In the upcoming DeKalb County CEO election, one candidate stands out as a beacon of responsiveness and proactive leadership: Lorraine Cochran-Johnson. As a current County Commissioner, Cochran-Johnson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving her constituents, actively listening to their concerns, and the desire to resolve issues. Her track record speaks volumes about her dedication to improving the lives of DeKalb County residents and her candidacy for CEO promises to bring about positive change on an even larger scale.
Cochran-Johnson’s responsiveness as a County Commissioner has been exemplary. She has made it a priority to engage with the community, holding town hall meetings, listening sessions, and neighborhood forums to ensure that every voice is heard. Whether it’s mandating audits for all contracts over $3 million, which resulted in saving county taxpayers more than $92 million, advocating not just for more home ownership, but for more affordable housing, or promoting economic development, Cochran-Johnson has consistently shown up for her constituents, ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work. The buzz among many residents is that Cochran-Johnson actually responds, and not with a generic email designed to make one feel that the message has been received. Many residents mention that not only does she respond, but she responds with all relevant county department reps cc’d. Something that long-time county residents have not experienced in a long time.
What sets Cochran-Johnson apart from her opponents, Larry Johnson and Stephen Bradshaw is her record of delivering results in a relatively short time in office. While supporters of both Larry Johnson and Steve Bradshaw can tout the strengths of their candidates, neither can match Cochran-Johnson’s level of responsiveness and accomplishments, and initiatives, especially in a short time frame.
For example, a dollar store employee mentioned to Cochran-Johnson, shortly after she was elected as District 7 Commissioner, that brazen thefts were quite common in dollar stores. Cochran-Johnson researched dollar stores, the crime associated with them, and their effect on exacerbating food deserts in Black communities, and persuaded the County Commission to pass a moratorium on new dollar stores. Another is the recent video surveillance ordinance Cochran-Johnson came up with requiring high-resolution cameras at all businesses considered high crime risks, such as gas stations, and convenience stores.
This shows that Cochran-Johnson is not satisfied with placating residents with news ops where “I pledge more police officers” is a common trope of other Commissioners or candidates, despite many departments around the country grappling with declining interest in becoming a police officer. Cochran-Johnson knows that it’s better to make lemonade from lemons, rather than pull out empty promises. This is what leadership looks like, using a creative solution to at least get started with the work to help address crime at these businesses.
Other localities, both regional and nationally have used Cohran-Johnson’s dollar store moratorium and video surveillance ordinance as models for their own legislation.
Furthermore, Cochran-Johnson has demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing DeKalb County and has outlined comprehensive plans to address them. Her platform prioritizes issues such as education, public safety, and economic empowerment, with concrete strategies for tackling each one. From investing in workforce development programs to enhancing public transit infrastructure, Cochran-Johnson has laid out a roadmap for progress that resonates with the needs and aspirations of DeKalb County residents.
As the CEO of DeKalb County, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson would bring the same level of responsiveness, dedication, and integrity that she has displayed as a County Commissioner. Her commitment to serving the community and her proven track record of delivering results make her the ideal candidate to lead DeKalb County into a brighter future. With Cochran-Johnson at the helm, residents can rest assured that their voices will be heard, their concerns will be addressed, and their county will thrive.