The Newton Exposer

16/11/2023

Controversy Arises Over Alleged Nepotism in Newton County Hiring Process

In a recent turn of events, an update has emerged regarding a controversial hiring decision in Newton County. The controversy centers around the alleged preferential treatment given to an individual whose son was initially not selected for an interview but mysteriously appeared on the interview day.

The key question that arises is: Who authorized the inclusion of this individual in the interview process? Was it the County Manager or the Human Resource Director? The lack of clarity on this matter raises concerns about potential abuses of power within the county's administration.

Sources indicate that the situation has placed Directors and managers in a precarious position, leading to speculation that they may have felt compelled to hire the individual to safeguard their own positions. This raises serious questions about the integrity of the hiring process and the potential influence of higher-ups in decision-making.

The County Manager, responsible for overseeing overall county operations, including personnel matters, is under scrutiny.Human Resourses reports to the county manager. While there may be existing policies in place to guide hiring procedures, it appears that these may not have been followed in this particular instance.

The spotlight is now on the Newton County Commissioners, as the community awaits their response to this brewing conflict. The public is keen to know what actions, if any, will be taken to address the alleged abuse of power and maintain transparency in the hiring process.
Demond Mason - Newton County Commissioner, District 2 Stan Edwards (who blocked us illegally from his Commissioner's page) Commissioner Alana Sanders Jc Henderson, and ronnie cowan Newton County Ga Government

Furthermore, concerns are being raised about the overall work environment within the county. Employees, it is suggested, may be feeling uneasy and apprehensive about the fairness of decision-making. The question posed to the Newton County Commissioners is clear: What measures will be taken to ensure a work environment free from undue influence and favoritism?

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how Newton County officials will address these allegations and what steps will be taken to restore trust in the county's administrative processes. Covington News The Newton Citizen Atlanta News First Citizens for a Better Newton

11/11/2023

We were told to watch the last Covington City Council meeting citizen's comments. Was that a production?

10/11/2023

City Election Results.

The Election Summary Report, per the Newton County Ga Government Board of Elections, for the General Election held in Newton County on November 7, 2023 lists the following results:

➡️City of Covington Mayor
-Fleeta Baggett: 52.36%
-Felton Hudson: 11.57%
-Kenneth L. Morgan: 19.38%
-Eric D. Threets: 10.32%
-James T. Walden: 6.38%

➡️City Council Post 1 West
-Kim Johnson: 100%

➡️City Council Post 2 East
-Carla Ferry: 36.32%
-Travis Moore: 63.68%

➡️City Council Post 3 East:
-Dania Bernard: 34.81%
-Jared Rutberg: 65.19%

➡️Senior Homestead Exemption Vote
-Yes: 88.40%
-No: 11.60%

These results can be found at https://www.co.newton.ga.us/174/Election-Results.

10/11/2023

Controversy Surrounds County Manager's Hiring Practices

Newton County Ga Government

In a recent turn of events, questions arise over the employment decisions made by the county manager, particularly in regard to speculations of him wanting to hire his own son for a position within the county. The county manager's role encompasses overseeing operations, including the crucial area of Human Resources, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.

Given that the county manager holds authority over both directors and county employees, the decision to involve family members in the hiring process has sparked controversy. Critics argue that such practices may compromise fairness and transparency, potentially undermining the integrity of the hiring process.

Moreover, reports suggest that positions have not been publicly announced, adding fuel to the fire of speculation. The lack of transparency in this key decision further raises questions about adherence to established procedures and the principles of equal opportunity.

Sources have also indicated that the county manager brought his secretary from a previous position in Henry County. The question now arises: was this appointment publicly disclosed, allowing for open competition for the position, or was it a decision made behind closed doors?

One pressing concern is the potential violation of county policy regarding job announcements. How many positions within the county have been filled without following the proper protocols of public disclosure and fair competition? The community deserves to know whether county leadership is upholding the principles of equal opportunity and fair hiring practices.

