Our Conversation with Commissioner LaDena Bolton | Super District 7: täielik transkriptsioon

00:02:09.759 And so I'll rep that. 00:02:09.919 --> 00:02:13.680 The Cap County, woop-woop, woop-woop, all that good stuff. 00:02:13.840 --> 00:02:19.280 So anyway, I know that a lot of people should know who you are. 00:02:19.360 --> 00:02:24.479 And if you live in Stone Crest, you absolutely should know who this beautiful young lady is. 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:31.840 So, for those who don't know, can you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about who you are, Commissioner Bolton? 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:32.639 Absolutely. 00:02:32.719 --> 00:02:34.560 It would be my pleasure to do so. 00:02:34.800 --> 00:02:38.240 I am Ladena Bolton, affectionately known as Dr. 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:48.080 B in the community, but I am the Super District 7 Commissioner right here in DeCap County, which is literally the entire eastern half of the county. 00:02:48.319 --> 00:02:58.560 So though we are in Stonecrest, which is included in District 7, that's as far north as Doorville, Tucker Stone, Mountain Stonecrest, Lithonia, all the way down to Ellenwood. 00:02:58.719 --> 00:03:03.599 So that is a huge district to cover, nearly 400,000 people. 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:08.800 But because I was raised here, went to Avondale High School, graduated in 2002. 00:03:09.039 --> 00:03:11.360 Avondale was the first school of the arts. 00:03:11.439 --> 00:03:13.120 I know we have DSA now. 00:03:13.280 --> 00:03:18.080 Um but because I was raised here, I'm raising my children here, my husband teaches here. 00:03:18.319 --> 00:03:22.159 It's um more of passion and purpose work. 00:03:22.319 --> 00:03:34.400 I love doing it because it gives me an opportunity to achieve some of the things that I wanted for myself or that my parents wanted for me when I was growing up, and obviously that I want for my children as well. 00:03:34.560 --> 00:03:39.680 But something folks may not know about me, I am a chemist. 00:03:39.840 --> 00:03:46.560 I have a PhD in chemistry, which is where the doctor comes from, for the folks who do refer to me as Dr. 00:03:46.719 --> 00:03:47.039 B. 00:03:47.520 --> 00:04:01.520 And um I've only been in the seat for a year, but proudly this year, 2026, my peers elected me to be deputy presiding officer over the board of commissioners, which is another level of responsibility. 00:04:01.680 --> 00:04:18.399 So I I think my experience coming from uh serving in the as a forensic chemist for the army, but also corporate experience just really laid the foundation for me to be able to serve the cab the way that I do. 00:04:18.720 --> 00:04:22.000 Had no idea about any of those credentials. 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:28.160 Girl, I mean, excuse me, doctor, commissioner, bolton. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:29.040 See, I like to. 00:04:29.199 --> 00:04:32.160 I identify as girl too, but do your thing. 00:04:32.319 --> 00:04:34.000 You know, sister. 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:36.720 No, that is amazing. 00:04:36.879 --> 00:04:49.839 It is so if anyone is wondering about intellect, about what makes her qualified, about her ability to stay the course, because you I stopped chemistry at chemistry. 00:04:50.079 --> 00:05:00.319 You know, I was like the third halfway through the first semester, I was like, you know what, I I think this is a C class for me as well. 00:05:00.720 --> 00:05:06.639 This is the class that I am not gonna put enough effort into because no, I don't want to. 00:05:06.959 --> 00:05:08.240 No, so this is the thing. 00:05:08.480 --> 00:05:19.279 Most people, when they first learn chemistry, usually like in high school, it's the way it's taught is so abstract, it's hard to grasp the concepts of it. 00:05:19.759 --> 00:05:26.560 But if, for example, I used to work at Coca-Cola, I was a beverage forensic chemist at Coke. 00:05:26.720 --> 00:05:48.240 And if you come up to Coca-Cola and you get an opportunity to formulate the beverages, which is um a part of the job of being a scientist, there, like you can smell, taste, feel, hear, because when you open the can, you hear the like all of the five senses are engaged in the science of creating this beverage that everybody loves. 00:05:48.480 --> 00:05:57.680 If you teach chemistry or any science for that matter, with something that is tangible that people can attach themselves to, you would love it just as much as I do. 00:05:58.399 --> 00:06:02.160 See, now I have to ask you something off camera about Cope. 00:06:03.199 --> 00:06:03.839 Oh no. 00:06:04.560 --> 00:06:05.040 All right. 00:06:06.639 --> 00:06:08.639 You know, we cut that out if we need to. 00:06:09.759 --> 00:06:10.639 Everybody asks that. 00:06:11.040 --> 00:06:13.439 And they need to before it was illegal. 00:06:13.600 --> 00:06:14.480 I know, I know. 00:06:14.639 --> 00:06:17.839 I think they still do because uh addicts. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:18.720 We some addicts. 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:27.600 There are some addicts, uh, full diabetics, you know, giving themselves injections while drinking the Coca-Cola, but I know it's because they have smart people like you, part of it. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:29.040 That is great information. 00:06:29.120 --> 00:06:43.920 Now I feel like I know you that much more, and I don't even want to ask you about why you're here because I just want to learn more about that super amazing part because it's not very often that you come across a chemist of any particular class of group or folks. 00:06:44.000 --> 00:06:47.120 So seeing a black woman chemist, I'm feeling super honored. 00:06:47.199 --> 00:06:49.680 So thank you again for being here for on another level. 00:06:49.839 --> 00:06:52.160 Also, thank you for your service and time in the military. 00:06:52.319 --> 00:06:53.519 We appreciate that too. 00:06:54.000 --> 00:06:58.879 So, with that being said, can you talk to us a little bit about your role and your seat? 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:03.680 Like you said, you've only been there for a year, and but I'm sure you came in with a plan. 00:07:03.839 -->

00:07:12.160 Can you talk to us a bit about that plan, how much you've been able to achieve and your vision going forward for the seat of commissioner for Super District 7? 00:07:12.560 --> 00:07:13.680 Absolutely. 00:07:13.839 --> 00:07:29.360 Um, because this position was my first time in elected office, I knew that there was going to be a learning curve and that I needed to make sure my team and I were prepared to come in strong and hit the ground running. 00:07:29.600 --> 00:07:43.680 Because you might remember in 2024, um, several of the commissioners who were interested in running for CEO had to step away from their seats as commissioners. 00:07:43.920 --> 00:07:52.879 And that put the community in a position where for nearly nine to ten months, something like that, we were unrepresented in districts three and district seven. 00:07:53.040 --> 00:07:56.959 So coming in, I knew people had real needs, real expectations. 00:07:57.199 --> 00:07:59.120 There was a sense of urgency. 00:07:59.600 --> 00:08:09.600 And because it was only two more years left in that term, there wasn't a whole lot of time to uh use to figure things out. 00:08:09.759 --> 00:08:11.600 You had to be ready on day one. 00:08:11.920 --> 00:08:21.120 And so I'm proud to say that just starting out, one of the things that my team and I did was to visit every department, division, court, constitutional office. 00:08:21.199 --> 00:08:28.560 And we didn't get to everybody, but we did meet with a majority of folks and got a lot of great information. 00:08:28.720 --> 00:08:32.480 Um, uh, got to see where our values aligned. 00:08:32.639 --> 00:08:36.320 But I think the most important meeting is in January. 00:08:36.480 --> 00:08:38.960 So I was elected in December 2024. 00:08:39.120 --> 00:08:46.000 In January, we held three town halls across the district from north to south, as I described earlier. 00:08:46.159 --> 00:09:06.799 And in those town halls, being a nerdy scientist that I am, we did real-time surveys and evaluations of the community digitally, asking what their expectations were, what their priorities are for the county, for your specific community, really detailed questions so we could see how to prioritize for 2025. 00:09:06.960 --> 00:09:12.559 What things were we gonna actively work toward, which would be more immediate, which will take a little bit of time. 00:09:12.720 --> 00:09:26.000 So, of course, I came in wanting to do things, talk to the departments to see what was feasible, but it was more important to address the concerns of the people, and we used uh surveys and real information, real data to do that. 00:09:26.159 --> 00:09:30.559 And the top priorities were, of course, folks wanted to feel safe. 00:09:30.720 --> 00:09:37.440 They wanted housing security, um, business growth and development, youth programs, senior programs. 00:09:37.519 --> 00:09:39.919 So we focused on all of those things last year. 00:09:40.159 --> 00:09:55.039 When you say you focused

