Candidate Q&A: Tucker City Council District 1

Roger earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Emory University. He lives in the Smoke Rise neighborhood of Tucker.

Roger is an attorney who works as a trial lawyer. 

Tucker City Council and Public Meetings Schedule - Rough Draft ...

Roger is currently a member of the Tucker City Council, representing District 1. He was first elected in 2021 and is serving his first term.

As of September 3, 2025, Roger W Orlando’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Economy

Opposes the construction of a new recreation center.

Opposes the construction of pickleball courts at the Tucker Recreation Center.

- Opposes the construction of pickleball courts at the Tucker Recreation Center.

Public Services

Wants to "continue or reinvigorate Tucker's homeless outreach program alongside Dekalb County's collaborative efforts."

Believes in "slow but continuous growth" that considers "all socio-economic populations" in Tucker.

As a city councilor, supported the implementation of a "blight tax" on properties that are "vacant, abandoned, and not maintained."

Advocates for the hiring of an outreach coordinator to assist with community engagement.

Advocates for the hiring of an homeless outreach coordinator.

- Wants to "continue or reinvigorate Tucker's homeless outreach program alongside Dekalb County's collaborative efforts."
- Believes in "slow but continuous growth" that considers "all socio-economic populations" in Tucker.
- As a city councilor, supported the implementation of a "blight tax" on properties that are "vacant, abandoned, and not maintained."
- Advocates for the hiring of an homeless outreach coordinator.

Housing & Urban Development

Believes public safety is essential for new development, peaceful residency, and welcoming visitors for work, dining, and shopping.

Supports the continuation of the Northlake/Tucker CID's Tucker Police Force feasibility and affordability study.

Supports the creation of a Tucker Police Department, citing "increased response times, a greater deterrent visibility, ...closer accountability to our community leadership and ...greater unity and pride within our city."

- Believes public safety is essential for new development, peaceful residency, and welcoming visitors for work, dining, and shopping.
- Supports the continuation of the Northlake/Tucker CID's Tucker Police Force feasibility and affordability study.
- Supports the creation of a Tucker Police Department, citing "increased response times, a greater deterrent visibility, ...closer accountability to our community leadership and ...greater unity and pride within our city."

Public Safety

Supports the expansion of sidewalks, bike trails, and bus rapid transit.

- Supports the expansion of sidewalks, bike trails, and bus rapid transit.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

Roger W Orlando

Roger is currently a member of the Tucker City Council, representing District 1. He was first elected in 2021 and is currently serving his first term.

As of September 3, 2025, Roger W Orlando did not have a website or any information online.

Walter Ley

Buket Urgen

Karen Peters Rivers running for Tucker City Council | Archives ...

Karen was born and raised in Tucker. She currently serves on the city planning commission.

Surprise candidates emerge in Tucker's city council race - Rough ...

Karen Peters ran for Tucker City Council, District 1, Post 1 in 2021 but did not win.

As of September 3, 2025, Karen Peters did not have a website or any information online.

Tucker District 1 candidates talk housing, public safety

Supports building more affordable housing in Tucker.

- Supports building more affordable housing in Tucker.

Said, "I think maybe they need to give them more incentives."

Believes Dekalb Police Officers should receive better benefits.

- Believes Dekalb Police Officers should receive better benefits.

Karen Peters

Karen Peters-Rivers ran for Tucker City Council, District 1, Post 1 in 2021 but did not win.

As of September 3, 2025, Karen Peters-Rivers did not have a website or any information online.

Karen Peters-Rivers

Wants to see economic growth in Tucker expand to include more local and cultural businesses.

Wants to improve community relations with law enforcement by hosting events focused on positive communications with law enforcement.

Supports the Non Discrimination Ordinance for Tucker, saying it will protect "our city’s patrons" from discrimination and hold violators accountable.

Supports the renovation at Fitzgerald Field as a staple in Tucker, saying it will be a "great asset" if done in an inclusive way.

Supports creating Infrastructure Advisement Boards to prioritize and investigate roads and drainage issues.

Supports community programs like neighborhood watch and block captains to enhance safety.

Wants more police presence in the community.

Supports a better partnership with DeKalb County by creating Infrastructure Advisement Boards to prioritize and investigate roads and drainage issues.

Wants to create more sidewalks in high-traffic areas.

- City council members work together with the rest of city council to set and implement city policy. 
- City council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city 
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 
- Most city council members in Georgia are elected in odd years to four year terms. Elections are nonpartisan. 