Breaking News:
State paid $190,00 to settle earlier sex harassment
Would Gene Walker have beaten Earnest Brown in their run-off if this was public knowledge? Would eduKALB have just endorsed Gene Walker over Ella Smith if they knew about these past incidents? Does eduKALB do any kind of background checks at all?
More DeKalb school board candidates have arrest records
Records obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Monday show District 3 candidate Corey Wilson was accused of kicking his wife and putting her in a headlock in 2006. However, she later decided to not prosecute.
Wilson and his wife both referred comments to campaign spokesman Will Sellers.
“It was an argument over a financial matter. There was no physical contact,” Sellers told the AJC. “His mother had just passed away and emotions were running high. But the important thing is he was not convicted and there was no violence.”
However, courts records show Okevia Wilson's teenage daughter witnessed Corey Wilson's attack. Corey Wilson was charged with two counts of simple battery and two counts of violating the state’s family violence act, all misdemeanors.
Okevia Wilson’s daughter called police after she awoke to the sounds of a fight, she told police.She came downstairs and saw Corey Wilson holding her mother in a headlock and kicking her, according to a police report.
The couple told police the dispute started over a ticket to a football game. It ended with Corey Wilson going to jail.
Corey Wilson was scheduled for trial a year later, but his wife signed an affidavit saying she did not want to prosecute. The solicitor's office dropped the charges, but a judge still ordered Corey Wilson to attend a domestic violence intervention program.
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DeKalb school board candidate Corey E. Wilson: Response coming tomorrow. It ought to be today.
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Today's AJC metro has a Metro front page exclusive on the BOE's Jay Cunningham (this is BIG, and more great press for our embattled Board of Education):
"School Official's Record Surfaces"
Three-decade old felony taints Cunningham even more
The AJC article has four major points:
-Cunningham has never disclosed in any of his campaigns that in 1982, he pleaded guilty to stealing $12,500 in bank deposits from the McDonald's where he WAS STORE MANAGER! Instead of jail time, lucky for him he received six years probation instead of the 10 years in prison he could have received.
-In the past 2 years, on three different occasions police had to respond to complaints that "Cunningham engaged in threatening or violent behavior", including one with a DCSS parent. Wow. He was accused in 2008 of punching a man in the head OUTSIDE A CHURCH and pulling a gun on the same man on a separate occasion. Also, a school parent told police Cunningham threatened her at a 2009 cheerleading booster club meeting (?).
-Cunningham's attorney is Dwight Thomas. Thomas is Vernon Jones' attorney who famously called a female the same night the woman accused Vernon Jones of rape after then Chief of Police Lou Graham gave Thomas the accuser's phone number (an incredible breach of ethical behavior, and it's unfathomable that Graham and Thomas weren't criminally charged let alone Thomas losing his license to practice law).
-Cunningham's website claims he worked for McDonald's Corp for 26 years. That's kind of impossible, and if he did work for McDonald's for 26 years before the 1982 arrest, he'd have to be at least 72 years old!!
Here is an AJC Get Schooled blog post on Cunningham and his opponents:
DeKalb District 5: Incumbent Jesse “Jay” Cunningham faces two opponents in Kirk Nooks and Jacques Hall
Articles on Cunningham's pizza businesses doing business with DCSS schools:
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/table-appears-set-for-558491.html
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-schools-revising-policies-560374.html
In other DCSS news:
Ex-DeKalb School Board Member Accused Of Bribery
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Porn found on DeKalb Teacher's computer
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DeKalb’s District 3 and District 9 races: School board incumbents face challengers
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Only two School Board incumbents land endorsements
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"Early Voting at a high" -Today's Metro section page 6 has an article about the DCSS BOE with this eye opening quote from State Senator Emanual Jones: "I think our incumbents will be voted out". Another wow.
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Finally, the Brookhaven Reporter is doing a nice job covering the Chamblee High story:
Revamped facility, or brand-new high school?
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159 comments:
It is amazing that this has never come to light before now. And if Cunningham hired Dwight Thomas, at least he's smart enough to hire the top lawyer in the county for getting elected officials out of a jam. Lord knows Thomas had to do so every day for eight years while Vernon Jones was CEO.
Voters in DeKalb almost always re-elect incumbents. Even though the BOE spends over a billion dollars per year, much more than the county's operating budget, it is very likley that Cunningham (despite his run-in's with the law), "I'm Gonna Slug 'Ya" Zepora and nonsense-spouting, recently reprimanded Sarah Copelin-Wood will all be re-elected.
In fairness, Cunningham probably worked for McDonalds in high school.
It is a little surprising that this didn't come out sooner. I think that unlike higher profile campaigns, school board candidates don't have the resources to spend big money digging into their opponents past.
Let's not forget Cuningham's PizzaGate! Taking advantage of his spot on the BOE, getting business profits through selling pizzas to schools.
This guy should resign for misleading the public and not telling the truth. I thought stealing was a felony!
Vote Nooks folks! Nooks has been great at the forums. It's time for the incumbents to go! It's time for change at the DCSS.
Out of all the Cunningham incidents, the one that stands out to me is that a female parent felt threatened enough by him to report it to the county police. A bully is a bully. Please voters, please be smart enough to realize that Jay Cunningham is not someone deserving and capable of leading a school system of 100,000 students.
In 1982, Jay was 23 years old -- certainly old enough to know better than stealing $12K from his employer.
He obviously has issues with sound judgement.
Let's hope Nooks gets elected.
When you're 23 years old, a person tends to make MANY errors in judgement. Stealing $12k is a big one, but I will say my friends and I made many poor decisions, especially late at night after hitting the town.
But the violent incidents Cunningham has had were within the past two years. Punching a guy in the head in front of a church? Pulling a gun on the same guy? Threatening a DCSS mother at a cheerleading meeting?
There are too many adults in the county that don't have Cunningham's baggage who would be very effective BOE members. BOE Chair Tom Bowen doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to reprimand or suspend Cunningham for these incidents. It's up to voters to boot Jay out now.
Here is a link to his Facebook website in which he talks about his answers to Edukalb:
http://www.facebook.com/notes.php?id=103861619666709¬es_tab=app_2347471856#!/note.php?note_id=141800069185469
Here's the way he describes his experience at McDonald's:
"My three and half years on the Board have served as a learning curve to prepare me to continue to accomplish the goals and meet the challenges facing our school system. Being a successful Business owner and having 26 years of experience with the McDonald Cooperation, as Director of Operations for 15 stores, I have experience and knowledge managing large budgets, public relations, planning, following up and getting positive results. "
So, McDonald's kept him on?
There is something about this that doesn't quite feel right.
It also appears that no one pressed charges. Makes it harder for the governor to hold Cunningham accountable for the recent incidents.
There is no way Cunningham worked for McDonald's for 26 years. The article states he was fired in 1982 for the theft. He would be in his late 60's or early 70's. It's time Jay comes clean with the pblic on his past work experiences.
Three different charges were originally pressed for the McDonald's theft. The DA dropped two of the charges for Cunningham pleading guilty to one charge of theft.
Since Jay Cunningham didn't work for McDonald's for 26 years, just what was he doing for all those years. Did SACS ask for resumes from the BOE members? If so, what was on Mr. Cunningham's resume?
DCSS and SCA's aren't into resume checking. Remember Pat Pope had an incomplete resume, she said she couldn't remember the various construction companies she worked for (and she's not all that old!). It's hard for me to imagine any dept. head for a business or another school system not having a resume that lists all of their places of employment.
I wonder what Jay Cunningham's resume looks like and if anyone has ever verified it.
Please go to the DeKalb County Board of Education website. Published is Mr. Cunningham's statement that he worked at McDonalds in management for 26 years. If his statement is not true, it needs to be removed.
https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/AboutBoard.aspx?S=4054#31159
"A product of the DeKalb County School System, Mr. Cunningham graduated from Walker High School (McNair High School) and attended Fort Valley State University on scholarship prior to being recruited by the McDonald Corporation to participate in the Supervisor Training Program. Mr. Cunningham has spent 26 years working at various levels of management."