on all of those things, are there any key things that you pulled from that survey that you can say that you were able to put a check mark next to, like, oh, this has been resolved, or we're really close and there should be a solution coming soon that you could share with us today? 00:09:55.279 --> 00:09:56.240 Oh, absolutely. 00:09:56.320 --> 00:09:57.759 Uh it's a whole host of things. 00:09:57.919 --> 00:10:00.080 We'll be here all day if I talk about everything. 00:10:00.240 --> 00:10:11.039 So a few of the things that I am excited about, um, number one, when it comes to housing, we have some great organizations like House ATL, we have housing roundtables. 00:10:11.279 --> 00:10:15.759 Uh, CEO recently she appointed Dr. 00:10:15.840 --> 00:10:18.799 Ferguson as our first chief housing officer. 00:10:18.960 --> 00:10:23.039 And the board of commissioners, of course, approved a comprehensive housing plan. 00:10:23.120 --> 00:10:26.559 So we had all these pieces, all these tools in the toolkit. 00:10:26.799 --> 00:10:29.600 District 7 saw opportunities to do more. 00:10:29.840 --> 00:10:32.399 So we partnered with a couple organizations. 00:10:32.559 --> 00:10:36.480 One in particular is NACA, and you guys might be familiar with NACA. 00:10:36.639 --> 00:10:40.799 They're the organization that helps people get into affordable homes. 00:10:40.960 --> 00:10:47.919 They give you a tailor-made plan to help you prepare for this new investment and sustain the investment. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:54.480 And so, um, primarily through the CEO's office, but we've been working with some of the partners like Donna Vienne. 00:10:54.720 --> 00:11:04.639 And in February as well as March, they came and they helped collectively about 12,000 people transition from renters to home ownership. 00:11:05.279 --> 00:11:10.399 And so we're also working with him to bring another program in September. 00:11:10.639 --> 00:11:23.759 But the reason this is really exciting for us is because we had already been talking with our Realtors Association, the president, namely Stacey Thibodeau, and we were telling her we want to start tracking the numbers. 00:11:24.000 --> 00:11:30.720 We know that in DeCab County, only 59% of folks actually own the homes that they live in. 00:11:30.960 --> 00:11:33.759 We our goal was to help increase that to 75%. 00:11:34.240 --> 00:11:36.639 Not that we could do it immediately, it's gonna take time. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:37.360 But a plan. 00:11:37.759 --> 00:11:43.039 But yeah, but we have to track what we're doing in order to know we're moving in that direction. 00:11:43.279 --> 00:11:47.679 So through conversations with her, we had already identified means to do that. 00:11:47.759 --> 00:11:54.159 And so the partnership with NACA is one of the most seamless ways to do that. 00:11:54.320 --> 00:12:03.360 We know how many people are coming in, we know our baseline, our standard for how many folks need homes versus those who need to sustain their homes. 00:12:03.519 --> 00:12:08.639 And so we have been working with to build a system to track all of this. 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:22.240 But it is just so rewarding to see all of those folks coming in, needing help, and leaving with a real plan or a commitment for their first home, their dream home, their starter home, whatever it is. 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:29.600 So that that has been a huge thing that we were excited about last year and want to keep moving forward with that initiative. 00:12:29.919 --> 00:12:31.120 I think that's amazing. 00:12:31.279 --> 00:12:39.919 I have family members who have benefited from NACA, at least three that I was able to think of offhand while you were telling the story, like, oh yes, and friends. 00:12:40.159 --> 00:12:47.200 So to know that there's a direct link and partnership in the county, I think that's super important and something that needs to be highlighted. 00:12:47.279 --> 00:12:48.879 So congrats on that for sure. 00:12:49.840 --> 00:12:53.279 To make it more accessible and also everything is about awareness. 00:12:53.440 --> 00:12:54.960 Everyone doesn't know about the program. 00:12:55.440 --> 00:13:06.320 So some of the things that you guys have going on, like that partnership with NAC, is there somewhere that we can go to kind of learn a little bit more about the things that you're currently working on and to get them kind of single source? 00:13:06.399 --> 00:13:14.879 Like, oh, we know you're working for us, but is there a place where we could say, well, yes, she's doing that, or no, she isn't doing that, or let's ask her if we can get this done. 00:13:15.039 --> 00:13:17.279 Is there somewhere we can reach you to do that? 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:18.240 Absolutely. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:26.639 So we try to be as uh conversational, as communicative, and transparent on social media. 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:30.799 We try to do all the things, um, especially on Instagram. 00:13:30.960 --> 00:13:37.120 We get uh a lot more engagement there at Commissioner Ladena Bolton as well as Facebook. 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:42.000 But we have a website as well, which is also commissionerladinabolton.com. 00:13:42.159 --> 00:13:52.879 And while we're talking about the website, I want to share something that we're trying to do different on ours that no other organizations have done yet, but they may have something similar. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:14:07.120 One of the concerns that we had through our surveys from the community, um, as I discussed, we we survey the community each year, is that there isn't a central location to get information about what all is occurring. 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:21.840 So if I'm a mother and I want programming for my children, if I'm a senior and I want to know what's going on for whether it's housing for seniors, activities for seniors, in any group, any community, pets, what have you. 00:14:22.159 --> 00:14:33.279 Um, so what we've done on our website, we've had our developer build

in a calendar where organizations can come in and add their events to our calendar. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:46.320 And then any community member who would like to see if there's something specific to their need can filter their need and identify what is going on over the next couple of weeks. 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:54.559 So you don't have to go to each individual organization separately, it's more of a community calendar that everybody can add to. 00:14:54.960 --> 00:15:01.200 I love that idea because that was one of the reasons and inspirations behind us starting the Stonecrest podcast. 00:15:01.279 --> 00:15:02.799 It was difficult to find information. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:04.960 We needed a permit to build out our basement. 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.559 We drove to the Cav County. 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:08.480 DeCav County said you need to go to Stonecrest. 00:15:08.559 --> 00:15:10.720 Stonecrest is like, no, go back to DeCav County. 00:15:10.799 --> 00:15:12.159 Nobody knows how much it costs. 00:15:12.480 --> 00:15:21.759 You know, so all of those things, that's just a small thing, obviously, but the idea that we can have a single source and it's easy to find on the website. 00:15:21.840 --> 00:15:28.879 I can understand for the county, there's so much information and you have to weave and go through it, but just to be able to have a place to stay. 00:15:28.960 --> 00:15:31.440 Like if there's something fun to do, come here. 00:15:31.600 --> 00:15:37.279 If there's something programmatic and helpful and it's a nonprofit opportunity, look for it here. 00:15:37.360 --> 00:15:39.919 And I think that that's that's gonna be a great solution. 00:15:40.080 --> 00:15:42.480 So now that's my shameless plug. 00:15:42.639 --> 00:15:45.759 I need all y'all to actually use the calendar for it to work. 00:15:45.840 --> 00:15:49.200 You gotta put stuff on it so people can have something to go to. 00:15:49.440 --> 00:15:50.960 Thank you so much for sharing all the stuff. 00:15:51.039 --> 00:15:52.799 I know we're gonna use the calendar. 00:15:52.960 --> 00:15:53.919 We better use it. 00:15:54.159 --> 00:15:55.440 Better use the calendar. 00:15:55.759 --> 00:16:03.519 But you've talked already about so many things, things I didn't know about you, things that you're doing that I wasn't fully aware of. 00:16:03.759 --> 00:16:12.000 And a lot of the information I find from you is secondhand, is what other people are sharing on the internet about what is coming from District 7. 00:16:12.240 --> 00:16:15.279 So, can you talk to us a bit about what's actually happening? 00:16:15.440 --> 00:16:21.840 There's a quite a bit of, in my opinion, of misinformation and like keyboard warrior type folks. 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:26.159 So I don't want to say what I'm gonna say because it may not be politically correct. 00:16:26.240 --> 00:16:33.440 So I'm gonna give you the floor if you could and um talk a little bit about some of the things that may be misunderstood that's coming from your office. 00:16:33.759 --> 00:16:34.080 Thank you. 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:36.639 I appreciate the opportunity to do that. 00:16:36.799 --> 00:16:42.000 Uh I know one of the big topics recently has been about the data centers. 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:48.159 Um, and folks are misunderstanding either the county's role or commissioners' positions. 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:58.960 Uh, I'm proud to say in every meeting where the data centers have come up, I have had no qualms about being very clear and transparent on what my position is. 00:16:59.039 --> 00:17:06.160 Um, and you can go to any meeting to see that I've clearly said I do not support data centers and residential communities. 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:11.039 And that's the a position I think the county as a whole has taken. 00:17:11.200 --> 00:17:19.519 So when it comes to data centers in DeCAP County, uh the commissioners don't immediately get informed when there's an interest. 00:17:19.599 --> 00:17:26.079 It goes to the planning department first because, of course, there are certain applications you have to fill out. 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:31.599 There are inquiries, there are requirements, and not everybody wants to do that or pay the fees. 00:17:31.680 --> 00:17:35.599 So they, if you don't go through the process, then it doesn't get to the commissioners. 00:17:36.079 --> 00:17:44.960 But immediately upon us being informed that there was interest, uh, one of my colleagues made the motion for a moratorium. 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:47.200 I was the one that seconded that motion. 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:52.880 Unfortunately, only four of the seven commissioners voted to stop data center development. 00:17:53.440 --> 00:17:56.720 And that's not to throw any shade on any of the other commissioners. 00:17:56.799 --> 00:17:58.559 It was a brand new concept. 00:17:58.799 --> 00:18:13.279 No one uh was really aware or familiar with what could potentially take place, which is why I felt it was important just to stop until we can be educated and understand a bit better. 00:18:13.440 --> 00:18:25.039 Um and I would venture to say, even um, because there were only four of us to vote for that halt, without any one of us, then there would be no halt on data centers. 00:18:25.200 --> 00:18:28.319 We were all necessary, all four votes were necessary. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:33.680 And so since then I've voted four times to stop data center development. 00:18:33.839 --> 00:18:37.359 Um, and it's given us the opportunity to put regulations in place. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:43.599 I think one of the other misnomers is that we've heard folks say, well, why don't you just ban them? 00:18:44.160 --> 00:18:46.720 Because the state of Georgia says that's not legal. 00:18:46.960 --> 00:18:50.480 For most businesses, you can't ban them from any community. 00:18:50.559 --> 00:18:53.759 But what the state says you can do is you can regulate them. 00:18:54.079 --> 00:18:55.680 You can heavily regulate

