Cooley challenges Eberhart’s residency

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Thursday, September 22. 2011

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The challenger for Charlie Eberhart’s Ward 2 seat on the Winder City Council filed complaints this week with state and local elections officials, claiming the 20-year councilman does not reside in the city limits of Winder.

Jim Cooley, a resident of Eagle’s Landing, on Monday filed a complaint with the Elections Division of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office and later, with county election officials.

However, Eberhart insisted Tuesday afternoon that he does live at his funeral home business in Winder, rather than with his wife who has a house in Athens. He said he doesn’t know what Cooley’s problem is.

Eberhart used his business address at 131 King St. in Winder both to register to vote in Barrow County and also to register as a candidate this year. He has used that address since he became registered to vote in 1968, according to the county elections office.

Eberhart said he has an apartment in the funeral home.

Eberhart said Tuesday afternoon that he has been a resident of the city for more than 40 years, and he doesn’t know what Cooley is after.

“My residence is 131 King Street,” he said. “It’s on my license; it’s on everything.”

He said he spends 90-percent of his time at the funeral home.

“I spend the night here a lot of nights and hardly ever go to Athens. I’m here all day every day, seven days a week. This is my legal residence.”

For the full story, see the Sept. 21 issue of the Barrow Journal.

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#1 Richard Saunders on 09/22/11 at 06:20 AM [Reply]

While you're at it, investigate the involvement of the City Clerk with the Mayor's re-election bid. That too should deserves closer scrutiny.

#1.1 sick of it winder voter on 09/22/11 at 12:16 PM [Reply]

I know its a litle off subject, but lets talk more about the city clerk.Tell me more. I mean its all the same subject, inept winder politicians and the unprofessional way the city government is run.

#1.1.1 Robert Lanham on 09/22/11 at 12:48 PM [Reply]

I have had numerous interactions with Sabrina Wall, the city clerk. She has been very helpful and very friendly. I suspect that there are some of you who can't stand a woman in a "relatively" powerful position.

#1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 09:02 AM [Reply]

Does you wife know about these so-called "interactions"? You and this Sabrina seem awfully friendly.

#1.1.1.1.1 Robert Lanham on 09/25/11 at 01:13 PM [Reply]

My interactions with Ms. Wall have all been related to city business. I find your anonymous insinuations insulting. And Mr. Saunders, I was responding to the anonymous poster, not you.

#1.1.1.2 Richard Saunders on 09/23/11 at 10:04 AM [Reply]

I don't dispute her disposition or professionalism. I bring into question her involvement with the sitting Mayor's reelection effort. This has nothing to do whether the clerk is male or female; just right and wrong.

#1.2 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 09/23/11 at 10:06 AM [Reply]

Richard: If you, or anyone else, has information that Winder's election supervisor, who is the city clerk, is in any way directly involved in helping the mayor or any other candidate with their campaign, please contact me. Such an action by a city employee would probably be a serious ethical violation. You can email me at mike@mainstreetnews.com. I will make sure that any legitimate information of ethical violations by Winder City Hall personnel are fully investigated by a Journal reporter.

#2 wow on 09/22/11 at 07:06 AM [Reply]

Cooley knows he cant win an election by way of voters. He is a real card. Go back to florida Jim. They seemed to have enjoyed having you there.

#2.1 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 06:09 AM [Reply]

I agree with you! Jim get out of everyones business. It was your choice to run so do it fairly.

#2.1.1 fairly on 09/29/11 at 11:11 PM [Reply]

Wow, fairly..yes let's overlook the fact we have all overlooked for many years that Eberhart does not legally live here. His wife, family and home (not in his name) are in Athens.
He camps out in his funeral home.

#2.2 cooley question? on 09/23/11 at 07:40 AM [Reply]

I thought Cooley was from Chicago

#2.2.1 Anonymous on 09/29/11 at 11:07 PM [Reply]

From both places. Chicago, and Florida. A yankee transplant. All these trouble makers need to move back to the north and stay.