This is very odd. Did McDonald's keep him on a manager and then a supervisor for 15 stores (his Facebook page says this in his response to Edukalb)? If not, I'm also interested in what he was doing for 26 years. How can you hide 26 years of work?
Here's the main BOe site:
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/board/members/cunningham.html
"A product of the DeKalb County School System, Mr. Cunningham graduated from Walker High School (McNair High School) and attended Fort Valley State University on scholarship prior to being recruited by the McDonald Corporation to participate in the Supervisor Training Program. Mr. Cunningham has spent 26 years working at various levels of management."
Jay is Dekalb County's incarnation of
Victor Hugo's Jean Valjean of "Les Miserables".
" Valjean's character in Les Misérables forces the reader to evaluate their sense of good and evil and lives in an existence of duality with the novel's antagonist. His struggle highlights man's capacity for cruelty to his fellow man. As a parolee Valjean is branded an outcast and must wear a large yellow ticket identifying him as an offender; much like Hester Prynne in The Scarlet Letter. Valjean would be judged by social standards as evil - a known criminal and a parolee - yet grows morally to represent the best traits of humanity. Valjean is a repentant, honorable, dignified man; he is kind to all he encounters, a devoted father, and a benefactor to those in need. Valjean occupies a place on the wrong side of the law, but the right side of human virtues and ethics."
Nice quote from Hugo, but the question still is - did he actually work for McDonalds for 26 years after pleading guilty of stealing from them? If he didn't what did he do all those years? It's really a very simple question.
And I don't think Jean Valjean had the police called on multiple occasions.
Maybe he had to work those 26 more years at McDonald to pay back the 12 grands?
This is a "Kroc" of ooze!
A quote from Ray Kroc, founder of McDonald:
"" It's easy to have principles when you're rich. The important thing is to have principles when you're poor.""
"Valjean occupies a place on the
wrong side of the law, but the right side of human virtues and ethics."
If Jay's only issue was theft when he was a 23 year old, yes, then the Valjean comparision in valid. but considering the $22 grand in sales by his Anthony's Pizza shop to DCSS, and his three recent incidents of agressive is not violent behavior, then no, he sure ain't no Valjean!
And he sure picked the sleaziest lawyer in DeKalb County, Dwight Thomas.
DCSS executives with compromised ethics and board members with ethical secrets can only lead our school system to educational and financial disaster.
Everything becomes a series of moral compromises and shortcuts. No one dares single the other's incompetence or lapse for fear that one's own incompetence or lapse might be revealed.
Nothing makes sense and everything is suspect!
Big difference between a loaf of bread and $12,000 (+ pizza-gate + violent/threatening behavior.)
A quick scan of DeKalb County arrest records shows the following:
1. Two men sharing the same name as District 3 candidate Robert Lee Holt were arrested in DeKalb County in the 1980s on charges of assault with intent to commit a crime.
The first Robert Lee Holt was arrested on March 4, 1982. He gave the same home address as the Robert Lee Holt who is running for the school board. This Robert Lee Holt who was arrested gave a date of birth of December 7, 1948.
The second Robert Lee Holt was arrested on December 12, 1985. He gave an address different from the one above, and his date of birth was listed as March 14, 1967.
2. A man named Corey E. Wilson has been arrested four times in DeKalb County. This man shares the same date of birth (June 24, 1970) as the candidate running in District.
His first three arrests do not have accompanying mugshots, but his most recent arrest in 2006 does include a mugshot. The Corey Wilson that was arrested in 2006 looks very much like the Corey Wilson running for school board. He also gave the same home address as the Corey Wilson running for school board did in his notice of intent.
On December 15, 1992 Corey E. Wilson was arrested for disorderly conduct.
On October 1, 1993 Corey E. Wilson was arrested for assault with intent to commit a crime.
On November 23, 1995 Corey E. Wilson was arrested for driving with a suspended or revoked license and an altered, forged, or counterfeit tag.
On September 17, 2006 Corey E. Wilson was arrested for simple battery, plead not guilty and completed a pre-trial diversion.
3. A woman named Zepora Roberts, who happens to share the same date of birth as the District 7 incumbent (January 22, 1944) was arrested once in DeKalb County.
On June 21, 1986, Zepora Roberts was arrested for criminal trespass.
Yes we all make mistakes when we are young. The problem Mr. Cunningham has is that he continues down the wrong path. At some point in life it's not a mistake. He is a lying sleazy criminal. Where do you think the info came from that he worked for McDonalds for 26 years uhmmm Jay?? From this day forward we should refer to him as Jesse James. Instead of robbing banks he robs the children of DCSS.
That stuff about the candidates is frightening.
I would say good find, but I think I want to cry.
Is this blog being used as a political witchhunt? Let's leave this to the commercials, shall we?
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-school-officials-record-690212.html
cToo bad the AJC and EduKalb can't vote. When Nooks gets in, I guess the parents in his district will call them when they need help.
"Mr. Cunningham has spent 26 years working at various levels of management." NOTE: This does not say he spend 26 years working in various levels of management AT MCDONALD'S.
Nor, does his bio say he graduated from Fort Valley -- merely that he "attended."
The beautifully created resume of a loser.
Eugene Walker was accused of sexual harrassment!!!!Is that why he put his wife's picture on literature. Poor thing!!
Witchhunt??
Grow up. if Jay disclosed this when he first ran for BOE, telling us that he made a horrible poor choice of judgement when he was 23 years old, I bet that many voters would have given him the benefit of the doubt.
But he didn't disclose it the first time he ran for BOE, or now for his second campaign.
Sorry, but his faiulure to disclose this, plus pizzagate, plus the three recent aggressive behavior incidents make him a horrible choice to be a BOE member who oversees more than a BILLION DOLLARS in spending per year.
Anon 2:34, $12,500 is not some pimply kid palming a twenty out of the cash drawer every other day. THAT'S a stupid kid mistake.
In 1982, $12,500 was A LOT of money. For perspective, my first full-time "corporate" job out of college was as an advertising copywriter -- total yearly compensation was $11,000.
Anon 4:30, big difference between a witchhunt and rooting out facts. Jay is free to defend himself at any time.
@ Anonymous 4:16
Could you give us the source of your information? It's easy to put something on this blog - Harder to link it to a credible source so bloggers can view it themselves.
Also, simple battery can consist of putting your hand on someone's arm to detain them?
“He pleaded guilty to theft by taking under the First Offender Act,” Thomas said. “State law says when you are under the First Offender Act, you can say ‘no, I’m not a convicted felon’ on job applications and other records.”
From a legal standpoint, based on above Jay had no obligation to include this conviction on his application. As several have mentioned, had he 'come clean' with this during his initial campaign and attributed to 'youthful indiscretions', he probably would have been given the benefit of the doubt.
Regarding the recent allegations regarding his behavior, it could come down to 'he said she said' since no charges were ever filed. To suggest removing someone for office for allegations like these could result in an employment lawsuit.
I would guess that Board members became aware of this shortly before the article appeared. I'm not sure what if any action could be taken against him for these allegations.
Did Jay agree that he stole $12,500 from McDonalds?
Did Jay say he spent 26 years working for McDonalds and 15 years of that as a Director of Operation for 15 years?
See what is on the DCSS BOE website. He does say the has 26 years of experience with the McDonald Corporation - no equivocation here:
DCSS website:
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/board/members/cunningham.html
"Being a successful Business owner and having 26 years of experience with the McDonald Cooperation, as Director of Operations for 15 stores"
Very disturbing information being shared about Member Cunningham! Regarding comparing him to Victor Hugo's timeless hero, ca c'est ridicule!
O&T: Regarding Cross Keys: What those pictures portray have all been cleaned up by the renovation, I am glad to say. But, yes, there is far short of comparable facilities at CK vis-a-vis even those waiting for renovations.
BOE -- How are you going to address this one publicly?
Let's call DCSS like it is -- It's a sewage pit. And children are wading in it, some over their heads.
I am so thankful and at the same time sorry for the teachers that continue to support the sludge.
It isn't just DCSS it is all of DeKalb. The school system is a symptom of a much larger problem.
