Community
Community advocate makes run for state house

Published
3 years agoon

Peachtree Corners Business Owner Seeks House Seat
The route to seeking political office may have been long, but the desire to serve the community has always been a part of Long Tran’s DNA. He’s seeking Georgia House of Representatives District 80, which used to be District 79 until a new map was drawn. It doesn’t include Peachtree Corners but borders it. He is a local businessman — the owner of Peachy Corners Café and a fixture in the community for more than two years. A child of Vietnamese immigrants, Tran says he’s just as American as those who founded this country, with the same goals of uniting the nation and the community. He recently spoke to Peachtree Corners Magazine about his run for office.
Despite his youthful appearance, Tran will be turning 46 in May. He’s married with two sons, 14 and 10, and credits his wife’s career with his move from Columbus, Ohio to metro Atlanta. A certified public accountant, her Ohio-based firm merged with one here, necessitating a location change.
“My background is actually in IT network security. I was doing that for a little less than 20 years,” said Tran. The family moved to Georgia in 2010 right around the time of the recession when work in his field began drying up. Staying ahead of the trends, Tran switched to mobile app development.
“This was when the iPhone 3G came out. On the iPhone App Store at that time, there were maybe 40 or 50 apps versus the hundreds of 1000s of apps available now,” he said.
Doing that part time, Tran focused on being a Mr. Mom, of sorts, with most of his time spent taking care of the couple’s first-born son.
Creating family-friendly space
As any modern parent can attest, it’s not easy to find a spot to hang out in between their child’s extracurricular activities.
“One day, I was sitting at my son’s karate class and sometimes the chronic schedule means your older son goes at, say, four o’clock. And then he’s done at five, and maybe your youngest son doesn’t have his class until seven, or six. And so, you’ve got a one-hour gap, but you don’t want to go home because as soon as you get home, you have to come back. And there wasn’t really a good place to go hang out that had the fast Wi Fi we all need,” said Tran. “So, I drove around and saw the location we’re in now and thought it would be really cool for a local, independently-owned coffee shop and started the process.”
About a month in, the pandemic hit. Since the place wasn’t really conducive to pick-up or delivery service or even social distancing, Tran shut down the café four days before the governor’s mandate. With a surplus of supplies and a pipeline to obtain more, he began distributing sanitizer, toilet paper and other non-perishable items to hospitals and front-line workers as well as coffee and bubble tea that had a long shelf life but would have diminished freshness after a few months.
From that altruistic act, a loyal customer base began to grow.
“People started calling us and messaging us asking, ‘Hey, I have a friend or brother or sister that’s a doctor at this hospital, they could use what you sent to the other hospital. Can we make a donation to you to send drinks there?” Tran said. “We used that money to source extra masks and gloves and supplies that we took to the hospitals, in addition to the drinks that we were bringing. And that got us through the worst part of the pandemic. And as soon as the governor loosened restrictions, we started opening our doors.”
Growing community advocacy
Another consequence of the pandemic was the attacks on people of Asian descent.
“People were attacking Asian Americans, blaming us for COVID,” said Tran. “It was happening in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, but not here, and the Asian community felt insulated until the attacks on the spa workers in Cherokee County and Atlanta in March 2021.”
Prior to that Tran discovered the Asian community wasn’t very engaged and hadn’t been as diligent about voter registration and other events to exercise citizen rights.
“I started reaching out to my friends that were Asian American and the Asian-American nonprofits — the Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese communities working together to get voter registrations and people out to vote. There were some groups, but there wasn’t a big movement,” Tran said.
He began working with Asian Americans Advancing Justice to push voter registration, but also ensuring that the community was heard and that they were given facts instead of lies that people were spreading about Stacey Abrams and her campaign.
“We kicked things into overdrive in 2020. Asian American voters in Georgia increased by more than half, I believe,” he said.
According to Asian American Advocacy Fund data, there are more than 300,000 registered voters in Georgia who identify as Asian American or Pacific Islander. More than 185,000 voted in 2020. That’s about a 63% increase compared to 2016. Although Asians make up about 4% of the population in the state, it’s the fastest growing demographic, nearly doubling from a decade ago, according to U.S. Census data.
Government for all people
But Tran isn’t looking to just strengthen Asian-American presence in state government. He recognizes the importance of diversity and wants to make sure everyone’s point of view is represented.
“February 1, the start of Chinese New Year, I made the announcement that I’m going to run for state representative of House District 80,” he said. “I’m seeing a lot of support across the board. The first endorsement I can talk about is Beth Moore, a state representative of House District 95, which includes where my store is located, and she was among the first people to reach out to me and encouraged me to run for the new district.”
Tran has reached out to the Jewish community and the Hispanic community. He’s contacted labor organizations and religious leaders. An unofficial announcement party on Super Bowl Sunday brought a lot of people to his café that he didn’t realize were behind him.
“I was expecting about 20 people tops and we had more like 70,” he said. “I’m hoping my campaign is a representation of the broad diversity we have, not only in our district, but actually, in Georgia. In Atlanta. We’re very diverse. And I want people to see my campaign as one where everyone can truly work together, truly get along, even the more conservative Republicans.”
His platform is looking at ways to make public education more efficient, moving toward a livable minimum wage statewide, finding a way to work with undocumented immigrants for a legal status that includes citizenship or something else, and more ways to sustain small business, especially when a crisis like the COVID pandemic hits.
“The relief for small businesses was slow coming. A lot of business owners were forced to close and find other jobs. They weren’t able to get unemployment right away. They suffered greatly,” said Tran.
Although, if he’s successful, his district will be in DeKalb County, Tran wants his Gwinnett County neighbors to know that he’ll represent the entire state.
“I’ve formed friendships with the elected officials in DeKalb, but I’ve also formed friendships with elected officials in Gwinnett, as well. If I’m lucky enough to make it to the statehouse, I’ve got people I can collaborate with and work with to fix issues that affect both counties and the state as a whole. And I think that is an important skill and ability that’s required because you’re not going into the gold dome alone and just yelling, trying to make people do what you want. It’s a collaboration, a teamwork, and I’m looking forward to working with the elected officials everywhere.”
About GA House District 80 (formerly House District 79)
- On Dec. 30, Gov. Brian Kemp signed Georgia’s congressional map into law. This map takes effect for Georgia’s 2022 state legislative elections. So, there will be some shifting of representation after November.
- It is currently represented by Michael Wilensky (D).
- The population is 60,655 which consists of 51.1% white, 17.1% Hispanic, 16.5% Asian, 13.3% Black and 0.9% Native American.
- As of the 2020 Census, Georgia state representatives represented an average of 59,510 residents each.
- The general election will occur on November 8, 2022.
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Arlinda Smith Broady is part of the Boomerang Generation of Blacks that moved back to the South after their ancestors moved North. With approximately three decades of journalism experience (she doesn't look it), she's worked in tiny, minority-based newsrooms to major metropolitans. At every endeavor she brings professionalism, passion, pluck, and the desire to spread the news to the people.

City Government
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting
Published
1 week agoon
April 14, 2025The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.
This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.
The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.
Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.
In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.
Meeting details
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners
Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
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Community
Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 9, 2025It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!
Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.
This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.
All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.
Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.
Sponsorships available
In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.
T-shirt logo contest
Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.
The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.
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City of Peachtree Corners
Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.
Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.
The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:
1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.
2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.
3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.
4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.
These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.
Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.
Here’s what we are doing:
1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.
2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.
3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.
4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.
Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.
Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.
Here are a few ways you can help:
• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.
• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.
• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.
I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.
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