Kemp suspends two Douglas County commissioners without pay. Who will take their place?

DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. - Two members of the Douglas County Commission — including the chairman — have lost their jobs at least for now in the wake of a bid rigging scandal.

Gov. Brian Kemp suspended Chairman Romona Jackson Jones and Commissioner Henry Mitchell following a recommendation from a review committee made up of commissioners across the state.

The two were indicted along with three others for their role in a cleaning contract awarded to a political supporter in 2018.

The suspensions are without pay according to a Kemp spokesperson, citing a 2022 statute.

"Dr. Romona Jackson Jones is disappointed with Governor Brian Kemp’s Executive Order suspending her from office," said her attorney Clint Rucker. "(She) will now shift her focus to working with her legal team in the preparation of her defense of these baseless charges."

The two will not vote on legislation again unless they’re acquitted at trial.

Douglas County Chair Dr. Romona Jackson Jones must give up her gavel until her criminal case is over. 

A spokesperson said both commissioners were on Spring Break when the suspensions were announced. The chairman's county car is being returned and key cards collected.

In a statement released late Thursday afternoon, Jones' attorney Clinton K. Rucker wrote:

"Dr. Romona Jackson Jones is disappointed with Governor Brian Kemp’s Executive Order suspending her from office pending the final disposition of this case, but recognizes that this decision is consistent with prior cases and Georgia legal statutes. Dr. Jackson Jones will now shift her focus to working with her legal team in the preparation of her defense of these baseless charges.

"Dr. Jackson Jones vehemently denies all the allegations currently pending against her and continues to strongly proclaim her innocence to these charges. The Chairman looks forward to the opportunity for vindication in a court of law once all the facts can be presented. She respects the rule of law and understands the judicial process required to bring this matter to a successful final disposition that will allow her to resume service to the citizens of her community as Chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. 

"Dr. Romona Jackson Jones will not make any public statements nor respond to any questions regarding this pending legal matter on the advice of her legal team."

The spokesperson said the suspensions will have no effect on the 1,200 employees in Douglas County.

Who should take their place? Vice chair Tarenia Carthan will preside over commission meetings and the remaining three members. 

Currently, there is no one representing Mitchell’s district. And no one is representing the entire county as chairman.

A Kemp spokesperson said they are studying the law to see how temporary commissioners might be appointed. Former county commission Ann Jones-Guider is one name being mentioned around Douglas County. The Republican once served as tax commissioner.

Local Democrats have already provided Kemp with their own list.

Meanwhile, Kemp has yet to decide what to do with Tax Commissioner Greg Baker, also implicated in the bid rigging scandal.

A separate committee is expected to make its recommendation soon.

An arraignment for all five defendants is currently scheduled for April 18.