As this controversy unfolds, it prompts citizens and stakeholders to reflect on the broader implications of such hiring practices. Transparency, fairness, and adherence to established policies are essential for maintaining public trust in the county's leadership.

In light of these developments, the community is left to ponder: Are these hiring decisions in the best interest of the county and its residents, or do they raise valid concerns about the integrity of the hiring process? The answers to these questions will likely shape the ongoing dialogue surrounding the county manager's decisions and their impact on the community.

04/11/2023

**Newton County Fire Chief and Inspector Removed from Duties Amidst Controversy**

*Newton County, 11/03/2023– In a surprising turn of events, Newton County Fire Chief Mike Conner and Fire Inspector Glenn Mikos have been relieved of their duties with Newton County Fire Services, according to an official statement from Newton County. This development has sparked concerns within the community, as it raises questions about the broader accountability within the local government.

The decision to remove these two county employees from their positions has been met with mixed reactions. While some believe that it is essential to hold them accountable for their roles in recent events, others argue that the blame should not fall solely on their shoulders.

The controversy surrounding their dismissal stems from a series of events that unfolded recently:

1. Purchasing Department Warning: According to information obtained from FOX 5 Atlanta email conversations from the purchasing department with warnings about these transaction appeared to go against established policies was ignored. This suggests that there were clear concerns raised within the government regarding the nature of the transactions.

2. Finance Department Involvement: Despite the purchasing department's warning, the finance department proceeded to issue the payment associated with the transaction in question. This decision has further fueled the debate about where the accountability should lie.

3. Signature of the Chairman: Another crucial element in this unfolding controversy is the fact that all checks require the signature of the chairman. This highlights the significance of the chairman's role in overseeing financial transactions and maintaining accountability.

These developments have prompted many to question whether accountability should extend beyond the former fire chief and inspector. The concerns raised in the email conversations and the involvement of multiple departments within the local government have led to a demand for answers.

The question on everyone's mind is whether the internal investigation that is said to have been conducted will shed light on the wider issues surrounding this situation. Residents and observers are calling for a thorough examination of the roles played by various parties in the transaction, and they believe that all those involved should be held accountable for their actions.

As the investigation unfolds, it is clear that this incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability within the finance department and, perhaps, a reevaluation of the processes in place for financial transactions. The consequences of these events are still unfolding, and the community eagerly awaits the outcome of the internal investigation to determine the extent of responsibility that should be shared among those involved.
Rockdale Citizen article:
https://www.rockdalenewtoncitizen.com/news/newton-county-dismisses-fire-chief-fire-inspector-dismissed/article_e2fa5cc0-7a90-11ee-b7b6-73a0b4d0277c.html?embedded_webview=true

Atlanta News First Covington News The Rockdale Citizen The Newton Citizen Citizens for a Better Newton Eyes On Newton

02/11/2023

Headline: "Newton County Fire Chief Placed on Paid Leave Amidst Allegations of Policy Violations and Conflict of Interest"

Newton County has once more garnered national attention, prompting several important questions:

1. Why does the county appear to be unusually quiet?
2. What's the reason behind the fire chief being on a paid vacation?
3. Why hasn't the chairman been held accountable for a similar action?
4. How is the employee still in their position?
5. Why is the county manager, facing conduct issues, leading an internal investigation?
6. Who is safeguarding whom in this situation?
7. Why is Citizens for a Better Newton maintaining silence?
8. What's the reason behind the quietness of Covington News ?
9. Why is The Newton Citizen not speaking out on the matter?

In a recent development, Newton County, Georgia, has placed its fire chief on paid administrative leave following allegations of policy violations and a potential conflict of interest. Taxpayers are now footing the bill for the chief's salary while he remains sidelined, raising concerns among residents regarding transparency and accountability within the county's leadership.

The fire chief's situation has drawn attention due to allegations of breaking county policies and a prior warning from the purchasing department about a potential conflict of interest and unethical behavior. This has left many wondering if the chief's actions are akin to those of Chairman Marcello Banes, who was previously reported to have engaged in a similar conflict of interest by involving his personal business as a county vendor.

