Free-For-All Friday 10/30/15
Decatur Metro | October 30, 2015 | 7:10 amFeel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Feel free to use this post to make comments and ask questions about local topics not yet discussed here over the past week.
Forecourt. By Marriott.
So I was just hit with a Notice of Violation for illegally passing a COD school bus. (I’m a good person, really). The violation was automatically captured by the cameras on the bus. The video is available online, and after reviewing it, I believe I have grounds to dispute the alleged violation. I’ll spare folks the details, but I’ll just say that I strongly doubt a live police officer would have issued a ticket in this case. In any case, anyone have experience contesting these types of automated citations?
Pay it and move on.
Nah. We’re talking $300. But thanks for your thoughtful advice!
If you were close enough to get on camera then you were too close to the bus to begin with. I agree just pay it and stay away from the bus all together. I stop 30 to 40 feet back from those no matter the direction!
You’re the one who asked for input from those with experience. Pay and move on is my experienced advice. Sorry it wasn’t thoughtful enough for you.
Take it to court. Those cameras “catch” people even though the stop sign on the side of the bus just popped out and there’s no way to safely stop. I know some judges in City of Decatur court have considered that issue and tossed some tickets. There’s no guarantee, but if that’s your situation, you should not just fold. That being said, it goes without saying that anyone driving near a bus should get ready to stop.
This was my situation exactly. I was passing through a busy intersection on S. Candler when the school bus stop sign popped out. I couldn’t just throw on the brakes. Thanks for the helpful response!
Are you sure they weren’t flashing the amber warning lights first?
It is my understanding that is the warning the stop sign is going to pop out and then they change to red flashing lights. I could be wrong though.
I fought it for the same reasons and won. It’s a ridiculous outsourcing of judgment to a revenue sharing partner. Good to protect our kids. Terrible execution of the intent. Judge was reasonable.
I have a great deal of experience with these, from all sides. While some of the posters are correct (there are usually warning lights before hand and the stop sign operates after that), you don’t lose anything (other than your time) by fighting if you think you’ve got a case. You should keep in mind that the actual statute says nothing about the stop sign–it just so happens that the buses now have those. The highest fine they can give you is the $300 they want you to pay now. And I’ve seen outcomes in court both ways.
It looks like there is some renovation of the DeKalb County parking deck ongoing. The stairwell next to square was closed last weekend for construction. Guess I need to look for a new free parking spot.
… and a new outdoor urinal. Ewwww.
Management of the deck has recently been contracted to Lanier. A Sept. 29 email to county employees stated: “A Notice to Proceed was issued to Lanier Parking on Friday, September 25, 2015. Lanier Parking will start to manage the parking deck on October 1, 2015 from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Parking rate will remain the same. All Juror and Employee parking will remain the same. You will see new signs, more striping and traffic pattern change to make the Parking Deck safer for patrons.”
It looked like it was still free after hours and weekends the last time I went by. If that’s going to change and they’re only staffing 7 to 7, they’ll have to install some kind of automated system and I haven’t seen that yet.
I was aware of the supposedly pending changes but this was the first sign of movement I have seen in that direction. It sure seems silly to staff the exit of a parking deck as early as 7am but no one asked me.
New signs, striping, and traffic pattern are all good. But it’s going to also take better lighting and cleaner stairwells before anyone but county employees and court visitors are likely to pay use this deck much. Right now its not even worth it free when it’s dark out.
This afternoon I saw some folks working in the exit area who appeared to be installing some kind of kiosk.
OK folks, there is a municipal election on Tuesday. This is the first time I can remember that there has been more than one contested position in Decatur, and two incumbents are not returning, not to mention the school bond issue. Let’s see if we can get more than 20% of the eligible electorate to the polls this time !
It’s always been a mystery to me why 60 or 70 percent of voters turn out for a presidential election, but less than 20 for local elections. The adage “all politics is local” is true. What affects your day-to-day life more – what happens in DC or what happens on N McDonough St?
Your candidate may not ultimately win, but if you don’t exercise your privilege to vote, you can go to back of the complaint line.
I’m going to vote! “Like” Steve’s post if you plan to vote.
