Democratic Values

JaNice VanNess served as a State Senator for Rockdale, Newton, and Dekalb Counties and for 8 years as a Post 2 Rockdale County Commissioner. Her Democratic commitment is reinforced by her experience interning for Senator Alan Dixon and working for Senator Howell Heflin, both known for their dedication to justice and their constituents.

Ethics Reform

• Champion of Ethics Reform
• Supports Transparency & Accountability For The Rockdale Commission
• Proposed an Ethics Board
  • Approved in 2014
  • Next Commissioners Never Appointed Ethics Board Members
• Will Work with Other Commissioners to Activate a New Ethics Board

Courthouse and Administrative Complex

• Participated in Initial Planning for Rockdale County Courthouse, the Judicial and Administrative Task Force Project
• Elected to Chair the Board by Fellow Committee Members
• Created a Transparent Forum for Citizens to Attend Planning
• Toured Representative Courthouses and Administrative Complexes with Project Architect
• Published a Master Plan Recommendation Report
  • Report Was Ultimately Not Followed
  • Resulted in Current Cost Overruns

Expanding to Five Member Board of Commissioners

• Supports Providing Voters Information on Proposed 5-member board
• Voters Would Vote on an Amendment During Election Cycle
  • Proposed Legislation Allows for County Manager
  • County Chairman Would Become Part-Time Position

Taxes

• Continue to Ensure All Budget Hearings Are Public
• Ensure Department Heads Are Responsible for Approved Expenditures and Budgets
• Eliminate Excessive Spending
• Use Fees from Permits to Enhance Quality of Living of Rockdale County Citizens

Moratorium on Residential Permits

• Closely Review Planning and Zoning Practices
• Give Board Time to Assess Infrastructure by Halting New Projects for up to Six Months
• Balance Housing and Environment Through Sustainable Development
  • Protect Natural Resources
  • Safeguard Public Health
  • Enhance Overall Well-Being

Jobs

• Employment is Essential to Move Our Community Forward
• Georgia ranks 4th in U.S. for Inability to Escape Poverty
• Set Rockdale County’s Goals to Exceed State Standards
  • Job Training
  • Traditional & Alternative Education for High School Students
  • Better Job Networks
• Well-Trained Employees Will Reduce Need for Government Assistance

Economic Development

• Retain & Expand the Growth of Business in Rockdale County
• Work with State Economic Development Office to Establish New Business Partnerships
• Make Rockdale a Top Consideration for New Companies
  • Provide Jobs with Living Wages
  • Occupy Real Estate to Support Tax Base
  • Eliminate Old Buildings in Disrepair & Beautify Our Communities
• Support Government Efficiency & Streamline Business Application Process

Education

• Educated Workforce is Critical to the Long-Term Health of Rockdale County
• Collaborate with School Board Members and Superintendent
• Ensure Each Child Has Opportunities for Success Through a Great Education
• Education Provides Additional Benefits
  • Financial Independence
  • Gainful Employment
  • Upward Mobility