Why are you linking to photos from an old ajc slideshow as evidence that ckhs is in disrepair? The school does not look like that ! PLEASE go to the school and look around before posting misinformation. Good grief why is everyone on this blog so obsessed with making the world think that ckhs is a dump??? Leave the kids at ckhs alone! They just want to have pride in their school? How would you have felt as a high school student if people were constantly MAKING STUFF UP about your school being a dump which is not being renovated like the other high schools when IT IS NOT TRUE. I wonder if you would be so quick to post incorrect info like this if you were using your real names? It makes me sick to see people on this blog using this school and the predominantly minority and disadvantaged kids who go there just to make some sort of political statement.
This is sad i know people who have lost there jobs with the county for doing less than what these clowns have done.
One thing i do remember was jay was always at the sam moss center in pope/reid office. I knew he was no good then, he needs to take a english class. I heard him say to pat when she was first being question do you need my help.
This makes me so angry that these board members have made such a mess with our schools. Look at all the employees who have lost there jobs and insurance. I talked with some one yesterday and they was telling me that they may loose there home.
I would also like to know why they didn't take that money and bring some of these people back. I am not saying that the employees should not get the money it is i feel so sorry for the people who lost there jobs. I pray that we get a new board that work to clean up dekalb schools. I did hear last week that the board already have someone in mine. Parents you need to watch that group and those clowns in the county office.
Wow! It's long to cut and paste, but if you can:
Zepora Roberts
http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org/servlet/page?_pageid=173,313&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&dcms.spn_num=X0005254&dcms.sysid=451607&dcms.last_name=ROBERTS&dcms.first_name=ZEPORA&dcms.exact_last=ON&dcms.soundex=&dcms.race_type=&dcms.inmate_status=ALL&dcms.sex_code=F&dcms.from_date=01%2F01%2F1900&dcms.to_date=12%2F31%2F2090&dcms.bookin_num=8610379
Corey E. Wilson
http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org/servlet/page?_pageid=351,353&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&DCMS.SPN_NUM=&DCMS.LAST_NAME=WILSON&DCMS.FIRST_NAME=COREY&DCMS.EXACT_LAST=on&DCMS.RACE_TYPE=ALL&DCMS.INMATE_STATUS=ALL&DCMS.SEX_CODE=ALL&DCMS.FROM_DATE=&DCMS.TO_DATE=&DCMS.START=0&DCMS.page_no=1
Go to:
http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org
Enter, click on "Jail ID / Name Search", click Inmate Status: All, enter Wilson, Corey
This is what i got:
WILSON COREY E X0093583 15-DEC-92 9230571 003578 M - DISORDERLY CONDUCT -/MISD/- Y
WILSON COREY E X0093583 01-OCT-93 9325841 93W38220 M - Assault with intent to commit a crime
WILSON COREY E X0134297 23-NOV-95 9537277 M - Y
M - Y
M - Driving while license suspended or revoked. Y
M - Titles, tag; Altering, forging or counterfeiting
WILSON COREY E X0340577 17-SEP-06 0331326 M - SIMPLE BATTERY -/MISD/-
If this is the same Corey E Wilson runnin for BOE, he sure darn he some explaining to do:
WILSON COREY E X0093583 15-DEC-92 9230571 003578 M - DISORDERLY CONDUCT -/MISD/- Y
WILSON COREY E X0093583 01-OCT-93 9325841 93W38220 M - Assault with intent to commit a crime Y
WILSON COREY E X0134297 23-NOV-95 9537277 M - Y
M - Y
M - Driving while license suspended or revoked. Y
M - Titles, tag; Altering, forging or counterfeiting Y
WILSON COREY E X0340577 17-SEP-06 0331326 M - SIMPLE BATTERY -/MISD/-
Here's Zepora's:
243167 -- -- M 5707--CRIMINAL TRESPASS
21-JUN-86
ROBERTS ZEPORA X0005254
DOB: 22-JAN-44
Age at Booking:
42
Released:
21-JUN-86
Arrested: 21-JUN-86 Released: 21-JUN-86 Arresting Officer: ELLIS, F E Badge: 1032 Agency: DEKALB COUNTY POLICE DEPT Arrest Number: 86151749
*Booking No: 8610379 Booked-In: 21-JUN-86 04:09 PM Booked-Out: 21-JUN-86 05:58 PM
You have to be willing to forgive past transgressions, to a degree. Cunningham's original crime - he was relatively young and stupid. I can think that he's figured out what he did wrong. His current pizza scandal - I don't know. Are the school's getting a good deal? Did the schools look for the pizza, or did the pizza look to make a deal with the schools? Transparency and an appearance of corruption tell me that this needs more investigation and should be a consideration in voters' minds. The part about hiring the lawyer...whatever...guilt by association, no foul there. Lying on the board web site? What has he got to hide? Where was he for 26 years? Stretching on a resume is one thing ("attended Fort Valley State") but lying is immediate grounds for dismissal. Saying you worked somewhere for 26 years is lying. He needs to go.
As for Zepora Roberts, she needs to go too, but not for some petty trespassing charge that happened 25 years ago.
District 3 doesn't need a woman beater for it's board member. What message is EduKalb sending to the mama's by endorsing Corey E. Wilson? NO thanks
Thank you for deleting your inaccurate statements about cross keys from the article. Cross keys is in fact a very nice school. I really encourage you all to go check it out. I think all of the misinformation on this blog has really given a lot of people in the community the wrong idea about this school and the kids who go there. They have a very nice parent resource center that is open to all parents --not just cross keys parents. So you should all be able to check it out for yourself. I am not sure what the motivation is of those who these lies.
Anon 8:13 AM
I know I can call, but have you noticed ACT or SAT prep materials that can be checked out from the parent resource center at CK?
Thanks!
Cunningham made sure that Josie Alexander got a contract to provide legal services. Redovian, Roberts, Walker and Copelin-Wood provided the other votes. This is costing untold millions that could go to kids and teachers.
If that criminal record is for the same Corey E. Wilson running for BOE, I cannot believe that eduKALB endorsed him without checking his criminal history, as they should have done for any candidate they endorsed.
eduKALB didn't have a ton of credibility to begin with (their treatment of Ella was bush league). It has even less today.
P.S. Interesting that Wendy Saltzman didn't check Zepora's background during that hullabuloo. Not sure how Zepora kept a previous arrest quiet for so long.
I think an arrest and a conviction are very different things. I am not an attorney, but I think that if someone is arrested and it never goes to trial, then the arrest might have been questionable?
Perhaps an attorney can weigh in here?
I wonder that if eduKALB confirms Corey Wilson's prior arrest history, would they withdraw their endorsement?
eduKALB board members Ernest Brown, Allyson Gevertz, David Schutten, and Dunwoody Mayor Ken Wright are all very intelligent. How did no one from eduKALB make sure to check to make sure none of their endorsed candidates had an arrest record?? Another DeKalb mess.
Edukalb has no credibility. I was in 3 schools today and the teachers I spoke to plan to vote based on personal experience of their candidates. They did not feel any loyalty to David Shutten. EduKalb needs to get over themselves.
What I also found in 2 schools this morning was advertisement for Jay Cunninghams restraunts! I shared my concern about a board members advertising in school and the principal promptly pulled them off of her community table. However, I found the same yellow fliers at another school.I will follow-up with this matter with the county office. I guess Jay never got the memo- it's a no-no.
I too want to hear what edukalb has to say for endorsing Corey Wilson. I clicked on the site and there is no question that it's his mugshot!
According to the AJC, Cunningham made the statement that he stole the money little by little, over time. That's not a "mistake" that's simple bad character.
In 1982, Cunningham, then 23, was managing the McDonald’s on Flat Shoals Road, according to the files obtained by the AJC. Part of his job was to deliver store receipts to the bank for deposit.
At first, Cunningham told police his rental car had been broken into while he played basketball at Gresham Park and a bank deposit bag containing $3,000 in McDonald’s money was taken, according to the records.
But he was arrested after Cunningham’s manager at the McDonald’s found $11,000 cash in Cunningham’s gym bag, the records show. Further investigation revealed cash had been missing from the fast-food restaurant for two months.
“I took money little by little from [McDonald’s]. There may also be few thousand that is not counted for,” Cunningham wrote in a statement to investigators in August 1982.