Residents are questioning why Chairman Banes has not faced a similar consequence, such as being placed on leave or subjected to investigation by the commissioners, given the apparent similarities in their situations. This has sparked a debate about the need for consistent standards and accountability among county officials.

Reports indicate that the Chairman holds a seat on the Solid Waste Authority board, and his business, in collaboration with his brother, is presently involved in hauling solid waste. When will it stop?

The lack of public statements from the county administration regarding these issues has raised additional concerns among the community. Instead of involving an external, impartial party to investigate the allegations, the county has opted for an internal investigation, led by the county manager. This decision has prompted skepticism, particularly given the ongoing issues the county manager is reportedly facing in Henry County.

These developments have led to allegations of corrupt practices occurring behind closed doors and have put the commissioners under scrutiny for their silence on the matter. Residents are growing increasingly frustrated and demanding transparency and accountability from their elected officials, especially in light of the similarities between the fire chief's situation and that of Chairman Banes. The call for Newton County to address these issues and maintain the public's trust in its leadership is growing louder.
Eyes On Newton FOX 5 Atlanta Atlanta News First

24/10/2023

24/10/2023

Why isn't this on Covington News?

https://fb.watch/nTSwiGVGEN/?mibextid=RUbZ1f

The Newton Citizen Reported
Application for Petition to Recall Chairman Marcello Banes Granted
"COVINGTON — An application for a recall petition to remove Newton County Board of Commissioners Chairman Marcello Banes from office has been granted by the Board of Elections."
Credit the Newton Citizen

Read full Article
https://bit.ly/4972ggM

17/10/2023

We didn't even know this!!!!!!!
Great work Eyes On Newton

Headline: "Eyes on Newton Unveils Commissioner Demond Mason's Business Omissions and PPP Funds Acquisition"

In a recent revelation, Eyes on Newton, a local watchdog group, has exposed Commissioner Demond Mason for allegedly failing to disclose his businesses on his campaign disclosure form. Additionally, the commissioner has reportedly received nearly $40,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds, all of which were forgiven. This revelation raises important questions regarding transparency and accountability among elected officials.

Elected officials are required to disclose their business interests to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest that may compromise their ability to serve the public impartially. The campaign disclosure forms are an essential tool in providing voters with crucial information about candidates' financial backgrounds and potential conflicts that could impact their decision-making while in office.

Commissioner Mason's alleged failure to disclose his businesses on the campaign disclosure form brings into question whether he adhered to the necessary transparency standards expected of public servants. The PPP funds received by the commissioner, if not properly disclosed, could also raise ethical concerns, as elected officials should be held to a high standard of openness and accountability.

Non-disclosure of business interests by elected officials not only violates the principles of transparency but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. The consequences of such omissions may range from legal actions to penalties and public backlash. Violating disclosure requirements may lead to investigations by ethics committees or relevant oversight bodies, potentially resulting in fines, censure, or even removal from office.

It remains to be seen how this revelation regarding Commissioner Mason's alleged non-disclosure and PPP funds acquisition will affect his standing within the community and how regulatory bodies will respond to ensure the integrity of the democratic process and public trust in elected officials.
The Newton Citizen Covington News FOX 5 Atlanta 11Alive

15/10/2023

What's happening in "Newton Crooked County?"

-Chairman under FBI Investigation
-Fire Chief under investigation for misappropriation of funds
-County Manager under investigation for not reporting sexual harassment charges for up to 9 women in a previous role as HR Director in Henry County

Yet, this board of commissioners remains quiet.

Headline: "Newton County Raises Concerns Over Leadership Amidst Ongoing Investigations"

In a recent video, concerns have been raised regarding the leadership in Newton County and its handling of ongoing investigations. The chairman's statement suggesting that the County manager would conduct an investigation while himself being under scrutiny has drawn significant attention and skepticism from the public.