them. 00:18:56.079 --> 00:19:07.359 And that's what we've been doing over the past years, strengthening the regulations, looking at what the other jurisdictions have done, where they've succeeded, where the percep perception is that they failed. 00:19:07.920 --> 00:19:17.359 And we're taking all of that information, comments from the community to make sure where folks want to say yes and it makes sense to say yes, you can. 00:19:17.599 --> 00:19:27.920 But if your answer is a firm no, then you have the capability to do that, and you're backed by legislation supported by both the county and the state of Georgia. 00:19:28.240 --> 00:19:28.559 Okay. 00:19:29.279 --> 00:19:32.079 You shared a lot, and I feel like it was critical. 00:19:32.240 --> 00:19:35.279 I do have one follow-up question in regards to that. 00:19:35.519 --> 00:19:47.039 So you guys are working on legislation, or the legislation is already complete, or it's a breathing document right now for where we stand with data centers. 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:50.640 I think that's probably No, that that's a great question. 00:19:50.960 --> 00:20:00.799 And the reason it's so good is because currently in DeCab County's ordinance and DeCab County's law, data center doesn't even exist. 00:20:00.960 --> 00:20:02.160 It's not a thing. 00:20:02.480 --> 00:20:20.880 So what the developers were trying to do, because there was no classification for data centers, they were going to try to build under the description of being a storage, like any of the other public storage facilities that you see any and everywhere all over the county. 00:20:21.119 --> 00:20:22.400 That's immediately deceptive. 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:25.279 Because I mean, technically they store data. 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:26.000 They store. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.920 I'm sh I'm sorry. 00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:31.119 Look, you almost have me come, I'm losing my religion. 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:32.079 Go ahead, please. 00:20:32.559 --> 00:20:34.880 Yeah, and that and that's what was so concerning. 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:36.799 We like, wait a minute, hold on now. 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:38.799 This is not traditional storage. 00:20:39.039 --> 00:20:43.119 Um, so it does not exist at all in DeCab County law. 00:20:43.279 --> 00:20:51.599 So they could technically build by right because it doesn't exist, but the moratorium has helped us to put the language together. 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:58.880 So it's a draft document that we refer to as a text amendment to the county code or the county laws. 00:20:58.960 --> 00:20:59.200 Okay. 00:20:59.359 --> 00:21:01.200 But we haven't approved it yet. 00:21:01.440 --> 00:21:04.160 So it still technically doesn't exist. 00:21:04.559 --> 00:21:12.559 It's just a proposal or a draft document that we're hoping to approve after the community has confirmed that they're comfortable with it. 00:21:12.799 --> 00:21:13.279 Gotcha. 00:21:13.440 --> 00:21:20.559 So the community um has the opportunity to come to a commissioner's meeting or are there gonna be town halls? 00:21:20.720 --> 00:21:24.480 How will they learn more about the key points in the legislation you guys have written? 00:21:24.799 --> 00:21:25.359 Absolutely. 00:21:25.519 --> 00:21:35.440 So we've had several town halls, um commissioners, CEO, some of our partners, and um they will continue. 00:21:35.920 --> 00:21:42.240 The majority of folks who do share their concerns, it's either through email and we do read every last one of them. 00:21:42.400 --> 00:21:47.279 And email is actually very helpful because now we have something tangible to refer back to. 00:21:47.440 --> 00:21:48.240 I will say that. 00:21:48.400 --> 00:21:49.680 Thank you for the emails. 00:21:49.920 --> 00:21:54.720 But we also have folks who come to the Board of Commissioners meetings on Tuesdays at 9 a.m. 00:21:55.039 --> 00:21:56.960 178 Sam Street. 00:21:57.200 --> 00:21:59.759 But they'll come up to the meetings during public comments. 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.920 And share their concerns with us. 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:07.359 And we do have our team members to take notes, go and chat with them, get their information so we can record it. 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:20.799 But like I said, I appreciate the emails because I get links to data, comprehensive information that's easy to go back and share with our planning department to say, hey, how can we integrate this into the code? 00:22:21.039 --> 00:22:21.519 I see. 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.480 I like that. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:24.400 Can I pivot a little bit around? 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:25.599 Thank you for clearing that up. 00:22:25.920 --> 00:22:28.400 Hopefully that helps many of you out there. 00:22:28.640 --> 00:22:32.640 But you also can go to Commissioner LydinaBolton.com, I'm sure, and learn more. 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:37.440 But nonetheless, AI, what is your thought about it? 00:22:37.519 --> 00:22:39.440 Because that's what the data centers are here for. 00:22:39.839 --> 00:22:59.599 So just giving us a little bit about your stance and your thoughts around AI and its benefits towards our communities, meaning black communities as well as just small businesses and Super District 7, which is the full gamut of all of those three. 00:22:59.920 --> 00:23:04.960 We are a mortgage board of incomes, of community demographics. 00:23:05.119 --> 00:23:07.680 What do you think about AI as a tool? 00:23:07.839 --> 00:23:12.000 What do you think about the need for data centers to support it going forward? 00:23:12.319 --> 00:23:18.480 I will say first, the idea of data centers is not a new concept. 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:25.359 The earlier versions of it were established like in the early 1900s, but they weren't this advanced. 00:23:25.599 --> 00:23:27.039 They were not by any means. 00:23:27.599 --> 00:23:29.200 When is the early 1900s? 00:23:29.279 --> 00:23:30.079 Because I got scared. 00:23:31.519 --> 00:23:33.279 Because I was born in the 1900s.

00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:35.680 I know my husband says that to my children. 00:23:35.839 --> 00:23:38.799 I was born in 1979. 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:39.680 Him, not me. 00:23:40.640 --> 00:23:42.240 1979. 00:23:42.319 --> 00:23:45.359 I said, okay, old man, that does sound really old when you say that. 00:23:48.240 --> 00:23:49.519 I'm an 80s baby. 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.599 Me, girl, me too. 00:23:51.759 --> 00:23:52.799 We in there together. 00:23:53.279 --> 00:23:54.319 Get in there. 00:23:55.680 --> 00:24:02.000 But so of course, as technology has advanced, AI compatible devices have been established. 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:18.000 But um it definitely advances quality of life, but we have to be careful with it because with every advancement, there's always the potential to compromise as well. 00:24:18.480 --> 00:24:24.720 So I love to see students using it in the right way, business owners. 00:24:24.960 --> 00:24:46.880 I've been trying to encourage the county to use it more, to be quite honest, because residents talk about wanting more efficiency, want processes to be streamlined, just quicker response times, you know, and technology helps you to do that, which AI is a part of the technology or technological upgrade that could help us. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:52.559 But folks are skeptical because it's still, we still really don't know how to use it. 00:24:52.720 --> 00:24:58.000 Um, but we have worked with lots of partners who are willing to train and have trained. 00:24:58.319 --> 00:25:20.240 But I I look forward to seeing how we grow intellectually into using AI, but we have to balance how quickly we receive and accept it because we don't want folks who have ill will to misuse the technology and take advantage. 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.440 Absolutely. 00:25:21.759 --> 00:25:22.559 Well said. 00:25:22.880 --> 00:25:28.480 I do um argue with my husband in regards to creating a dependency on it. 00:25:28.640 --> 00:25:31.519 So he is a software developer by trade. 00:25:31.599 --> 00:25:33.039 That's what he went to school to do. 00:25:33.759 --> 00:25:36.960 So he's like super into AI, and I'm like, I refuse. 00:25:37.519 --> 00:25:40.240 I will not allow AI to give me the answer to this. 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:42.079 I was like, it's gonna be like telephone numbers. 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:43.759 No one knows a telephone number anymore. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:44.319 I know. 00:25:44.799 --> 00:25:48.160 Look, I'm still trying to learn my oldest son's telephone number. 00:25:48.240 --> 00:25:51.200 And he turned happy birthday, Makai Bolton. 00:25:51.359 --> 00:25:52.880 He turned 20 on Tuesday. 00:25:53.039 --> 00:25:54.000 Oh, look at him. 00:25:54.160 --> 00:25:55.680 Happy birthday, Mr. 00:25:55.839 --> 00:25:56.559 Bolton. 00:25:56.799 --> 00:25:58.079 That is my big baby. 00:25:58.319 --> 00:25:59.839 You're not a teen anymore. 00:26:00.079 --> 00:26:01.759 I know, my big baby. 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:02.400 I don't know. 00:26:02.559

