👻 Scary news

March 3, 2026 —It's Cathy from Rough Draft with our weekly newsletter on Tucker. Well, tonight's Halloween. My years-long tradition involves buying candy I hate and giving that last trick-or-treater the remainder of the bowl. See you later, dusty Butterfingers, sweet tarts, and candy corn.

➡️ This newsletter delves into some familiar territory - elections, city council, the ongoing saga of the DeKalb County School District superintendent, and a 10-year celebration of Tucker's successful incorporation effort.

🔙 Even though we all hate it, it's time to fall back,

Cathy 

Get to know your District 1 and 2 candidates

✅ Tucker residents will decide on Nov. 4 who will lead District 1 and District 2. District 1 incumbent Roger Orlando has public safety at the top of mind if he’s re-elected. District 2 incumbent Cara Schroeder sees increased safety and redevelopment as key issues to tackle for District 2. Her opponent, Patrice Cosby, said that voters have encouraged her to prioritize property tax relief if she is elected.

Rough Draft sent all District 1 and 2 candidates a list of three questions about their backgrounds and the topics that Tucker residents are most concerned about as they travel the campaign trail. District 1 candidate Karen Peters Rivers did not submit answers to our questions.

🗳️ Here's the story.

Time to find a downtown parking solution

🚘 Tucker residents may soon find it more convenient to park downtown, as city officials consider time restrictions to make space more accessible.

During the Oct. 27 Tucker City Council meeting, Micah Seibel, assistant to the city manager, presented his findings after surveying downtown business owners, along with a new study of Tucker’s available parking. A 2025 study showed that there was an additional public right-of-way that could be utilized by the city, leading to city-run parking increasing from 298 spots to 325 spots in time for the long-awaited Tucker Town Green, which opens on Nov. 14.

⛕ Read Stephanie's story for more details.

10-year celebration kicks off

🔟 Tucker will celebrate hitting double digits this weekend.

The kickoff to Tucker’s 10-year celebration will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 1, at the Church Street Greenspace. The three-part celebration recognizes the passing of the referendum that granted Tucker its cityhood.

Mayor Frank Auman said he hopes citizens will take part in one or all of the three festivities marks the 10-year kickoff. The day begins with a brief celebration on the Church Street Greenspace, followed by a tailgate watch party for the University of Georgia vs. the University of Florida football game, and finally, a concert by Atlanta-born singer/songwriter Michelle Malone.

🪩 Read more about the day here.

Forensic audit underway for DCSD ex-super

📉 DeKalb County Board of Education announced its recommendations for the planned forensic audit of former superintendent Devon Q. Horton after holding a closed, executive session on Oct. 29.

At the end of the nearly three-hour session, Deirdre Pierce, DeKalb schools’ board chair, announced the board directive to send the request for proposals out to “multiple firms for a forensic audit.” The board unanimously approved the proposal plan.

During the session, the board discussed potential vendors for the forensic audit of district contracts and purchases that originated from the former superintendent’s office. A recommendation for a vendor could be presented as soon as the November board meeting, according to Carla Parker, DeKalb County Schools spokeswoman.

🗞️ Catch up on the latest here.

P.S. If you're looking for some good news about DeKalb Schools, here's some.

20 under 20 nominations close Nov. 7

👨🏽‍🎓 Each January, we feature students from metro public schools, private schools, and colleges who have given back to their community in a significant way. Over the last nearly two decades, we’ve featured students who have created their own nonprofits, have given up summer vacation to work domestically and abroad to help the less fortunate, and one even helped build a library by collecting books.

The 17th annual 20 Under 20 will appear in our January 2026 issue. We are now seeking nominations of students ages 19 and younger who have committed themselves to service to the community. Nominations are welcome from teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, siblings, fellow students, or community leaders.

📑 Here's how to apply.