Questions have emerged regarding the suspension of payments, especially given that the board has not halted spending, prompting inquiries into the credibility of the chairman's statements. Furthermore, the mention of an FBI investigation involving the chairman adds to the complexity of the situation, raising doubts about the transparency and integrity of the county's leadership.

Critics are questioning why the county manager is leading an internal investigation into potentially criminal matters instead of involving appropriate legal authorities such as the District Attorney's office or the Sheriff's office. The absence of such involvement from law enforcement agencies has further fueled suspicions that someone within the system may be shielded from the consequences of their actions.

As the situation continues to unravel, the community anxiously awaits answers and demands transparency in the investigations to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of justice and public trust.

15/10/2023

Thank you to the anonymous citizen who brought this to our attention:
FOX 5 Atlanta reported on 10.12.23
"Newton County cuts off payments to scuba store
COVINGTON, Ga. - Newton County has halted all payments to a Covington scuba shop after a FOX 5 I-Team investigation revealed that a firefighter who owns the store has been doing business with the fire department.

For years, Into the Blue Scuba sold tens of thousands of dollars in specialized equipment and training to Newton County Fire Services, even though the store’s owner is a member of the dive team his store has been supplying.

The relationship appears to violate the county’s Code of Ethics. It went on right under the noses of county leaders, and it’s unclear why no one put a stop to it.

'We are looking into the case in relation to our policies and the law and will take appropriate actions if necessary,' County Manager Harold Cooper told the FOX 5 I-Team in an emailed statement."

Read More
https://bit.ly/46loFVL



Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1986 (17 U.S. Code § 107) states that fair use of copyrighted material "for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright.

09/10/2023

Newton County Commissioners Face Scrutiny Amid Controversy Surrounding Harold Cooper's Hiring


In recent days, the Newton County Board of Commissioners has found itself embroiled in controversy following the hiring of Mr. Harold Cooper. Questions are being raised about the handling of Cooper's recruitment, potential legal ramifications, and alleged misconduct during his tenure in a previous county. Concerned citizens are wondering why the commissioners remain tight-lipped about the matter, calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the situation and the future implications for the county.

The controversy began when an anonymous tip from Henry County suggested that Cooper's past performance had been marked by recklessness. Despite these allegations, Newton County hired Cooper at a significantly higher cost, amounting to $150,000. The hiring decision has raised eyebrows, with many citizens questioning the transparency and due diligence exercised by the county.

Moreover, speculations have surfaced regarding the selection process of candidates for the position, with rumors suggesting that a candidate withdrew their application after alleged threats by the chairman to disclose information from their file. This has raised concerns about the integrity of the selection process, highlighting potential improprieties in the chairman's involvement.

One of the crucial aspects being questioned is the role of the Human Resources department in the hiring process. Citizens and stakeholders are wondering why HR seemingly did not have prior knowledge of potential litigation or allegations against Cooper, raising concerns about communication and coordination within the county administration.

In light of these events, residents are demanding a public meeting where county officials can address the mounting concerns and provide clarity on the hiring process, the allegations against Cooper, and the actions taken by the board. The situation has left the community anxiously awaiting further developments as the plot continues to thicken.

05/10/2023

Breaking News: Serious Allegations Surface as Newton County's New County Manager's Past Comes to Light on FOX News 🕵️‍♀️✉️

Disturbing revelations have emerged about Newton County's recently appointed County Manager's past involvement in Henry County. Sources suggest a potential transition from the role of Director in Henry County to his new position in Newton County. The move has raised eyebrows and generated intrigue within the community.

Meanwhile, Officer Christina Gatchel of the Henry County Police Department has bravely come forward to share her harrowing experience, alleging sexual battery and harassment by her former boss, Capt. Woody Fowler. Gatchel, along with her attorney Constance Cooper, filed a formal complaint against Capt. Fowler, Henry County Police Chief Mark Amerman, and former Henry County Human Resources Director Harold Cooper in August of last year.

