Friday, Sept. 9, 2005 | ||
Bad Links? | Mayor under fire for land purchaseBy JOHN THOMPSON The testiness that has engulfed Senoia the last few month turned even uglier Monday night as City councilman Robert Belisle accused Mayor Bob Hannah of an ethics violation in a recent land purchase. Belisle questioned the propriety of Hannah purchasing a one-acre tract on Pylant Street from Laura Gielow July 29. The problem Belisle has is that three days later, Aug. 1, the city decided to purchase 47 acres next to the Gielow property to use as greenspace and Hannah never disclosed he owned adjacent property. I dont deny buying this piece of property. I plan to invest in Senoia. Ill probably see you in court, Hannah told Belisle. Hannah questioned why Belisle had not filed a written complaint with the city, and the two leaders were often talking over each other in a heated exchange. If you want to start a pissing contest ... Belisle said, only to be answered by the mayor, Well, lets whip em out and see who has the biggest. Belisle said Hannah used insider information about the purchase of the greenspace property that the council had discussed at executive sessions June 20 and June 30. You never disclosed you had just purchased adjoining property when we voted to purchase the property Aug. 1, Belisle said. As the exchange grew more heated, city attorney Drew Whalen weighed in on the issue and said it could possibly be an ethics violation if he used confidential knowledge to personally benefit. Whalen suggested the council hire an outside, impartial attorney to conduct a hearing if they further wanted to pursue the issue. Hannah questioned where Belisle received his information and the councilman said he had received a phone call from former Mayor Dianne Cleveland. I will not lower my standards to the Cleveland-ites in this city, said a visibly angry Hannah. Whalen told Hannah he could note vote on the issue if the council decided to call for an outside investigation. Councilman Tony Miller said the charges were only allegations, but made a motion to call for the investigation. The motion died, because the council split 2-2 on the proposition. Bob said he disclosed this information to the seller. Who would be hurt? I dont see any problem at all, said Councilman Bill Wood. Councilman Larry Owens also said he didnt see a problem with the purchase. Belisle appeared incredulous at the response from the council. This is insider trading, he said. Hannah said he wants all the facts reported and closed the discussion by telling Belisle he would see him in court. |
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