--> 00:26:04.559 These kids, they grow up so fast. 00:26:04.720 --> 00:26:05.440 Mine is 12. 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:10.000 I'm trying to hold on to her, but she's she's breaking loose. 00:26:10.240 --> 00:26:16.240 That's spring by she came downstairs the other day and she had put little curls in her hair. 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:18.000 I said, Hey, where'd you get that idea? 00:26:18.160 --> 00:26:20.079 It was it was just it was just odd. 00:26:20.640 --> 00:26:23.440 Two little, they're not parted evenly either. 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:29.119 But nonetheless, she took I know she took her time and she felt cute when she walked down them stairs. 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:33.119 Smiled so big, and then her dad, oh wow, you look pretty, baby. 00:26:33.200 --> 00:26:38.400 And I'm like, oh, but that that's the only compliment that matters. 00:26:38.559 --> 00:26:38.799 Right. 00:26:38.960 --> 00:26:39.359 It does. 00:26:39.440 --> 00:26:40.960 And I have three boys, though. 00:26:41.039 --> 00:26:43.039 I don't have those experiences. 00:26:43.200 --> 00:26:45.200 It's cool to hear you talk about it though. 00:26:45.759 --> 00:26:49.119 Listen, being a girl mom, I didn't think that was in the cards for me. 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:51.200 I knew the Lord was gonna give me a boy. 00:26:51.440 --> 00:26:54.400 And um I got a girl, you know. 00:26:54.640 --> 00:26:57.440 He he he he sent her on in. 00:26:57.680 --> 00:27:00.880 And she's developed me in a way I never imagined. 00:27:01.119 --> 00:27:01.759 I know that's right. 00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:03.440 Never imagined, but here I am. 00:27:03.759 --> 00:27:04.160 Growth. 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.319 Major growth. 00:27:06.640 --> 00:27:08.000 Nonetheless, no, she's sweet. 00:27:08.079 --> 00:27:08.720 She's a sweet. 00:27:08.799 --> 00:27:09.680 I love that baby. 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:13.599 She's bigger, she's almost bigger than me, but it's okay. 00:27:13.920 --> 00:27:18.799 So I know enough enough on the kids, because we'll start talking mom stuff. 00:27:19.359 --> 00:27:24.960 The county and your seat and your position. 00:27:25.119 --> 00:27:28.400 You talked a bit about a need for safety. 00:27:29.039 --> 00:27:31.599 So can you talk to us a little bit? 00:27:31.759 --> 00:27:34.240 I know that it's not only in your hand thread. 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:47.519 You have colleagues and there also are budget concerns and all that stuff, but have we taken any steps to help feed the need for increased safety in all of the cab north and south? 00:27:47.839 --> 00:27:49.279 We've done a lot. 00:27:49.440 --> 00:27:56.960 When I say this year has been one, you know, that let me tell you what they say in the county. 00:27:57.039 --> 00:28:01.200 When you start, they say, is it like drinking from a fire hydrant? 00:28:01.599 --> 00:28:02.559 Is that what they say? 00:28:02.720 --> 00:28:03.359 Something like that. 00:28:03.519 --> 00:28:04.160 I don't know. 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:15.119 It's some crazy saying

that they have indicating that it's just everything comes at you at one time very quickly, and you you just have to adapt. 00:28:15.359 --> 00:28:25.200 Um, but any case, I say that just to say among all the amazing things that we have done in the past year, public safety is definitely one of them. 00:28:25.359 --> 00:28:34.160 And I'm honored to say that I serve and have served over the past year as chair of employee relations and public safety. 00:28:34.319 --> 00:28:39.200 So a lot of these things, all of these things were done under my leadership, of course. 00:28:39.359 --> 00:28:46.640 We invested$18.9 million in a real-time crime center for DeCap County. 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:50.319 And it's to support not just unincorporated but the cities as well. 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:58.400 It allows police officers to use technology in order to help solve crimes more quickly, many of them in real time. 00:28:58.640 --> 00:29:13.039 So when before you would see all these high-speed chases down the road and we would hear about accidents because folks are colliding with the police vehicles, that's one thing that we may not have to worry about anymore. 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:24.400 Um, in fact, we have argued, if you recall Officer David Rose, who was um killed in the line of duty when he went over to support the folks in Emory. 00:29:24.799 --> 00:29:29.839 If we had the technology at that time, he potentially could still be alive today. 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:50.079 Because with that technology, we have access to uh cameras that can see license plates, they can follow vehicles across jurisdictions, um, drones, all of it connects back to a center, the real-time crime center, where you have people in real time following the action. 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:58.559 They can see the crime happening at the time that the assailant is there, and if he leaves, they can just watch him through the cameras. 00:29:58.720 --> 00:30:00.480 When he stops, go get him. 00:30:00.799 --> 00:30:03.440 So you don't have to chase anybody anymore. 00:30:03.599 --> 00:30:10.000 Um, and one thing that may seem a little bit minor, but for me it's a big deal because I see tires all the time where I live. 00:30:10.400 --> 00:30:13.599 And you know, we have a lot of dumping and a bunch of tires everywhere. 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:16.160 We use the technology to catch a guy. 00:30:16.319 --> 00:30:26.400 He is a repeat offender who always dumps tires, and in that space, it was like five tons of tires and a single ditch that I collected. 00:30:27.440 --> 00:30:27.920 Yes. 00:30:28.319 --> 00:30:28.720 Yep. 00:30:29.359 --> 00:30:29.920 Tons. 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:37.039 And before the technology, I mean you can never catch them because they might go in the wee hours of the night, any time of day. 00:30:37.119 --> 00:30:44.160 They just they scope the place out, they know when somebody's gonna be riding by, and they don't go if they know they're gonna get caught. 00:30:44.240 --> 00:30:46.640 But with the technology, we were able to get him. 00:30:46.880 --> 00:30:50.559 Oh, well, I say we is the police department, but you were on the scene. 00:30:50.640 --> 00:30:51.759 Come on, let's see. 00:30:52.079 --> 00:30:54.960 Yeah, public safety, root team. 00:30:55.200 --> 00:31:08.640 But yeah, so lots and lots of stories like that where technology has been used to eliminate, mitigate, get rid of or reduce crime in specific areas where it has been a burden. 00:31:08.799 --> 00:31:19.200 Now, it's not completely built out yet because it was just recently approved, but we're already starting to see the improvements as we continue to build the center out. 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:25.359 I like from a public safety standpoint, I probably have a bunch of thoughts that will take us down a rabbit hole. 00:31:25.440 --> 00:31:30.400 So I'm gonna pause, but I do, and I've said this publicly probably four million times. 00:31:30.640 --> 00:31:45.119 My biggest thing I hate from my neighbors is the dumping and the littering and the idea that those folks are going to get caught is oh, that makes me smile because it really doesn't make any sense at all. 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:54.000 I have a neighbor, um, I can't remember his name, and I feel terrible, but he picks up trash every other Saturday. 00:31:54.319 --> 00:32:02.880 He gets up and drives his car and he picks up trash all the way up and down Turner Hill Boulevard to clean it up, and he's alone. 00:32:02.960 --> 00:32:09.200 He does it, he waves the cars as they come by, and I'm thinking to myself, that is community service for sure. 00:32:09.359 --> 00:32:25.920 But the idea that he can have his Saturday mornings back and not feel the need to have to go and clean up that much trash every other Saturday because now we are finding the sources and people are recognizing, like, oh, it's not likely that I can do this without consequence anymore. 00:32:26.160 --> 00:32:32.000 It could change the community, like change the behavior because it's no longer consequence-free. 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:40.319 So last Saturday, the beautification department had a tire amnesty day that we all supported. 00:32:40.480 --> 00:32:44.079 They received about 3,500 tires from the community. 00:32:44.240 --> 00:32:45.839 They were out there from 9 a.m. 00:32:46.079 --> 00:32:47.200 until about 2 p.m. 00:32:47.519 --> 00:32:47.680 Wow. 00:32:47.839 --> 00:32:53.680 Even the school district, I believe, brought either a U-Haul or a bus full of tires. 00:32:53.920 --> 00:32:54.319 Wow. 00:32:54.559 --> 00:32:58.079 I did see U-Hauls, dump trucks, all kind of stuff. 00:32:58.240 --> 00:32:59.200 But that's the point. 00:32:59.839 --> 00:33:04.160 Some people they were just riding down the road, saw a couple of tires, picked them up, and brought them in. 00:33:05.039 --> 00:33:06.880 And there's just so many of them. 00:33:07.119 --> 00:33:12.559 These are things that would be on the calendar at

