Clairmont Heights Civic Association

From the North Druid Hills Homeowners Association...

Dear Neighbors:

As you may know, amongst the other positions we will be electing on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, will be a new school board member for our District 2. Whether or not we have children in the Dekalb School System, this important position can affect all of us in several significant ways.

The school system has an annual budget of close to 900 million dollars which is funded in part from our real estate taxes. This budget is approved by the school board members. Therefore, the more the school system budget increases, the greater pressure there is for there to be an increase in our property taxes. Despite the fact that the appraised values are frozen, the county can still increase the millage rate which would result in higher taxes.

Also, if and when the Sembler Co. or another developer approaches the School Board concerning the sale of the Open Campus and International School (formerly Kittredge Magnet School), the members of the school board will be the ones to decide whether or not they will sell those properties to a developer. Therefore, it is very important to all of us to have someone in that position who truly represents our interests.

Our homeowners association does not endorse any candidate; however, we do want everyone to be able to make an informed choice. To that end, the North Druid Hills Homeowners Association, together with the Merry Hills Homeowners Association and the Lavista Park Homeowners Association, have confirmed that all three candidates will be in attendance to present their views and respond to questions. This meeting will take place on Sunday, October 26 at 7:15 PM at Congregation Beth Jacob, 1839 Lavista Rd. (between N. Druid Hills and Briarcliff), in the upstairs conference room.

I strongly encourage you to attend...and please inform or bring your neighbors who may not be registered to receive this email. A large turnout at these types of meetings sends a strong message that we are a community who cares and is involved in these important issues. I look forward to seeing you there. Please arrive early so we can start on time...and bring any questions or concerns that you want to have addressed by the candidates.

Alan Pinsker
NDHRA President