A Crisis of Leadership, A Call to Action: From My Fight to Our Fight

The work of our candidate forums is done, but our real work is just beginning. For weeks, we put candidates on the stage to answer the tough questions. After listening to dozens of them, one truth has become undeniable: leadership is not a title you are given. It is an action you take, especially when the stakes are high and no one is watching. And right now, we are in a profound leadership crisis at every level.

The Rot in Our Own Backyard: A Failure of Leadership in DeKalb County

I cannot, in good conscience, speak on national politics without first addressing the emergency happening right here at home. As many of you know, I am in a battle with the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). This began after the State of Georgia’s Department of Education ruled that the DeKalb County School District is legally at fault. In their decision on my formal complaint (Case 25-341067), the state found the district's failures created an environment so dangerous that my son, who was brutally assaulted, is now 'justifiably terrified to return.

This isn't a mother's opinion; it is a documented fact from the state's official legal decision.

Since that ruling, instead of complying and providing a safe education, the district has engaged in a documented campaign of retaliation. They have illegally disenrolled my son and even threatened my family with juvenile court for the "crime" of not sending him back to the very place he was violently harmed.

My family's story is a symptom of systemic leadership failure that has now been exposed at the highest level. As widely reported by the AJC and other outlets, the DCSD Superintendent, Dr. Devon Horton, is currently facing a felony indictment for wire fraud from his previous post. The alleged corruption at the top inevitably trickles down, resulting in direct harm to our most vulnerable children. When leadership fails, our kids pay the price. We must demand accountability.

The Ripple Effect: What to Watch in Brookhaven & DeKalb

This leadership vacuum isn't isolated. Right here in our communities, major decisions are being made that require our vigilance:

• The New City Hall: As we see our tax dollars at work on a new, multi-million dollar city hall in Brookhaven, we must ask hard questions. In a time of deep economic uncertainty, is this the most responsible use of our funds? We must demand fiscal transparency and accountability.

• Our Library is on the Move: The Brookhaven Library is a vital community hub, and a proposal to relocate it is under review. Your voice is critical in this decision. I urge every resident to take two minutes to make their opinion heard by filling out the [Official Brookhaven Library Relocation Survey HERE].

• Our Democratic Candidates: In the midst of this turmoil, let's acknowledge and lift the dedicated Democratic candidates who have stepped up to run for office in Brookhaven and DeKalb. They are on the front lines, ready to serve our community with integrity. Let's give them our full support.

The National Shutdown's Local Devastation

While our local institutions are in turmoil, Washington, D.C., is paralyzed by a government shutdown engineered by extremists. This isn't a political game. It has devastating real-world consequences for our community:

• Federal Workers: Many of our neighbors are federal workers who face the prospect of no paycheck. If you or someone you know is impacted, resources are available. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is a key resource for advocacy, support, and community.

• Special Education Under Threat: The shutdown comes as the U.S. Department of Education is closing its Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) case processing. This is a direct attack on the rights of students with disabilities, making it harder for parents like me to fight for our children's legal right to a safe and appropriate education.

• This is Why Local Elections Matter Most: When the federal government fails, your mayor, your city council, and your school board are the last lines of defense. They control the budgets for our roads, our schools, and our safety. This is why your vote in this municipal election is the most powerful tool you have to protect your family and your community.

A General's Orders: Faith, Preparation, and Action

I will be honest with you. When I look at the state of our country, the historical parallels to dark and difficult times in world history are chilling. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. But my faith teaches me that we are built for times like these. There is nothing God will not get us through. However, the scripture also teaches that faith without works is dead.

Preparation is an act of faith. We must save our money, organize our communities, build up resources, and, most importantly, vote for leaders with the integrity and experience to navigate the storm ahead. The time for complacency is over. We are our own best resource.

Building legacy together,

Hilerie