#3 police at winder on 09/22/11 at 07:19 AM [Reply]

I was a police officer on night shift in winder for the better part of the last ten years. Charlie does not live there. No one stays there at night. He has always lived and slept in Athens Georgia. This is a known fact for city employees. Although I think Charlie is the best choice for the job. Cooley has no business on the city council. Anyone who calls in a complaint on a revival tent being beside the big h needs to find better things to do. Don't mess with the ones who are trying to do the lords work.

#3.1 workaholic on 09/23/11 at 04:53 AM [Reply]

I don't live in Winder,I pay a mortgage elsewhere.....However, I do work in Winder 7 days a week from dawn to well after dusk.Most weeks 7 days.Gotta feed the masses!
Technically, based on Charlies thinking, I guess I really do live in Winder and just sometimes go to my alternate address to pickup the mail etc.Mt wife for years has said "our job is your REAL home, not here".I wonder if shes been talking to Charlie?

#4 no expense too great on 09/22/11 at 08:04 AM [Reply]

well President Os, ex Chief of staff lived in Washington D.C. his resident status was challenged and the court held he met the requirement now Mr Emanuel is Mayor of Chicago.
So the requiremnt for this residency thing may not be too hard to meet under the LEGAL term

#5 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 03:33 PM [Reply]

Does this mean that if I put a bed in the back room of my business, I too can claim to be a resident of Winder?

To be honest, I don't think I would announce to the world that my wife and I don't have an undivorce.

#5.1 Beth on 09/22/11 at 09:47 PM [Reply]

I would be MORE ashamed to announce that I lived in Winder!

#6 Anonymous on 09/22/11 at 07:45 PM [Reply]

It was brought up years ago but no one listened, why do you think they will listen now, oh a woman brought it up then, and not a man.

#6.1 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 03:07 AM [Reply]

Also the "woman" as you put i,t just kept whining about it and never filed a compliant.

#7 Anonymous on 09/23/11 at 07:03 AM [Reply]

Cooley has been arresed in how many states? And he is worried about where Eberhart lives? Give me a break. He cant even follow city ordinances where he wants to be a councilman.Jim I know you say you have an explaination for each arrest and citation but at some point or another you have to quit giving excuses and just admit you hate to do what is right and follow the rules/ordinances/laws.

#7.1 Jim Cooley on 09/24/11 at 12:47 PM [Reply]

and you're afraid to give your name

#7.1.1 Anonymous on 09/24/11 at 01:25 PM [Reply]

That doesn't answer the question about how many times you have been arrested, on what charges, and the disposition of each case. Being evasive and thin-skinned is not the best path to elective office, Jimbo.

#7.1.1.1 an arrest on 09/24/11 at 01:44 PM [Reply]

my misconduct could only injure me and other men.
and in the event it doesnt injure others it should not be anyones concern. but Gods

#7.1.2 Anonymous on 09/24/11 at 02:21 PM [Reply]

Jim...voters want to know....are you willing to tell what you have been arrested for and the disposition of those arrest? If you want our votes, then you need to respond to our questions. Otherwise we will see you later.

#7.1.2.1 Jim Cooley on 09/24/11 at 03:02 PM [Reply]

This issue was brought up once before on here, and I responded to it without hesitation. So, I will respond to it again, Where I was in Florida taking care of my father while my mother was in the hospital having a leg amputated and ultimately passed away, I had an issue with my brother who lives in Florida, causing me to pull my gun on him for the safety of my father. The rogue cop felt his duty to arrest me and charge me with Agg. Assult. There was a 911 call and 3 eyewitness statements that backed up my story and the D.A. dropped the charges. Self defense is our right. I have my firearm back and carry it because it is my right to do so. I have nothing to hide and you're more than welcome to call me and ask me anything you want. 678-863-1779

#7.1.2.1.1 Anonymous on 09/25/11 at 07:48 AM [Reply]

OK Jim, I guess I have to ask you about each one....Did you get arrested in Chicago? If so what for and what do you say was the outcome. Did Winder officers write you a citatiuon for doing business without a license? What was the outcome in court. Shall I go on or will you just tell us so we can make our mind up if you should represent us?

