“I am proud to have authored, alongside Commissioner Michelle Long-Spears, the DeKalb Backyard Breeder Ordinance. Within our Ordinance, we seek to regulate breeding and eliminate the “puppy mill” tactics of non-vested breeders who exist purely for profit with little to no care for animals.”
“Understanding DeKalb animal shelter overcrowding is at a critical state, I will take immediate actions once elected CEO to counteract the adverse conditions we now see. Also, understanding that the first-year revenue associated with the $7.5 million earmarked by SPLOST II funding will be collected in 2025, I’d create an Animal Task Force comprised of LifeLine Animal Shelter Volunteers, DeKalb Animal Services, and an expert in the delivery of animal services to spend six months hashing-out needed elements and enhancements to the existing LifeLine facility to ensure its functionality and ability to better meet the needs of animals and community. Thereafter, during the Fall of 2025, I’d move forward with the development and issuance of an RFP for the procurement of a contractor who can expand the existing animal shelter. Also, I believe discussion should be given as to if the current location of LifeLine Animal Shelter is the best location for the expansion. Personally, I have considered a more central location, i.e., along Memorial Drive, but I believe we need in-depth conversations before a final decision is made, as such a move may be cost prohibitive. I believe in following the science and it could be that the greatest amount of LifeLine Animal Shelter users in closer to the current location.
It is my intent to have development plans in place by mid-year 2025 so we can begin expansion activities during the Fall. However, if my targets are too aggressive, I will defer and adjust, because the goal is to get it right this time. I joined the Board of Commissioner in 2019, however all parties involved in the last animal shelter expansion acknowledge that their actions were rather short-sighted and not enough thought was given to the actions taken and long-range planning.
As the CEO, I would propose to the governing authority (DeKalb County Board of Commissioners) the issuance of a Government Bond against the expected revenue to begin immediate construction. If not, since the SPLOST II is a six-year revenue collection, if we wait until revenue is fully materialized from SPLOST II, it is possible there could be no action until 2030. As the Board of Commissioners is the only body vested with the capacity to encumber revenue and levy debt, I must have their support to float a Bond.”
“I am proud to have authored, alongside Commissioner Michelle Long-Spears, the DeKalb Backyard Breeder Ordinance. Within our Ordinance, we seek to regulate breeding and eliminate the “puppy mill” tactics of non-vested breeders who exist purely for profit with little to no care for animals. The Ordinance can be uploaded for your review.
Although I was required to resign my seat as a Commissioner to run for CEO, the Ordinance continues to travel through the PECS Committee for consideration. Commissioner Long-Spears continues to shepherd the legislation in my absence and with the presence of local advocates, who have been relentless in shedding light on the conditions of the animals, I would expect that the Ordinance will be approved this year.
As CEO, I’d propose the development of PSAs that educate the public on Backyard Breeding and county animal services for free spay and neuter. Also, I’d like to explore expanding the free and reduced cost of animal services in DeKalb. Understanding that the cost associated with the care of an animal is just dollars from the cost associated with housing those who are incarcerated, I believe DeKalb will benefit from creating a landscape where more animal medical services are provide by a county to increase adoptions. More research is needed prior to taking action, but it is my initial thought to operate a 100% free clinic, perhaps with graduated service fees based upon income.
Due to the ambiguity that has surrounded the existing conditions within LifeLine Animal Shelter, I am proud to have put forth a Resolution calling for the external mandatory audit of all facets of operations associated with LifeLine Animal Shelter, including the Animal Disposition Process. I look forward to getting more information to help me make necessary and corrective decisions associated with proper operations and best practices.”
“Several of the questions asked in the strengthening enforcement section of the survey should be Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), however across DeKalb I have found individuals who hold key functions that lack proper skills or function at a diminished capacity because they lack clarity of roles and responsibilities or on-going training.
Prior to taking any action, I want a full assessment of the current staff and thereafter I can determine how to go about assembling a proper team to address the issues I see within DeKalb Animal Services. I am very committed to hiring an Enforcement Director immediately, because leadership within the current ranks seem to be lacking in key areas. I firmly believe leadership begins from the top and establishes the culture of the organization. So, I am committed to ensuring we have competent staff and firm procedures for all Animal Services staff.”
“Although as CEO I place a very high regard on increasing pay for shelter workers, I want to be clear that I must take a comprehensive approach to salary increases across DeKalb.
As CEO, I must show the same care for staff across all departments. In many departments throughout DeKalb County prior to 2022 there had been no pay increases in twelve years. I have never seen a comprehensive list of salaries across all departments, nor have I seen an analysis of current salaries and national or local pay averages for equivalent positions. Therefore, until I have all salaries before me, I will not commit to the roll-out of pay increases. I may need to prioritize pay increases once I understand the totality of the circumstances within various departments.
As an individual who believes in proper compensation for services rendered, you can rest assured I understand the importance of paying a fair and competitive wage. However, I must be cognizant of spending allocations because DeKalb does not operate on an infinite budget. You can only spend what you generate. I have definite ideas on how to reduce costs and generate additional streams of income in several departments, while in some instances I must cover cost through creative funding when general fund revenue cannot be used. In terms of National Animal Care & Control Association salary suggestions, I am completely open, however I have not seen firm salaries listed for all animal care positions – so I need more research before committing to following their standards.”
“As the CEO of Dekalb, I am dedicated to expanding access to free and low-cost animal care services. When one considers the high cost of incarcerating an animal, we must reduce the presence in animals in shelters.
Upon taking office, I will immediately request a study to explore the costs associated with a 100% free animal clinic for DeKalb County residents. Recently, I carried my beloved Chihuahua to Village Vets for care. Ultimately, his costs were over $1,400. I realize the average working-class household cannot afford such unexpected expenses and as a result countless animals suffer. I want to ensure all pets have access to care and I believe the cost of free care will be far less than the cost of housing animals in shelters.
To better educate the community on existing pet services offered in the county, I will utilize DC-TV, print literature, and community pop-ups. I will create a series of PSAs that will run on looped rotation within all county building and on local cable networks. As a former media executive, I plan to use a variety of communication tools to increase knowledge surrounding everything from pets to parks.”
“I have had extensive conversations with our Solicitor and she has indicated a willingness to work collaboratively on the issues surrounding the courts and animals as evidence. Also, the law department has indicated the number of pets as evidence is far lower than presented by several animal advocacy organizations. I look forward to getting to the bottom of the matter and ending ambiguity and any confusion that may exist. I have been assured by the Solicitor that there is no requirement that we hold animals for extended periods of time as evidence - so there seems to be either failures to communicate or conflicting statements that need to be resolved for the good of the animals.”