Dear Council:
Regarding the nomination of Greg Coates for Director of Inspections and Codes,
we have taken all of the concerns and issues raised by Council and others and
have investigated those issues determining all to be unsubstantiated, invalid
or untrue. You have received those reports. We have received no other requests
to look into any issues as of this Friday afternoon, so we believe the
questions have been addressed. We have additionally confirmed that the process
used to select this nominee was the same process that has been used in the
prior six Department Head hirings we have had during my tenure. Given that,
we submit that the process has been proper and consistent and that Mr. Coates
is a qualified, viable candidate for the position of Director of Inspections
and Codes. We have met with Mr. Coates and he clearly understands the
political process. To his credit he has handled the unfortunate circumstances
of the accusations against him with an impressive maturity, calm and strength
of character, only fortifying our belief that he is capable of leading a
Department that clearly has an element of dysfunction.
I received the word from the City Manager that he will bring Mr. Coates
nomination forward on June 26th as previously stated given that all issues have
been addressed. The City Manager's statement is below so that you can see his
own words. I would also note that given the viciousness of the untruths lodged
against Mr. Coates and the purposeful disruption of the Office of Inspection
and Codes by those that trade in intrigue, rumor and falsehoods, any delay of a
decision one way or the other is not in the Department's best interest. The
City Manger, Deputy City Manager and Mr. Coates concur.
Here is the City Managers comments:
Mayor,
Yes. It is my understanding that you told them you would investigate all
allegations and discuss with the CM. All allegations have been investigated and
found to be untrue or have no merit. You asked them to let you know if they had
any other allegations we need to look into and have received none. Therefore,
I would like to move forward and concur you should let them know as promised.
Thank you for all of your efforts to ensure fairness throughout this process.
Isaiah
Teresa Pike Tomlinson
Mayor
Columbus Consolidated Government
Post Office Box 1340
Columbus, Georgia 31902-1340
(706) 225-3164 (Office)
(706) 905-9570 (Cell)
ttomlinson@columbusga.org
The information contained in this electronic mail message may be privileged
under Georgia law and may contain confidential information intended only for
the use of the individual or entity named. If the reader of the message is not
the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination,
distribution or copying of the communication or its contents is strictly
prohibited if such a privilege applies. If you have received this
communication in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at (706)
225-3114 or reply email and delete this message.
Attachments
No attachments for this document.