Public Agenda - The Big Guy speaks

Mark Taylor visits Dems clubs

On Thurs., Aug. 17, the Young Democrats of Atlanta join forces with the Red Clay Democrats and Mid-Fulton Democrats in a post-primary showing of unity. Their powers combined probably won’t conjure Captain Planet, but they will bring out the “Big Guy,” gubernatorial candidate and outgoing Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor. Since handily winning a nasty battle with Cathy Cox in July’s primary, Taylor has continued his campaign to unseat Gov. Sonny Perdue. A campaign donation of $25 is suggested but not required.

7-8:30 p.m. Madison Grill, 1375 Peachtree St. 404-475-1188. www.atlantayoungdems.org.

· KIRKWOOD NEIGHBORS The residents of Kirkwood are invited to attend this meeting Thurs., Aug. 10, to discuss community business. 10th of every month, 7-8:30 p.m. Turner Memorial A&E Church, 66 Howard St. 404-378-5970. www.historic-kirkwood.com.

· EAST COBB DEMS MEETING The East Cobb Democratic Alliance continues its efforts to get progressive democrats elected in its district. Members meet monthly to hear speakers and discuss campaign strategies. These meetings, the next of which is Fri., Aug. 11, are free and open to anyone interested. Second Friday of every month, 7 p.m. East Cobb Government Ctr., 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. 770-499-4444.

· GWINNETT DEMS MONTHLY BREAKFAST Come and meet the Gwinnett Democratic Party Sat., Aug. 12, at their monthly breakfast — family and friends are welcome. Set breakfast menus include breakfast for $6 and coffee for $1. Guest speaker TBA. Second Saturday of every month, 8:30-10 a.m. Atlanta Bread Company Norcross, 5456 Jimmy Carter Blvd., Norcross. 678-924-8200. www.gwinnettdemocrats.com.

· SIERRA CLUB FIELD TRIP Join this transit-oriented adventure around Atlanta to see the successes and failings of our current system, explore areas where more livable communities are taking shape, and share ideas about the role of transit in creating sustainable communities. The trip is Sat., Aug. 12, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Must RSVP to jdraper@hampshire.edu to participate.

· ANIMAL RIGHTS Georgia Animal Rights & Protection (GARP) meets the second Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The group addresses animal issues in Georgia ranging from vegetarianism to dog fighting. Join them at the next meeting Sat., Aug. 12. Sandy Springs Regional Library, 395 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs. 404-303-6130. www.garpatlanta.org.

· SOUTH FULTON DEMOCRATS Join this diverse group Mon., Aug. 14, as it works to elect Democrats who share concerns about job security, quality schools, responsible development and safe neighborhoods. Takes place on the second Monday of every month, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Piccadilly Cafeteria, 101 Shannon Mall, Union City. 404-840-3476. www.southfultondems.com.

· CHAMBLEE CITY COUNCIL Chamblee City Council meets to discuss local issues and future plans for the city. The council’s next meeting is Tues., Aug. 15. Third Tuesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. Chamblee Civic Center, 3540 Broad St., Chamblee. 770-986-5013. www.chambleega.com.

· DRUID HILLS CIVIC ASSOCIATION The DHCA’s monthly meetings, the next of which is Wed., Aug. 16, are open to the public and begin with a half hour of social time before business commences. Locations subject to change. Third Wednesday of every month, 7 p.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1410 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-523-3422. www.druidhills.org.

· FULTON COMMISSIONERS Come to the Fulton County Commission meeting Wed., Aug., 16 to hear commissioner and county manager issues. First and third Wednesdays of every month, 10 a.m. Fulton County Government Center Assembly Hall, 141 Pryor St. 404-730-8200. www.co.fulton.ga.us.

· LAKE CLAIRE NEIGHBORS The Lake Claire Neighbors facilitate neighborhood cleanups, raise funds for neighborhood refurbishments and give the community a voice. Visit the group’s website to check out its ongoing mural project, as well as other activities and information. Residents and guests are welcome to attend these meetings, the next of which is Thurs., Aug. 17. Third Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. Frazer Center, 1815 Ponce de Leon Ave. 404-377-3836. www.lakeclaire.org.

· BUCKHEAD BUSINESS ASSOCIATION The BBA meets over breakfast to discuss the economic and cultural vitality of Buckhead. Join them Thurs., Aug. 17 with special guest Michele Egan, senior development manager at the High Museum. Cost for non-members: $15. Thursdays, 7:30-9 a.m. Anthony’s Restaurant, 3109 Piedmont Road. 404-467-7607. www.buckheadbusiness.org.

· BROOKHAVEN HOMEOWNERS AND NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE The public is welcome to attend the alliance’s next meeting, Thurs., Aug. 17. Please RSVP by emailing Kevin_hughleybhna@yahoo.com. Meeting venues and speakers vary monthly. Third Thursday of every month, 7-9 p.m. Dekalb Services Center, 2660 Osborne Road. 678-754-4594.

· DRINKING LIBERALLY The local chapter of this national organization, which aims to promote democracy “one pint at a time,” encourages democrats to discuss politics, current events and whatever else comes up after a few drinks. Join them Thurs., Aug., 17. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Thinking Man Tavern, 537 W. Howard Ave., Decatur. 404-370-1717. www.drinkingliberally.org.

Want to publicize a political or civic event? E-mail publicagenda@creativeloafing.com.