For some, that adage could be amended to “all local politics are boring.” I think that’s the best explanation for low turnout, Steve. But I do agree with you and would add that one person’s vote (or attendance at a council meeting, etc.) in a local election is more significant than it is at the state or national level. Relatively few people end up deciding things for everyone.
I don’t disagree that this is the perception for most folks but I’d argue it’s far from the reality. What’s boring is the typical process offered to those who need structured ways to participate but local politics is actually fascinating because it boils down to getting things — meaningful things that impact us all daily — done or not done.
In short, having an opinion or pointing out a problem is just tossing stones in the water. What matters in the end is your degree of efficacy in actually driving the change you want to see. That makes it a sort of puzzle to be solved and who can resist a good puzzle?
With national politics, all you can really do as an individual is state your preference as it relates to a couple different priorities, approaches or general tone. Locally, you can envision a goal, engage partners, determine pathways to implement, and actually be the change you seek.
We’re very fortunate to live in a community of doers — whose actions, in many cases, are the true face of local politics, even if the people getting sh*t done don’t consider themselves political.
Great points! The power of the vote at the local level is felt so much more than at the state or federal levels. In Decatur, a commissioner only has to get two other people to go along with him/her to make laws that have a direct impact on us. State House members have 179 other members and 56 senators they must work with to enact laws, which may or may not impact residents of Decatur. And political influence – and impact – is further diluted when you get to the federal level. I recommend voting in all elections, but I would opine that it is the votes cast at the local level that have the most impact on our individual lives. And it’s is our responsibility as voters to take the time to know the candidates’ beliefs, values and character. We owe it to ourselves and our neighbors to be thoughtful voters.
The bond referendum is an especially important reason to vote. Good information at GoYesDecatur.com, but whatever your opinion is, please exercise the right (and privilege) of voting.
I have already voted. Early voting is the way to go. But it ends today.
If your child rides a bike to school in the morning please put lights and/or reflectors on it.
And on your child too…
Lights.
Now that Evans Fine Foods is closing, any recommendations for another meat-and-three that has booth seating? My neighbor needs the booth back to help her stand up. Thanks!
I may be mistaken, but I believe Our Way has some booths.
Piccadilly.
Has Decatur ever had a municipal band?
The City Commissioner-At Large disclosure reports are a study in contrasts as of September 30th. John Ridley has loaned himself 200,000, has no citizen contributions, spent 15,000 on Tandem Communications, a political strategist for councilmen, councilwomen, sheriffs, mayors, judges and state representatives campaigns (http://tandemcommunications.com/reviews/), and a door to door canvassing firm. Is this really a campaign for City Commissioner or a stepping stone for higher office?
Tony Powers has raised 20,000 from more than a hundred residents and spent 7,000 of his money on yard signs, t-shirts, creative and web services and mailings.
https://decaturga.transparencypro.com/public/campaigns/55f060a8f56a710300835b84/reports/56156bb73fa109030081d485/pdf
https://decatur-ga.transparencypro.com/public/campaigns/55e47ff864d9b803004a75c9/reports/5609443d77906d030084513e/pdf
None of that is a surprise to me. The immediate higher office Ridley covets is a separately elected Mayor, for which he would have to convince the DeKalb legislative delegation to offer an amendment to the city charter.
I drove two routes through the southside to destinations yesterday and saw exactly three Ridley yard signs – two of which were in his yard.
…. and Decaturites will be getting a flyer in their mail today or tomorrow from the Ridley campaign that I am unable to accurately characterize without resorting to salty language that will get me put in moderation for quite some time.
Oooooooooooh, I can’t wait! I hope it’s got Willie Horton on it!
Got my negative ad from John Ridley this afternoon. Booooooooo.
Come see a great dance performance by Decatur City Dance on November 14th! The company is performing a new original performance called Who Brought the Stories to the People? Bring the kids and learn about Native American and African folktales told through dance!
Saturday, November 14, 2015
1:00 PM & 5:00 PM
Uhry Theater at Druid Hills High School
1798 Haygood Drive, NE
Atlanta, GA 30307
The performance will include a book fair sponsored by Little Shop of Stories. Purchase one of five Ananzi or Coyote tales and get your book signed by our dancers!.