commissionerladenabolton.com. 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:15.119 Just go ahead and plug that in there. 00:33:15.279 --> 00:33:16.400 I know that's right. 00:33:16.720 --> 00:33:18.240 Use the calendar. 00:33:19.119 --> 00:33:19.839 Use it. 00:33:20.000 --> 00:33:23.200 They're gonna be tracking clicks on the page, guys. 00:33:23.279 --> 00:33:25.279 We don't want the calendar to go away. 00:33:25.599 --> 00:33:39.440 So I I think I had in my mind that we were on our way to talk about your programming, which I still want to get to, but you mentioned a school bus and it triggered a thought. 00:33:39.680 --> 00:33:57.039 And I would like to, if it's okay, if we do have time, to talk about education and if there's anything that you can share about um the potential school closings as well as any improvements in education that you could share. 00:33:57.200 --> 00:34:03.200 Um DeCav has had a kind of a rocky road here these last few months with changes with the superintendent. 00:34:03.279 --> 00:34:18.960 There's so many things, and I know there's so much you cannot share publicly, but if there's anything you can share, anything to restore confidence, anything that we need to do as a community to help see um this not be a consistent issue in DeCab. 00:34:19.199 --> 00:34:22.000 What can we do to make the education piece better? 00:34:22.159 --> 00:34:26.880 And what should we really be thinking about those potential school closings if we can't talk about it? 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:28.000 Yeah, absolutely. 00:34:28.079 --> 00:34:28.800 I have no problem. 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:34.159 Remember, I said I was raised in DeCab County, so I didn't seen this before, not to this extent. 00:34:34.719 --> 00:34:51.199 Um, so I told you I went to Avondale High School, but it was closed in 2011 when there was a sweep of school closures, and then my elementary school, Midway Elementary, closed in 2015 during another sweep. 00:34:51.360 --> 00:35:09.199 And so I have seen this a couple different times, but what I will say, the best thing that the county and county officials can do for the community when it comes to the schools is implement programming to help stabilize economic development, growth in other areas. 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:14.480 Because, of course, you know, the school district and the school board is a different entity. 00:35:14.719 --> 00:35:19.599 We can't tell them what to do, but the decisions they make impact us and vice versa. 00:35:19.840 --> 00:35:30.639 Um, and even though there is a consideration for the school closure, some being repurposed, others being mergers, the county is consistent in our efforts. 00:35:31.280 --> 00:35:37.199 One of the initiatives that just broke ground, well, not broke ground, actually, we had a ribbon cutting in January. 00:35:37.360 --> 00:35:39.119 Oh my goodness, this is so exciting. 00:35:39.360 --> 00:36:00.159 So, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, with the support of spearheaded, excuse me, spearheaded by President Holston, uh, we, as in the county and the state and some of our federal partners, federal representatives, all supported the opening of a transportation training center. 00:36:00.320 --> 00:36:00.719 Guess where? 00:36:01.199 --> 00:36:02.320 It's Stonecrass, right? 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:09.440 Look, a lot of people here have mixed reviews about that coming here. 00:36:09.519 --> 00:36:14.559 I'm not even gonna take us down that path, but people are mad that we gave money to that school right now. 00:36:14.719 --> 00:36:18.079 During the time, I wasn't in the place to really be thinking about it. 00:36:18.159 --> 00:36:21.199 So I don't even know if it was good or bad, but it's here, y'all. 00:36:21.440 --> 00:36:31.119 It is, it's officially here, and it's actually the largest in the Southeast region, the largest transportation training center. 00:36:31.440 --> 00:36:36.320 How many people does it bring to Stonecrest every year? 00:36:36.639 --> 00:36:47.039 Well, we're still the verdict is still out on that because it just opened in January, but they do have the capacity for hundreds, if not thousands, of students. 00:36:47.280 --> 00:36:50.000 But you said bring to Stonecrest first. 00:36:50.079 --> 00:36:51.920 We're trying to take care of the people that's already here. 00:36:52.639 --> 00:36:54.159 So we're gonna have to redirect that. 00:36:54.960 --> 00:36:58.880 Um but no, it's a really good program, so good, apparently. 00:36:59.199 --> 00:37:11.679 My oldest son that we were just chatting about, he started college last year at my alma mater, Savannah State University, and learned about Georgia Piedmont's program and transportation. 00:37:11.920 --> 00:37:12.960 And guess what he did? 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:13.840 What did he do? 00:37:14.159 --> 00:37:16.719 He transferred to GPTC. 00:37:16.960 --> 00:37:17.360 Really? 00:37:17.679 --> 00:37:21.039 He did when he was at Southwest Decap High School. 00:37:21.119 --> 00:37:23.039 That's the school he graduated from. 00:37:23.360 --> 00:37:42.159 Um, and other schools have this as well, but the school district has the CTAE program where students can learn or get early education in automotive, in um whether it's E911, which I didn't realize they had, in farming, all these different careers. 00:37:42.559 --> 00:37:50.880 Many of the training opportunities they get with the school district are transferable to real career options with the county. 00:37:51.039 --> 00:37:51.360 Nice. 00:37:51.519 --> 00:38:09.119 So we've been working with the school district to streamline opportunities for students to number one, once they go through those programs while in high school in the summertimes, they can do internships with the county in the area that they've already got a bit of education and familiarity. 00:38:09.440 --> 00:38:22.239 But ultimately, we see those students as a consistent pool of employees that can come and work for the county because the county has uh quite a few deficits

in the different departments. 00:38:22.400 --> 00:38:28.480 But we got a pool of students already who has the familiarity and we've already been training. 00:38:28.719 --> 00:38:38.719 But even through Georgia Piedmont's program, our fleet department would love to have those students come in, which is why the county made the investment. 00:38:38.880 --> 00:38:44.159 And you know, the fleet is like the police vehicles when y'all be like, it takes an hour for the police to get here. 00:38:44.320 --> 00:38:46.239 We need people to service the vehicles, y'all. 00:38:46.320 --> 00:38:50.880 So y'all go to Georgia Piedmont, learn automotive, and come service the vehicles. 00:38:51.360 --> 00:38:52.960 And folks don't think about this either. 00:38:53.119 --> 00:38:57.199 Who you think service the fire, um, the fire engines? 00:38:57.360 --> 00:38:59.280 Who do you think service the fire engines? 00:38:59.440 --> 00:39:00.639 Somebody has to do that. 00:39:00.880 --> 00:39:01.360 Absolutely. 00:39:01.440 --> 00:39:05.599 Well, I think they probably care about what the salary is to do that. 00:39:06.159 --> 00:39:08.159 Yeah, salary is a thing. 00:39:08.800 --> 00:39:09.920 Just a little something. 00:39:10.000 --> 00:39:11.280 I don't know, food and rent. 00:39:11.360 --> 00:39:11.760 I don't know. 00:39:12.000 --> 00:39:17.199 Understanding that GPTC is here, and I know I said I didn't know too much about it, but now I want to learn more. 00:39:17.360 --> 00:39:25.119 But one question I think you can answer for me is how they work currently with our kids who are in high school, about to graduate, looking for schools to go to. 00:39:25.280 --> 00:39:27.280 Do they reach back into the schools to recruit? 00:39:27.440 --> 00:39:30.800 Um, how do the students learn about this program as an option? 00:39:31.119 --> 00:39:32.239 Absolutely, they do. 00:39:32.400 --> 00:39:34.480 They do have a recruitment strategy. 00:39:34.639 --> 00:39:53.199 Uh, when I attended the ribbon cutting, one of the things I noticed that they did often was to make sure graduates from the program told their stories of success, how they got an opportunity to participate in the program, any struggles that they had, and then ultimately how they succeeded. 00:39:53.440 --> 00:40:00.880 But um, what's more notable is after that engagement that we had in January, um, Dr. 00:40:01.039 --> 00:40:05.119 Holston and I chatted about opportunities to broaden that. 00:40:05.360 --> 00:40:10.400 The unfortunate part is that the programs are underutilized. 00:40:10.480 --> 00:40:16.719 The participation is low, but there are about 16 programs that are free to DeCeb County students. 00:40:16.880 --> 00:40:21.760 That's great that they're free, but for whatever reason, we have difficulty getting our students to participate. 00:40:22.000 --> 00:40:23.039 Do they know about them? 00:40:23.199 --> 00:40:24.800 Like how do they learn about the programs? 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:28.719 Is it an awareness

issue or is it a lack of interest issue? 00:40:29.039 --> 00:40:35.199 The verdict is still out on that, but as a result, what is going to occur? 00:40:35.280 --> 00:40:35.760 Uh, Dr. 00:40:35.840 --> 00:40:46.480 Holston, President Holston reached out and said, Hey, we want to uh ignite an initiative that we're calling Hustle to Higher Education. 00:40:46.719 --> 00:40:46.880 Okay. 00:40:47.440 --> 00:41:05.840 Where it seeks to fill the gap, um, in which whether that's interest, uh, whether that's just folks don't know about the opportunities, but those partnerships where he's leaning on the county as well as the school district, his higher education institution to figure out what the problem is. 00:41:06.000 --> 00:41:08.079 We all have resources to add to it. 00:41:08.239 --> 00:41:14.639 And then hopefully over, I would say, the next year or so, we'll start to see the growth in the programming. 00:41:14.960 --> 00:41:15.440 Thank you. 00:41:15.679 --> 00:41:17.119 That definitely clears it up. 00:41:17.199 --> 00:41:22.559 And I definitely probably again go to Commissioner Ladina Bolton.gov to learn. 00:41:23.039 --> 00:41:23.360 Whatever. 00:41:23.519 --> 00:41:27.199 Or Jacab County G A.gov. 00:41:27.760 --> 00:41:28.480 Is that right? 00:41:28.639 --> 00:41:29.119 Mm-hmm. 00:41:29.280 --> 00:41:29.679 Yeah. 00:41:30.000 --> 00:41:31.119 I'm sure it's there too. 00:41:31.280 --> 00:41:31.599 All right. 00:41:31.840 --> 00:41:49.519 Anyway, so now I want to kind of pivot us back a little bit to the kiddo since we're already talking about the high school group, but bringing it back around, you mentioned that you've been here, you've seen this before, and you've seen some opportunities grow, like the new college here in Stonecrest. 00:41:49.840 --> 00:41:56.880 But how should we consider these school closures as parents now seeing it? 00:41:57.039 --> 00:42:01.760 And is there anything that we need to do as a community to make sure that the right decisions are made? 00:42:02.000 --> 00:42:02.960 Yes, absolutely. 00:42:03.119 --> 00:42:09.440 I I serve on the principal advisory council at Peach Crest Elementary School where my boys go. 00:42:09.599 --> 00:42:21.519 And one of the concerns there is with any of the changes, whether that's a closure, merger, repurposing, you start to lose the community in that cluster because we built those relationships. 00:42:21.679 --> 00:42:25.119 We work together to help bring resources to the schools. 00:42:25.280 --> 00:42:28.639 And now there's a sense of losing that. 00:42:29.280 --> 00:42:40.559 So it's it is unfortunate that there's a potential that there may be some closures, but I think what we all have to remember and keep in mind is that this has not been confirmed. 00:42:40.719 --> 00:42:54.239 This is something that a third party proposed based on data that they collected, not that they were in the community talking to folks and really understand the dynamics and culture of DeCab County. 00:42:54.400 --> 00:42:56.880 It was based strictly on data. 00:42:57.119 --> 00:43:01.920 Where do we have overpopulation, underpopulation, underutilization? 00:43:02.159 --> 00:43:06.960 Where do the buildings, you know, they need to be renovated or in some cases demolished? 00:43:07.119 --> 00:43:10.480 Right now, what the school district is doing is reaching out to the people. 00:43:10.559 --> 00:43:12.239 They said, okay, this is what the data says. 00:43:12.400 --> 00:43:18.480 We're gonna be transparent, we're gonna tell you what the data says, but more importantly, we want to know what you say. 00:43:18.719 --> 00:43:25.920 They're actually in phase two of the survey and actively pushing to get more people to participate. 00:43:26.159 --> 00:43:36.239 The more people who participate in the survey, give your feedback, tell your experience and what you would like to see, the better the outcome for you, your family, and your community. 00:43:36.559 --> 00:43:37.599 Take the survey. 00:43:37.760 --> 00:43:42.000 That apathy is the killer of this particular community. 00:43:42.159 --> 00:43:43.760 So take the survey, folks. 00:43:43.840 --> 00:43:45.119 Where can we find the survey? 00:43:45.440 --> 00:43:52.320 Just go to decapschoolsga.org and you'll see the link for the student assignment project survey. 00:43:52.639 --> 00:43:57.360 Thank you so much for sharing that because I know that's it's all in the news, it's everywhere. 00:43:57.599 --> 00:44:01.280 So we really want to make sure that we're Setting everybody up for success. 00:44:01.360 --> 00:44:03.920 So thank you for giving us the direct link to go over there. 00:44:04.000 --> 00:44:09.280 And I think when you get on there, the link is it says SAP on there in the second little square box. 00:44:09.360 --> 00:44:10.320 I want to take a look. 00:44:10.480 --> 00:44:11.039 All right. 00:44:11.360 --> 00:44:32.239 So, next thing I want to talk about is you gave us a little bit of some of the things you've achieved, but can you talk to us a little bit about the programming that has, I guess, been successful or that you're just excited to talk about that was initiated or instituted in the past year, and if there's anything new we should be looking out for coming up this summer? 00:44:32.639 --> 00:44:34.079 Yes, of course. 00:44:34.320 --> 00:44:52.320 Um we in Stonecrest this year in 2025, or last year at this point, we focused on education, talked about the ribbon cutting for the new transportation uh training center that's out here, but we also focused on arts as well. 00:44:52.719 --> 00:44:59.920 So in October of last year, our office declared October Arts Awareness Month. 00:45:00.000 --> 00:45:08.800 And we kicked off arts with um Charlotte Kane, Miss Charlotte, who everybody knows with Stonecrest Fest. 00:45:08.880 --> 00:45:10.239 So we co-sponsored that. 00:45:10.320 --> 00:45:22.800 And the reason we did it with her in Stonecrest is because this is going to be the hub for