"The internal investigation was handled by the department itself," remarked Attorney Cooper. "We have significant concerns regarding the lack of objectivity in the process." Interestingly, the Human Resources Director during this time was none other than Harold Cooper, who now holds the position of County Manager in Newton County.

The situation in Henry County escalated, with up to nine women making similar claims against Capt. Fowler, who was in charge of the criminal investigations division up until his retirement.

These revelations have ignited a call to action in Newton County, prompting discussions about the selection process for county managers and demanding a thorough review. The community reacts with concern and calls for change in the wake of this troubling development.

For the latest updates and in-depth coverage, stay tuned to FOX News. https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/henry-county-police-officer-claims-sexual-harassment-by-former-police-captain

05/10/2023

Well, Stan Edwards BLOCKED us from his Commissioners page. This law he's breaking. Sir, you can't block a citizen from responding.

05/10/2023

Newton County...

04/10/2023

📢 Breaking News Alert: Newton County's Alleged Corruption Unveiled! 📢


Another failure of Covington News and The Newton Citizen

Shedding light on concerning allegations of corruption within Newton County. The spotlight is on both the Board of Commissioners (BOC) and NOW the Board of Education (BOE).

Multiple whistleblowing platforms are abuzz with exposes, making it difficult to keep track. However, a new entrant, "The Newton Inquirer," has taken the lead in bringing these issues to the forefront. This platform has recently exposed a PTO president allegedly misusing PTO funds for personal business purposes. Shocking, isn't it?

For a comprehensive understanding of the accusations, a 10-page statement has been shared. Access it here: (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yHjMujr7x7mLbufucFF3aUD2tZPOXtbY/view?fbclid=IwAR3-dnrunRlqLeUGsAioOSrzCPFlFLbhgIJedxm8zJof_eQC7HYl58w1FGs)

Calls for immediate investigation into these claims are growing louder. Moreover, demands to hold accountable those involved in any potential cover-ups are gaining traction. The community seeks transparency and justice in addressing these allegations. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!

🕵️‍♂️🔍

29/09/2023

Another failure of Covington News and The Newton Citizen
We didn't even know there was a Board of elections meeting. The meeting was call at 6:55AM and held at 8:00AM. Sounds like they didn't want the public to know.

**Headline: Allegations of Misuse Surround Recall Petition Submission to Chairman Marcello Banes**

Concerns Arise Over Early Disclosure of Resident Information

In a recent twist surrounding the recall petition aimed at Chairman Marcello Banes, questions have emerged regarding the premature possession of resident names and addresses by the Chairman before it was officially presented to the Board of Elections or the state authorities. This has raised suspicions of potential internal misconduct within the electoral process.

It appears that someone within the system provided Chairman Banes with a copy of the recall petition containing the names and addresses of concerned residents. This occurred before the petition had undergone the requisite verification and authorization process, sparking concerns about a possible breach of protocol and ethical standards.

The situation further escalated when it was revealed that Chairman Banes had taken the initiative to contact individuals listed in the petition. This proactive approach to engage with residents before the petition was even officially submitted for verification has fueled speculation that the signatures on the petition are indeed valid, prompting early contact attempts.

The series of events has left many residents and stakeholders within the community questioning the integrity of the process and whether the recall petition has been handled impartially and transparently. The need for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure the fairness and credibility of the recall process has become paramount.

Authorities are expected to address these concerns promptly, aiming to restore faith in the electoral system and assure the community that due diligence will be carried out to uphold the principles of democracy.

29/09/2023

Thank you, Eyes On Newton, for bringing attention to this matter.

Why did Commissioner Stan Edwards choose to postpone the discussion for 60 days? The planning commission's decision to reject the storage unit should be enough, especially considering the community's opposition. It appears there may be concerns about how these residents' perspectives were handled during the meeting. Edwards yelled at them like they were children and not taxpayers.

22/09/2023

Word on the curb is residents signed a petition... Information coming soon.

16/09/2023

What's going on Covington Police???