#7.1.2.1.1.1 Jim Cooley on 09/25/11 at 08:48 AM [Reply]

I tell you what (anonymous)I have a copy of each disposition here at my house..you come over and I will give you a copy of each one.

#7.1.2.1.1.1.1 Sounds not like a criminal on 09/25/11 at 02:33 PM [Reply]

doing business without a license, and citation isnt an arrest

#8 A Little Curious? on 09/23/11 at 02:04 PM [Reply]

Mr. Saunders. On the "POSSSIBLE" involvment of the city clerk in the present mayor's run for re-election. I personally don't know the mayor nor do I know the city clerk to know what they are capable of, but I would LOVE to know what or even if you have the information Mr. Buffington is looking for in the matter. If you don't then that is called an assumption. Remember, Assumption is the mother of all mess ups my friend.

#9 an arrest on 09/24/11 at 01:12 PM [Reply]

does not mean one is a criminal.
as matter of fact recently a lady in NY was arrested and charged and spent 7 months in the Jail, insisting she was innocent.
Later it was proven her ex Boyfriend framed her.
The Police insisted she seemed so guilty.
So sometimes in order to maintain our liberties we face going to jail.
as the City of Austin TX Police chief said regarding arresting people they may beat the ticket but they wont beat the trip.
City of Austin was arresting people for possible violations of operating bicyles.
so an arrest doesnt in any way mean someone is guilty of a crime.
only they have maybe violated some law that upon law officer whime they choose to place in custody that person.

I dont know Cooley from Adam but I do believe in Freedom and sometimes we must stand up to keep being free.

#10 Jim Cooley on 09/24/11 at 03:19 PM [Reply]

Tomorrow is my Birthday and I will be enjoying it with my family. My kids have something special for me!!!

#11 Vote'em out on 09/24/11 at 10:04 PM [Reply]

Eberhart needs to go because he is the incumbent. Time for some new blood.

#11.1 like on 10/03/11 at 06:56 AM [Reply]

I like Charlie. Don't know the other guy. Maybe he should get out in the community

#12 Jim Cooley on 10/03/11 at 08:11 AM [Reply]

Mr. Lanham,
Seems no matter what I say it will not satisfy you so, I will leave it at that. I don't mind talking to you but, I'm not going to debate the issue. Please ask the men & women on you're police force who fight this problem every day. They will tell you 1 drug dealer is to many.

#12.1 Robert Lanham on 10/04/11 at 03:56 PM [Reply]

I agree with you that one drug dealer is one too many. I have no use for them. I also have no use for someone who makes claims and then refuses to back them up. In your earlier response, you provided the name of one of your neighbors who was convicted of selling concaine. I guess he must have an Eberhart sign in his yard, but that doesn't mean that he is currently selling drugs. If you have proof, I'm sure you wouldn't hestitate to provide that information to law enforcement. Your assertion that Mr. Eberhart is being supported by drug dealers (note plural - your statement, not mine) is misleading at best and outlandish in the main.

#13 has anyone on 10/04/11 at 09:11 PM [Reply]

Has anyone heard outcome of the hearing?

#14 Robert Lanham on 10/04/11 at 09:28 PM [Reply]

Eberhart won.

#15 not surprised on 10/04/11 at 09:33 PM [Reply]

Who is surprised?

#15.1 conflict of interest on 10/04/11 at 10:52 PM [Reply]

direct conflict of interest to have Sabrina ?Wall deciding anything concerning Cooley. it is quoted by her in the paper (Journal) that she sought information and doubted Cooley's eligibility to even run. Now she helps decide.
Someone should have excused her from the panel. Not smart thinking.

#15.1.1 more than conflict on 10/04/11 at 11:03 PM [Reply]

She's also quoted as saying she verified the charge, but she also says Chief Dorsey provided her no information. What did she verify & how did she verify it?

#15.1.1.1 maybe Cooley on 10/04/11 at 11:08 PM [Reply]

Maybe Cooley should fax a copy of her interview to the Sec. of State office and get their take on that and the fact she hasn't been doing her job. then she steps out of her job duties and then is on the panel that will decide Cooley's charges.
Sounds like a law suit waiting to go.