arts awareness, arts training, arts careers in the metro area. 00:45:22.960 --> 00:45:26.639 Stonecrest has all of the ingredients to be that. 00:45:26.880 --> 00:45:29.519 You have the space, you have the artist. 00:45:29.840 --> 00:45:32.559 This is a form of art in and of itself. 00:45:32.880 --> 00:45:36.000 And it aligns directly with the county's mission. 00:45:36.159 --> 00:45:41.039 Just two weeks ago, we um reinstated our arts council. 00:45:41.199 --> 00:45:46.000 So you're gonna see pieces of art around the county, namely from local artists. 00:45:46.159 --> 00:45:53.920 So if you're local to DeCab, local to Stonecrest, this is an opportunity to get your art in the space where you live, work, play, and worship. 00:45:54.079 --> 00:46:04.639 Coming from DeCab School of the Arts, uh, Avondale High School, it's exciting to see folks just as interested now as they were before. 00:46:04.880 --> 00:46:14.960 And um, we used to be before Atlanta tried to take the title, DeCab County used to be the Mecca for entertainment, music, and arts in the Southeast region. 00:46:15.039 --> 00:46:18.320 And we plan to bring that back starting right here in Stonecrest. 00:46:18.559 --> 00:46:19.119 Watch out. 00:46:19.280 --> 00:46:20.639 Okay, Stone Crest. 00:46:20.800 --> 00:46:23.360 Look, see, I'm learning so much already. 00:46:23.679 --> 00:46:26.559 You already, I didn't know that we were about to be the hub. 00:46:26.639 --> 00:46:35.679 And I was at said event for announcing the arts council, and I heard that every single city is going to get a heifer or a cow. 00:46:35.840 --> 00:46:37.280 I mean, excuse me, or a bull. 00:46:37.760 --> 00:46:39.360 Um, I'm hoping we get a bull. 00:46:39.599 --> 00:46:40.480 I don't know why. 00:46:40.559 --> 00:46:48.320 And and I promise that um I'm not misogynistic or anything, but I just feel like the horns would just be like really cool to have over here. 00:46:48.400 --> 00:46:52.480 And I also am a finance person, and that's what I went to school to do. 00:46:52.559 --> 00:46:54.400 So I just think about you know, Wall Street. 00:46:54.719 --> 00:46:57.679 Anyway, nonetheless, if we got a heifer, that's cool too. 00:46:57.920 --> 00:47:02.239 And local artists will make those as well, depending on where they are, they'll be displayed. 00:47:02.320 --> 00:47:04.639 So Stone Crest is about to be the Mecca. 00:47:04.800 --> 00:47:06.960 We're gonna have a whole talk about that later. 00:47:07.119 --> 00:47:10.079 All right, so we're gonna move on because I'm gonna go down that rabbit hole. 00:47:10.239 --> 00:47:13.440 Thank you for sharing that little tidbit for those of us who didn't know. 00:47:13.599 --> 00:47:14.480 And thank you so much, Ms. 00:47:14.639 --> 00:47:17.920 Charlotte Kane, for making art a thing here. 00:47:18.079 --> 00:47:23.519 Also with your chark art walk, Stone Crest Fest, drone soccer. 00:47:23.599 --> 00:47:27.039 She does the things are all or co-sponsored, excuse me. 00:47:27.119

--> 00:47:29.440 We co-sponsored all of that last year. 00:47:29.599 --> 00:47:35.119 So this year, we've already been having conversations about how we're gonna grow the program and make it even better. 00:47:35.280 --> 00:47:37.840 We want more artists, more opportunities. 00:47:38.320 --> 00:47:40.480 I mean, it it was amazing last year. 00:47:40.559 --> 00:47:44.960 It was very exciting, and and we're excited to see where it's gonna go this year. 00:47:45.199 --> 00:47:46.480 It's a beautiful program. 00:47:46.719 --> 00:47:49.199 All right, so shout out to my neighbor. 00:47:49.360 --> 00:47:52.159 You already talked about what's coming up kind of like inadvertently. 00:47:52.239 --> 00:47:52.400 Yeah. 00:47:52.800 --> 00:47:54.639 Because we're talking about Stonecrest Fest. 00:47:54.719 --> 00:48:00.559 But what other programming do we have to look forward to, or is there some more that we've already have that you want to talk about? 00:48:00.880 --> 00:48:01.679 Transportation. 00:48:01.920 --> 00:48:11.440 But let me say this: by no means do county officials step on the toes of the city officials who are responsible for the people that live in that space. 00:48:11.599 --> 00:48:19.840 And Stone Crest does what they're supposed to do, they're responsive, and we want to be there to support the city officials. 00:48:20.000 --> 00:48:23.920 But whenever we get an opportunity to support, we're all in. 00:48:24.159 --> 00:48:25.360 I just want to make that clear. 00:48:25.519 --> 00:48:32.559 So these are things that I'm excited about, but it does not replace what your city officials are already doing for you. 00:48:32.800 --> 00:48:33.360 Got you. 00:48:33.519 --> 00:48:35.679 Thank you to our city council and our mayor. 00:48:36.159 --> 00:48:44.639 So, with the transportation, uh, do you did you know that you guys are gonna get a Marta transportation hub here in Stone Crest? 00:48:44.960 --> 00:48:45.280 I don't know. 00:48:46.639 --> 00:48:47.280 You don't know? 00:48:47.440 --> 00:49:02.000 All right, well, I I knew, I've heard, I've heard because it's been said boldly and said quietly, but I'm not quite sure how I personally feel about more public transportation. 00:49:02.159 --> 00:49:11.840 I come from Gwynette, so maybe they brainwash me about public transportation, but I would love to hear about why that's a good thing about it coming here to Stone Crest. 00:49:12.079 --> 00:49:13.760 Okay, I got a couple reasons. 00:49:13.920 --> 00:49:17.840 Now, by no means do I like more buses on the road. 00:49:18.000 --> 00:49:23.039 Um, I don't like more traffic, it the congestion, that's a problem. 00:49:23.440 --> 00:49:27.199 But what makes the hub good, well, first of all, let me tell you about this. 00:49:27.440 --> 00:49:41.840 Growing up, when I was in high school, it used to take so long to take the bus down Covington Highway from Memorial Drive at the Memorial Covington intersection to get to Stonecrest Mall. 00:49:42.000 --> 00:49:49.840 I think I was a senior in high school when the mall was built, and we couldn't wait to get here, but it was like the worst thing in the world to try to travel down here. 00:49:50.000 --> 00:49:56.239 What the hub will do is make transportation accessibility broader. 00:49:56.480 --> 00:50:01.920 So for the folks who like the more walkable communities, which is a priority for the county. 00:50:02.079 --> 00:50:12.559 Um, if we make communities more walkable where it's easy for you to get to work, school, church, wherever you need to go, without always having to get into a vehicle, then that simplifies your life. 00:50:12.639 --> 00:50:17.199 It opens up resources and funding to do other things. 00:50:17.360 --> 00:50:25.360 And the hub is gonna make uh the hub is gonna add to your position as a leader in the arts, I believe. 00:50:25.679 --> 00:50:28.559 It hasn't been confirmed, but I believe it. 00:50:28.719 --> 00:50:36.000 Um, so once we get that hub here, transportation will be easier, shops will come, development will come. 00:50:36.239 --> 00:50:43.840 It's just gonna be like a seedling in order for you to get all of the other things you have been asking for for so long. 00:50:44.079 --> 00:50:44.400 Okay. 00:50:44.639 --> 00:50:47.039 So maybe this is strictly my ignorance. 00:50:47.199 --> 00:50:51.440 When we think transportation hub, I think about a whole bunch of buses and exhaust. 00:50:51.679 --> 00:50:54.800 That's not what this transportation hub is, or is it? 00:50:55.920 --> 00:50:56.079 Okay. 00:50:56.320 --> 00:51:01.119 So it's basically an alternative to the train station. 00:51:01.360 --> 00:51:05.280 How, for example, at five points is easy to get anywhere from there. 00:51:05.360 --> 00:51:07.840 You can go north, south, east, and west. 00:51:08.000 --> 00:51:31.039 So as opposed to um building out the train station here, uh a hub will allow for there to be some buses that come more frequently, but also you have smaller units, units for folks who their mobility is limited and makes it easier for them to get around. 00:51:31.199 --> 00:51:32.719 And we don't always think about them. 00:51:32.800 --> 00:51:38.000 Like, how do they get to the bus stop, stand there for 45 minutes, get on the bus and get to where they need to go? 00:51:38.239 --> 00:51:47.920 So it it considers everybody in the community, but it's not gonna be a whole bunch of buses in and out, it's supposed to streamline the buses that are already coming. 00:51:48.159 --> 00:51:48.800 Got you. 00:51:48.960 --> 00:51:49.280 Okay. 00:51:49.679 --> 00:51:56.239 Streamlining what's already here, kind of giving us an upgrade on the current experience that's here. 00:51:56.480 --> 00:52:03.840 So, and with buses comes sidewalks for us to have a more walkable community. 00:52:04.159 --> 00:52:04.719 Absolutely. 00:52:04.880 --> 00:52:05.199 Okay. 00:52:05.519 --> 00:52:08.880 The streetscaping, it comes with the pretty lights. 00:52:09.039 -->

