It’s not really much of a secret that DeKalb County has issues. From Burrell Ellis’ conviction for perjury and extortion to Elaine Boyer’s jail sentence for using her county card for personal expenses and everything in between, it’s not like the county has some pristine image.
Yet there’s even more to this story, says former State Attorney General Mike Bowers. Bowers was hired earlier this year by current DeKalb CEO Lee May to investigate potential corruption in the county. About two weeks ago, a request for some $700,000 to continue the investigation was denied by the county’s commissioners who questioned whether that much money was really necessary to dig up dirt.
According to Bowers, it most certainly was.
The former Attorney General was removed from a county meeting earlier this week where he hoped to discuss the state of his report. This move rightfully angered Bowers, who released a scathing letter Wednesday blasting the county, alluding to instances of blatant misuse of company cards, corruption in choosing contractors, improper use of county vehicles, theft, and bribery.
May was quick to downplay the letter, but did say that Bowers will release a more detailed statement in coming weeks.
Will this be the straw that tickles the nose of DeKalb voters and awakens them to the flagrant corruption that has plagued their county’s elected officials for years? One can only hope.
Read Bowers’ letter below –
