Friday, September 21, 2001
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Friday, September 21, 2001 |
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Councilman responds to critics By JOHN
THOMPSON
Councilman Dianne Cleveland let her feelings out Monday night about a councilman's call for her to resign last month. Councilman Pam Youngblood asked Cleveland to resign after the revelation that tapes containing conversations between Mayor Joan Trammell, Cleveland and Youngblood had been taped by Cleveland. "On Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2001, two audio cassette tapes were received in the mail. One of these tapes was given to Mayor Trammell along with the box in which it was mailed," Youngblood said. "The tapes contained numerous spliced phone conversations over a period of time between council member Cleveland and myself, council member Cleveland and the mayor and one three-way call between the mayor, Cleveland and myself." After the scandal was revealed, Cleveland firmly stated that she had no intention of resigning and said she has done nothing illegal or unethical. Rather, she feels betrayed by people she felt were her friends. "'Et tu Brute.' I now know how Caesar felt," she said. She reiterated her point Monday and said serious untrue allegations were made about her. "I have consulted with a criminal attorney, as well as two personal attorneys who have indicated to me that I have done nothing illegal or unethical," she said. Cleveland said she is grateful for the number of calls of support and encouragement she has received. She refused to resign her seat, and in fact qualified to run for mayor against Youngblood. "I hope that if the citizens of Senoia feel I have been responsive to their input, suggestions and desires, and have followed through on my campaign pledges in 1997 that they will see fit to elect me," she said.
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