Community
Candidate Keybo Taylor, talks about his run for Gwinnett County Sheriff [Podcast]
Published
5 years agoon
There are many candidates in the upcoming election for Gwinnett County Sheriff, so what makes Keybo Taylor different from the rest? Join Rico Figliolini as Keybo shares stories about his life in Gwinnett, his opinions, views, and ideas of what he will do if elected Sheriff. Recorded at Atlanta Tech Park in the City of Peachtree Corners.
Resources:
Website: https://keyboforsheriff.com/
Social Media:
@KeyboForSheriff
Facebook‘
Where in the show to find these topics:
[00:00:30] Intro
[00:02:31] About Keybo Taylor
[00:08:47] Keybo and Football
[00:13:25] Faith and the Campaign
[00:17:00] Details about Sheriffs and Police
[00:18:47] Sheriff Qualifications
[00:19:17] Why run for sheriff?
[00:23:30] Keybo vs. other candidates
[00:24:50] Sheriff’s department and ICE
[00:29:57] Attracting Staff
[00:38:44] Technological Advances in the Sheriff’s department
[00:41:54] Fiscally responsible decision making
[00:47:20] Closing
“You know, when you go back to talking about faith base, I think I’ve been moved in this direction for a long time, and I didn’t even know I was being moved in this direction…I believe I would say that it started with the Trayvon Martin shooting. So social media, drove some people out to make a lot of different comments about some things. And what I was seeing was people that were in law enforcement that were making statements and taking on a particular attitude that I just knew for a fact that that’s not the position that a law enforcement officer should be taking…So back in 2016, you know, we were having more and more incidents that were starting to come out. And I was very vocal about some things, you know. Very critical about some positions that I felt like law enforcement was taking. And it wasn’t just because of that, it was just things that I was seeing and hearing from people that held those positions. And I’m like, that’s not what this is about.”
Keybo Taylor
Podcast transcript
Rico: [00:00:30] This is Rico Figliolini, host of Peachtree Corners Life here in the city of Peachtree Corners. I have a special guest today, but before we get to him, I want to say thank you to Atlanta Tech Park for being a sponsor of this podcast. We’re here in Atlanta Tech Park in the city of Peachtree Corners. They’re like, think of them as an accelerator with an incubator. This is about 70 companies I’ve worked out at this location. Well, high tech, innovative type companies, and we’re right on the Technology Parkway, which is Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, which is also another big thing that’s going on here. 5G technology driven through Sprint. Mobile technology, IOT, the internet of everything. This is just a great place for any company to be situated in this area and to be able to work with a lot of other innovative companies. Our lead sponsor is Hargray Fiber. They are, a business that crafts customized solutions for hundreds of businesses in the Southeast, and they deal with small businesses that are looking for affordable bundle services as well as enterprise level businesses looking for a full suite of managed it services. Hargray Fiber customizes their solution that works best for your business. So the new Peachtree Corners that we’re putting up. In other cities, they’ve worked B2B, business to business. And if you’re looking for a local fiber cable company to do your internet, your voice and TV solutions. This is a company that is, works on a local basis, but it’s in the Southeast. So now that we’ve done that, let me introduce our guest today. Keybo Taylor. Hey, Keybo.
Keybo: [00:02:12] Good morning. Good evening.
Rico: [00:02:15] Well, depending on when you’re listening to this, but Keybo here, is running, he’s a Democrat.
Keybo: [00:02:21] I’m a Democrat. That’s correct.
Rico: [00:02:23] We’re not hiding from that. So we’re, we’re running for, you’re running for Gwinnett County sheriff, right?
Keybo: [00:02:30] That’s correct.
Rico: [00:02:31] Excellent. So the whole idea of this podcast would be to know a little bit more about Keybo about what a Gwinnett sheriff does. What do you expect to do out of it? And to also find out a little bit about your philosophy. So why don’t you tell us, just tell us a little bit of who you are.
Keybo: [00:02:46] Sure, again, my name is Keybo Taylor. I always like to start out with the fact that I am a lifelong resident of Gwinnett County. One of the few that was actually born here in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Back when we had the old button going at hospitals. So that dates me up just a little bit about how old I am. I’ve lived here in Lawrenceville, you know, other than just the short period of time here, there’s four school, but I’ve lived here in Lawrenceville practically my whole life. It started with the Gwinnett County police department when I was 23 years old, fresh out of school, worked there for 26 years, had a very colorful career, I would say. Yeah,
great career. Wouldn’t change anything about it for the world. I retired from the Gwinnett County police department back in ‘09, 2009. But while I was there, I had the opportunity to work. 14 years of the 26 years I was there I worked in, I spent them in special investigations, where I worked. Everything from, you know, narcotics type crimes, organized type crimes, things such as that. And, got to spend some time as the narcotics unit commander. There is a Lieutenant, and then I retired as the, as a Major out of one of the precincts. But I also retired as well as the first and only at that time, the highest ranking African American in that, in the history of the Gwinnett County police department.
Rico: [00:04:24] And a police department that really is not, maybe today it is, but it wasn’t too diverse back then. Wasn’t?
Keybo: [00:04:30] No, it wasn’t there, the diversity, I don’t remember us having any Hispanics there or Asian officers at that time. There were three other African American officers that was there to pull, what the police department at the time. But I was hired on. So, when I started, we had a total of six.
Rico: [00:04:55] Out of?
Keybo: [00:04:56] probably at that time we were probably about 150, 150, maybe 200 men in the department.
Rico: [00:05:05] Men, women came way later.
Keybo: [00:05:07] There had been women, yeah, I’m not trying to be one sided with it, but, 200 it was probably between 150-200 sworn officers that was there.
Rico: [00:05:23] And you went, you said you went to Central Gwinnett high.
Keybo: [00:05:26] I graduated from high school here in Lawrenceville.
Rico: [00:05:31] And you’re wife Linda?
Keybo: [00:05:34] My wife, Linda, she is from Dacula. Interesting story about her. I met her in the first grade. First grade, that’s correct. That was before they had actually integrated the, the school system here in Gwinnett County. So we all started a school in the first grade at Hope or Renwick, a school, which is in Lawrenceville. So she was bused over from Dacula and of course, what goes in Lawrenceville, and that’s where I actually…
Rico: [00:06:08] They brought your wife right to you.
Keybo: [00:06:11] Little did I know in the first grade that that’s how it would be.
Rico: [00:06:14] Wow. And you have it from two children.
Keybo: [00:06:17] We have two kids. Kesha and Justin. And, my daughter in law, which is also my daughter, Christina, and they have two kids. And, and, we’re looking for a third one to be on the way here soon.
Rico: [00:06:31] You’re looking, I’m assuming they’re looking also, right?
Keybo: [00:06:33] They’re looking also.
Rico: [00:06:36] That’s cool. It’s good to have, I’m waiting for, I won’t have grandkids for a while. I think they keep telling, my kids keep telling me they’re not going to have kids, so.
Keybo: [00:06:43] I’ve heard that, really. So let me tell you how quickly it changed. I heard that too. And then the next thing I heard when he got married, they came in, they told me they wanted five kids. I said, okay. I was hoping for three, but you know, let’s see, y’all five comes out for you, but if you give me five and bless me with five, I’m okay with it.
Rico: [00:07:04] They were shooting for the moon.
Keybo: [00:07:06] And let me tell you, they keep you young though.
Rico: [00:07:09] And then they’re the ones that you really want to protect.
Keybo: [00:07:12] That’s correct. One of them. Kristen, I called him my campaign manager. If you ever go onto my Facebook, you see pictures where we had the Kings day parade back here this past Monday. And he was out with me, and he was, I think he had more fun than you know, just about everybody else out there. But he got to ride in the car, got out of the car, passed out a handout, lists and things such as that. But we had a great time.
Rico: [00:07:41] That’s cool, that’s a great way to bond with kids.
Keybo: [00:07:44] Let me tell you. It is, it really is.
Rico: [00:07:48] And you, your educational background. Just to tally through some of the stuff in your background, you went to Mercer university?
Keybo: [00:07:55] I got my undergrad at Mercer, criminal justice. Got my master’s degree from Columbus State University in public administration.
Rico: [00:08:04] Cool.
Keybo: [00:08:07] May I also say something else too. Yeah, I’m a, I’ll always like to throw a couple of other things in. I’m a proud graduate of the Georgia command college class number 10. And, also, the DEA Drug Commanders Academy out of Washington. So yeah.
