LaDawn LBJ Blackett Jones - Experienced Community Builder for District 62

I was asked about my experience to be a State Representative.  I thought it important to share with the voters that my passion for “community improvement” comes from the experience of seeing successful communities in action.  Anyone will tell you getting a bill passed in our Republican led house is difficult that is why your representative should also be able to advocate, lead, and engage the District.  I’ve created and led several well-established community programs that were  necessary, simple, and cost effective.  When choosing a candidate, residents of District 62 should pick the only candidate with community building experience.

LBJ’s most recent community building programs:
- Operation Neighborhood Take Back- a crime prevention program aimed at increasing community involvement one neighborhood at a time and by training communities on preventing crime through the “broken window theory.”  LBJ reorganized more than 20 communities in the Atlanta metro area.  
- Positive Loitering- adapted from a Chicago program, concerned neighbors were partnered with the police department to jointly patrol the streets.  The program reduced crime significantly and increased community involvement in metro area.  LBJ found the program, tailored it to the community selected to employ it and help implement it from beginning to success.  
- Sisters of Sandtown- a mentoring program where older high-achieving high school students are paired with eighth graders at the neighboring middle school to host life skills seminars and assist with their high school transition. LBJ created this program and has provided funding and organization for this program for more than three years.  
- Project Turn Around- modeled after the High Point North Carolina project, LBJ directed the GED, employment, mental and social counseling of 40 male offenders ages 17-25.  The program produced several successful participants and is being reviewed for use throughout the State.
- Women of Westlake – a life skills and community service program founded by LBJ in 2005 for high school girls. WOW has completed more than 100 service projects and has graduated more than 150 students.  Of the 400 graduating seniors at Westlake High School in 2012, 12 of the top 25 students were members of the Women of Westlake.
- Multi-Jurisdictional Burglary Task Force - LBJ directed the first federally grant funded program that combined all the police jurisdictions in the Atlanta metro region. The task force was aimed at reducing burglaries by 30 percent, proposing legislation, and increasing community awareness about burglaries.
- Light Up the Night- as a response to recent thefts, Light Up the Night was the brain child of LBJ and included grass roots community involvement.  Crime in the selected area dropped immediately because the neighbors were alert and actively watching the community.

While this list includes some of the major highlights of my participation in the community over the last five years, it is not exclusive.  Participation in my community is a priority.   As your State Representative for District 62, I will continue to build up our community.

Vote for LaDawn “LBJ” Blackett Jones, the proven community activist, community leader and community builder on Tuesday, July 31, 2012.  LBJ is the only candidate who will do what is best for District 62.