Cover Story: Doraville Councilman Tom Hart
The mayor put him in time-out
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? ?