Community Endorsements

I’m honored to have the support of neighbors, business owners, and community leaders across Decatur. You can also read the full “Letters to the Editor” from Jack Kittle, Han Pham, Marissa Schaudies, and Erin Hinek on Decaturish.

  • My name is Jack Kittle, and I currently serve as Chair of the City of Decatur Parks & Recreation Advisory Board. As a 40-year resident of our city, I’ve seen first-hand the power of committed neighbors stepping into leadership for the betterment of our city. It is from that perspective that I enthusiastically endorse Deanna Jue Sutandi for City Commissioner in District 2. Deanna and I have worked side by side on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board for nearly three years. In that time, she has stood out—she always shows up with energy, ready to roll up her sleeves, listen, and act. In my experience, it’s that steady commitment to showing up that truly makes a difference for our city.

    -Jack Kittle

  • I’m proud to support Deanna for Decatur City Commissioner District 2. I was fortunate to get to know Deanna when she stepped up as one of the new leaders to continue the tradition of the Madison Ave Soapbox Derby in 2021. Much like the Derby, I feel Decatur is ready for new leadership and fresh ideas. Deanna is a great listener who will help put ideas into action. Her energy and positive attitude is contagious.

    -Raul Trujillo

  • I met Deanna while working on the Oakhurst Elementary school auction committee during her tenure as Oakhurst's PTA President. Deanna’s enthusiasm for everything she does and puts her mind to is infectious. She makes you want to join up, pitch in, give back, and generally be a good neighbor - because she does all of these things in a way that is inspirational and inclusive and effortless. Deanna is tenacious, driven, kind, and one of the most hard-working, community-minded people I’ve ever met. I know Deanna will be an incredible city commissioner and lead with efficiency, transparency, grace, and always for good of the whole. She is a ray of human sunshine!

    -Molly Riccardi

  • As DeKalb County Commissioner, I know how important it is for city and county leaders to work together on the issues that shape our shared future. That’s why I am proud to support Deanna Jue Sutandi for Decatur City Commission. Deanna has a clear vision for advancing policies that matter to all of us: improving mobility with safer streets and sidewalks, strengthening stormwater and green infrastructure to protect our neighborhoods, supporting small businesses and vibrant commercial districts, and investing in parks and public spaces that build community. These are not just city concerns—they are county priorities as well, and collaboration is key to making real progress. Deanna’s experience, inclusive leadership, and pragmatic approach will make her an outstanding partner at the city level as we work together to build a stronger, more sustainable, and more connected Decatur and DeKalb.

    -Commissioner Ted Terry

  • Deanna has proven leadership on our schools, parks, and neighborhood boards. I’m proud to support her because she gets things done for Decatur.

    -Randolph Kallenberg

  • I'm so excited to support Deanna as the next District 2 Commissioner! I've known Deanna for over 15 years and have seen firsthand the dedication, energy and care that she puts in to building a great community whether at school or within the neighborhood.

    -Jessica Walton

  • Deanna is a force in our community. She listens actively, works tirelessly and gets the job done. She is extremely efficient and is a true problem solver.

    -Julie Gabbai

  • She's basically Superwoman.

    - John O'Donoghue

  • I’m behind Deanna because she is already very engaged with City of Decatur. She has established a firm reputation for hard work and dependability with a “CAN DO” SPIRIT! She knows who’s who and the ins and outs, serves on Parks and Recreation Board so has developed relationships other Decatur leaders/groups and on school PTA as well as other activities.

    -Heidi Couch

  • I’m proud to endorse Deanna for City Commission! She works harder for our community than most people do at a full-time job. With her pep in her step, a smile on her face, and endless energy, I know she’ll make our city an even better place.

    -Kelly Daymude

  • We haven’t seen anyone as dedicated to our community as Deanna! I know she’ll work her hardest advocating for our neighbors and do it with all of her heart because that’s the kind of person she is. We are so excited to get to support her!

    -Emma Sizemore

  • Deanna is a beacon - she draws people together to collaborate and take action but she also guides and enables others to create good work beyond the reach of her sweeping rays. Everything she touches she enriches and everyone she meets leaves knowing they are community.

    - Jessi Rokicki

  • Deanna serves the City of Decatur with the expertise of someone who understands business, and the heart of someone passionate about serving her community. As a resident, parent, and board representative, she truly cares, asks the important questions, and has the connections and knowledge to make lasting and powerful impact.

    -Abbey Griffith

  • Deanna is not just a listener; she proactively seeks out the voices of our village to amplify them. In her service on the City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, she is constantly collecting data from the community to bring to the table, to make sure all our neighbors’ voices and opinions are factored into every decision made. More than just a resume that shows compassion, Deanna is an individual who forms bonds and empowers others. Personally, she is literally the reason I was able to take on my roles with our schools, and you’ll find numerous neighbors who exuberantly follow her lead into service. Her energy level and grit are truly unmatched – she is a force. And I can’t wait to see that force brought to the Decatur City Commission.

    -Marissa Schaudies

  • I am honored to endorse my friend Deanna. She embodies the diversity-forward approach that not only frames this city, but ties us together in a rather chaotic world. Deanna is not a politician — she’s a powerhouse who transforms ideas not just into reality, but into a stronger, more inclusive reality. When given a charge, Deanna doesn’t just complete it — she pushes past the status quo and elevates it.

    -Han Pham