Rico: [00:08:29] A lot of experience, that’s for sure.
Keybo: [00:08:31] Thank you.
Rico: [00:08:32] A lot of street experience I imagine too.
Keybo: [00:08:34] I spent nine years as an investigator. Nine of those 14 years was actually working cases, so yeah.
Rico: [00:08:40] And I imagine the stories you can tell that you have from that. Did you play football?
Keybo: [00:08:46] I did.
Rico: [00:08:47] Did you enjoy playing football? I remember that was a while ago. So it’s not like people worry about concussions, that one stuff.
Keybo: [00:08:54] You know, I tell people back in the old days when I played and I’m dating myself again, you know, when you came off the field, if you didn’t have that transfer, a paint on your helmet, that was a sign that you didn’t do anything. So, you know, the more paint that you have from your opponents helmet on the yours is so that you had a better game. So, but no, we didn’t really worry too much about that back at the time. But let me tell you what it did for me. Of course, I enjoy playing and you know, I’m dealing with, you know, bad knees and backs and everything else now. But what it did for me was right out of high school they had started an eighth grade program here in Gwinnett County, and I get a call from a guy one day by the name of Dick Hodges, and he called me up and told me, he said, look, you, you know, I just got your, you know, your information from, your head coach over at the high school, Talley Johnson. This is right after I graduated. And I’m like, okay, you know, what is this about? You said, I want you to come on and coach football with me. And I’m like, you gotta be kidding me. You know? Cause I felt like I said, you know, when I was playing football, I couldn’t even hardly remember the plays out there. You know, you’d be so nervous out there on the field, but, but let me tell you, it was the start of something very profound in my life. I started coaching, on the eighth grade staff with this guy. And, I’ve coached little league football in high school off and on since 1979. Any time that I had the opportunity between that to actually get out there and be involved, you know, with these kids, with these youth, you know, I’ve done it. So, you know, sometimes I’ll look at it as is my ministry. Sometimes I’ll look at it as just my calling.
Rico: [00:10:50] Have you found kids changing over the years that the fact that you’ve done it so long cause you found that the attitudes changing a little bit?
Keybo: [00:10:57] Oh yes, yes. You know, I’ve coached kids, kids of kids that I coached, you know, in a couple of situations I’ve had the grandkids of, you know, of a player that I’ve had. You know, you’re really just a little bit here, but, but the thing of it is, is that you do see there has been a change and, you know, that the one thing that is constant in life is change. From generation to generation with these kids. You have to be, you know, an agent of change is what I call it. I don’t know what anybody else would call it, but you know, you have to help people through change and you have to be willing to change and modify what you do yourself. You know, I know that some of my tact is out there. This, I coached this last year and I posted on 11 year old group. And one thing that I noticed is, is that, you know, I really. You know, had to start to change my ways too, you know, and I’ve always been a little resistant to change, but this past year, I coach with my son and he was more of the easy going guy, you know, and I was still that, you know, the one that was, you know, this whole rough guy out there. But let me tell you, when those kids, man, you know, they show you so much love. And that’s the one thing that I, you know, I’ve seen that is that, it’s more so today than it was when I first started. They require more, they require more love, and they’re not, they’re not ashamed or reluctant to show you back love, you know? It’s, you come in the practice, Hey coach, how you doing? You know, how was your day today? You know, and they would ask you how your day was. And you know, I don’t know if they were doing it just because the parents had told them that was a good thing. But yeah. But some of them, you know, it’s, it’s legitimate and it’s like they cared about you, you know, and how you were doing. A short story and I know I’m getting off on a lot. We’ve got a long way to go, but, I, I was having some bad knee problems out there and I was coaching with a cane this last year and they would come, how are you feeling today, coach? You know, how’s your knee? You know, it’s like, it hurts, man. You see me, you, you know, walking and limping out here and hurt. But, but, probably one of the best experiences I’ve had with that.
Rico: [00:13:25] It’s a good thing they didn’t tackle you on the field that would’ve been bad. So let’s, let’s go down that a little bit. And you have, countless churches, missions and pastors have endorsed you. So, you know, big question. You know, I come from Brooklyn, I’m a Brooklyn Tavin Catholic, came down to the South, became born again Christian, breaking Democrat or Reagan, although I’m not Republican. Right now, I’m agnostic to some degree, and I will choose my, my, my, poisons better. But, faith, especially in the South, I find faith that drives a lot of things. So how does faith work for you in what you’re doing?
Keybo: [00:14:14] I am very strong in my faith. I was raised Baptist. We kid about the fact that, when I was coming up, man, we spent some days on Sundays, all day in church, and you know, but it should foundation. And one thing that, no matter where I’ve been, whatever is going on with me, my faith has always been what has guided me. Sustained me, you know, lifted me up. Brought me through some things, man, that I didn’t think I was going to be able to get through. I always tell the story that when it was left up to me, I could’ve really put myself on a bad path.
Rico: [00:15:01] We all feel the same sometimes.
Keybo: [00:15:02] But I also knew too, that it was my faith that brought me back. So when I got started with this one thing that we talked about, what we were, you know, sitting around talking about what does this look like? What is it that we’re trying to get accomplished? And no matter where we went, whatever we did, who we talked to, it always came back to how you connect with the community. And what I’ve always known, man, is the people that have their ear to the ground, that knows what’s going on in the community, that can connect with the communities of faith based leaders. So we, we set it up to where, you know, we reached out to, you know…
Rico: [00:15:52] Some of the individual pastors?
Keybo: [00:15:54] Most of the, a lot of the individual pastors, cross faith, you know, and, and when we would talk to them and ask them, you know, what is important to them, you know, I didn’t go in there telling them, you know, what was important to me right? I asked what was important to them and almost to the man or woman, it always came back to, it was how law enforcement interacted with the community. You know, especially out there in parts of the community that never saw law enforcement unless they were coming in, you know, for a negative reason. So, that’s what we did is we talked about partnership and in with, you know, faith based leaders. You know, I gave them my word that, you know, when I, when you know that this partnership won’t stop, you know, we’ll continue to have these conversations and make sure that, you know, that I’m doing my part from the Sheriff’s department to make sure that, you know, we give a better light or a more positive light of law enforcement.
Rico: [00:17:00] So let’s go down that road a little bit because most people might not realize what a sheriff really does. So, so why don’t you help us out a little bit. So as far as, what’s the difference, let’s go through this fairly quick just to educate a little bit. What’s the difference between a sheriff and a police chief or a sheriff and police?
Keybo: [00:17:18] Okay. Police chiefs. All your, most of all of your police departments here in the State of Georgia is mandated by either a council or commission. Here in Gwinnett County, it is, they’re mandated by the, they answer to the Gwinnett County board of commissioners. So the police chief is actually hired by the board of commissioners and their function is, is for law enforcement. You know, investigative…
Rico: [00:17:46] Felonies, murders?
Keybo: [00:17:48] You know, whatever. Yeah, investigating all types of crimes, traffic control, at some calls, you know, responding to accidents, that type of thing. Sheriff’s department is constitutional position. And basically what the mandate of the sheriff is, is to run the jail. Secure the courts and to serve warrants and civil papers. Those are the main functions of the sheriff. But one thing about it is, is that the sheriff has a lot of other discretions of other things that you can do outside of those mandates, you know, providing that your budget and your manpower, you know, allows or permits you to do it.
Rico: [00:18:37] We, as far as the boundaries of the Sheriff’s jurisdiction, would be what? Well, I mean, you’ve already stated it, statewide.
Keybo: [00:18:45] Statewide, that’s correct.
Rico: [00:18:47] Qualifications to be a sheriff?
Keybo: [00:18:50] You have to be post certified, I believe, or get your post certification within a certain time period of you being elected. You have to go through the process or record, you can’t have felonies or, you know, those type of things. Then you go through the election process and if you are elected, then you, there’s some other training that you’re mandated to go through.
Rico: [00:19:17] All right. Let’s get back to a little bit to why you chose that you want to, I mean, you’re retired, you’re doing football. I mean your life could be a little easier. Why do you want to be sheriff?
