We had the good fortune of connecting with Ted Terry and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ted, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about running for office?
I ran for office because I felt a strong responsibility to leverage my skills and passion for advocacy to help my community. My thought process was anchored in the belief that through public service, I could champion progressive policies that address critical issues like affordable housing, transit equity, health equity and social justice. These areas not only resonated with me personally but were also where I saw the greatest need. The support for progressive policies stemmed from a pragmatic approach to solving complex problems, ensuring inclusivity and improving the quality of life for all residents. It was about bringing forward-looking, equitable solutions to the forefront, driven by a vision of a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable community.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My service and leadership as Commissioner aims to profoundly impact our community by focusing on affordable housing, transit equity, voting rights, criminal justice reform, productive urban landscapes and health equity. These priorities, central to my mission, drive my commitment to enhancing DeKalb County’s quality of life. By championing affordable housing, I’m ensuring everyone has a stable place to live. Transit equity improves access to essential services, while protecting voting rights guarantees a fair democracy. Through criminal justice reform, I strive for fairness and rehabilitation. By developing productive urban landscapes and advocating for health equity, I’m creating a more sustainable, healthy community for all. These efforts reflect my dedication to building a more equitable, thriving society.
The key to my success lies in the trust my constituents place in me, a trust I’ve earned through actions, not just words. My conviction drives me; my approach is grounded in integrity and collaboration. I engage with all community levels, valuing their input and ideas, to craft missions and action plans that reflect our collective vision. This inclusive strategy fosters a sense of shared ownership and accountability, leading to tangible, positive outcomes. Ultimately, my success is built on a foundation of mutual respect and active participation, embodying a leadership style that prioritizes unity and effective action.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Our mission is to help change the way people spend their money. We want people to spend more of their money with small businesses, mom-and-pops, independent artists and creatives rather than with giant, cookie-cutter corporations. We think one of the best ways to do that is to create content that puts these hard working folks at the center of interesting, thought-provoking content and conversations.
With that said, DeKalb County has so many awesome features and we are proud of our County. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, craft-beer enthusiast, history buff, on the hunt for your next favorite meal, or looking for family-friendly attractions, there is something for everyone.
If I had to create an itinerary:
Day 1- Visit North DeKalb
After a coffee, stop by the DeKalb County Animal Shelter/Lifeline Animal Project to volunteer dog walking
Peachtree DeKalb Airport (PDK)
Lunch Food Terminal in Chamblee
Explore Chamblee’s Antique Row
Cool down at Medlock Park and explore the City of Brookhaven
Hit the highway and stop at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Take a retail “therapy” break at Perimeter Mall
Stop by West Exchange Place to thank and tour DeKalb Police and Fire Department headquarters
End Day with dinner and signature cocktails at the new Katch Restaurant in Tucker
Day 2- Visit District 2
Say hello to students at International Community School
Coffee- Golden Drop Café
Visit Central DeKalb Senior Center
Stop by the VA Hospital
Explore Emory University, Campus, and Emory Village
Tour Fernbank Museum
Stop by Callanwolde Fine Arts Center
End day in the Oakgrove Market area
Day 3-Visit South DeKalb/East Atlanta
Revolution Donuts!
Stop in to visit patrons of South DeKalb Senior Center and visit the Scott Candler Library
Shoot out to Sugar Creek Golf and Tennis Club to hit golf balls
Visit students at Ronald McNair Middle School
Hit East Atlanta area for food options and to just hang out
Day 4- Visit Central DeKalb/Stone Mountain
Hit Hwy 78 to explore Stone Mountain Village
Explore and hike Stone Mountain Park
Swing by the new East Central Senior Center GA Piedmont Technical College
Drop by GA Piedmont Technical College
Stop for coffee at Refuge Coffee Company
Drop in to say hello to the Clarkston Community Health Center
Pop into Tobie Grant Intergenerational Center
End the day with a cultural African dinner
Day 5-Visit East DeKalb
Brunch at Milk & Honey
Tour of the Flat Rock Archives and Homesteads
Hike Arabia Mountain Top Trail
Lunch at Belinda’s Southern Cuisine
Walk thru the Black Wall Street in Stonecrest
Visit Lou Walker Senior Center
Stop by Owl Studios
Jump on MARTA at Indian Creek MARTA Station and do a round trip MARTA ride to Atlanta and back
Day 6- Visit Decatur/Avondale Estates
Waffle House Avondale Estates
Visit the DeKalb Farmer’s Market
Tour of Manuel Maloof Government Building
Stop by Decide DeKalb and chat with the DeKalb Entertainment Commission to find out what is happening in the film industry
Check out the Decatur Square and find a cool place to eat
Tour the DeKalb History Center
Visit Agnes Scott University
Hang out in Avondale Estates and end the day with a craft beer-walk
Day 7- A paddle down the South River from Atlanta to Rockdale County and then chill 😊
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Geoffrey Loften Equitable Economic Development Program Manager, Decide DeKalb Development Authority Geoffrey Loften graduated from the University of Georgia in 2015 with degrees in Political Science and Economics. He spent 6 years as a Program Coordinator and Business Advisor with the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center where he worked directly with small businesses, assisting them in all areas of owning, managing and operating a small business. He led efforts in establishing partnerships with local organizations to bring the full resource of training and consulting services to the small businesses in the territories he covered. In 2022, Geoffrey Loften took on the role of Equitable Economic Development Program Manager with Decide DeKalb. In this role he has worked to bridge the gap in access to information, resources and capital for businesses located in the under-served and underdeveloped areas of DeKalb County, through initiatives such as the South DeKalb Pop-Up Business Incubator and Advocate DeKalb community group. Geoffrey serves his community through membership in the Urban League of Greater Atlanta Young Professionals, currently serving as Vice President, and as an ordained Elder for his church.
gloften@decidedekalb.com 404.687.2742
Website: https://commissionertedterry.com/
Instagram: @commissionertedterry
Twitter: @tedterry1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/commissionertedterry
Other: My First Term Report: https://commissionertedterry.com/first-term/