Gimme yore money — I'll give you ma vote

The tempest in a teapot we're currently having regarding conflicts of interest and violations of the Sunshine Laws are so inane and silly considering that the state of Georgia has no ethics laws to speak of.

“Really?” you say.

Yeah. Really. Let me tell you the story about “Diogenes” Bryan (me).

It was Fulton County Zoning Day about ten years ago. The main meeting room was packed with well-dressed, important people who overflowed into the crowded hallway all the way to the elevator. Tens of millions of dollars, or more, hinged on whether these “suits” could get favorable rulings from the Zoning Board.

The meetings had just started when I heard the voice of A. Reginald Eaves, Fulton County Commissioner, coming from the direction of the elevator:

“Gimme yore money — I'll give you ma vote (How ya doing?). Gimme yore money — I'll give you ma vote (Beautiful day.).” Reggie was slowly walking down the hallway with his entourage, repeating his request like a mantra and making small talk as he shook people's hands.

Less than 10 feet from me, Reggie stopped and said, “Folks, I luuuuv cash money. I prefer cash money. But, if you must give me a check, put down on the check that it's for “consulting” fees or campaign contributions.” I glanced at an attractive lady who mirrored my amazed look and we both shook our heads. The Right Reverend Reggie then went back to repeating his money-making mantra. At the side door to the commissioners' meeting room, Reggie stopped and loudly repeated the way he preferred to get his money.

“Diogenes” Bryan now quested for an honest ethic law in Georgia. I first went to the office of Lewis Slaton, longtime district attorney of Fulton County. I quickly gained an audience with Slaton and told him about Mr. Eaves' behavior at the zoning meeting. Mr. Slaton listened attentively and immediately assigned me to an assistant D.A. whom I did not know.

I'd just started to talking to this unknown ADA about Eaves when the ADA quickly stopped my “deposition.”

“Mr. Bryan, I don't know why Slaton assigned you to me. About a year ago Slaton said that if any Fulton ADA investigated corruption committed by any elected official, he, Slaton, would fire that ADA. Mr. Bryan, if you want to waste your time and mine, I'll take a statement; but, then I'll have to file it in the round file cabinet (AKA: trash can).”

“What can I do?” I asked.

“Try Jimmy Webb.”

At that time Jimmy Webb was Fulton County Solicitor General. I quickly had an audience and had my say regarding Commissioner Eaves. Mr. Webb immediately assigned me to an assistant solicitor whom I greatly respected.

“Mr. Webb sent you to me?” said the AS. “About a year ago, Mr. Webb met with all the associates and told us that if any AS investigated any corruption charges committed by any elected official, he (Mr. Webb) would fire that AS. Why don't you call (Georgia Attorney General) Mike Bowers?”

Less than an hour later I was talking over the phone with the most powerful elected law enforcement official in Georgia. The gist of Mr. Bowers' comments that related to Commissioner Eaves attempting to sell influence was this:

“Mr. Bryan, Georgia has some pathetic laws regarding corruption committed by elected public officials that, actually, are worse than nothing. The Georgia Legislature has attached so many `poison pill' amendments to Georgia's ethics laws that any conviction of an elected official, who's still in office, will be overturned at the appeals level. At best, Georgia's ethics laws can embarrass the corrupt official and cost him (or her) money for lawyer's fees, lost income and (hopefully) reelection.

“Usually, though, Georgia's ethics laws target idealists, `whistleblowers,' and honest people who testify against the corrupt official. Retribution ranges from dirty looks, threats and adverse job evaluations to beatings, unexplained deaths and murder. Mr. Slaton and Mr. Webb have realized for years that any corruption investigation is an exercise in futility and a needless expense for Fulton County. What Slaton and Webb should have done was send you to the only person in Georgia who has the authority, power and ability to take on Mr. Eaves. Call Bob Barr (U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia).”

I did. Apparently, so many people had called Mr. Barr, that I never had to give him a deposition or testify. (Mr. Barr commented that the level of corruption in Fulton County and City of Atlanta was on par with that of Chicago during the height of Prohibition. I agreed).

About six months later, newspapers announced that Mr. Eaves and his fellow Commissioner, Chuck Williams, were to be prosecuted for corruption. Both were convicted. Both served prison time in the Federal Prison System.

Unfortunately for Georgians, Georgia's Ethics Laws are worse now than they were ten years ago. Whistleblowers, honest people, concerned citizens, Carl Avrit and Steve Brown: Beware!

Bill Bryan

Peachtree City

Back to Opinion Home Page | Back to the top of the page