Police also got a call from Hertz, which had repossessed Cunningham’s rental car and found several bank bags inside that had been cut open and emptied. The McDonald’s official identified those as the missing bags that Cunningham was supposed to have taken to the bank for deposit, records show.
Cunningham was charged with two counts of theft by taking and one count of making a false report (relating to his claim that his car had been broken into and the money stolen from him). Prosecutors later agreed to dismiss the false report charge and one theft charge in exchange for Cunningham pleading guilty to the other theft count, according to the case records. The plea deal, which could have carried up to 10 years in prison, gave Cunningham six years on probation under the state’s first offender program.
Those OJS links take you to an Oracle sign-in page....
Let's wait to see all the facts regarding Corey Wilson. The AJC has indicated they asked him for a statement.
We need to also balance whether someone has been charged, arrested, or convicted. Many southerners touch one another when they talk. That could be construed as unwanted by some and result in a battery charge. True this is extreme but something to consider.
My understanding is both the AJC and EduKalb ran background criminal checks.
I don't think arrest records show up on criminal records, only convictions.
Regarding the http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org and Corey Wilson, it's his birthdate. It's him, and there are MULTIPLE arrests. Yes, he definitely does deserve a chance to give his side of the story.
But just like Jay Cunningham, a candidate for elected office should be out front about any criminal, financial, etc. incidents in the past, instead of hoping the past doesn't come to light after the fact.
County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton had her financial situation exposed after an incident at Sam's Club. Would she have been elected if the public was aware of the many financial issues she's had in the past? She had a duty to come clean during her campaign, instead of hoping her many issues wouldn't later come to light.
I'm also surprised that Zepora's past arrest was never mentioned before on all of the many newspapers and blogs that cover DeKalb.
From Maureen Downey of the AJC on the Get Schooled Blog
"I just received a call from the Corey E. Wilson campaign saying that the District 3 school board candidate would issue a statement tomorrow about revelations of several past criminal arrests and that the Corey Wilson of today has matured since those police incidents, some of which involve family matters and occurred when he was in his twenties. I noted that at least one arrest was in recent times, 2006, and that I hoped Wilson would address that offense since he was in his mid-thirties then.
I told Wilson’s rep that they ought to consider issuing a response today as the news of his criminal arrests are now online and that the information will move quickly. The campaign aide said he would talk to Wilson about issuing some sort of statement today."
I think that it doesn't matter when he issues a statement, the vast majority of the voters in his district don't read the paper or this blog.
As to Cunningham, a blogger on the AJC reporters that he was a manger for McDonalds in the early 2000s.
I wish that Cunningham would make a statement to clear up the muck.
It was a misdemeanor case - no physical contact involved according to the info on OJS.
But if no charges were filed, I think this is a dead end.
No one had to swear under oath what happened.
A closer look at the info indicates that the disposition of the case was "Nolle Prosse" - which means the prosecutor did want to go forward with the case - usually because there was not enough evidence to prosecute.
You very good and well meaning people are looking at the wrong end of the telescope. DeKalb government and DCSS exist for the purpose of giving some the opportunity to make the
"big $$ hit". The majority of the
DeKalb County voters approve of this since they pay little or no taxes. They laugh and cheer when the man gets ripped. A few prior misdemeanors and felonies show that you have experience to get the job done.
As to Jay Cunningham's pizza business.... give him a break.
$3 for a full spaghetti dinner and beverage is a real good deal. At least he gave some value for the money. There are many at DCSS who steal thousands of dollars yearly in salary and perks.
DK County and DCSS are on a downward spiral.
I have often said that DCSS is a symptom of much larger problems in DeKalb.
From Maureen Downey of the AJC on the Get Schooled Blog
"I just received a call from the Corey E. Wilson campaign saying that the District 3 school board candidate would issue a statement tomorrow about revelations of several past criminal arrests and that the Corey Wilson of today has matured since those police incidents, some of which involve family matters and occurred when he was in his twenties. I noted that at least one arrest was in recent times, 2006, and that I hoped Wilson would address that offense since he was in his mid-thirties then.
---
Maureen Downey is right: The most recent arrest for Corey Wilson is 2006. He has some serious explaining to do for that one!
The vast majority of citizens in Dekalb are not criminals.
"The vast majority of citizens in Dekalb are not criminals."
True, so let's elect Board of Ed members and county comissioners who haven't had run-in's with the law!
From the Privacy Rights website:
http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/FS16c-FAQ-BkgChk-060928.htm#4
Will my old conviction, probation, or arrest show up on a background check?
It depends. What can be reported on a background check depends on a number of factors, such as the kind of job, salary, and whether the employer does the check or hires a third party screening company. These are just a few of the things that can factor in. Federal law allows the reporting of criminal convictions indefinitely. Your state may offer more protection. To find out more about protections your state may offer, contact your state fair employment agency. The following Web site lists fair employment agencies in the 50 states: www.state.hi.us/hcrc/OtherStates.htm
If you have a court record, check the court record yourself to see how this matter appears. You can go directly to the court involved. In most states, criminal records are compiled by the state’s Department of Justice. For a directory of the Attorneys General in all 50 states, visit www.naag.org. For California, check the Attorney General's Web site.http://ag.ca.gov/contact.php
If you are unsure what an expungement, deferred adjudication, or sealing mean with regards to your background check, be sure and ask the court clerk how your record will appear to the public. Below are general definitions of those terms and other common outcomes (but please note that some details may vary according to your state’s criminal law):
Expungement. Often equated to the sealing or destroying of legal records. Each state offers its own definition of expungement, based on different rules and laws. Generally, expungement can be viewed as the process to "remove from general review" the records pertaining to a case. But the records may not completely "disappear" and may still be available to law enforcement.
For more on expungement, visit www.epic.org/privacy/expungement.
DeKalb Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Meeting
WHEN - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29TH
Who - DeKalb Chamber Education Committee
Purpose - Discuss the DeKalb Chamber's Education Initiatives for the upcoming year and to solicit feedback from the general membership regarding those efforts
Why - Successful school systems and thriving communities have a vibrant partnership that exists between business and education.
Time - 8:00 am to 9:30 am
Location: DeKalb County Schools - Cornerstone Bank Community Room, 125 Clairemont Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030
Cunningham needs to address and address this quickly.
Same goes for Corey E. Wilson.
I doubt we'll ever hear from Zepora about her past arrest.
@ Anonymous 11:07
I cut and pasted the web address like you said, but apparently there is a login required. I'm sorry, but that's useless as far as fact checking goes. Surely you knew we couldn't get into this site when you supplied this web address.
Simple battery can be the result of placing your hand on a person's arm. It can even be in self defense. The facts of any case should be examined first.
Was Corey Wilson or Zepora Roberts convicted of anything or just charged?
Go to: http://www.ojs.dekalbga.org
Click "Enter"
For Category, click "Other Individual"
Click "Jail ID / Name Search"
Click "All" for "Inmate Staus'
Enter Wilson, Corey
Click "Search"
Make sure to click "Booking Photo" too for the 2006 arrest.
The dates for the four arrests:
15-DEC-92
01-OCT-93
23-NOV-95
17-SEP-06
"Simple battery can be the result of placing your hand on a person's arm. It can even be in self defense. The facts of any case should be examined first."
Yep, it sure can. Or it can be for something far worse.
And four arrests in less than fourteen years is a pattern I personally don't want to see in an elected official.
It appears that Corey Wilson was ordered to complete a pre-trial diversion program and he did so - that is the stated reason for the NOLLE PROSSE:
06C83348
Description Order Nolle Prossed-Closed
Docket Filing Date 08-AUG-2007
Associated Party None
Text
SRM // DEF HAS COMPLETED TERMS OF PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROG AND THIS CASE IS ELIGIBLE FOR EXPUNGEMENT
The arrest for Zepora Roberts did not result in a court case.
Well, Corey Wilson's 2006 case was Nolle Prosse. Nolle Prossed is from the Latin term "Nolle Prosqui" meaning "We shall no longer prosecute." Basically, it's an admission by the prosecution that there is a lack of evidence to pursue the case.