00:52:10.320 Let me tell you what I want to see. 00:52:10.480 --> 00:52:13.039 I want to see the pretty lights all the way down the road. 00:52:13.119 --> 00:52:19.280 So at Christmas time, we can put all of the Christmas ornaments or whatever it is. 00:52:19.440 --> 00:52:20.480 We don't have enough of that. 00:52:20.719 --> 00:52:26.639 I'm voting against this bus thing unless you guys promise me that we're gonna get a really nice looking welcome to Stone Crest sign. 00:52:26.800 --> 00:52:29.039 Ooh, that's what I want to be negotiating. 00:52:29.360 --> 00:52:30.719 I want it on the freeway. 00:52:31.199 --> 00:52:35.039 But you hit the first exit, which I think if you are coming from Atlanta. 00:52:35.119 --> 00:52:42.639 So if you're coming east, I think it's Panola, and I think there's like a bridge somewhere around there, and I want it up there in lights. 00:52:42.800 --> 00:52:47.440 Welcome to Stone Crest, where we care about our city and no dumping here. 00:52:47.599 --> 00:52:48.400 Stone Crest Pride. 00:52:52.320 --> 00:52:53.679 I love stuff like that. 00:52:53.840 --> 00:53:08.320 I love when people from out of town or from other sides of town, when they drive into a space and they know exactly where they are because you've made your mark, whether it's a mural on the wall, whether it's an arch or a sign like you were describing. 00:53:08.800 --> 00:53:10.159 See, we still in the arts. 00:53:10.480 --> 00:53:11.360 We still in the art. 00:53:13.280 --> 00:53:14.079 Can we paint? 00:53:14.400 --> 00:53:16.480 Look, I'm good with the buses. 00:53:16.559 --> 00:53:25.519 If we could get local artists to be able to mural the side of some of those MARTA buses that still talk about things in the community that are amazing. 00:53:25.679 --> 00:53:34.000 So Flat Rock Archive, Arabia Mountain National Heritage Area, the mall is being re-energized. 00:53:34.159 --> 00:53:37.920 Um I want to do all those things. 00:53:38.159 --> 00:53:46.000 So, you know, my office just gave$35,000 to Flat Rock Archive to expand their programming. 00:53:46.320 --> 00:53:46.639 Awesome. 00:53:47.039 --> 00:53:48.719 We did, we met with them last year. 00:53:48.880 --> 00:53:52.320 It took a little bit of time to kind of get it up and running. 00:53:52.400 --> 00:53:54.800 Um, but we got all the paperwork in place. 00:53:55.039 --> 00:54:02.639 We got a clear view of what the program's gonna be or what the needs are, because some of it is just um renovations as well. 00:54:02.719 --> 00:54:05.760 When people come, they get the entire experience. 00:54:06.000 --> 00:54:09.840 But we gave$50,000 to Lions Farm last year. 00:54:10.000 --> 00:54:11.440 And that's in Stonecrest 2. 00:54:11.599 --> 00:54:11.760 Yep. 00:54:11.920 --> 00:54:17.440 That's in Stonecrest 2, the oldest standing building in DeCav County, which is also a plantation. 00:54:17.760 --> 00:54:25.440 So, you know, there's all those are two um places that are in definitely important places to visit

here. 00:54:25.599 --> 00:54:26.880 They're doing great things. 00:54:27.039 --> 00:54:27.679 Let's see. 00:54:28.320 --> 00:54:29.920 What else we got over here? 00:54:30.159 --> 00:54:34.159 We we have right here in our own city, we talked about AI. 00:54:34.239 --> 00:54:36.000 We just have great people in this city. 00:54:36.159 --> 00:54:43.840 We were talking about AI earlier, and the very first black PhD in artificial intelligence in the United States lives right here in Stonecrest. 00:54:44.159 --> 00:54:44.800 Really? 00:54:45.119 --> 00:54:45.519 Yes. 00:54:45.760 --> 00:54:46.960 How did I not know that? 00:54:47.119 --> 00:54:47.679 Who is it? 00:54:47.920 --> 00:54:52.559 And he up, obviously he's in your district because he lives right here in Stonecrest. 00:54:52.719 --> 00:54:53.440 His name is Dr. 00:54:53.519 --> 00:54:54.880 Calvin Lawrence. 00:54:55.199 --> 00:54:55.760 Really? 00:54:56.639 --> 00:54:57.199 Wow. 00:54:57.519 --> 00:55:01.360 We're gonna we're gonna have to set up another interview so I can come just sit and listen. 00:55:01.519 --> 00:55:05.039 Yep, look, I'm just talk about the good people here. 00:55:05.280 --> 00:55:10.159 Good people who care and who always are trying to show up and show out. 00:55:10.239 --> 00:55:13.760 There's there's a lot of concerned folks, but there's way more apathetic folks. 00:55:13.920 --> 00:55:24.079 And hopefully you coming here today brings those folks out of their complacency and apathy, and they want to stand up and get involved because we have somebody who's trying to do things for us. 00:55:24.159 --> 00:55:26.800 So, what do we have to look forward to in programming? 00:55:26.880 --> 00:55:29.519 Is there anything this summer that's gonna happen? 00:55:29.840 --> 00:55:30.400 Yes. 00:55:30.639 --> 00:55:35.280 Did I not talk about the biggest thing going in District 7? 00:55:35.440 --> 00:55:38.639 Oh my gosh, I appreciate the opportunity to do this. 00:55:38.800 --> 00:55:42.159 Did I say anything about an aviation program since we've been sitting here? 00:55:42.320 --> 00:55:43.280 No, ma'am, but tell me. 00:55:43.440 --> 00:55:46.719 Oh my goodness, that should have been the first thing that I started to talk about. 00:55:46.960 --> 00:56:03.360 So remember about two hours ago, because we've been sitting here that long chatting, um, I talked about how when my team and I first got into the office, we visited every court, every division, constitutional office, everybody. 00:56:03.519 --> 00:56:07.760 That included PDK Airport, which is in Chambly. 00:56:07.920 --> 00:56:17.039 Now, the airport itself is not in District 7, um, but you know, we vote for the county in its entirety, even though I represent the eastern half. 00:56:17.280 --> 00:56:32.400 And coming out of that meeting, that tour, and saying hello to everyone at that time, the first thing that crossed my mind was I am 40 years old, and this is the first time I've been to PDK Airport, and I was raised in DeCav County. 00:56:32.559 --> 00:56:35.280 Wow, I didn't even know it existed when I was a kid. 00:56:35.760 --> 00:56:42.000 When you said that I didn't know it existed, and I've been here for well, not in DeCav County for that long, but for 19 years. 00:56:42.480 --> 00:56:47.760 And PDK Airport is one of the busiest airports in the in the nation. 00:56:48.000 --> 00:57:12.960 Not commercial because obviously it's not commercial, but um because I know a lot of folks have a similar experience in South DeCab, in the east side of DeCab County, where either they didn't know we had the airport, they've never visited, they've just never had a reason to really engage or even have an interest in its existence. 00:57:13.199 --> 00:57:19.199 Uh, my team and I decided, like, hey, we have to come up with a reason for folks to come up here. 00:57:19.920 --> 00:57:27.519 And mind you, they do have events and programming and all that stuff, but for whatever reason, it doesn't reach our side of town. 00:57:28.400 --> 00:57:43.119 So we decided to create the District 7 Youth Aviation Program, which is a year-long program that starts out with awareness and sharing all aviation careers with the students who participate in the program. 00:57:43.679 --> 00:57:54.159 But through the end of the program, a handful of students will go through ground school, flight school, they'll take tests, get training, and earn their private pilot's license. 00:57:54.400 --> 00:57:54.880 Really? 00:57:55.119 --> 00:57:55.599 Yes, ma'am. 00:57:56.000 --> 00:57:57.920 What is the age range for this? 00:57:58.239 --> 00:58:02.639 So we are limiting it to 10th, 11th, and 12th graders. 00:58:02.960 --> 00:58:03.280 Okay. 00:58:03.679 --> 00:58:07.440 We are because of the commitment that is required. 00:58:07.920 --> 00:58:21.440 Um, as well as, you know, flying and being a pilot looks exciting, but once you get in the air, you there's a level of maturity that you have to have in order to complete the program. 00:58:21.519 --> 00:58:27.599 And not that a younger student could not, uh, because this is the first of its kind in DeCab County, pilot. 00:58:28.000 --> 00:58:31.760 You're essentially piloting the aviation program. 00:58:32.000 --> 00:58:32.880 No, that makes sense. 00:58:32.960 --> 00:58:38.480 And funny enough, um, there was a young man we um have done here where our studio is. 00:58:38.639 --> 00:58:46.800 They had um for Black History Month, every Wednesday, they were showing a movie, and there was a young man here, and he had a camera, so obviously I was interested in him. 00:58:46.960 --> 00:58:48.559 I was like, hey, what are you doing with that camera? 00:58:48.639 --> 00:58:49.199 What's going on? 00:58:49.280 --> 00:58:50.559 Are you looking for internship? 00:58:50.719 --> 00:58:51.599 He was like, Yeah, no. 00:58:51.760 --> 00:58:56.159 He's like, Because I am um gonna be a pilot and I'm spending all my time doing that. 00:58:56.320 --> 00:58:57.920 I just was this

