Wednesday, August 21, 2002

I feel compelled to voice my opinion about the manner in which the majority of our elected officials handled themselves when faced with a "not so popular" issue, yet claim to stand by certain priorities. The issue involved a judicial complaint filed with the Judicial Qualifications Commission against the veteran Fayette County Chief Magistrate Judge A.K. Melear. Melear allegedly used racial slurs when inquiring about the race of suspects before he ruled on an arrest warrant.

The citizens of Fayette County, who included local elected official as well as those aspiring candidates running in the primary elections, were made aware of the Melear allegations. The story was covered by three newspapers: The Citizen, the Fayette Neighbor, and the Atlanta Journal Constitution, as well as a local TV station, WGCL-CBS Atlanta.

Ironically, only one elected official, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown and only one aspiring candidate for the Georgia House District 48, Virgil Fludd, openly attended the Melear press conference on July 27.

The press conference was held on the grounds of the Fayette Administrative Office complex in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. A second aspiring candidate, whose name I will not divulge, did not make his appearance known among the group, yet chose not to be part of the press conference photo shoot. After all, he is trying to get elected. He did not want to align himself with such a controversial issue and run the risk of losing votes.

I know for a fact that some of the local elected officials seeking reelection as well as those aspiring candidates had been informed of the Fayette County Branch NAACP press conference. I am aware of side-bar conversations denouncing the Melear allegations, yet few wanted to publicly denounce the alleged egregious allegations against Melear. However, Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown hit the issue head on by going on record with the NAACP by speaking out in the press conference.

Well, for those of you who are not aware, Melear submitted his resignation on Friday, Aug. 16. He has chosen to leave office effective Sept. 1 to spend time with his family and to pursue business interests. He stated he would prefer not to defend possible charges not yet formulated against his long and honorable tenure on the bench. Believe it or not, he made a wise decision.

I perused the information included in the Voters Guide 2002 for each candidate. I find it quite hypocritical for the topic of accountability and ethics to be listed under their top priorities for the upcoming election. Oh, well, I am told that politicians have a tendency to say anything to get elected!

Wanda Robins, President

Fayette County Branch, NAACP

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