Dade County Commission Chairman Ted Rumley graveled the ending to the last commissioner’s meeting he’d preside over Thursday night, and he wasn’t alone with a swansong.
The final scheduled meeting of the year for the board was also the conclusion to some 16 years of service from Dade Commission Vice-Chair Robert Goff as well, as both Goff and Rumley thanked the community while welcoming two new members next month.
But the meeting’s Public Participation segment promptly reminded both soon to be exiting members as to why they’re retiring from local politics.
Rumley was quickly called out by Dade County property owner Sierra Bradley who claims she is still awaiting the county’s response to a court motion, demanding proof of ownership for a road she claims as privately held property of her own. The woman says she was arrested and jailed by Dade County deputies at Rumley’s behest when she refused to remove a gate installed on the drive. Four years later, she says the county has yet to provide a quick claim deed for the contended property.
Another resident thanked both departing members for service as well as their patience in the ongoing antics of local activist John Huffman, who often voices his discontent for current clerk Don Townsend. Trenton’s Cliff Auman brought a ziploc bag of pennies for the board as he shared his thoughts on the controversy, in an obvious sleight to Huffman’s continuing tirade against public records access.
General Bob Wood will succeed Goff and longtime Dade County Clerk Don Townsend was elected to replace Rumley, who chose not to run as an incumbent.
January’s meeting will also be the first for another new commissioner, Dr. Bill Pullen appointed just two weeks after the death of late Commissioner Lamar Lowery on November 5th.
Pullen was reportedly the personal choice of Lowery’s to succeed him, cited by both Commissioners Goff and Rumley’s nomination for the seat.
Both Pullen and Wood were unable to make Thursday’s board meeting, as both are undergoing orientation classes required for public service officials.
Commissioner Melissa Bradford was also absent for Thursday’s board meeting, citing flu-like symptoms.
But all are expected to be part of the quorum for Dade’s first commission meeting of 2025, slated for January 2nd at 6pm.
In final action Thursday night, Dade Commissioners approved reappointments for members of the Industrial Development Authority, The Board of Assessor’s Office and the Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority.
An open seat on the Water & Sewer Authority of Lookout Mountain remains, pending the search of an appropriate community representative.
By Vince Lennon
Watch the meeting below