ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Jan. 16, 2025

Harvard Fellows Aid in The Transition of Rockdale County’s New Chair

 ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. –  Two students from the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) Taubman Center for State and Local Government’s Transition Term Program have worked closely with Chairwoman JaNice Van Ness and county leadership to help with the transition process for the new Board of Commissioners (BOC) Administration.

Transition Term is a nonpartisan program that matches newly elected leaders with students who assist them for two weeks during the January term. Fellows Shanequa Moore and Willie Powell, both working to obtain their master’s degrees in public administration, have been assisting Chair Van Ness since Jan. 2, 2025.

“Chairwoman Van Ness is very authentic and cares a lot about the citizens. I’ve enjoyed hearing about everything she wants to get done and what we’ve heard from the directors,” Shenequa Moore stated of the experience. “Rockdale is unique, and I understand why people love the county.”

“The people have been very welcoming while we have been here,” Willie Powell stated. “It has been interesting learning about Rockdale County and all the exciting progress that the new board wishes to pursue.”

During their time with Rockdale County, they have met with several departments and officials to observe trends, evaluate processes and collect information to provide suggestions to Chairwoman Van Ness that support the departments and the direction of the new board. In addition, they give an outsider perspective to adapt ideas for the transition. Upon completion of their term, they will provide the board with a final report.

Previously a participant of the program and Harvard Alum, Tax Commissioner Tisa Smart-Washington shared the idea about the program with Chairwoman Van Ness and assisted with the opportunity for Moore and Powell to participate in Rockdale County.

“We appreciate the feedback and what we are going to be able to learn from them in the time they have spent in Rockdale County, said Chairwoman Van Ness. “We are very grateful for the program Harvard has and grateful for what the students add to our transition as we move into 2025.”

The term for Moore and Powell will end on Jan. 17.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

December 12, 2024

Rockdale County Issues Statement on Bio-Lab Fire Litigation

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – In response to the catastrophic fire that erupted on September 29, 2024, at the Bio-Lab facility in Conyers, Rockdale County has taken decisive legal action. The County retained the law firm of Napoli Shkolnik to file a lawsuit in federal court against Bio-Lab, Inc., KIK International LLC, and KIK Consumer Products Inc.

The complaint, filed in the Northern District of Georgia in October 2024, alleges various causes of action, including but not limited to violations of the Clean Air Act, negligence, public nuisance, and private nuisance. The legal proceedings are currently ongoing.

Rockdale County remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency and the safety and well-being of its residents. While the County cannot provide detailed comments on the ongoing litigation, it assures the public that all necessary legal measures are being pursued to hold Bio-Lab and its related companies accountable for their actions.

Residents and members of the media are encouraged to direct inquiries regarding the status of the lawsuit to the County’s outside counsel at Napoli Shkolnik:

Shayna Sacks
SSacks@NapoliLaw.com

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this legal process.

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ROCKDALE COUNTY PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

December 4, 2024

Rockdale Magistrate Court Swears in Newly Appointed Judge Sunny Mullins

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten recently announced the appointment of Sunny Mullins as an Associate Magistrate Judge, effective November 13, 2024.

As a new associate magistrate judge, Mullins’ primary responsibilities include handling on-call arrest and search warrant issuances after normal business hours and presiding over criminal matters as needed by the Magistrate Court.

“Judge Mullins brings an enthusiasm for service, passion for justice and commitment to the rule of law that perfectly aligns with the Court’s mission of justice for all, best court practices and abiding community connection,” Judge Aten says of Judge Mullins. “She has the right combination of temperament, legal and business acumen and life experiences to meet the rigors of a busy, but people first, legal forum like our Magistrate Court.”

With the caseload of the magistrate court growing and the high expectations of the court, it was important to Chief Magistrate Judge Phinia Aten to thoughtfully expand the roster of judges to meet the demand of the court. Judge Mullins comes to Rockdale County as an accomplished attorney with nearly two decades of experience. She is a member of the Minnesota Bar Association, the Georgia State Bar Association and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. among several other prestigious organizations. Judge Mullins holds justice, fairness and community service as her guiding principles while taking on the role of Associate Magistrate Judge.

“I am deeply honored to accept the appointment as Magistrate Judge for Rockdale County. This role is not only a professional responsibility but a profound commitment to justice and the community I hold dear,” Judge Mullins says. “I pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law, ensuring that our justice system is accessible and equitable for all our residents. I am eager to bring my passion for the law and my commitment to public service to this new role, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact on the community that has given me so much.”

For more information, please contact Patricia Carreker at patricia.carreker@rockdale26.soliademo.com or at 770-278-7800.

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