Simple battery could also mean family violence. This is what scared me.
It could have been a fight with his wife.
I am a criminal defense lawyer and Nolle Prosse does not always mean that there is not sufficient evidence to prosecute. If Wilson went through a pretrial diversion program it means that he agreed to serve a form of probation before entering a plea, i.e., he was diverted from the criminal justice system. By successfully completing this program and staying out of trouble for a specified period of time his charges were no longer pursued. Pre-trial diversion is often offered to first offenders.
Link regarding Eugene Walker:
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
Wilson's flack states there was no violence, but the daughter tells police Wilson had his wife in a headlock and was kicking her??!!
He was very lucky to be given pre-trial diversion. Is this someone who should be on the BOE.
Kicking his wife is definitely simple battery.
The wife refused to testify so this is how he got off easy.
This is totally family violence and the wife has been convinced not the testify to protect Corey. He had to go to the domestic violence classes for the first offense. There will be no classes if it happens again.
This is really sad. He is such a nice man. However, this is totally inappropriate for a school board member.
This is another example of eduKalb's endorsements. There are lawyers on this committee. You would think they would know to run a background check before they endorsed someone. This is just another strike for eduKalb's, the Chamber of Commerce's, and ODE's endorsements.
This group decided it was going to get rid of Woods and Roberts. Then Cunningham also got on their list. However, they really did not check out the other candidates very well. I give their whole process very little credibility. These groups have an agenda. It definitely is not all about the community and the kids in DeKalb County.
I saw Emanuel Jones strongly supporting wife beater Corey Wilson a couple of weeks ago! I guess "Birds of a Feather Flock Together"
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
I had heard the rumors about this for years.
But this article was published in July 2004. I'm very surprised the AJC missed it during Walker's first election, and especially when he was in the news for refusing to resign as chair of the DeKalb Development Authority while serving on the Board of Ed. while receiving campaign contributions from Sembler while Sembler was trying to purchase the Adams Stadium property.
Walker's behavior is offensive to every woman, every mother, every female professional.
Now he's serving on our Board of Education and will most likely win as Dekalb almost always re-elects incumbents.
Who should they have endorsed in that district?
Jay Cunningham. Gene Walker. Corey Wilson. "I'm Gonna Slug Ya" Zepora Roberts. Reprimanded Sarah Copelin-Wood. Even former BOE'er Simone Manning Moon:
Ex-DeKalb School Board Member Accused Of Bribery
http://www.wsbtv.com/video/25470144/index.html
WHEN WILL IT EVER END?
Please Kim Gokce run for BOE! Shayna, please run again! Ernest Brown, we need you!
It is an accusation against Manning-Moon. What about innocent until proven guilty?
Heery Mitchell is desperate.
Ernest Brown lost to Gene Walker in a run-off, even though Walker had a huge warchest of over $20,000 in donations from out of state Sembler executives. Ernest ran on a small fraction of that. If the public knew about Walker's antics, ernest brown would have been on the BOE right now, and an infinitely saner presence on the board.
The governor does need to step in and remove these board members.
However, it would help more to go ahead and give there report back.
What will be the results?
Walker does not think any board member has done anything wrong. I wonder why he feels like this.
http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/more-dekalb-school-board-692027.html
"I saw Emanuel Jones strongly supporting wife beater Corey Wilson a couple of weeks ago! I guess "Birds of a Feather Flock Together"
Please back your statement up with facts. This is total hearsay. Do you really think Zepora "I'm gonna slug you" "hire my children for hundreds of thousands of non-teaching positions" Roberts is a better choice. I can back these Roberts slogans up with facts. Can you?
It's easier to use the MIU (make it up) method than to cite your sources.
eduKALB is a JOKE!!! They ought to be ashamed of themselves. But, I'll bet, they have NO shame.
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
I'm guessing that most of the BOE didn't even know about Walker's past issues.
Seriously, Tom Bowen and the board have a duty to make sure Walker's behavior isn't repeated again, especially now he has his own office at the Mountain Industrial mega complex (as all BOE members have their own offices there after the expensive renovation).
A federal civil lawsuit is a big, big deal. No more lawsuits, no more settlements.
I liked Ernest Brown until he gave that pep rally, for Ms. Tyson, during public comments of the BOE meeting October 4th or 5th.
He sounded like a preacher on a Sunday morning.
I heard that comment about Ernest Brown also so I listened to the meeting then asked him about what he said. According to him, his point was that for an interim superintendent, Ms. Tyson was doing an outstanding job because she is doing something (addressing the book scandal, redistricting effort, updating policies, etc.) rather than simply keeping the seat warm. He pointed out to me there is an interim superintendent in the Macon area that is not making any major decisions, for comparison.
Should an interim superintendent make major decisions? When he explained it to me that way, I understood what he was saying. We need to get a short term superintendent to make the tough decisions so a new, long term superintendent won't have to deal with some of those issues at the beginning of their contract.
I just read the Walker article again:
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
He clearly has a problem, and the BOE has to make darn sure it doesn't happen again with him and any DCSS staff. We can't afford any more major embarassment and lawsuits.
If that info. was known in DeKalb during the Walker/Brown run-off, Ernest would have walked away with the election easy. I don't know how local TV news and the AJC missed it.
Dr. Walker hasn't been found guilty of anything. His tenure on the school board has been without blemish. Ernest Brown is a suck-up to who ever is "in charge" Self-importance is the name of his and EduKalb's game.
"Please back your statement up with facts. This is total hearsay. Do you really think Zepora "I'm gonna slug you" "hire my children for hundreds of thousands of non-teaching positions" Roberts is a better choice. I can back these Roberts slogans up with facts. Can you?
These are the comments that worry me for DeKalb. Wilson is running against Copelin-Woods not Roberts. If you are posting on this blog and aren't clear about that, what is going on with the 99.5 percent of the voters who aren't reading this blog or the AJC for that matter?
Anon 11:27. Indeed we need an interim Super that can make some tough decisions. However, the toughest ones has been ignored by Ms. Tyson.
We must have new leadership at the top. I know this might upset some of you, but the only way to change the DCSS culture of deception, is to get rid of our former Super's cabinet. Moseley, Thompson, Turk, Mitchell-Mayfield, Ramsey, Berry, Beasley and the rest need to be shown the door. Start at the top and the rest should fall in line. These folks let Pope and Clew get away with quite a deception. Time for change folks! Complete change!
I apologize for the glaring grammatical error in the earlier post.
Should have read, "the toughest one has been ignored." To all the DCSS teachers, I apologize! I have not had my first cup of coffee this morning.
Gene Walker's reputation was well known when he ran for school board. Yet he remains one of the most popular figures in S. DeKalb.
He will be reelected, easily, I suspect.
"His tenure on the school board has been without blemish."
Are you kidding me? Gene Walker is part of the problem.
He took tens of thousands in campaign contributions from an out of state company that at the time was trying to purchase one the school system's most valuable pieces of property. Sembler also wanted a proprty tax break from the county for the Town Brookhaven development which would have lowered property tax revenue for the school system.
He time and time again has advocated for increasing our school proeprty taxes, instaed of closely examining the out of control Central office spending and personnel bloat. He wants a tax increase of up to two mils (that's big!).
He refused for months to resign from the DeKalb Development Authority, even though its mission and goals sometimes conflicted with the mission and goals of the school system. Quote: "There’s nothing that says I can’t serve on some other DeKalb County board, even if serving on that board would create an obvious conflict of interest".
Heck, his BOE members sued him:
http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/images/dk%20schools%20vs%20dev%20auth.pdf
This is very important: He failed to disclose during his campaign that he has a number of relatives who work for the school system, more than any other BOE member.
He failed to disclose that he was
previous friends with Crawford Lewis, even sponsoring years ago Lewis' membership to the tony, insider downtown Commerce Club.
During the Josie Alexander issue on how much the system should spend on lawyers, he publicly stated that he makes decisions based on race, not what's best for our students and taxpayers, but on race.
And read this article again:
http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=165732
If this is acceptable behavior, behavior that proceeded with a federal civil lawsuit, which is very, very difficult to proceed to without an abundance of merit.