Keybo: [00:19:29] You know, when you go back to talking about faith base, I think I’ve been moved in this direction for a long time, and I didn’t even know I was being moved in this direction. You know, just. You know, you kind of navigating through life. I was happy, you know, I was happily retired, got out and got to do some things that, you know, I had always wanted to do. Tried coaching football at a higher level that, you know, more of a professional level. You know, we own a, a fitness business on the side too. So, you know, I’ve got to dibble and dabble in a whole lot of different things, a lot. But what I was seeing was. Saw some things taking place, started, I believe I would say that it started with the Trayvon Martin shooting. So social media, drove some people out to make a lot of different comments about some things. And what I was seeing was people that was in law enforcement. That was making statements and taking on a particular attitude that I just knew for a fact that that’s not the position that a law enforcement officers should be taking. Sheriff Conway made a statement and I think he, well, I don’t think, I know. He called, made a statement about, Black Lives Matters being a terrorist group. So he and I had a conversation about it and, and, you know, I was just like, you know, look, you’re the sitting sheriff. You know, if that is your thoughts, initial thoughts, but you know, you’re the sheriff for everybody in this community and, you know, to make a statement like that is not helpful to what this situation is as the, what it calls for. So back in 2016, you know, we were having more and more incidents that were starting to come out. And I was very vocal, you know, about some things, you know. Very critical about some, some positions that I felt like law enforcement was taking. And it wasn’t just because of that, it was just things that I was seeing and hearing, you know, from people that was, that held those positions. And I’m like, that’s not what this is about. You know? So what I did was I organized, a prayer vigil up at the courthouse. This was in July of 2016 and what we did was, we brought in, you know, clergy, faith based leaders, law enforcement, and we got them together. We did a prayer vigil up to the court, the justice and administrations, on the grounds there. And what we did was, after they pray for each other, you know, we took that opportunity for everybody to meet a police officer. You know? And what was profound about it was, you know, I knew some people, man, they brought their kids up
there and they were telling me, you know, Hey, look, my kid is afraid of the police. You know? I said, well, this is an opportunity. And they got to see these police officers for who and what they really were. You know, they are people every day out here trying to do a job. You know, just trying to get home to their families and they were wanting to do the right thing. So from that, and I know that that’s a long answer, but you know, when you asked me, you know, that’s, that was the beginning of it for me. And it wasn’t until maybe about January last January, December, January, people were approaching me about running and, I finally made up my mind around about January that you know, that I would do it. So here we are.
Rico: [00:23:16] And it takes a lot of steps, obviously, I think family and consideration with the family and stuff.
Keybo: [00:23:21] It does. It helps to have the support of your family.
Rico: [00:23:24] Yes. More before anyone else’s endorsements.
Keybo: [00:23:28] That’s correct.
Rico: [00:23:30] It’s a crowded field.
Keybo: [00:23:32] Yes, it is.
Rico: [00:23:33] So, you know, being that it’s a crowded field, what would you, you know, what differentiates you from, from the rest of that field?
Keybo: [00:23:40] Well, all of my opponents bring certain things to the table, you know, in terms of education, in terms of experience. What makes me different is my connections with Gwinnett County. My roots are here in Gwinnett County. The things that I’ve done outside of law enforcement is what sets me apart. You know, I can work across the owls with Republicans, Democrats, anybody, all social groups, racial groups. I just had that experience that, you know, what I have done and you know, the connections that I made, it just makes me what I believe to be the stronger and the best candidate. And, you know, when we talk about, all of us talk about similar things. So what we want to try to get accomplished out here, but you have to be able to build those relationships, maintain those relationships, and have the confidence of, of the people that you’re trying to build these relationships with if you’re going to be successful out here.
Rico: [00:24:50] For sure. The, so you do have a lot of candidates out there running and everyone has different issues that they’re. Issue, if you will, to a degree. You’ve been talking a little bit more, about collaborating with the DA, the police departments on the, using his existing task force, not necessarily creating new ones, but collaborating with them on their task force, with violent crime. But you’ve also mentioned mental health.
Keybo: [00:25:19] Such as something to that. I’m not opposed to create a new task force. As I stated earlier, you know, I was the commander of the drug task force. So I understand the importance of task forces. And what I didn’t mention was, was that, I was also assigned to the FBI drug task force for a period of time. So I understand the importance of task force and, if we’re going to get some other things accomplished when you don’t have, you know, the manpower. If you don’t have, you know, the funding task forces other ways to go.
Rico: [00:25:57] So Sheriff’s department can work with them.
Keybo: [00:25:59] We can. I can, yeah. I’d already said that long before. I hear now that the governor’s talking about human trafficking, but when I first started, as I talked about taking people that are participating in the, in the two 87G program, now, taking them out of that program and, and assigning them to. You know, any type of federal task force or a local task force that deals with human trafficking.
Rico: [00:26:22] And two 87G for those people that may not know, has to deal with the ice. Taking illegals off the street, arresting them, and you’re doing such, your local police doing ice work without getting paid for it. But using local police to be able to, to do federal work.
Keybo: [00:26:42] That’s correct.
Rico: [00:26:43] Which causes problems. Also locally. I mean, I know some people say, well, they’re illegal. They should be removed, but 12 million illegal aliens in the United States. I mean, you know, not, they’re not all going to be shipped home no matter how anyone looks at that. It’s just never going to happen.
Keybo: [00:26:59] That’s not going to happen.
Rico: [00:27:00] And they, a big part of not only the economy, but of our community. You were talking about. So you can, you know, I’m sure there were kids that may have been from illegal parents that were playing football, you know, that you might’ve dealt with.
Keybo: [00:27:12] Absolutely. No, absolutely.
Rico: [00:27:14] They are people, right.
Keybo: [00:27:17] And you know, some of the kids, I didn’t even know that they were coming from an illegal parent situations like that until I got into this race. Some of the best kids that I had. You know, that their parents said, you know, came here and they were not documented here. And, and, you know, and I’ve spoken to some of them and I talk about how the hardship of it was, I didn’t even know it, you know, I mean, I was gone. I had gone on back to doing my own little thing and then even know what those situations was really about. But basically, you know, immigration is a federal, it’s a federal law. It’s a federal issue. And you know, somewhat. People
talk about what, you don’t want to enforce the law. It’s not that I don’t want enforce the law. I’m going to enforce what is mandated by the state of Georgia, you know? And that is not mandated by the state of Georgia. That’s an agreement that the current share of Butch Conway entered into with ice.
Rico: [00:28:15] And that’s also a volunteer agreement, right?
Keybo: [00:28:17] Yes, it is.
Rico: [00:28:18] So we don’t have to, Sheriff’s department does not have to enter that. Then of course, tend to, they chose that to that agreement.
Keybo: [00:28:25] You look at, I think, at last count there was 90 agencies in the nation that participated in two 87G. That’s 90 agencies, 90 agencies, and three of them that I’m familiar with is here in the state of Georgia. Maybe more, I had heard that there was as many as five, but I can, you know, tell your authority. That tells you that it’s not a mandated thing. It’s a, it’s an agreement by choice.
Rico: [00:28:58] That doesn’t stop, you know, if, if, if the police arrest where you serve in your arrest an illegal that committed a felony, they will be deported. I mean, that’s just the nature of, they will, you know, you’re not talking, we’re not talking about felons necessarily, the majority of who was picked up on enough felons. They’re not criminal offenders. you know, traffic ticket. Everyone gets traffic. I got a traffic ticket once. I mean, I was going for the $3 Starbucks. I ended up getting a $100 a ticket. Five miles over the speed limit and it was shot down to 30, but whatever.
Keybo: [00:29:33] I always say Starbucks is expensive.
Rico: [00:29:37] That day it was very expensive. But, so, so that would be one of the things that you would, if you were elected sheriff, that would be one of the things you would remove.
Keybo: [00:29:46] I’ve always said that will be one of the first things that I would do is just, you know, take, the Sheriff’s department out of that particular agreement with ice.
Rico: [00:29:57] Okay. The, the, some of the other things that you talked about also is, and I, and I see there’s a problem with like, businesses hiring people. There’s ghost employees. There’s not enough people to work, restaurants and stuff happening all the time. How would you attract and retain qualified niches, qualified staff at their first staff that represents the community. How would you do that? Are they enough people to do that with?
