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Downtown Development appointment erupts in controversy

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Joyce Smith didn’t see it coming.
As a member of Senoia’s Downtown Development Authority, Smith appeared at the City Council meeting Monday night to ask for the council’s approval for a new member.

After Smith suggested Carl McKnight, Councilman Larry Owens asked the council to refrain from making any appointments. Owens serves as the council’s liaison on the board and said he had just completed state training for the board.
“I just want to make sure we’re doing everything correctly,” he said.
Smith looked puzzled at Owens’ statement, and he reiterated that he wanted to make sure the authority was abiding by all the state rules governing the operation of authorities.

“I would like to see the University of Georgia give us some guidelines. I’m not trying to step on anyone’s toes here,” Owens added.
Smith asked Owens what rules the group was breaking.
“I’m not saying anything was doing wrong. I just want to make sure we’re all playing by the same rules,” he said.

Owens did add that he was told he couldn’t vote, but Smith said that was not true.
The City Council agreed not to make any further appointments until the dispute was resolved.