Five qualify for vacant city council seat
THOMASVILLE — A person to fill a vacant Thomasville City Council seat is expected to be chosen at a Monday, May 13, city council meeting.
Five people qualified to be seated.
They are:
• Cheryl Presha
• Donald Payne Sims
• Joslynn Renelle Reynolds
• Carlton Bryant
• Kristie L. Alford
The vacancy to be filled resulted when Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Greg Hobbs, former District 1 city council member and council-appointed mayor, after Hobbs was indicted in February on city-related charges.
“Some mailed, and some delivered in person,” City Manager Alan Carson said about how people qualified for the seat.
The qualifying period ended Friday, April 26. City council members received the names last week.
“The plan is they’ll be ready to vote Monday night,” Carson said.
The council will vote in the open during the meeting.
Carson said he will contact council members midweek this week to gauge their readiness to vote Monday.
Applicants were vetted to ensure they meet qualifications for the council position. Qualifications are the same as if those applying were running in a regular race for a council seat. Those applying must live in District 1 and be a registered voter.
The court disposition of the case against Hobbs’ will determine if or when he can return to the council.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820