Keybo: [00:30:20] Of course. And I may get in trouble for saying this, but I’m gonna go ahead and say it. You know, we talk about, you know, how low, the unemployment rate is today, okay? And they boast about the fact that you know that there’s jobs here, but you’ve got to ask yourself
what type of jobs are there? You know? And when you see people at a certain level that they’re working two jobs and they still can’t make ends meet, well, it’s good to sit in here and boast about the fact that I got jobs. But you know, they’re not making a decent livable wage on what they’re doing. That is Sheriff’s departments nowhere near. And that is, that’s been legendary ever since I’ve been in law enforcement starting in 1983. But you see, you know, one thing that they would come back and talk about, what we did a study and the study says that, you know, money is not the most important thing. You know, good work environment, good supervision, good, you know, and they would give you a laundry list of all of the goods. And somewhere down towards the middle of the bottom is salary. And benefits, which, you know, and I was like, you know, I said, no, you know, I’m a person out here. You know, when I started with the County police department, I was making less than $13,000 a year. So money and salary was important. You know, especially when I started having kids and I was like, no. So what I say on that is, is that, you know, when you look at, and right now use the city of Atlanta is, as a comparative agency. You know, the city of Atlanta right now have a waiting list of people trying to get into the city. And what happened was the mirror changed their, their benefit package there. So Atlanta is one of the highest paid agencies in this area. Gwinnett county’s at the bottom. As larger, you know, and as good as this County is, we’re at the bottom. If we got some of them on, it’s fine. As officers and deputies in the nation, these, these are, some of them was fine as individuals. You’ll ever see everyone across, you know. And I know that there is, bad things that happened from time to time, but for the most part, they deserve more. So in order to get them, the best. You got to give them the best. So we’re going to have to look at these benefit packages. I hear what we’re paying people.
Rico: [00:32:45] This is true. What I hear that when a police, for example, they train through the police Academy is employees or people. That would eventually be police officers. But then one Sunday, after a year or two, they leave and they, after they get some experience, they get the schooling. They leave and then go to other counties that have insurance. So we can’t retain them.
Keybo: [00:33:07] Our retention races, you know, when you talk about, you got over 150 vacancies.
Rico: [00:33:15] So you have the budgets. Supposedly there’s budget for it and they can’t fill the spot.
Keybo: [00:33:19] You can’t fill it.
Rico: [00:33:20] So you would think the money’s there, you can’t fill it. So maybe you should pay a little bit more, reduce the amount of they can see, and then you probably should be able to fill it.
Keybo: [00:33:29] We could, but I think it’s gonna take more than just a little bit. We’re going to have to seriously consider changing what we’re looking at as far as the benefit package.
Rico: [00:33:42] These are like to me, law forces at the same way. To me, print stories where people that are in. Well, the services, and they still might have to get food stamps. They may still have to do, other services from the federal government to help them meet and speak in homes with the sheriff police, fire. They’re all in harm’s way. I don’t understand why we can sit there and try to pay them less.
Keybo: [00:34:10] I think we as a society is looking at a lot of things socially wrong. We don’t take care of who and what we should be taking care of. There’s no reason why, you know, a veteran should have to worry about being homeless, you know, finding affordable housing or, finding good quality health care.
Rico: [00:34:38] It’s almost a joke. They know that it’s bad.
Keybo: [00:34:42] So when we sit down and what gets me is people, man, they want to put up this front showing how patriotic that they are. But yet, and still, you know, we got people out here and they want to, you know, Oh, it’s so sad that we have, you know, that some police officers out here committing suicide. Well, you know, what, what are we doing to change some of the things others in addition to the outside pressures that they have to deal with on a day to day basis. So you take a person and you put them in theater over there on ward, then he comes back, he’s got to worry about. You know, we’re spending, there’s no live. I mean, we, we fundamentally have this thing wrong. And you know, and when we look at. You know, even a healthcare situation, you know, and, even for Gwinnett County, and I know I’m gonna get in trouble for saying this, but I’m gonna go ahead and say it. You know, in other countries, they take care of the elderly, you know, they, they make sure that they’re taken care of. Here, it’s almost like they don’t want to, you know, once you retire, they don’t want to take care of you. So they make, you know, your health care so high, you know, and other things, you know, they’re specialists of it, you know, and it’s just like. I put my time in, I’ve, you know, have served this County or this country and here we are. Now, you know, that I need, and there is nobody there for you.
Rico: [00:36:06] So it’s amazing that we constantly do this, not only with our military, but with the police and fire and even teachers. I mean, these are people that protect us.
Keybo: [00:36:18] That’s correct.
Rico: [00:36:18] In the, spend more time with our children than we do the escort. And yet we don’t treat them willingly.
Keybo: [00:36:25] And we don’t.
Rico: [00:36:28] I’m sorry. We can see that. Sorry. It’s just like.
Keybo: [00:36:31] This all falls outside of the rails of the Sheriff’s department, but you know, but it’s still real, you know? And another thing too, you know, if I’m elected sheriff, I want to work with the board of commissioners. And you know, if you got people coming into Gwinnett County that wants to, you know, develop homes, okay, what’s wrong with a certain percentage of those homes being set aside for law enforcement at a reduced rate that we can afford?
Rico: [00:37:03] You know, that’s interesting cause I heard someone else talk about doing that with developers, having them, if they’re going to ask for rezoning, right? The high intensity that this should really, because everyone talks about affordable housing, but the real trick is how do you force that into the marketplace? Cause there are expensive places to look in. The property is going to be expensive unless you, unless government can do something about it and the worker that’s going to be working, the, your police force, you know, locality, like Bobcat can’t live in Bobcat. They might be coming from coming maybe with somewhere else. You know.
Keybo: [00:37:40] I know that they have somewhat of a pilot program like that that’s going on over in the city of Atlanta. But you know, what I’m talking about is, you know, being able to be, you know, more diverse than more than different communities. So, not just then. You know, an identified area, but anywhere that you know that you have a development that you know, we can look at, you know, getting officers there because you know, it’s safer. It’s a crime deterrent to have either a patrol car or a deputy’s car or, you know, just folks knowing that, Hey, there’s a, you know, law enforcement on the, in the community, you know, that’s, that’s worth the money of having security there.
Rico: [00:38:32] For sure. And most police drive their own cars home and stuff.
Keybo: [00:38:35] In Gwinnett County, the police officers doing most of the, not most of the deputies, but ones that are signed in certain areas drive their cars.
Rico: [00:38:44] I had last about six, eight months ago maybe. I had the, last year actually I was, I spoke to a couple of witness superior court judge candidates, and we talked about technology in the courtroom. That would really make things work faster, especially if you have, you, if you could do sort of a FaceTime type of deal where you don’t have to come down to the court. All we’re asking for is a disposition of moving things through a different date. There’s no reason to take up court time for that. Okay. How would technology the internet, the approach to law enforcement in the past decade. Do you think that the Sheriff’s department has gone far enough with the use of technology, or has it, or, or has it not? I mean, what would you do there with that?
Keybo: [00:39:31] One thing that I did have a discussion with, it was about the wait time that attorneys have the have or use, at certain times over the jail waiting to see clients. And part of that is because of the shortage of manpower at the jail or maybe other things. But they talk about a wait time. Some of them talked about it up to three hours. I haven’t had to wait before they can get in and get the interview of the client. One thing I would like to take a look at as far
as technology goes is, is that if there was a system, a secure system, but what we could put a client in front of a camera or whatever it would be, and remote, that car, you know, the interface with their attorney so that the attorney would have a set block of time, you know, at three o’clock on Friday. I know I got a time, you know, I have my candidate, you know, in the pot so that he can, you know, we can have, the secure conversation, secure conversation, and I could, you know, then this interview with my client, that’s a time saver.
Rico: [00:40:43] Now with that, obviously there’s some complications there for privacy and whether that recording is deleted later and stuff and not used for law enforcement than.
Keybo: [00:40:54] It wouldn’t be necessarily a recording. It’s not a recorded video conference.
Rico: [00:41:00] Do you see any other uses online uses or do you see more online crime that the Sheriff’s department may have to deal with?
Keybo: [00:41:08] I don’t know, as far as what the Sheriff’s department itself would be. I will like, you know, take a look and make sure that, you know, we have, you know, up to date technology as far as, inside of the jails, especially in the courthouse. You know, courthouses are becoming more of a target for, you know, certain, certain things. So, you know, you want to make sure that your technology is up to par there, technology around the courthouse, so that you can get, you know, more real time information in the event that you do have an incident either at or around the courthouse. Yeah, I do see a greater need for technology.