Defending Gene Walker? No wonder we have the BOE we do.
"Yet he remains one of the most popular figures in S. DeKalb."
Probably because he's related to so many DCSS emplyees!!
Okay. Enough of your fussin' and fightin'.
HERE is a candidate for DCSS Superintendent who would fit right in with our current board members:
http://www.ajc.com/news/pta-president-accused-of-692341.html
PREPARING TO VOTE CONCERN
Many of you may know that a League of Women Voters (LWV) Voter Guide is available through the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This is an unbiased guide featuring un-edited answers from candidates to a series of standard questions for each elective office.
However, there is a SERIOUS error in the AJC's League of Women Voter's Voter Guide!
I am in DCSS BOE District 1. Yet, the LWV Guide says that, based on my address, I am in District 2. When I filled out my Sample Ballot in the LWV Voter Guide to take with me to the polls, it did not include anything about the BOE election, of course.
The League of Women Voters was notified in writing about this error yesterday (Monday, October 25) but they have NOT yet made a correction.
This is a surprising and stunning lapse on the part of LWV given that:
(1) initially the LWV had the correct BOE district listed for my address; and
(2) Early Voting is going on this week; and
(3) the LWV knows about this error.
If you are in the DCSS BOE District 1, PLEASE NOTE: there is a SERIOUS error in the League of Women Voter's Voter Guide.
First it was eduKALB.
Now it's the League of Women Voters. . .
What next?!?!
Sandy
I had this problem as well.
I think it is actually how you answer some of the questions. It isn't straightforward enough, but I did figure it out.
under cities, you have to select Board of Education, then the districts come up. It is the same issue with all the districts, not just district 1.
It looks to be a pretty complex programming problem, but I don't think it was intentional not part of some grand conspiracy.
Question: Are BOE members required to have the SAME TYPE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK as all teachers must have to become employed?
If this is not so, it should be, at the very least!
SERIOUS ERROR IN LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ONLINE VOTER GUIDE
Thanks, Anonymous 3:09 PM
I just tried it again -- following your directions -- and no matter what I do, the Voter Guide still tells me, incorrectly, that I am in DCSS BOE District 2. I am in District 1 and that was correctly shown on my ballot today when I went to vote.
My concern is that someone who doesn't know for sure which BOE District they are in may take this to mean that they aren't voting for anyone on the BOE. It does not give a District 1 voter the chance to read about the candidates -- Nancy Jester and Bobbe Gillis -- who answered the LWV questions. It does not give a District 1 voter the opportunity to make an informed decision.
I wonder if this is happening with other DCSS BOE districts, as well?
Actually, when you think about it, why would a voter in unincorporated DeKalb County select anything other than "None of These" under "Cities in DeKalb"? Certainly it makes no sense to have "Board of Education" as the only other choice under "Cities in DeKalb."
Regardless of whether I select "None of These" or "Board of Education" under "Cities in DeKalb," it still erroneously tells me that I am in District 2.
Don McChesney represents District 2 and, unfortunately, he is not up for re-election.
I thought the League of Women Voters was better than this -- especially since they were informed in writing about the problem.
But do arrests where there is no conviction show up?
Apparently, in DCSS at least you don't have to disclose a felony record after 10 years. Is the case with teachers? What's SACS position on this?
Does anyone remember Darren Ware, the Human Resources Director Lewis recommended and the BOE approved? The BOE paid hundreds of thousands to "find" this man. Then when Ware had his fingerprints done, they found he had a criminal conviction (5 criminal convictions). And he had unlimited access to the financial records of 15,000 employees.
The search firm called the Lanta Group was used. That firm recommended Ware, and the firm reportedly had done other searches for the school system. All that money to the search firm and they never checked his records (also had no degree). The search firm didn't give back the money. Just more down the drain.
I am curious why you think this would be a SACs issue? SAC's focus in on policy and how the board follows or doesn't follow it.
Sandy
There is no none of these to choose under cities. Just school board when you click on it. It doesn't just affect district 1.
LWV is a non-profit organization that provides a service. It is also a membership organization, are you a member?
So where is the response from Corey Wilson? Does he think our memory is that short in district 3?
A Anonymous 6:27
I question that an arrest with no conviction should show up. I've never been arrested, but my sister was one time when she was young. Her boyfriend was driving her car, and he had an open beer in the car. They arrested her as well as him. They didn't press charges, and she graduated from college and was a great teacher for 35 years.
I have a friend whose son was at a party given by a 22 year old when he was 20. He had a beer. The police came to tell them it was too loud and then they asked for id from everyone. My friend's son had just a trace amount of alcohol, but that was enough to arrest him as a minor consuming alcohol. He ended up on probation for a year. He's in his late 20s now and earns a six figure income as a manager for a branch of a company where he has vastly improved their bottom line.
The point is that an arrest is not always what it appears to be. If you're a parent, just remember that we all live in glass houses so we might not want to throw too many stones. Other people's children including our own might be hit.
Information I sent to the AJC earlier today. Corey E.Wilson Contact Person: Will Sellers FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone Number: 404-219-8551
E-mail Address: sellers@georgia-capitol.com
WILSON SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT: STRONG TRACK RECORD OF COMMUNTY SERVICE AND CHARGES DROPPED
October 26, 2010 – Decatur, Georgia Corey E. Wilson, candidate for DeKalb School Board, District 3, discussed with campaign staff and supporters reports about his record.
“I have worked to address the real issues that impact our children in the DeKalb County School System: improving our schools; and supporting our teachers. I encourage everyone to look at my complete record and focus on the big issues. Let me be clear. I have been in love with my wife since we were teenagers, and I still love her. After recently celebrating our 12-year wedding anniversary, I am committed to my family, this school board district, and winning this race. I have a history of community service that speaks for itself. Look at the lump sum of my achievements and not a just few acts,” said Corey Wilson.
Overview of Certain Events Involving Corey E. Wilson
In 2006, Corey E. Wilson and his wife experienced a marital disagreement. The incident occurred just after the death of Mr. Wilson’s mother. This matter did not result in a conviction. Although, Mr. Wilson was charged all charges against him were dropped. While in college, Mr. Wilson was involved in minor legal matters which also did not result in any convictions. Mr. Wilson regrets these incidents.
About Corey E. Wilson
Corey E. Wilson is a loving father and committed husband with a strong track record of community service. For three years, Corey served as president of the Oak View Elementary PTA where his sons are students. Corey served on the DeKalb County School System’s Strategic Planning Committee and Parental Advisory Committee. Corey founded Fathers Being Involved, a group which focused on increasing the involvement of fathers in the lives of their children. Corey is a member of the Waldrop Farms Homeowners Association and the Belvedere Civic Association. Corey and his family are active members of New Mercies Christian Church. He regularly serves as a volunteer coach in his children’s sport teams. As Operations Manager for CarMax’s Alpharetta location, Corey is responsible for managing the company’s goods, people, and assets. Corey is a graduate of Georgia State University and Georgia Perimeter College.
If you would like more information about our campaign or you would like to schedule an interview with Corey E. Wilson, please contact Will Sellers at 404-219-8551 or via e-mail at sellers@georgia-capitol.com. For the latest campaign developments, please visit our website at www.ElectWilson2010.com.
Ernest Brown is pumping himself up on the blog with praises. He is not a good candiate for the DCSS as a Board Member. Donot be fooled by his so called smarts and surely not his ability to suck up to people who are in charge.
It is so sad, that this man truly wants to sit on the BOE. DCSS members, you will regret the day if he is ever chosen as a BOE. People on the south end of the county knows his games.A sheep in wolves clothing.
I don't know Corey Wilson and he is not in my district (Womack is my rep). However, I have been following his campaign with great interest. His ideas make sense for DCSS students. He has asked that you contact him directly so he can answer question you may have. How many of you would ask the same consideration?
Unfortunately, there are public officals out there that make the DCSS board members look honorable and decent.
School Official Wants Gays Dead
http://advocate.com/News/News_Features/Arkansas_School_Board_Member_Thinks_Fags_Should_Die/
Brief quote, whole thing is offensive.
While schools across the country are taking action against bullying and suicide, a board member of an Arkansas school district is using his Facebook page to encourage "queers" and "fags" to kill themselves.