A Covington woman says officers detained her and held her at the police station in order for her husband to surrender to authorities.

15/09/2023

For over two years, corruption has plagued the Newton County board, and it's disheartening that many remained silent. We possess evidence of corruption spanning two decades. The residents of Newton County tolerated it, and now both citizens and officials are raising their voices, decrying the dysfunction. As a community, we must acknowledge our collective failure in allowing this to persist for so long. We shouldn't blame those brave enough to speak the truth. The reality remains that the board has indeed been tainted by corruption FOR YEARS. Even those who have recently been removed.

15/09/2023

We didn't receive the information from the Commish, as she refers to herself. 😂 We attempted to contact her but received no response. Maybe we should have done an open records.😂 However, we did obtain a copy of the recording. It seems there are many who possess a copy.

Was it mentioned that no payments have been made? Did she indicate that she's attempting to make a payment? It seems like someone from the county needs to provide an explanation. We are questioning the reporting of The Newton Citizen but we found out some stuff about the writer. Now, we see why. The plot thickens.

During the discussion, the school director will disclose the individuals who directed her to Nelson Heights. Additionally, she will acknowledge that she doesn't possess a Newton County business license. What in the Newton corruption is going on?

It appears that Mr. County CEO Banes was involved in a conspiracy and the question remains why was the secretary giving out directives. Why is the secretary so deeply involved in this matter?
It's beginning to seem like someone is orchestrating situations to create lawsuits.

11/09/2023

Why isn't the official News Paper reporting the News.

11/09/2023

Another unfortunate legal case has concluded, resulting in nearly $50,000 in county expenses. Attorney Stephanie Lindsey represented Chairman Marcello Banes and Probate Judge Melanie Bell in a lawsuit over their desire for a pay increase. (We are curious to know how much inside information she receives being Banes & Bell's personal attorney) One can't help but wonder if they were aware of their potential earnings before seeking office. Quite intriguing.

After the initial claim was denied, Stephanie Lindsey the attorney in the case decided to appeal, necessitating further expenditure on outside legal counsel. The outcome? Once again, the claim was DENIED.
Another case your local news has not published to make the public aware.

Kudos to the county's Chief Clown and, CEO for pursuing legal action, despite already enjoying a six-figure salary, and ultimately burdening the taxpayers with additional costs. The situation is indeed perplexing.
Eyes On Newton Covington News The Newton Citizen Concerned Citizens of Newton County Exposing The Truth Newton County

01/09/2023

Demond Mason - Newton County Commissioner, District 2

Remember, when they were trying to shut you up a few years ago and wanted to change the charter? The same ones you are voting with was trying to put a muzzle on you as an elected official. Interesting!! We went to go watch the video and was surprised on who was protecting you that day. I question the demise because they actually were standing up for your rights. What happened between you and Commissioner Alana Sanders? The Newton Exposer would like to know.

Aug 10, 2021, 10:51 AM
COVINGTON, Ga. — Some commissioners say they may want to consider changes to the county government’s management structure after the person they hired to lead its day-to-day operations asked them to "go through me" before contacting employees in the future.

Commissioners Aug. 3 voted to delay action on a resolution stating that county commissioners "shall deal with county officers and employees" solely through the county manager if the employees are under his supervision.

But District 2 Commissioner Demond Mason said he believed there "should be some amendment" to the government’s organizational document to allow commissioners to have direct communication ,with department heads.

"At a minimum I believe the Board of Commissioners should be able to reach out to the director of any department and not necessarily have to go through our county manager," he said."

Commissioner Alana Sanders said Kerr's resolution was unnecessary because it merely restates what the enabling legislation already says.

Commissioner Stan Edwards said he agreed the "integrity of the chain of command" needed to be maintained. He said "nothing undermines" it more than an employee "thinking they have more than one boss

Some commissioners say they may want to consider changes to the county government’s management structure after the person they hired to lead its day-to-day operations asked them to "go through me" before contacting employees in the future.