Rico: [00:41:54] Okay. It’s, it’s interesting in the city of Peachtree corners, for example, is putting in, license ID cameras and also facial recognition cameras. Just to be used to be retained. To possibly be used in case there was a felony act or something like that in the community. So it is getting more of a, of a cyber, you know, having cameras out there and, and, being able to track things. Fiscally responsible decision making, reducing costly lawsuit liability. That’s one of the things that you, you, you spoke about it. How would you speak to that then? As far as that?
Keybo: [00:42:37] A lot, I don’t know if you looked at the news, but back here a few days ago, Randy Travis was reporting on, on a case of a lawsuit where a deputy was just arrested by the FBI, and he’s being prosecuted federally, for force, excessive force on an inmate, a mentally disabled inmate inside of the jail. One thing that he talked about was, was that he had checked on the calls because there’s, there’s so many. I think right now we’re up to about 75 plaintiffs. That’s involved in a law, in lawsuits over there at the Sheriff’s department for either excessive use of force, wrongful death, and there are some other ones. I don’t know what the other titles are, but I do know right about now you’ve got about 75 plaintiffs that that’s a, that’s a tremendous number of people.
Rico: [00:43:31] And worse than has 250 odd people, right?
Keybo: [00:43:33] So, well, or no, no, I think, yeah, they got almost a thousand folks. Yeah. But see, here’s the deal. You know, when you look at not only the calls that, it’s costing the County attorney’s to defending his lawsuits. You also bring in outside attorneys, and Travis reported that he checked back in August and at the time, back in August, the amount that the County has spent on these lawsuits. Outside attorneys was over $500,000 so that’s what, six months ago, almost six months ago. So you know that, that tab is rolling. We spent millions of dollars out here defending these lawsuits, and then if we lose, then you’re paying out multiple million dollars to these plaintiffs. I hear, and it starts from the top, you know. When those lawsuits first started, he did nothing to change the practices of that rapid response team that was operating inside of that jail.
Rico: [00:44:45] So you’re saying possibly training?
Keybo: [00:44:48] Oh, well, first of all, it starts with your hiring. Who do you have? Who do you have in charge? As a sheriff, who do I bring in and who do I put in charge? And, what is the mindset and the philosophy that we’re going to go at and how do we deal with conflict and how do we deal with, you know, with people, man, that are, that are you know, combative or mentally challenged in there. You know, when you look at it, probably 85 to 90% of the people, that is incarcerated, you know, they have some sort of mental disability. You know, you think about who goes into a jail and start fighting. So, you know, we’ve got to have a better screening process of folks that are going in, you know, if there are services that we need to provide to people, you know, as far as putting them in special areas, you know, we’ve got to train our deputies better with, you know, more a CIT training and crisis individual type training.
Rico: [00:45:45] Then that doesn’t this also come back to paying more money to paying the right salary base to attract the right candidates?
Keybo: [00:45:52] It does, but you know, even to get those salaries up to par and to get the right people in, you know, you’re talking about, you know, three to four years. So it may take a whole term to get that, but what I’m saying is we have to change the culture of that place immediately. They want, I’ve got to have a plan going in there to how we’re going to reduce and how we’re going to deal with conflict resolution inside that jail. How do we deal with a physical force? How do we report physical force? When do we use physical force? And how do we evaluate fairly if we’re using proper force. So I can’t, you know, some people will sit there and say, well, you know, you got, you know, it’s going to take you time. Well, yeah, you’re right. It is going to take time, but I don’t have time to sit back and wait until some of these things take care of themselves. We’ve got to have a plan from day one going in the door. What are we going to do?
Rico: [00:46:50] How long is the Sheriff’s term?
Keybo: [00:46:52] Four years.
Rico: [00:46:53] Sounds like a long time, but.
Keybo: [00:46:55] It’s in the blink of an eye. Yes. Would be like, especially when you get our age, man, four years go by real quick.
Rico: [00:47:02] Especially when you’re on a mission and you want to change things. Four years may not be enough time to do it.
Keybo: [00:47:07] Well, I plan hopefully, you know, my plan is, is to bring the right people in, from the start and, you know, people that I’ve got the confidence that it’s going to hit the ground on it.
Rico: [00:47:20] We’ve been with Keybo Taylor talking about his run for sheriff, his background, where he’s grown up, who he is and his faith. And I’m glad to have you on here. I appreciate you coming out. So why don’t you, I normally do this on candidate interviews give, give us a two minute, two minute thing, a two minute elevator speech to go ask for that vote. Tell us why we need to vote.
Keybo: [00:47:47] For sure.
Rico: [00:47:49] And tell us when the election is, all that.
Keybo: [00:47:52] You know. One more time, man. My name is Keybo Taylor and I’m running for sheriff of Gwinnett County, the election I have a primary okay. The primary is in May, May the 19th, 2020 this year. I’m asking for, I need your support. I need for people that if you believe in what we’re talking about, and if you want to get behind my campaign, go onto my website, go to my social media pages. If you like it, please repost it. Spread the word out as best as you can. What I tell people is, is that, you know, if you support me, find me 10 more people. And then ask those ten people to find me ten more people, you know, you know, it’s kinda like the old chain letters, man. We just gonna keep it going. But you can find my information at Keybo For Sheriff and you spell out for sheriff.com. KeyboForSheriff.com. Then, I’m also on social media. I’m on Facebook, I’m on Instagram, and, I believe you might even be able to find me on Twitter. I’m not really sure about the Twitter.
Rico: [00:49:14] I know Facebook and Instagram for sure. I’ll tag you on that one, great. We’ve been with Keybo Taylor, I appreciate you coming out. Keybo thank you, and good luck with getting the word out and telling your story.
Keybo: [00:49:27] Thank you very much. Thanks for having me.
Rico: [00:49:29] Thank you.
Related
City of Peachtree Corners
From the Mayor: Let’s Get Growing – Welcoming the Peachtree Corners Garden Club
Published
6 days agoon
July 8, 2025If there’s one thing I’ve learned about Peachtree Corners, it’s that we’re a city full of people who care about their neighbors, their neighborhoods and the community as a whole. That’s why I’m excited to share some great news: the formation of the Peachtree Corners Garden Club!
Garden clubs have a long-standing tradition in cities and towns across America, and for good reason. They provide a platform for residents to share gardening knowledge, exchange tips and techniques and cultivate not only plants but friendships and a sense of belonging.
The Peachtree Corners Garden Club will be no different. Whether you’re an experienced gardener with a backyard full of blooms or a newcomer with a windowsill herb garden, this club will offer something for everyone.
This new club will be for anyone who enjoys getting their hands in the dirt, appreciates the beauty of nature or just wants to meet some friendly folks while making a positive difference in our city. Whether you’re a master gardener or someone who’s just managed to keep a houseplant alive for a few months (we’ve all been there), there’s a place for you.
The benefits of joining a community garden club
One of the best parts of joining a garden club is the chance to learn from each other. From swapping gardening tips and plant cuttings to hosting workshops and hearing from guest speakers, the club will be a great way to build your knowledge — without feeling like a classroom. It’s all about learning by doing and helping each other grow (plants and friendships).
Gardening is fun on your own, but it’s even better with friends. The Peachtree Corners Garden Club will bring together people with a shared interest and a passion for improving our community. Whether it’s working on a group project or just catching up at a meeting, it’s a chance to connect with others in a relaxed, friendly environment.
We already live in a beautiful city — but there’s always room for more color, more greenery and more curb appeal. The club will take on projects that help spruce up public areas, plant trees and flowers and keep some of our favorite spots looking their best. These small touches can make a big difference in how we feel about where we live.
In addition to beautification efforts, the Garden Club will be a champion for sustainability. Members will advocate for native plantings, support pollinator health by promoting bee-and butterfly-friendly gardens and educate the public on how to garden in environmentally responsible ways. These practices not only benefit our ecosystem but also help preserve the natural resources that make our city a desirable place to live.
More than planting flowers
We all know life can get busy and stressful, but gardening is one of those simple joys that helps bring balance. Spending time outdoors, working with plants and seeing something you’ve grown come to life, it’s not just rewarding, it’s good for your mental and physical health. The Garden Club is a chance to slow down, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy the peaceful side of life in Peachtree Corners.
In essence, the Peachtree Corners Garden Club will be about more than planting flowers — it’s about planting the seeds of a stronger, more connected and more beautiful city. It’s about empowering residents to make a difference, not just in their own backyards, but in the shared spaces we all call home.