is just a hobby. 00:58:58.079 --> 00:58:59.199 Oh, I would never do this. 00:58:59.280 --> 00:59:00.159 I'm I'm gonna fly. 00:59:00.239 --> 00:59:02.000 I was like, sorry, excuse me, sir. 00:59:02.159 --> 00:59:04.000 Um go forth. 00:59:04.400 --> 00:59:05.519 I know, do your thing. 00:59:06.159 --> 00:59:06.480 Right. 00:59:06.719 --> 00:59:07.840 Oh, wow. 00:59:08.320 --> 00:59:17.760 So we um actually we sent a message out earlier this week letting uh folks in the community know that the uh website will be launching soon. 00:59:17.840 --> 00:59:19.119 It's near completion. 00:59:19.360 --> 00:59:24.000 We want to build up anticipation so that we get an influx of applicants. 00:59:24.159 --> 00:59:27.519 We don't want this to be something that folks hear about after the fact. 00:59:27.679 --> 00:59:35.760 So we're gonna continue to send out information to the community, whether by text, email, social media, et cetera, letting people know. 00:59:36.079 --> 00:59:40.079 Get ready because it is coming soon, and we are so excited. 00:59:40.320 --> 00:59:41.199 We're excited. 00:59:41.280 --> 00:59:42.559 I think that is amazing. 00:59:42.719 --> 00:59:47.440 I can't wait to hear the testimonies of all the children who have had the opportunity to participate. 00:59:47.760 --> 00:59:50.880 That is fantastic, fantastic. 00:59:51.039 --> 00:59:56.960 And we talked about career opportunities and things that lead to real-world salaries. 00:59:57.199 --> 00:59:58.800 So that's just another one. 00:59:58.880 --> 00:59:59.679 That's amazing. 00:59:59.840 --> 01:00:01.199 Thank you for thinking of that. 01:00:01.440 --> 01:00:03.199 Yeah, appreciate it. 01:00:03.519 --> 01:00:07.280 So I've already taken your time, as you mentioned. 01:00:07.599 --> 01:00:08.239 Two hours. 01:00:09.199 --> 01:00:10.079 It wasn't that long. 01:00:10.239 --> 01:00:11.760 What maybe four hours. 01:00:11.920 --> 01:00:12.639 It's been a while. 01:00:12.719 --> 01:00:21.360 But I've had such a great time chatting, and we still haven't talked about everything that I really wanted to, probably because I have inserted several um random stories. 01:00:21.440 --> 01:00:24.159 But nonetheless, I've enjoyed our time here. 01:00:24.239 --> 01:00:29.519 I've enjoyed what you've shared and learning more about what you've been doing to serve this community. 01:00:29.760 --> 01:00:38.320 Hopefully, you guys have learned something as well, and you are encouraged to take the time to learn more about Commissioner Bolton, Dr. 01:00:38.480 --> 01:00:40.719 Commissioner Bolton, Commissioner Dr. 01:00:40.880 --> 01:00:43.360 Bolton, whichever way is the right way to do it, right? 01:00:43.519 --> 01:00:49.920 That you're gonna take more time to learn about her initiatives because it's not just incumbent upon her. 01:00:50.000 --> 01:00:52.639 She's one person serving 400,000. 01:00:52.880 --> 01:00:55.360 So we are 400,000. 01:00:55.440 --> 01:01:06.000 We could take the time to learn more about her to make sure that we are getting the bang for our book, if you will, the bang for our vote, if you want to say it that way. 01:01:06.159 --> 01:01:08.079 But I always see you in the community. 01:01:08.159 --> 01:01:09.440 You're always very present. 01:01:09.599 --> 01:01:12.719 I see you and you're very approachable and accessible. 01:01:12.800 --> 01:01:14.320 So thank you for that as well. 01:01:14.559 --> 01:01:18.880 So, you know, email her and her team if you have something to say. 01:01:19.119 --> 01:01:20.480 Go see them 9 a.m. 01:01:20.719 --> 01:01:21.519 on Tuesdays. 01:01:21.679 --> 01:01:23.760 That's right, 178 Sam Street. 01:01:24.079 --> 01:01:24.559 There you go. 01:01:24.719 --> 01:01:27.840 So you know, you have all of these things that you could do. 01:01:28.159 --> 01:01:32.400 It's not just for them, there's one of them serving the whole entire community. 01:01:32.559 --> 01:01:37.199 So they have to serve the community as a whole, not the individual. 01:01:37.519 --> 01:01:52.079 So theoretically, policing and politicking is to not serve, excuse me, it's not to protect one from the community, it is to protect community from the one. 01:01:52.239 --> 01:01:59.039 Like all of us generally are living together in harmony, but there's one person that's gonna be outrageous or, you know, a criminal. 01:01:59.280 --> 01:02:09.840 But the idea is if we join together as a community as a whole and give all the information, people like our commissioners, people who we elect will be more successful. 01:02:10.000 --> 01:02:12.960 We can't elect them and then say, now it's time for you to do all the work. 01:02:13.119 --> 01:02:20.559 We have to offer continued support, continued advice, and continued criticism, but not just publicly in a place where no one's gonna do anything about it. 01:02:20.719 --> 01:02:26.880 Get in their emails, let them know your issue and why, and maybe even pose a solution if you think it's viable. 01:02:27.039 --> 01:02:29.360 All right, I'm off my white horse. 01:02:29.679 --> 01:02:32.960 Please, um I don't have a white horse. 01:02:33.039 --> 01:02:37.199 It was more like a soapbox because I think that Jesus is gonna come back in on a white horse. 01:02:37.440 --> 01:02:38.639 I'm not comparing myself to that. 01:02:38.800 --> 01:02:45.280 So, anyway, with that being said, Commissioner Bolton, what would you like to tell the people before you go? 01:02:45.440 --> 01:02:57.280 You're gonna look directly in that camera and stare them in the eyes and let them know a final statement that they need from you to move into the summertime of this year. 01:02:57.679 --> 01:03:02.639 I didn't get to this seat without you, and I can't be successful without you. 01:03:02.880 --> 01:03:17.599 So just as you were a champion before, I need you to continue to be a champion, engage with our office, show us and tell us, encourage us, let us know what your priorities are so we can work on them together. 01:03:17.840 --> 01:03:23.840 Because in District 7, we believe strongly in growing businesses and empowering families. 01:03:24.000 --> 01:03:32.159 And the only way we can do that is if you engage with our office and let us know what your interests and your priorities are. 01:03:32.320 --> 01:03:41.760 So if you do have any questions or concerns, or if you just want to connect with us, you can email at district seven at decabcountyga.gov. 01:03:42.320 --> 01:03:47.199 Otherwise, just check us out on Instagram at Commissioner Ladina Bolton. 01:03:48.159 --> 01:03:48.639 Thank you. 01:03:48.800 --> 01:03:50.719 I thank you so much for your time. 01:03:50.960 --> 01:03:53.199 And neighbors, see you next time. 01:03:54.800 --> 01:03:55.760 Wake up. 01:03:58.480 --> 01:04:02.239 Learn about your city from neighbors who actually live there.