GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County ethic board says commissioner violated two ethic rules for calling a Georgia congressman a "racist pig" on Facebook and should receive a public reprimand.
As the board made its recommendation, Commissioner Tommy Hunter was one floor below, casting votes at a regular commission meeting.
Ethics board find TOMMY Hunter violated first allegation .
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 6, 2017
“We have recommended that based on the findings we made, that Commissioner Hunter be publicly reprimanded,” Gwinnett County Commission Board Chair David Will told Channel 2’s Tony Thomas.
The ethics board used words like disloyalty, willful indifference and unbecoming, as it found Hunter violated two ethics codes when he called Rep. John Lewis a racist pig on Facebook. Hunter also called Democrats demonrats and libtards.
Ethics board adopts its decision and suggests to county commission that Tommy Hunter receive public reprimand . pic.twitter.com/37gboUq43w
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 6, 2017
“The ethics ordinance needs to be taken seriously and it applies to leadership of the county all the way down to the rank and file. It's critically important that the message is upheld,” board member Charles Rousseau told Thomas.
“I think the residents of Gwinnett County are rising up and they deserve better representation. I don't think this is the end,” attorney Helen Ho said.
Ethics board find Tommy Hunter finds did NOT violate third allegation . (Violating public trust )
— Tony Thomas (@TonyThomasWSB) June 6, 2017
The ethics board’s decision is only a recommendation to the full County Commission. Commissioners will hold a public hearing June 20 and will likely decide that night if Hunter will receive the reprimand or a lesser punishment.
“I'm glad it's over and I approve of the results. My concern is it's much ado about nothing because all we get is a mild, slap on the hand,” Gwinnett resident Chuck Johnson told Thomas.
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“I certainly think message sent, I'm not sure message received,” resident Christine Koehler said.
Neither Hunter’s representative or his attorney replied to Thomas’ request for comment.
Cox Media Group