I encourage all residents, whether you’re a lifelong gardener or simply curious about getting started, to consider joining the Garden Club. Let’s keep Peachtree Corners blooming — together.
The next Garden Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 12 at 7 p.m. in the Community Chest room at City Hall located at 310 Technology Parkway, Peachtree Corners. This meeting will discuss the forming of the club and club leadership and goals and create a club vision plan.
You can follow the club on Facebook at facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577611141785.
For more information, sign up for the Garden Club’s distribution list at forms.gle/oQ9VvLBPcXcLuVes9.
Related
Community
Community Seeks to Form Peachtree Corners Garden Club
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 26, 2025With such a botanical sounding name, it’s no wonder that residents of Peachtree Corners are looking to form a garden club. To see if the endeavor would take root, (see what we did there?) members of the Garden Club of Georgia (GCG) held an interest meeting on June 18 at City Hall.
Linda Doiron, third vice president for GCG, and Leanne Penman, chairman of the Norcross Garden Club, led the discussion by giving instructions on how to get started and answering questions about all aspects of membership.
“We have several Peachtree Corners members in our garden club in Norcross that I feel like there is a need here,” said Penman. “You guys have wonderful projects you can work on, so let’s make it a reality through unifying your city, conserving your resources and educating your citizens.”
GCG requirements
GCG requires at least 10 members to charter a club. Annual dues to GCG are $10 for each member, and clubs are allowed to decide what they want to charge for additional membership fees. Much like PTA programs, a portion of the dues goes to a national and state organization.
There is also a regional level comprised of the Deep South states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee) and district levels within each state. The configuration of the districts within the state is a little confusing, however.
Gwinnett County is part of the Laurel District that goes all the way to the Tennessee border. It includes counties such as Forsyth, Hall, Jackson and Barrow, which touch Gwinnett to the north and east, but not Fulton and DeKalb, which are much closer to Peachtree Corners.
Penman said Norcross petitioned GCG to allow them to be part of the Dogwood District that includes Fulton County and had no trouble getting permission.
“It is very structured, and that gives you a lot of benefits. You could form a local club. But with this structure, it ensures success,” said Penman. “It ensures opportunities. And because we have a lot of sharing going on, we suggest if you really want to give it your best effort, having this structure will help engage.”
Both Penman and Doiron agreed that it allows the club to be visible and that helps in finding worthwhile projects.
“We have found this project that’s really beneficial — a garden therapy project,” said Penman. “It may be at an assisted living facility, or we just visited an autism center that has a new, beautiful garden, but there’s just so many opportunities created from our structure and from the sharing.”
What does a garden club do?
The GCG clubs have three defined goals:
“The first goal is beautification, and it’s just to beautify areas and to make it inviting,” said Doiron. “Peachtree Corners already has beautiful plants to do that. The garden club can help with more of that.”
Conservation is the second goal.
“In that respect, one of our biggest conservation efforts right now is the Okefenokee Swamp,” said Doiron. “There’s a group from Alabama that’s trying to mine a certain part of the Okefenokee for a mineral called titanium oxide that’s only used as a paint brightener.”
Penman couldn’t mask her outrage.
“It only makes your whites whiter, and they’re going to destroy the blackwater swamp for that!” she said.
Both women explained that there’s a lot of local effort — much of it from the Garden Club of Georgia — that has enlisted the help of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who’s looking to extend the boundaries of the swamp an additional 22,000 acres.
This could lead to a potential buyout of the mining project or the establishment of conservation easements, allowing the agency to manage the land for conservation purposes.
“Another thing that happened from our efforts is that UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) is in the process of confirming the Okefenokee Swamp as a World Heritage Site,” said Doiron. “That would protect it and make it similar to the Taj Mahal or the Galapagos Islands or the Great Wall of China.”
The club’s third goal is education.
“We have youth programs,” said Penman. “But we also have lots of courses on landscaping, environmental art, flower design. And you can go through that whole series of courses as a member.”
There are also various workshops on things like flower arranging and wreath making, as well as symposiums about subjects such as native plants and wildflowers.
Getting started
One of the attendees, Lori Van Duyne, volunteered to get things started. She’s a certified Master Gardener Extension Volunteer and helps coordinate and lead the garden club at Pinckneyville Middle School.
She has set up an email address and a Facebook page where announcements will be posted. She has also agreed to attend a leadership workshop set for June 25. Although she’ll be the “acting president” for now, Van Duyne said that other time commitments would preclude her from taking the position permanently.
Once the club is formed, there will be an election for leaders. Doiron and Penman emphasized that the president and the treasurer are the most vital in the beginning. And as it goes along, the club may choose its own main focus. Each club is fairly autonomous in that sense.
“You decide how you want to run your club,” said Penman. “At Norcross, we have an annual plant sale. That plant sale helps fund all of the initiatives through the Garden Club of Georgia that we wish to donate to.”
Club funding also comes from member dues and donations, with significant contributions to scholarships. Most clubs meet eight times a year, starting in September. Others take November and December off.
Both women emphasized the benefits of joining, including access to grants, educational resources and a structured hierarchy.
“We don’t always talk about growing plants, which is the main focus for our club,” said Penman. “Other clubs may decide to be an advocacy group. Another club may be focused on floral design. It’s really up to you, and you would put that in your mission statement for your garden club.”
What’s next?
A club meeting is currently scheduled for August 12th at 7:00 p.m. in Peachtree Corners.
Those interested should contact the tentatively named Peachtree Corners Garden Club at peachtreecornersgardenclub@gmail.com.
Van Duyne has also put together an interest form to get a feel for how members would like to run the club and what activities they’d like to focus on: forms.gle/oQ9VvLBPcXcLuVes9.
For updates, you can access club information on its Facebook page at facebook.com/people/Peachtree-Corners-Garden-Club/61577611141785.
Photos provided by Norcross Garden Club and Peachtree Corners Garden Club.
This story can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
Related
Countries often have honorary consulates in major cities across the United States in the absence of embassies or consulate general offices. Heading them up are not career diplomats, but private citizens known as honorary consuls, selected to represent these foreign countries on a voluntary basis.
Besides attending embassy and consulate events, honorary consuls promote bilateral relations and educational ties, support citizens of the represented country and ease cultural and commercial exchanges. Some also assist with consular matters like emergencies, passport renewals and legal matters. Others focus on advocacy.
Close to home, I recently had the pleasure of meeting the honorary consuls of Monaco, the Czech Republic, Ghana and Barbados. I’m delighted to share their fascinating stories with you!
Doug Heckman
Peachtree Corners’ link to the Principality of Monaco
From a distinguished military career to the high-stakes world of finance, Doug Heckman‘s journey proves that it’s astounding where life can take you. When honeymooning in Monaco 43 years ago, the young lieutenant just out of West Point never could’ve dreamed that one day, from his Amberfield neighborhood, he’d represent the most exclusive playground of the rich and famous, the glamorous second-smallest country in the world, as Honorary Consul of Monaco.
A decorated career
Before embracing his diplomatic role, Heckman served an impressive 30 years in the U.S. Army, both active and reserve, as a Special Forces officer. His active duty tours took him to Germany and Fort Bragg, while reserve assignments saw him in special operations units across South America and the Middle East, including multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A true patriot, Heckman retired as a colonel in 2011, earning accolades such as the Legion of Merit and three Bronze Stars. His extensive military background, which includes Special Forces, ranger and airborne (jumpmaster), as well as Expert Infantry and Combat Action badges, undoubtedly prepared him for diverse challenges.
Beyond his military prowess, Heckman carved out a 30-year career in investment management, culminating in a leadership position with Virtus Investment Partners and working with financial giants like Merrill Lynch.
The allure of Monaco
With the world’s shortest national coastline, Monaco’s total area spans only 514 acres. Yet the sovereign state is synonymous with luxury hotels, high-end shopping, opulent yachts dotting a breathtaking harbor, the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the world-famous Monte Carlo Casino. “They bat much bigger than their weight,” Heckman observed.
Monaco is known as a tax haven, attracting the wealthy and famous, including Formula One drivers and sports icons. As Heckman noted, “The tax structure is very friendly.” Since Monaco does not impose personal income tax, wealth tax or inheritance tax on residents, it’s an appealing location for high-net-worth individuals who are able to retain more of their earnings.
