Vernon Jones - Political Career

Political Career

Jones sought election to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1992. He served from 1993 to 2001, during which time he served on the Appropriations and Insurance Committees, the Health and Ecology Committee, the Banking Committee, and a special Judiciary Committee. He was elected as chief executive officer of Dekalb County, Georgia in 2000, winning 64% of the vote, and was re-elected in 2004 with 54% of the vote. Jones is the first African American to serve as CEO of the county, and the youngest ever elected in the county. Under Jones, DeKalb County became one of just 37 counties nationwide to hold a dual AAA bond credit rating from both Moody's and Standard and Poor's. DeKalb County established the first local Homeland Security Office in 2001, and, under Jones, passed laws creating a new senior center, increasing funding for road, library, and park improvements while maintaining a balanced budget. Jones has been criticized for vetoing pay raises for police officers, illegally using campaign funds to promote the 2005 bond referendum, and was accused of rape. No charges have ever been filed against Jones for the alleged rape or for misusing campaign finances, and Jones has claimed his innocence throughout both controversies.

In 2010, Jones launched a campaign for the U.S. Congress, representing GA Fourth Congressional District.