Public comments at DeKalb Committee of the Whole press for light rail, faster meetings and park reopening

Speakers in the public-comment period at the June 3 DeKalb Committee of the Whole raised several recurring concerns about transit, county governance and local parks.

Gina Mangum, a Southeast DeKalb resident, criticized what she described as long-term neglect of transit investment in South DeKalb and urged commissioners to pursue rail rather than bus-only options. "We have spent $40,000,000 to renovate a station at Indian Creek that we barely use because it's not very accessible," Mangum said, and asked commissioners to "take a more proactive approach" to build the rail service residents were promised decades ago.

Steven Benny urged procedural reforms to make commission meetings more efficient. "This commission spends too much time spinning its wheels arguing and trying to get the last word in," he said, recommending stricter time limits for commissioner remarks and earlier circulation of agenda items so the public has time to review walk-on items.

Joel Edwards, speaking for the advocacy group Restore Decalb, also called for light-rail in DeKalb and asked the board to audit how county sales-tax proceeds are being used after the county extended a one‑cent sales tax. "We want light rail, and we're gonna fight until we get it," Edwards said, adding that residents pay substantial taxes and expect visible returns in economic development and transit investments.

Speakers additionally requested reopening Entrenchment Creek Park and greater scrutiny of spending tied to capital projects and the 1¢ sales tax. Commissioners did not take votes on those public‑comment requests during the Committee of the Whole.