America’s fondness for Monaco can be traced to the 1950s when Hollywood star, Grace Kelly, left everything behind to marry Prince Rainier III.
From the U.S. military to Monaco
How did a seasoned American military officer and financial expert become an honorary consul of this European principality situated between the French and Italian Rivieras? Heckman explained that Monaco, a constitutional monarchy, established full diplomatic relations with the U.S. in 2006, eager to expand its global presence.
Heckman’s appointment came through a serendipitous connection with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Serving on the West Point Board of Advisors, Heckman was asked to escort the prince during a visit to New York for UN Week in 2017. This interaction led to the ambassador’s offer for the retired colonel to take over the honorary consul role in Atlanta.
Despite not being a native Monégasque, his international experience and dedication to service made him an impeccable fit. “As far as the U.S. government is concerned you are a foreign agent of the country you represent,” he clarified, a responsibility he takes seriously, balancing his allegiance to Monaco with his unwavering commitment to the United States.
A fulfilling role
Heckman’s role isn’t a full-time job, but it’s undoubtedly a fun one. He emphasized that promoting Monaco is a joy, “If you’re representing a country, you hope it’s a good one,” he smiled. And a good one it is! Beyond promoting tourism and investment, Heckman’s duties include assisting Monégasque citizens who might encounter issues in the Southeast.
Cultural exchanges are facilitated by Heckman, who assisted in planning stops like Savannah, Disney World and Miami on the itinerary of the Monaco Boys Choir‘s East Coast tour last summer. Recently, he regaled a group from Emory’s Global MBA program visiting Monaco with a chance to meet Prince Albert.
While the position is unpaid, Heckman enjoys the camaraderie with eight other Honorary Consuls of Monaco across the U.S. “It’s a fun group to socialize with,” he shared, mentioning they are typically people of noteworthy standing in their communities.
Some of his eclectic counterparts are Jonathan Warren who runs the Liberace Museum in Las Vegas, Greg Lill, vineyard owner in Seattle and billionaire Dick Wolf in Los Angeles, creator of “Law and Order” and its many spin-offs.
Besides attending events like the Princess Grace Foundation Awards in New York or in Los Angeles, there are annual gatherings to stay updated on Monaco’s internal politics and plan joint initiatives. “We’ve become personal friends and communicate often,” Heckman shared.
Cross the entire country on foot!
For those dreaming of a trip to Monaco, Heckman is your go-to expert. He’s full of tips, from where to stay — “$500 gets you a nice hotel room in Monaco” outside of race week — to must-see attractions like the famous Grand Prix circuit, the spectacular aquarium, Musée Océanographique de Monaco and the iconic Casino de Monte-Carlo.
He’ll even tell you about Monaco’s surprising ventures into space technology, the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters tennis tournaments and the glitzy Angel Film Awards.
Heckman continues to lead a charmed, multidimensional life. From military hero to financial rainmaker and now a diplomatic representative enjoying his retirement and traveling the world with his spouse, Patricia, Doug Heckman is a testament to embracing new adventures and serving with passion.
If you’re curious about the extravagant world of Monaco or simply want to chat with a fascinating individual, you can reach Honorary Consul, Doug Heckman by email at dougheckman2008@gmail.com.
Fun Monégasque Facts
- The royals in Monaco never become kings or queens. They remain princes and princesses. This practice dates to the 1200s when they didn’t want to offend the king of France whose protection they needed.
- Monaco is building into the Mediterranean to reclaim land from the sea.
- Want to move to Monaco? You’ll need to open a bank account depositing at least €500,000. Then, you’ll need to be able to afford the most expensive real estate in the world per square foot.
- Too small for an airport, Monaco is equipped with a heliport only. The nearest airport is the Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France.
- The Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race takes place on the streets of Monaco. The narrow roads make passing difficult, so plans are brewing for a possible expansion that would allow for more overtakes, for the sheer thrill of sports fans.
Monika Vintrlikova
Between Prague and Peachtree Corners
In Lawrenceville resides a remarkable go-getter linking two worlds: Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic, Monika Vintrlikova. Her story is one of entrepreneurial spirit, community dedication and a deep-seated commitment to strengthening the ties between her homeland and her adopted American home.
The family business and diplomatic service
Vintrlikova’s path to becoming an honorary consul began in 2013 when she and her husband moved to Atlanta to establish the U.S. manufacturing arm of their family business, ALBAform, in Flowery Branch. Her parents founded the manufacturing company in the Czech Republic 35 years ago.
Emphasizing her appreciation for Gwinnett County, especially for its manufacturing environment and quality schools, Vintrlikova shared, “We found it, we love it. It’s a good place.”
Her honorary consul predecessor, George Novak, a gentleman who immigrated to Atlanta after the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1968, approached her because of her support for the local Czech school. This cultural school, established by volunteers in 2013, aims to preserve the Czech language and culture for families in the Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Peachtree Corners and Johns Creek areas.
Novak, who had served as honorary consul since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, recognized Vintrlikova’s dedication. In 2019, due to health reasons, he resigned and recommended her. “I knew exactly what I was getting into,” Monika said, reflecting on their close cooperation and friendship.
The diverse roles of an honorary consul
Vintrlikova’s role as honorary consul is multifaceted, encompassing three key areas.
• Consular Agenda —This is the core responsibility, authorized directly by the Czech Embassy in Washington D.C. Vintrlikova provides crucial support to Czech citizens living in Georgia and throughout the Southeast. Her main task involves notarizing Czech documents, a service that saves individuals considerable time and expense.
“They bring me powers of attorney, contracts when they are selling or buying real estate … We are making their life easier,” she explained.
Her official Czech Republic stamp eliminates the need for translations or apostilles. She also facilitates passport services and can issue emergency passports for urgent travel needs. Additionally, she helps with dual citizenship applications for American citizens with Czech heritage, guiding them through the necessary paperwork.
• Economic Diplomacy — Leveraging her manufacturing background, Vintrlikova actively promotes economic ties connecting her two worlds.
“I help Czech businesses come to the U.S. or Georgia businesses go abroad to the Czech Republic,” she said.
This involves organizing trade missions, connecting with companies at trade shows and accompanying the ambassador on visits to Czech businesses in Georgia. She views this as a natural extension of her own business interests.
• Public Diplomacy — This aspect focuses on cultivating Czech culture, connections and fostering exchanges. Whether it’s supporting a Czech movie at a European film festival or helping with student exchange programs like the one bringing Czech students to SCAD for summer seminars, Vintrlikova is dedicated. “I would like to get more exchanges going between universities. It’s connecting two worlds that I like,” she emphasized.
While her position is voluntary and unfunded, including office expenses and travel, Vintrlikova sees its immense potential.
Peachtree Corners: The new hub for Czechs
Vintrlikova recently moved her consular office to Peachtree Corners, drawn by the vibrant atmosphere of Atlanta Tech Park. “You could feel the energy of the ecosystem,” she said. This move positions her office alongside a new Czech business incubator, which she is actively promoting.
Despite a demanding schedule, splitting her time between the U.S. and the Czech Republic, Vintrlikova thrives in her role. “I like my life going back and forth. I like to keep the connections on both sides. It’s fun,” she concluded, emphasizing the warm, welcoming nature she finds in both her native and adopted “southeasts.”
Vintrlikova’s devotedness ensures that the Czech Republic has an effective advocate in the heart of Georgia.
Contact Monika Vintrlikova, Honorary Consul of the Czech Republic at 107 Technology Parkway, Suite 407 Atlanta Tech Park in Peachtree Corners or by phone at (404) 433-1400. Her email address is consul@czechconsulate.com.
Fun Czech Facts
- The word “robot” was coined by Czech writer, Karel Čapek.
- The Czech Republic is the world’s top consumer of beer per capita.
- Slovakia supported Hitler in WWII, which played a role in the initial dismemberment of Czechoslovakia in 1939. The split in 1993 into the Czech Republic and Slovakia resulted from a combination of economic, political and cultural factors. It was a peaceful event.
Yvonne Horsley McCowin
Deep roots in Ghana, strong bonds in Georgia
Born in Ghana, Yvonne Horsley McCowin moved to the United States as a child, growing up in Maryland and later Virginia. Her father, a diplomat and Minister of Information, instilled in her a global perspective and a commitment to service.
