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County to have hearing on its
employees running for office
By Justin Boron
jboron@news-daily.com
Clayton County commissioners next week plan to hear evidence
to determine what action, if any, will be taken against two
county employees running for commissioner, an apparent
violation of a provision setting the permissible level of
political activity for county employees.
The board passed the law prohibiting its employees from
running for county office in 2004 when Sheriff Victor Hill ran
while employed with the police department.
The law, not yet cleared then by the U.S. Justice Department,
didn’t stop Hill from running. At the time, Hill criticized
the provision as retaliatory, saying it was specifically aimed
at stopping him from running against incumbent-Sheriff Stanley
Tuggle
This time around, county officials are prepared to enforce it.
And yet again Hill could be ensnared in the provision’s
controversy.
Sonna Singleton, a sheriff’s employee and candidate running
against incumbent-Commissioner Carl Rhodenizer, could be
affected.
Also, Stan Wynens, a Republican in the same race, currently
works as a commercial plan examiner for the county and may not
be able to run.
Singleton, who is a public information officer for the
sheriff’s department, has vowed to run, regardless of what the
county does. She also said she would resign from her position
in the sheriff’s office if elected.
“Up until this year, people have been allowed to work for the
county and run for county office. I believe that it is my
right to run and I believe that this effort, by the
commission, is to protect Mr. Rhodenizer,” she said. “Given
the fact that certain powerful people want to continue to use
him for their political and economic benefit, this effort was
not unexpected.
“I plan to consult with the sheriff and my legal advisors but
make no mistake, I am committed to this race and I am
committed to the people of District 1.”
Singleton also has been careful not to campaign on the
sheriff’s time, even to the point of only conducting media
interviews on her lunch breaks.
Wynens couldn’t be reached for comment at home or at work.
When asked about the issue, County Commission Chairman Eldrin
Bell wouldn’t comment more than it “is under review” and that
“it is the law.”
To avoid being caught in an awkward position of having the
power to eliminate one of his opponents, Rhodenizer said he
would be recusing himself on the issue.
“I don’t think it would be the right thing to do,” he said.
Source:
http://www.news-daily.com/local/local_story_123223623.html |