@ Anonymous 8:29 PM
Do you mean a wolf in sheep's clothing?
Here is a legitmate question: Is Will Sellars being paid to run Corey Wilson's campaign? It's pretty unheard of a Board of Ed candidate hiring someone to run their campaign; usually it's a volunteer.
http://www.georgia-capitol.com/
The Georgia Capitol Associates team brings a multitude of skill-sets together in service to our clients. From idea generation, to long-term strategic planning, to project execution, we can do it! Our individual backgrounds and experience range across the political spectrum, with strong relationships around the state and in Washington, D.C.
With more than 40 years of combined experience on both sides of the political aisle, we have the history as well as the relationships with key players at the local, state and federal levels to benefit our clients as we help them navigate the often complicated, legislative and regulatory processes common in government.
We specialize in strategic planning, project and event management, and most importantly to our clients, navigating the maze of relationships and transactions that comprise the legislative process. Let our political skills and business acumen work for you!
I tell ya this: Georgia Capitol Associates did a great job writing that Corey Wilson press release. Jeff Dickerson himself couldn't have done any better.
Wilson's domestic dispute was only four years ago. It was enough for his daughter to call the police, and for the police to arrest him.
And here's what Will Sellars and Corey Wilson call "minor legal matters"...three arrests in three years.
WILSON COREY E
15-DEC-92
DISORDERLY CONDUCT
WILSON COREY E
01-OCT-93
Assault with intent to commit a crime
WILSON COREY E23-NOV-95
Driving while license suspended or revoked.
Titles, tag; Altering, forging or counterfeiting
Where is eduKalb response to their Corey Wilson blunder? Are they standing behind their Man? Inspite of his being a wife beater.
I shall correct myself. Corey Wilson is an alledged wife beater.
I just listened to the hour long internet radio broadcast on Corey Wilson's campaign website. He said some good things.
BUT... he praised Crawford Lewis' leadership a number of times???
And he talked about how the system lost property tax revenue multiple times, but never mentioned cutting the Central Office waste and bloat.
Warning: The host of the website will put ya to sleep. Drink some caffiene before listening if you want to listen to the entire thing.
Does anyone know the link to look up campaign contributions for BOE candidates?
And I'm wondering if Gene Walker is still getting any Sembler contributions???
The Corey Wilson story is fascinating. Four arrest in fourteen years. eduKALB being blindsided by it.
But this all started from the Jay Cunningham article. Stealing $12,500 as a McD's store manager. Three complaints to police about hsi behavior in the past two years _ punching a man in front of a church, pulling a GUN on the same man, and threatening a DCSS parent.
WE ARE WAITING FOR AN EXPLANATION JAY CUNNINGHAM!!
At least Corey Wilson's hotshot political consultant issued a press release. We've heard NOTHING from Jay Cunningham. And I expect we'll never get an explanation from gene Walker about the two sexual harassment complaints against him.
Don't forgeet Jay also has the pizzagate matter.
Campaign Disclosure Reports were due on September 30, 2010. Why didn't Gene Walker, Jim Redovian and Sarah Copelin-Wood file a disclosure? Everyone else managed to do so.
See for yourselves...
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/reports.asp
The next one was due October 25. Unfortunately the county won't have those posted prior to the election.. I wonder what we will learn that we will wish we knew before November 2nd....
@10:53 -- why was Wilson's license revoked/suspended in the first place? This is probably a whole 'nuther story.
Just looked on-line and saw that the person arrested for the drivers license and forgery issue was not Corey E. Wilson. It is a shame that Dekalb County Police will let anyone use another person's name without proper verification. Also saw where Mr. Wilson's name was used as an alias. It is a shame what family members will do to you. Keep on going Mr. Wilson make DCSS proud.
Wilson is not denying those arrests happened, so I think it was him.
@8:02, Walker did file. The Elections office misspelled his middle name, so it's in a separate listing with the new middle name. Here's a link:http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/voter/reports/boe10/EugeneWalkerSept2010.pdf
Interesting. Go to the Georgia Capital Associates website, and their photo gallery is a who's who of powerful Reublican state leaders, www.georgia-capitol.com.
DeKalb County is the most Democratic voting county in Georgia and one of the most in all of America. How did Corey Wilson end up working with a political consulting firm that usually works with high powered Republicans for a locak school board election campaign? And I wonder if eduKALB helped steer him that way. Interesting stuff.
Corey Wilson missed the most recent campaign filing.
And this is interesting:
http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/Voter/reports/boe10/EugeneWalkerSept2010.pdf
And Gene Walker is back to his old tricks, raking in a huge campaign contributions for a local school board election.
$500 from a Woodrow Harper...from SARASOTA, FLORIDA, VP Youth Services International
$1,000 from James Satterly, also of SARASOTA, FLORIDA, President of Youth Services International.
Does DCSS have any contracts with Youth Services International?? Why in the heck are company officials from Florida contributing $1,500 to a school board campaign in Georgia?
Why is Walker donating campaign money to the Chattahoochee Tech Foundation in Marietta?
Walker has raised a staggering $65,000 for a BOE campaign.
That might be a state record...definitely a DeKalb record.
The 65K for Walker includes his last campaign as well. Keep in mind that it is still alot of money but not quite as much as if it was for one campaign.
Youth Services International doesn't seem to have services in DeKalb, at least not yet.
And this is the guy that eduKALB wants to keep on the BOE??!!
http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2009/06/25/sembler-donations-went-undisclosed-until-election-was-over/
Oldie but goodie:
Dr. Eugene Walker - Someone to Watch...
Sunday, January 11, 2009, 8:20:12 PM | noreply@blogger.com (Cerebration) Go to full article
Did you know…
Dr. Eugene Walker – our newly elected representative for District 9 on the DeKalb County School
Board - has also served on numerous boards for the county – and currently STILL serves as the Chair of
the DeKalb Development Authority?
Did you know that the DeKalb County School Board and the DeKalb Development Authority are not his
only responsibilities? Eugene Walker currently serves as the Chairman of The Private Hospital
Authority of DeKalb County and The Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly of DeKalb County as
well.
Development Authorities were created by the Georgia General Assembly in for the purpose of
promoting trade, commerce, industry, and employment opportunities for the public good and to promote
the general welfare of the State. The Development Authority of DeKalb County was established in 1974
to promote economic development within DeKalb. It assists in financing business facilities and
equipment for job creation and expansion. Do these goals align or conflict with the goals of a school
system?
Did you know that the Supreme Court of the State of Georgia deemed the practice of using school taxes
to fund developments known as TAD’s unconstitutional?
Did you know that the Georgia Legislature introduced and in November, voters passed an Amendment
to the Georgia Constitution allowing School Boards to take part in funding these private developments
using school tax dollars?
Did you know that one of the private developers with the deepest pockets, the Sembler Company – the
people who tried to buy and develop school property at North Druid Hills Road also contributed at least
$18,000 to the recent winning School Board campaign of Eugene Walker?
One more thing – did you also know – Dr. Lewis – Superintendent of DeKalb County Schools - was
sponsored into The Commerce Club by Eugene Walker?
Think about it. Are these connections to developers good or bad for someone elected to serve our
schools? We'll be watching...
http://www.atlantaunfiltered.com/2009/06/10/developer-seeking-tax-break-gave-45k-to-dekalb-political-races/
The buzz in DeKalb has centered on nearly $20,000 in donations by The Sembler Co., its executives and family members, to school board member Gene Walker.
Walker, who won a special election in November, also chairs the DeKalb County Development Authority, which is considering Sembler’s request for tax abatements. The developer is seeking a 20-year exemption from property taxes on part of its Town Brookhaven mixed-use project under construction on Peachtree Road next to Oglethorpe University.
Sembler interests gave $10,000 to Walker’s campaign on Sept. 27 and another $8,000 on Nov. 19, campaign records show. Daniel M. McRae, the bond lawyer who handled Sembler’s request for an earlier tax break last year, also donated $1,200 to Walker’s campaign fund on Nov. 19.
The development authority can grant Sembler’s tax break without outside approval.