Tickets are on sale now – General Admission – advance online $9.50 – at the door $10
Visit decaturcitydance.org for ticket purchases and additional information
Anyone want to start a pool to guess how early the Trick-or-Treaters will start on Saturday? I’m going with 4:30, mainly because my assumptions have been so wrong in the past. For the record, I wish we could all agree on 6 pm…
There will be a knock by 4pm and at least one ‘mom’ with no costume carrying a grocery bag for her ‘sick child’ at home by 5pm
Huh. Are you saying my costume needs work?
Are carrots and toothbrushes for adults okay? A pamplet in the risks of diabetes?
No guesses on when the first real kid will make an appearance, but a consultant for developers who was dressed up as a former mayor knocked on my email inbox this morning, threatening tricks from certain city commission candidates unless I gave treats to others. Childish scare tactic, I know, but I did feel sorry and gave him a few snickers for the effort.
Nope. Late this year. It was 6:00. All the locals with kids were at Halloween parties early on. They got home around 8 pm and we were out of candy.
Last week, DM Reader Hola asked if anyone could point to some clear differences on the issues between Eric Tumperi and Scott Drake. I didn’t get a chance to post last week. But I would like to do so now.
I am voting for Eric Tumperi. He has worked tirelessly for our schools for decades. Tumperi has been the PTA president in our grade, middle, and high schools. That kind of front line work gives Tumperi unique insight into our schools. And I believe that he will be a strong voice for our schools on the commission where one is sorely needed.
I have read the email from former Mayor Bill Floyd that has been circulating on the Internet. Floyd’s comparisons attempt to lump Tumperi in with Ridley are unfair and unfounded. And I thought that Floyd was better than that. I do not think that Scott Drake is a bad guy. To the contrary. He’s a nice guy. His family has been in Decatur for a long time and his dad was the mayor. I just think that Drake has been a void on the commission for our schools. Not enough leadership on schools from Drake at all. And I would like to see Eric Tumperi’s strong voice there instead.
Former Mayor Floyd said that some candidates are trying to pit the schools against the city. I do not see it that way. I think that advocating for a strong school system will make our city stronger.
Thanks!
With this experience in and focus on the schools, I wish Trumperi was running for school board instead of the city commission. Seems like the school board candidates don’t have a long enough track record with our schools, and I really need a commissioner who is focused on the whole town, not just the schools.
Macarolina, Eric’s interests are much broader than our schools such as greenspace/tree canopy, sustainable growth/urban planning, maintaining a diverse citizenship and annexation — to name just a few. Schools are a big focus for him, of course, and b/c of the attention on CSD due to enrollment growth, facility expansion, impact on taxes, etc. this issue in particular is getting a lot of play. Btw, for those interested, a group of more than 30 of Eric’s supporters submitted a letter to Decaturish in response to Bill Floyd’s letter. Link: http://www.decaturish.com/2015/10/dear-decaturish-in-defense-and-support-of-eric-tumperi-for-city-commission/
This is the second straight election that Bill Floyd has published a public letter speaking disparagingly about District 1 candidates whose last name is not Drake. I too think Scott is a nice guy and neighbor. To me this is more about Bill ambushing candidate reputations under the guise of freedom of speech. I have held Bill in high esteem, but prefer that he and others send emails of support about why they support a candidate than attempting to disparage others. We are all neighbors and friends after all.
Does anyone know why there were seven large tour buses and three rental box trucks parked on N McDonough by DHS this morning?
I heard a marching band playing when I as walking nearby. I wonder if it was some kind of marching band competition.
That occurred to me.
First trick-or-treaters – 5:46! Woo hoo, let the fun begin!
6:00 on the nose here. And steady ever since.
The political posts on Decaturish and here are getting intense. Wow. I haven’t seen things this heated up since the 2003 battle of which north side school should be closed. All we need is mean spirited “secret” Yahoo groups to complete the picture.
City of Decatur is usually pretty chill but every once in a while, a political nerve is struck…
Having contested elections and debate is good- just not the negative campaigning.
Agree. In Decatur, elections are often uncontested so folks take offense when they’re not. The discussion is good; the nastiness (from anyone) is off-putting. And divisiveness has effects that reach far into the future.