Georgia - Should the Chatham County Commission, Police and Manager resign?

County government officials in Chatham County, Georgia were meeting to discuss next year’s budget and the issue of appropriating money for Tasers came up. The request was being made by Savannah-Chatham Metro police. The County Manager wanted it demonstrated so he got down on his knees and was Tased in the back.

Was this cute or stupid?

How could the entire Chatham County Commission, the police and the County Manager have allowed this to occur to a government official and in a government building? Who do they think would have paid for the medical, rehabilitation and long-term care had the manager suffered a heart attack? Had he died wouldn’t the County have incurred workers’ compensation widow’s benefits? And who would be paying that bill? Is this really the work of competent government officials?

The entire commission, the police chief, the manager and the three officers involved should all resign.

Take a look there is a photo and video on the WTOC TV station from Savannah, Georgia.  

The Chatham County Board of Commissioners consists of a chairman who is elected at-large and eight district commissioners. All members are elected to four-year terms.

The Board of Commissioners meets twice a month on Fridays.  The meetings immediately follow a 9:00 a.m. pre-meeting and are held in the Commission Chambers of the Old Courthouse, 124 Bull Street, Second Floor.  The meetings are open to the public. The agenda for the meeting is available for pickup on Wednesday before the Friday meeting.  In addition, agendas and minutes may be accessed online.

Chatham County operates under the Commission-Manager Plan of local government.  The Board of Commissioners makes policy, adopts laws, sets budget limits, sets tax rates and hears zoning cases. The Board appoints a county manager who serves as the chief administrative officer to carry out the policies and handle day-to-day responsibilities.

The members of the Board of Commissioners are Pete Liakakis, Chairman; Helen L. Stone, District 1; James J. Holmes, District 2; Patrick Shay, District 3; Patrick K. Farrell, District 4; Harris Odell, Jr., District 5; David M. Gellatly, District 6; Dean Kicklighter, District 7; and Dr. Priscilla D. Thomas, District 8.

If you care about how your government is being run contact your Commissioner.