HENRY COUNTY, Ga. — A Stockbridge City Councilman says he feels vindicated after ethics complaints filed against him were dismissed.
Councilman Elton Alexander called it a coordinated attack when five complaints were filed against him within days of each other.
One alleged he tried strong-arming a restaurant owner into giving him free food in exchange for city contracts.
“My character has been pilloried in the public and in the media as well because of this coordinated attack,” Alexander said.
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Last night an investigative board dismissed all five complaints and Alexander told Channel 2’s Wendy Corona, “It was totally bogus and this has effects on people’s lives.”
Alexander says after complaints were made by five citizens including a blogger, councilman, commissioner, former mayor and a restaurant owner, his life turned upside down.
“This has had a tremendous impact on my reputation in the community. It has soiled my reputation, I actually lost my job.”
One week later, Alexander landed other employment. One of the men who filed a complaint, restaurant owner Arick Whitson, says the system has left him with distrust.
Whitson said Alexander tried to shake him down for free food in exchange for city business.
“I’m not desperate and I’m not broke and we didn’t have to cave in to that. I could care less whether we get city business or not. They can keep their money,” Whitson said.
The investigative board wiped the slate clean for the councilman. “Today my name is cleared. I am vindicated. I can go on and help lead the city to a brighter new day,” Alexander said.
The councilman was upset the city taxpayers had to foot the bill for the investigation.
Alexander said he is seeking legal counsel to be aware of his options.