Heated exchange occurs between attorney, council member

Published 2:23 pm Monday, July 23, 2018

THOMASVILLE — An Albany attorney representing local residents concerned about Thomasville City Council South Pinetree Boulevard-related votes told the council — again —the votes must be rescinded. 

Attorney Joe Dent, referring to May 4 and June 20 city council votes regarding South Pinetree, made his remarks at a July 18 council workshop. 

Dent told the council they have violated the city charter, city ordinances and Georgia laws.

“All this attorney is doing is making allegations,” Council member David Hufstetler said at the workshop. “There is not one scintilla of evidence that has been presented to any court, anywhere. I categorically deny each and every thing you say, and you cannot prove it in a court of law.”

Dent responded, “I think we can.”

“Have at it,” Hufstetler told Dent.

Two days later, the agenda issued for the Monday city council meeting had for consideration rescinding both Pinetree votes.

Dent has said repeatedly that the council violated the Georgia open meetings law, among others, in Pinetree matters.

Mayor Greg Hobbs, who owns property on the stretch of Pinetree being discussed, has a conflict of interest and should not participate in any discussion or vote involving Pinetree, Dent told the council.

Dent said Hobbs and Hufstetler met with a representative of an engineering firm in an effort to “clean up and cover up” the conflict of interest.

Documents obtained by the Watson Spence law firm “clearly show outside influence on the mayor and various council members and collusion with regard to the South Pinetree project,” including meeting with the engineering firm, according to correspondence from the firm.

 Senior reporter Patti Dozier told can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820