Austell Community Taskforce readies to act for positive change

A team of over a dozen area activists, volunteers, and brand marketers met at the South Cobb Recreational Center in Austell, Ga. last night to discuss how they are going to launch a positive change movement in education, employment, and justice.

Having recently received its 501(c)3 tax exempt status, the Austell Community Taskforce (ACT) is developing initiatives to spur economic empowerment.

ACT President Mike Murphy pondered on how to move his community forward.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to help this area develop,” said President Mike Murphy.

Rev. Coakley Pendergrass said one of the most important issues the community faces is the vote on allowing a light rail system to be built in South Cobb. Coakley is urging people of all faiths to get out of their church, synagogue, or mosque boxes and improve their communities.

“We’re so caught up with daily survival, but we must remember that folks need to look at us differently, that we are not going to be ignored. Don't get bamboozled,” Coakley said. He urged the group that “now is not the time to be apathetically spiritless.”

Bruce Redd, an IBM retiree and Vietnam era veteran, agreed with Coakley. “This light rail issue is important because it will generate good paying jobs. The trades will be up for grabs...if we’re not careful, we will be left out.”

Thomas R. Carter, the first African American to run for a Commissioner’s seat in Cobb County, was adamant and impassioned. “We must understand that it is imperative that we get the transportation referendum passed. And after that’s done, if we don’t have qualified, trained people to accept those jobs, they will bring people in from the outside, so we must let the masses know what is at stake,” Carter said.

“This is an underarm biggie we're getting ready to mess with here,” Carter concluded.

Another major issue discussed was South Cobb school redistricting which will affect 1500-1600 students, 60% of which will be transients who will need supplemental services.

"The quality of education that is being delivered must improve," said one attendee. "This is the message the new superintendent, who is on his maiden voyage in Cobb, must hear," he said. "We have a right to know how principals are being evaluated, and we need to voice our opinions about those evaluations."

The group has a laundry list of activities and projects planned as well as questions they will be asking elected officials.

1. Although crime is a major issue in the area, why was the local police precinct closed?

2. Pedestrian safety is a concern, and when will a much needed hawk lighting system be installed at Six Flags Crossing?

3. A trades training program needs to be established to increase the number of qualified electricians, railroad engineers, and carpenters. How can ACT partner with other organizations, namely CobbWorks, Cobb County Commission, Century 21, Partnership for Southern Equity, etc.?

4. To combat health care disparities, a health fair in cooperation with Good Samaritan Hospital needs to be planned to address the high incidence of stroke, obesity, and improper dieting.

5. A community survey needs to be disseminated to get a pulse of citizen’s needs and how they can help their community.

6. A “register to vote” campaign needs to be established to educate and get voters to the polls, especially during primary elections. This will be a main priority when the new transportation bill/referendum is on the ballot. This will involve light rail and bus systems which could bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

It was noted that ACT is a non-partisan organization that refrains from supporting any political candidates or parties.

©2011 Tomi Johnson. All rights reserved.