to share!
Speaking of Womack… it’s our understanding that a person is not eligible to run for office if he/she is the holder of unaccounted for state funds. So, where exactly IS that cell tower money, anyway? Has anyone seen a projected line item, an actual or even minutes from the prior meeting where the Budget, Finance and Audit committee discussed the funds and how they would be handled?
****************************
Poster says says:
August 1, 2012 at 10:48 PM
I didn’t think that was a binding vote and didn’t think it affected the deals that have already been made. Am I correct?
****************************
Denise McGill says:
August 1, 2012 at 11:24 PM
It just goes to show you that hard work, dedication, and constant consistent, and effective communication are keys to success. GTCO have a passion, they have stayed focused, asked the hard questions and KEEP THE COMMUNITY INFORMED!!!! This is a MAJOR accomplishment and they deserve much respect and applause for their hard work and dedication.
****************************
DS_K1975 says:
August 2, 2012 at 10:18 AM
Denise…You keep fighting. Wish I still lived in DeKalb so I could vote for you.
****************************
GTCO-ATL says:
August 2, 2012 at 1:02 PM
It affects whether or not the CEO Burrell Ellis decides to sign the permits to allow the construction to go forward. I think they were hoping that voters would be uninformed and would assume, like they normally do, that anything that can get money to the schools must be a worthy cause.
Fortunately, we were able to get the word out across the county and keep pressure on the commissioners to keep everyone informed about the process. They commissioners will not approve Special Land Use Permits and have penned a joint letter to the CEO telling him that. The CEO will risk major backlash if he goes around the will of the people to approve construction now.
T-mobile has the option to back out of the contract without owing the school system any more funds, if they have paid any at all to date. Only they have an out clause based on failure to secure proper permits, so the ball is in their court.
We are hopeful that the CEO will not approve and/or that T-mobile will back down. They have already stated that they will not try to build their towers in areas they are not wanted.
We hope they are finally getting the message that they are not wanted!
****************************
No comments:
Post a Comment
We want to know what you think. Leave your respectful comments here!