#15.1.2 Conflict? on 10/04/11 at 11:32 PM [Reply]

Oh yeah. I don't think this should go without someone looking into this. Huge conflict considering her previous involvement.. What make anyone think they are above what is right.

#16 what a joke on 10/04/11 at 09:39 PM [Reply]

Eberthart claimed he lives in the staff lunchroom of the funeral home & and the board bought that????????????????????????????

#16.1 who on 10/04/11 at 09:41 PM [Reply]

Who was on the board for the hearing?

#16.2 How many on 10/04/11 at 10:18 PM [Reply]

How do you live in a staff dining room? How many does he have on staff?
I guess i am relieved to know he is sleeping there than in the casket display room

#17 Anonymous on 10/04/11 at 11:17 PM [Reply]

Sabrina. Lets practice. Repeat after me. "Would you like to super-size that order and get a free apple pie"?

#17.1 you know on 10/04/11 at 11:26 PM [Reply]

You know, I have always voted on Eberhart because I like him and his daddy. but after all this lying and secret aquirrel shit, I think I am going with Cooley. I may be the only one that this stuff has gotten to, but that is what I am going to do.

#17.1.1 me to on 10/04/11 at 11:28 PM [Reply]

You know if Wall and Thompson want him on there so bad, that tells me I don't.
Not after the stunts they have pulled and tried to pull.
Who do they think they are?

#18 Vote'em out on 10/05/11 at 12:01 AM [Reply]

Just vote out all the incumbents and that will take care of most of the problems. Time for new blood and ideas. Just look where the current elected officials has got us.

#18.1 Anonymous on 10/05/11 at 02:44 AM [Reply]

I would be with you, but Cooley is just to strange for me to vote for. Remember what we got when we voted Garrison out? Dont vote the person out, vote someone good in. Cooley just seems to strange, weird, and has no ideas. He just keeps saying he started a neighbor hood watch. Is that his only qualification? Go away Jummy

#18.1.1 glad on 10/05/11 at 05:31 AM [Reply]

Glad Garrison out. Even with Yearwoods stunts,
If ya think we are in bad shape now can you just guess what it would have bn like after Garrison finished with us.ee

#18.1.2 but on 10/05/11 at 06:25 AM [Reply]

Yeah, but has Eberhart done he would have done if he was not in office.Everyone has known for years where he lives. They just like Charlie. but that does not change the fact. Cooley now has my vote.
So if he is weird, he will fit. Maybe he can ask some questions the rest won't.

#18.1.2.1 agreed on 10/05/11 at 06:28 AM [Reply]

If thompson and Wall does not want him...then after their antics, I do. Maybe only a handful to vote cooley, but I will sleep at night.

#18.1.3 Anonymous on 10/05/11 at 06:41 AM [Reply]

Cooley just doesn't say he started a neighborhood watch, he has put out a brochure with good ideas on it. He also fought the City Council against the stormwater fee..I see right now that he has done more than Eberhart has done in the last 4 years.

#19 well on 10/05/11 at 05:38 AM [Reply]

I will take strange over lying and over what Thompson and Wall want anyday.

#20 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 06:55 AM [Reply]

Some people have told me I shouldn't comment on here, I disagree with them. It would be like hiding from you and that's not what I'm about. As one has stated, I talk a lot about the neighborhood watch I started. I do that because it has brought crime down here dramatically, but there is a lot I plan on doing as a Council member that I can't do as a regular citizen. I have asked the Mayor of many things, a lot of it goes in one ear and out the other. Even as a candidate now, because of something she did, I can't even communicate with our Elections Superintendent, but its not for something I did. Yes its true they have been trying to get me off the ballot because they are afraid of my plans and I soon will spell them out..ALL OF THEM!!! That is what is supposed to be done; if you knew the information I did, your jaw would drop. I'm not afraid to talk to anyone and I have liked all the comments and criticisms and I will not back down from them, because I don't scare easily. When they ran into me, they ran into a brick wall. The buck will stop here.