Though she’s lived in the U.S. for decades, Yvonne cherishes her Ghanaian heritage. “The minute I touched down in Ghana after 20 years, I felt instantly at home,” she recalled.
When Horsley McCowin stepped into her role last November as Georgia’s first Honorary Consul of Ghana, she wasn’t a stranger to serving her community. She had served for years as the President of the Ghana Council of Georgia. “I’ve always wanted to do something good for my country,” she said.
Her trailblazing journey began in 2015 when the Ghanaian president envisioned expanding honorary consulates across the United States. Yvonne knew she was the right candidate. What started as an uphill battle — years of proposals, resubmissions and government transitions — culminated in her appointment eight years later.
Reflecting on her perseverance, Horsley McCowin added, “It took a while, but persistence was key.”
From parking prowess to real estate enthusiast
Before diving into real estate, Horsley McCowin spent 25 years in the parking industry, managing customer relations and coordinating with city officials.
“Parking should be friendly, not free,” she remarked, recounting her experience bridging the gap between governments who appreciate the revenue stream and constituents who don’t love parking tickets.
Her pivot to real estate came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she specializes in residential properties in Atlanta and surrounding areas, enjoying the direct relationship with clients.
“You’re helping folks; they’re happy, you’re happy — it’s win-win for all.”
Breaking barriers, building bridges
Being the first honorary consul comes with its challenges, but Horsley McCowin approaches them with determination and grace. Her role spans everything from facilitating visas and passport renewals to procuring legal guidance, connecting businesses and fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
“I’m trying to connect with businesses that might want to go to Ghana to invest,” she enthused. She’s hoping to negotiate a “sister airport deal” with Ghana and Atlanta’s airport. Tourism is also important to her.
“I’m a big proponent of seeing the world outside of where you live,” she stated, actively working on student exchange programs to offer young people a taste of Ghanaian culture and to foster global friendships. Similarly, she’s making efforts to send legislators from Georgia to Ghana and vice versa.
Celebrating Ghanaian culture and cuisine
Ask her about Ghana, and Horsley McCowin lights up with excitement. “Ghana is the friendliest country in Africa, and there’s no food like any Ghanaian dish,” she beamed. From jollof rice to fufu, Ghana’s culinary scene is rich and diverse.
She recommends local favorites in Atlanta, like Ike’s Cafe and Grill and Quabena’s Kitchen, where authentic Ghanaian flavors shine.
Summarizing Ghanaian hospitality with a fun tidbit, she revealed, “Ghana is the only place I know where you can show up uninvited to somebody’s house and they say, ‘Oh, here you are! Come on in.’”
Looking ahead
Honorary Consul of Ghana, Yvonne Horsley McCowin is an ardent advocate for Ghana, tirelessly working to create opportunities.
If you’re looking for assistance with travel to Ghana or curious about this vibrant West African nation, you can reach her office in Duluth at 3855 Postal Drive, Suite 100 or by phone at (770) 688-0245. You can also email her at yvonne@ghanaconsulateatlanta.com.
“I’m wholeheartedly trying to get people to visit or learn about Ghana,” she affirmed. And her dedication shines through in every interaction.
Fun Ghanaian Facts
- Ghana is a leading exporter of cocoa in the world.
- Ghana was the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence.
David Cutting
A life of global service: Honorary Consul of Barbados
Ever wondered what it’s like to promote a slice of Caribbean heaven on Earth? Just ask David Cutting, the Honorary Consul of Barbados. While music superstar Rihanna may be one of the best-known Barbadian ambassadors, Cutting has been on a decade-long escapade “promoting paradise,” as he so cheerfully puts it.
From international banker to diplomatic envoy
Cutting’s professional life is defined by a quarter-century of international banking while crisscrossing the globe.
“Fourteen of those years in Asia and 10 in Africa,” he recounted, with stops in bustling Hong Kong, Singapore and — as the CEO for Standard Chartered Bank — across Nigeria, Uganda and Botswana. His wife of 45 years, Heather, and their three children embraced the exposure to new countries and cultures with every move.
In a twist of fate, Cutting’s assignment to Nigeria meant he was in Lagos instead of the World Trade Center during the tragic events of 9/11.
After a distinguished career, he landed in Atlanta in 2011, making St Marlo Country Club in Duluth his home. His consulting business leverages his worldwide financial experience.
“I’m focusing on businesses interested in investing in emerging markets in Asia, Africa or the Caribbean,” he said, underscoring the importance of corporations including board members with residential and working experience in those markets.
Promoting paradise
The call to serve the country of Barbados came in 2015 when a friend, Dr. Edward Layne, who held the honorary consul position for 22 years, asked him to step into the role. Cutting did not hesitate to reconnect with his roots; it was a sort of homecoming for him.
“I have always felt like the prodigal son who left Barbados at the age of 18 … The honorary consul role gave me the opportunity to give back to my country,” he said.
“It is not painful to be responsible for promoting paradise. Barbados is not difficult to sell,” Cutting quipped. His mission? To showcase Barbados as a prime spot for both dazzling vacations and smart investments.
Tourism reigns supreme, drawing visitors to its rich history, stunning beaches and food, rum and jazz festivals, as well as to Crop Over festivities, Barbados’ version of Carnival.
Cutting is always eager to highlight Barbados’ robust international business platform, offering a “low tax environment” for savvy companies establishing a presence there, thanks to favorable dual taxation arrangements with over 40 countries.
Beyond the beaches
Cutting proudly declares Barbados “the gem of the Caribbean,” boasting its status as “one of the safest places” with a surprisingly high per-capita income for its cozy population of around 300,000.
The island nation, independent since 1966 and a republic since 2021, is always evolving. During the pandemic, Barbados innovated with a “12-month visa” for remote workers, proving you truly can conduct business “with a laptop on the beach.”
Beyond his promotional duties, Cutting serves as a crucial link for the Barbadian diaspora in Georgia. He works closely with local organizations and other honorary consuls in the Southeast. He also finds time to serve as treasurer on the board of the Atlanta Consular Corps.
“It’s important for us to share with each other. We’re all focused on the FIFA World Cup coming to Atlanta next year, working closely with the World Cup organization and the Metro Chamber to ensure visitors are properly accommodated and safe,” he shared.
A key initiative, “commercial diplomacy,” involves seeking business opportunities for Barbados, scholarship opportunities for Barbadian students and training programs in the hospitality sector.
“Barbados has a 98% literacy rate. It’s one of the highest literacy rates in the world. Education is hugely important to us,” he proudly stated.
Student exchange programs are prevalent. Globally recognized medical schools like Ross University School of Medicine attract American and other foreign students who don’t mind spending a term in Barbados where “it’s sunshine every day, the sea is blue, and the sand is white.”
To the Land of the Flying Fish!
Has Barbados piqued your interest? Contact the knowledgeable Honorary Consul, David Cutting by email at atlbarbadosconsulate@gmail.com or by phone at (678) 907-5887. He’ll be delighted to speak with you.
With direct flights from Atlanta, your journey to this coral island’s charm is closer than you think.
Fun Barbadian Facts
- Established in Barbados in 1703, Mount Gay Rum is the oldest running rum distillery.
- Barbados is the only place outside of the United States that George Washington ever visited. He accompanied his ailing brother there in 1751, hoping the warm weather would cure his tuberculosis. It did not. Washington contracted and survived smallpox during his stay, achieving immunity. That’s how he survived the smallpox outbreak during the Revolutionary War when many of his troops succumbed to the disease.
- Some of the first governors in the Carolinas were expatriate plantation owners from Barbados. Hence, the Gullah language spoken by the Gullah Geechee people of Georgia and the Carolinas shares linguistic connections with the Bajan dialect of Barbados.
- The banking industry in Barbados is largely dominated by Canadian banks.
- The Barbados dollar has a fixed exchange rate with the U.S. dollar. One U.S. dollar equals two Barbados dollars, every day, since 1975.
- Cou-cou, served with steamed or fried flying fish, is the national dish of Barbados. Similar to polenta, cou-cou is made with corn meal and okra. As one might imagine, Barbadian cuisine features fresh seafood.
Jewels of our community
Each of these private citizens shares a thrill in joining cultures, a story that is a testament to the power of international experience and, for most, the enduring call of one’s homeland.
As honorary consuls, they have an inherent desire to serve while championing the countries they represent at their own expense, ensuring their beauty and opportunities are known far and wide.
A version of this article can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
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