City of South Fulton investigating a city councilmember

SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - City of South Fulton councilmembers have called for an investigation of a fellow councilmember. At Tuesday night's regular meeting, Councilman Khalid Kamau called for the investigation of Helen Willis.  

Councilwoman Helen Willis said she's done nothing wrong and has nothing to hide. During a town hall meeting Thursday night, she said she welcomed questions about it.

"There is nothing that Helen Z Willis has done illegal," said Willis.

At issue is a $27 million tax incentive deal for the expansion of Halperns' Steak and Seafood Company. While attending a meeting with the Fulton County Development Authority, Willis said she supported the deal. Some councilmembers said Willis steered the company, to the county instead of the City Development Authority. Some councilmembers estimate if the deal were brokered by the city Development Authority it would have meant about 5 to 7 million dollars for the city.

"How it got to the county, I don't know. I don't do bond deals, I don't do development," said Willis.

Willis said she didn't even know about the project until it was ready to be voted on. She said knowing it would bring dozens of jobs to the area, she was all for it.

Raymond Wilson lives in the City of South Fulton. He had heard about the investigation. He said after hearing what Willis said at the town hall meeting, he said he supports her.

"I have more details now, I understand her side. I think it's a big misunderstanding," said Wilson.

City councilmembers have called a special meeting on November 26. They will go into executive session and discuss personnel and disciplinary matters.