#20.1 good for you on 10/05/11 at 07:00 AM [Reply]

You are just what we need.

#20.2 don't let this drop on 10/05/11 at 07:02 AM [Reply]

Win or lose, do not let what they did drop. We can't do anything about that. But we can support you. they could have done this to anybody.

#20.2.1 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 07:11 AM [Reply]

I'm not letting it drop, I have already filed a complaint with the Secretary of State and I have given everyone at City Hall, even all the Council members my notice of intent to seek legal action.
Like I said, I will not hide anything; you want information all you have to do is ask me.

#20.3 Anonymous on 10/05/11 at 07:44 AM [Reply]

Could you provide a list of the prescription drugs that you take?

#20.3.1 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 07:51 AM [Reply]

Plavix, aspirin, Metformin

#20.3.1.1 Anonymous on 10/05/11 at 08:31 AM [Reply]

You have a prescription for aspirin? We'll pass that. Perhaps being a type 2 diabetic, you have an excuse for periodic mental lapses. However, you might want to wait awhile before beginning your law practice. (Start saving your pennies for insulin.)

#20.3.1.1.1 Beth on 10/05/11 at 08:40 AM [Reply]

Perhaps you could list the prescription meds YOU take Anon: Well, never mind, from your posts it is blatantly obvious that you are OFF your meds!

#20.3.1.1.1.1 Anonymous on 10/05/11 at 09:16 AM [Reply]

And it's obvious that you have escaped from the attic again.
But, in what is sure to be a vain attempt to engage a dotty old woman with logic: MY medicines (if, indeed, there are any) is irrelevant because I am not the one who has held myself out for public office and, therefore, for public inspection.
Cooley has. Therefore, he is fair game, especially since he presents himself as white knight,
quasi-lawyer and immaculate guardian of the public exchequer.

I know all this is over your gray old head, but I thought I'd make one attempt, foolish as it might be to try.

Now run, granny, run! They're coming with the net!

#21 amazing on 10/05/11 at 07:19 AM [Reply]

I got a call back from the Sec. of States office to answer my questions and could not speak to anyone from the City of Winder much less have them call me back.

#22 who on 10/05/11 at 07:20 AM [Reply]

Who was on the board to decide the outcome of the residency issue?

#22.1 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 07:24 AM [Reply]

I don't know their names, but I'm sure their names will be in the story coming out. At the time I wasn't interested in their names, I had a message to send. I sent it pretty good; some people just don't know the law and what it means. I will tell you this, one Councilman said to me, I would make a great attorney.

#22.2 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 07:26 AM [Reply]

Board Of Elections

Chairperson: Kathie D. Rash
(Democratic Party Appointee)

Vice-Chairperson: Kathy Garrett
(Republican Party Appointee)

Member:John Reavis
(Republican Party Appointee)

Member: Charlie Lord
(Chief Judge Appointee)

Member: Beth Smith
(Democratic Party Appointee)

#22.2.1 OMG on 10/05/11 at 07:30 AM [Reply]

this is terrible

#22.2.2 is this the group on 10/05/11 at 07:32 AM [Reply]

Is this part of the group that is suppose to be meeting once a month according to the Sec. of States office?

#22.2.2.1 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 07:39 AM [Reply]

yes

#23 local on 10/05/11 at 07:28 AM [Reply]

As long as they weren't local! I think that would have been a very big discredit to an already disgraced administration.

#23.1 Beth on 10/05/11 at 08:35 AM [Reply]

Ummmm...Hello! They ARE local!!!!!!!
Vote for Cooley!!!
And WHY does it matter what prescription drugs he takes????????
I have not seen anyone ask this of other candidates.....just sayin'....
There is a REASON why they don't want Cooley in there!

#24 Jim Cooley on 10/05/11 at 01:39 PM [Reply]

I sat in the lobby of City Hall to see Sabrina, the Elections Superintendent for 25 minutes while Sabrina did nothing in her office. she is going to screw up so bad that she's going to lose her job. She should not mix personal feelings with business related issues. If you lose you're job it's your own fault Sabrina.

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