AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

Ballotpedia, Lorraine Cochran-Johnson

Lorraine is originally from Greenville, Alabama. She earned her bachelor's in political science from Troy State University, her master's in the administration of criminal justice from Troy State University, her master's in public administration from Auburn University, and her law degree from John Marshall Law School. Johnson also holds a business certificate from Harvard University in Delivering Public Services. She lives in Stoncrest with her husband, William, and their daughter. 

Lorraine previously worked as a professor at the Art Institute of Atlanta, an associate publisher and vice president of business development at Real Times Media, a regional marketing manager at Great Southern Publishers, a communications specialist at United Front Media, a publisher at Salons Unlimited Magazine, and an account executive at Creative Loafing Newspaper.

Lorraine Cochran Johnson is currently the commissioner representing DeKalb County Super District 7. She was elected to this position in 2018 and is serving her second term.

Supports youth empowerment programs, which help reduce crime rates and improve academic performance by providing young people with learning opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and role models.

Plans to expand on the 2021 Trails Resolution, which advocates for the construction of trails and park spaces that expand transportation networks and promote economic development.

- Supports youth empowerment programs, which help reduce crime rates and improve academic performance by providing young people with learning opportunities, mentorship, guidance, and role models.
- Plans to expand on the 2021 Trails Resolution, which advocates for the construction of trails and park spaces that expand transportation networks and promote economic development.

Public Services

Said, "I will ensure efficiency in Planning and Sustainability, ease of permitting, and continue important infrastructure enhancements to create a landscape of success."

Plans to ensure a business-friendly environment to support small businesses and encoruage them to participate in the DeKalb Local Small Business Enterprise Program.

- Said, "I will ensure efficiency in Planning and Sustainability, ease of permitting, and continue important infrastructure enhancements to create a landscape of success."
- Plans to ensure a business-friendly environment to support small businesses and encoruage them to participate in the DeKalb Local Small Business Enterprise Program.

Economy

As of June 7, 2024, Lorraine Cochran Johnson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Education

Plans to fill vacant police positions, raise pay, and expand patrols and undercover operations.

Wants to expand video surveillance system legislation, which requires cameras at gas stations, service stations, and high-risk businesses.

Said, "As your CEO I will create an atmosphere that is harsh on crime and swift on apprehension and punishment through Operation Safe Streets."

- Plans to fill vacant police positions, raise pay, and expand patrols and undercover operations.
- Wants to expand video surveillance system legislation, which requires cameras at gas stations, service stations, and high-risk businesses.
- Said, "As your CEO I will create an atmosphere that is harsh on crime and swift on apprehension and punishment through Operation Safe Streets."

Public Safety

Wants to expand partnerships with organization like Operation HOPE to provide down payment assistance and help for first-time homeowners.

Believes access to affordable housing is a basic human right; plans to create the position of Chief Housing Officer to focus on housing issues.

Plans to increase the availability of rental and single-family housing.

- Wants to expand partnerships with organization like Operation HOPE to provide down payment assistance and help for first-time homeowners.
- Believes access to affordable housing is a basic human right; plans to create the position of Chief Housing Officer to focus on housing issues.
- Plans to increase the availability of rental and single-family housing.

Housing & Urban Development

Supports the growth of high capacity transit which Johnson says is "critical to the future of DeKalb."

- Supports the growth of high capacity transit which Johnson says is "critical to the future of DeKalb."

Transportation & Infrastructure

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Lorraine Cochran Johnson

The Chief Executive Officer of a county is an elected position that leads the Executive Branch for the county. They have final say on local legislation and great influence over the direction in which their county moves in a wide variety of areas. So much of governing in Georgia happens at the county level, so this position is especially important for your county. Chief Executive Officers also represent their county when interacting with higher forms of government, such as the Georgia General Assembly. Though each county looks a little different, the governing that happens at the county level can have significant impacts on the daily lives of residents in that county. Examples of governing on this level include:
- Budgeting for the county
- Land use planning and urban development
- Zoning for schools and other resources
- Enacting laws at county level
- Completing executive duties

This role does not exist in every county, and there has been discussion for years about reimagining the structure of county government in a way that does not include a county CEO.