Like Father, Like Son
http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/09/like-father-like-son.html
This is what Gene Walker said about DCSS construction overruns and change orders well before the Pat Pope indictment. He clearly hasn't done what he said he would do regarding DCSS school construction and renovation.
Holding New Board Member's Accountable
Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 4:40:04 PM | noreply@blogger.com (Cerebration) Go to full article
We have recently elected four new members to the DeKalb County Board of Education. I have taken the
liberty of reprinting some highlights from their campaign promises so that we can remember what was
said in the middle of the campaigns and serve as "Watchers" to ensure that they follow through. They
have all talked the tough talk - if they do as they say, perhaps there is hope for some change.
Gene Walker: "I have the commodity of time at my disposal. Being retired, I can invest more time into
examining evaluating and acting on the issues facing our schools.....I would ensure that we recruit, retain
and retrain teachers, and introduce programs and incentives to get parents re-involved in their children’s
education.....The DeKalb School ops budget is nearly $900 million to educate 100,000 students per year.
We need to take a good, hard look at where this money is being spent.....In technology - I would strongly
advocate for partnerships in the business community and seek fed. Grants.....Our high schools should be
more comprehensive in scope to adequately equip the students to be competent generalists in all areas of
study, in addition to college prep study specialization. In elementary and middle schools, I would not
advocate “reform” per ce, rather a rededication of efforts to ensure our children have the basics –
reading, ritin’ and ‘rithmentic, in addition to the inevitable inclusion of modern technology and
computer training.....Cost overruns have multiple causes, but usually, it is insufficient planning on
someone’s part. Having said that, as a BOE member I would hold each member in the construction
process accountable and responsible for any change orders and cost overruns. Every architect, engineer,
scheduler, contractor, etc. would need to have an explanation before I could approve allocating add'l
funds. I would insist all construction projects have measureable benchmarks with penalties for missing
deadlines."
This is what Gene Walker said about DCSS construction overruns and change orders well before the Pat Pope indictment. He clearly hasn't done what he said he would do regarding DCSS school construction and renovation.
Holding New Board Member's Accountable
Tuesday, December 23, 2008, 4:40:04 PM | noreply@blogger.com (Cerebration) Go to full article
We have recently elected four new members to the DeKalb County Board of Education. I have taken the
liberty of reprinting some highlights from their campaign promises so that we can remember what was
said in the middle of the campaigns and serve as "Watchers" to ensure that they follow through. They
have all talked the tough talk - if they do as they say, perhaps there is hope for some change.
Gene Walker: "I have the commodity of time at my disposal. Being retired, I can invest more time into
examining evaluating and acting on the issues facing our schools.....I would ensure that we recruit, retain
and retrain teachers, and introduce programs and incentives to get parents re-involved in their children’s
education.....The DeKalb School ops budget is nearly $900 million to educate 100,000 students per year.
We need to take a good, hard look at where this money is being spent.....In technology - I would strongly
advocate for partnerships in the business community and seek fed. Grants.....Our high schools should be
more comprehensive in scope to adequately equip the students to be competent generalists in all areas of
study, in addition to college prep study specialization. In elementary and middle schools, I would not
advocate “reform” per ce, rather a rededication of efforts to ensure our children have the basics –
reading, ritin’ and ‘rithmentic, in addition to the inevitable inclusion of modern technology and
computer training.....Cost overruns have multiple causes, but usually, it is insufficient planning on
someone’s part. Having said that, as a BOE member I would hold each member in the construction
process accountable and responsible for any change orders and cost overruns. Every architect, engineer,
scheduler, contractor, etc. would need to have an explanation before I could approve allocating add'l
funds. I would insist all construction projects have measureable benchmarks with penalties for missing
deadlines."
I for one will be glad when 11/3/10 gets here. I'm tired of hearing the same communications over and over again. For CrossRoads to reprint the same ODE/EduKalb lame endorsements, speaks to a personal affiliation with ODE/EduKalb.
Oh well it is a free publication and shall always remain so with it's limited and biased scope.
You'll have to forgive me fellow DCSW readers, since there is so much unethical behavior and wrongdoing committed by board members, but is the public aware of the garnishments of Jay Cunningham's salary?
If this man can't manager his own credit no wonder we are in such a mess. He needs to go with the rest of that crew. The children in dekalb deserve better.
It is very upsetting that Anon 11:42 a.m. if you are going to post and expect to be respected, you should post the TRUTH. Mr. Wilson did post on time is campaign contribution. If you are just out for a witch hunt, go to another blog that doesn't want the truth.
That can't happen here, right?
Arbitrator Says Minneapolis School District Unjustly Denied Raises To Teachers, Staff.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune (10/27, Mitchell) reports that "the Minneapolis School District will have to pay out almost $17 million to teachers and support staff after a state arbitrator ruled that the employees were unjustly denied raises and merit pay for two years." The district did not "pay salary schedule raises and merit pay to teachers" during the 2008-09 and 2009-10 school years due to "budget problems." But the arbitrator "found that the decision was made without sufficient reason." The Star Tribune adds that "In a separate ruling," a different arbitrator "found that the district failed to provide raises to support staff after their contract expired in summer 2009." The support staff members are due about "$2.8 million in back pay."
@ Anonymous 11:42
"$500 from a Woodrow Harper...from SARASOTA, FLORIDA, VP Youth Services International
$1,000 from James Satterly, also of SARASOTA, FLORIDA, President of Youth Services International.
Does DCSS have any contracts with Youth Services International?? Why in the heck are company officials from Florida contributing $1,500 to a school board campaign in Georgia?"
From Walker's website:
"In January 1995, Dr. Eugene Walker was appointed by Governor Zell Miller and approved by the Board of Department of Juvenile Justice as the Commissioner. In this position, he was responsible for providing supervision, detention, and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders and coordinating prevention and intervention for youth at risk."
I could say the connection comes from this stint.
The NAACP does not support, oppose or endorse a particular political candidate or political party.
Mr. John Evans/the DeKalb NAACP DID NOT ENDORSE Jay Cunningham for school board reelection.
John Evans is a convicted felon. He was a county commissioner, and took bribes. His endorsement or lack of one carries zeo weight.
---
http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/90-6105.ZO.html
Petitioner was an elected member of the Board of Commissioners of DeKalb County, Georgia. During the period between March 1985 and October 1986, as part of an effort by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate allegations of public corruption in the Atlanta area, particularly in the area of rezonings of property, an FBI agent posing as a real estate developer talked on the telephone and met with petitioner on a number of occasions. Virtually all, if not all, of those conversations were initiated by the agent and most were recorded on tape or video. In those conversations, the agent sought petitioner's assistance in an effort to rezone a 25 acre tract of land for high density residential use. On July 25, 1986, the agent
handed petitioner cash totaling $7,000 and a check, payable to petitioner's campaign, for $1,000. Petitioner reported the check, but not the cash, on his state campaign financing disclosure form; he also did not report the $7,000 on his 1986 federal income tax return.
Hey Dwight Thomas, since when did Jay Cunningham graduate from Morehouse?
http://www.crossroadsnews.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Jay+Cunningham+has+become+productive+leader%20&id=10091736#comments_10091736
Mr. Cunningham has never forced, coerced or pressured anyone to eat at his establishment. He has not violated any laws, written or unwritten. Is there a hidden agenda in the political slander of Jay Cunningham, a standout Morehouse alumnus?
Read more: CrossRoadsNews - Jay Cunningham has become productive leader
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/board/members/cunningham.html
A product of the DeKalb County School System, Mr. Cunningham graduated from Walker High School (McNair High School) and attended Fort Valley State University on scholarship prior to being recruited by the McDonald Corporation to participate in the Supervisor Training Program.
Dwight Thomas has zero credibility to begin with, but flat out lying about Cunningham's education is just par for the course for someone who also happens to be Vernon Jones' personal laywer. Nice friends ya got there, Jay.
That doesn't seem as important to me as the fact that Jay has a previously undisclosed criminal history for theft from McDonald's, where he worked as manager and more recently for three alleged accusations of violence. ...
And, it appears that no one cares. Overwhelmingly, no one cares. Does this seem really really odd to anyone besides me?
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