Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
In October, Doraville Mayor Ray Jenkins ordered Councilman Tom Hart to do what we wish a lot of politicians would do. Jenkins ordered Hart to shut his mouth.
Hart is no longer permitted to speak to Doraville City Clerk Betty Cloer. According to council meeting minutes, Hart is alleged to have been verbally abusive to Cloer and two other city employees.
Mayor Jenkins describes Hart as "outspoken" but refuses to disclose exactly what Hart may have said. "He should be listening more than he does, rather than talking all the time," says Jenkins, adding that the order would be lifted if Hart apologized to Cloer.
When asked if Hart had apologized to her yet, Cloer replies, "No, sir, he did not."
According to Councilman Jason Anavitarte, not being able to speak to Cloer makes it difficult to operate as council member. "She's pretty integral to how we operate," he says.
Hart, who has told the Council that much of his perceived brazenness comes from not being able to hear out of his left ear, could not be reached for comment. As of mid-October, his home phone was temporarily disconnected. Perhaps he's taking this no-talking thing a bit far.
Atlanta's 11 Least Influential People
- Intro
- Residents of the 800-block of Mercer Street
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- Rep. Lynn Westmoreland
- Izzy
- Michael Dobbins
- Pootah
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- Jeff Davis
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- Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
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COMMENTS
RE: Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
Posted by Andisheh Nouraee on 11.10.06 @ 08:50 PM
Although the AJC reported that Hart is not allowed to speak to any employee, Mayor Jenkins told me in a telephone conversation that he only ordered Hart not to talk to Cloer.
RE: Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
Posted by Resident of Mayberry RFD on 11.10.06 @ 06:49 PM
Actually, Mr. Hart is not allowed to talk with any city employee without a chaperone and that is how it should be. He is a loose cannon (like his predecessor, Lamar "Latinos are freeloaders" Lang) and everyone knows it. He should never have been elected. Maybe this will wake up some voters in Doraville (which actually is a good place to live, believe it or not!)
RE: Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
Posted by Resident on 11.10.06 @ 12:41 PM
Thank you for your unbiased coverage of one of our problems. The Mayor did not apologize either for saying-on record-an idea another councilmember proposed was the stupidest thing ever brought-up. Two peas in a pod?