Forest Park mayor retires amid ethics complaint

FOREST PARK, Ga. — The mayor of Forest Park announced via letter Tuesday night that she is retiring after 17 years of public service.

In the letter, read at the city council meeting by the mayor pro tem, Mayor Corine Deyton explained that the death of a long-time companion has left her stressed and facing health challenges. She said that is why she has not been at meetings lately.

"I thought it was time for me to move on and to do something else," Deyton told Channel 2's Eric Philips over the phone.

The announcement comes on the heels of an ethics complaint filed by Forest Park resident Kimberly James.

"You're looking at someone that's getting paid almost $2,000 a month and not working, and getting paid for almost three months," James said.

"I've never taken a penny I didn't own. I have no idea why anybody would say that about me. They don't come anymore straight than I am, I can tell you that right now," Deyton said.

"We accept her retirement with grace and dignity," Mayor Pro Tem Sparkle Adams said. "She served us well, so to have an ethics violation against her, it hurts. It's kind of disheartening."

James told Philips that she will not withdraw her ethics complaint in light of Deyton's retirement.

Deyton said she plans to retire officially on Oct. 15.

WSBTV