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DEL.ICIO.USThe personal side of the Dunwoody fight
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
According to his wife, Albert Chambers has come to realize the dangers of angry, late-night phone calls.
“It wasn’t the smartest thing to do. He knows that — now,” said state Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta).
The fight over the city of Dunwoody, which takes a significant step toward resolution on Tuesday, has sparked an epic feud among Republicans.
While never under wraps, the Hatfield-McCoy routine took a very public turn last week when two GOP lawmakers pushing the Dunwoody initiative, Rep. Fran Millar and Sen. Dan Weber, showed off lengthy voice-mails left by Albert Chambers — whose wife is the most outspoken Republican opponent of the city.
The spouse complained of slanders heaped on Jill Chambers that required revenge. “I am not responsible for what happens. But it will all be legal. Everything will be legal,” Albert Chambers promised.
The Dunwoody clash has built over three years, driven by ideology and personality.
The creation of a city of Sandy Springs in 2005 caused no such divide among Republicans. Democratic opposition over three decades had made it a cause celebre. Citihood became a priority of the GOP takeover.
Advocates of the city of Dunwoody insist the same formula applies. That Dunwoody, too, needs a government more answerable to residents.
But many Republicans in the state Capitol — of high rank — have had trouble squaring the numerous new cities that have followed Sandy Springs with their own calls for less government and lower property taxes.
Chambers is part of the latter group, and this is where personality comes in. She is a cheerfully caustic woman who thrives on confrontation. Dunwoody proponents accuse her of misleading statements, and an alliance with DeKalb County government.
She accuses Dunwoody organizers of being less than forthcoming about the costs of incorporation. Last month, Chambers paid for a round of robo-calls encouraging voters to attend a seminar to “hear the truth about Dunwoody.”
Chambers’ District 81 includes only a small slice of the city that might be. Most of the calls went to voters in Millar’s district. Millar, himself the owner of an acid-tipped tongue, took Chambers’ words as an accusation that he had been passing falsehoods.
Millar has complained to House leaders about Chambers’ “shenanigans” — and has expressed disappointment that the powers inside the state Capitol haven’t stepped in. They may yet get their chance. The general election season begins Wednesday.
Chambers’ north Atlanta district leans Democratic, and she’ll have opposition in November.
One of two Democrats on the District 81 ballot on Tuesday is a protege of Bobby Kahn, the former chairman of the Democratic party. Many Dunwoody advocates, who by-and-large are Republicans, talk of lending aid to Chambers’ opponent. Asked if he will be one of them, Millar said this:
“I’m not going to be donating funds to her opposition, okay? But if she doesn’t make it back, I’m not going to shed any tears.”
Dunwoody may or may not become Georgia’s 536th city on Tuesday. But it’s clear the fight will continue. Possibly in a courtroom. More certainly in a next-door House district.
Comments
By Mrs. Churchill
July 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
This is why we have neighborhood associations, to spy on your neighbors-good grief people, do we really want to live like this? Mama’s got a squeeze-box and Daddy likes to play at night. Grow up, give up, embrace your own business. Viva La America
By Mrs. Churchill
July 13, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this
This is why we have neighborhood associations, to spy on your neighbors-good grief people, do we really want to live like this? Mama’s got a squeeze-box and Daddy likes to play at night. Grow up, give up, embrace your own business. Viva La America
By Baba O'Riley
July 13, 2008 4:05 PM | Link to this
Won’t get fooled again, take that Al Gore, I just farted in the ozone
By Copyleft
July 13, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Liberals hate America. I hate America. Obama hates America. If you hate America vot for Obama.
By Liberals are poopy
July 13, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Conservative legislators have killed more innocent women and children than is humanly possible.
By Albert
July 13, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
If the city passes on Tuesday, they might want to start buiding bridges and reach out to Rep. Chambers - they will need her support (and her signature on the bill)to pass any local legislation needed to fix their mess next year.
If Rep. Millar and his friends think that the young Democrat, Mr. Huttman, will help them in the legislature, they may want to remind themselves that he is endorsed by former Gov. Roy Barnes - the attorney hired by DeKalb to sue over Dunwoody incorporation.
Ahhh, what a tangled web we weave….
By Morgan Fairchild
July 13, 2008 6:09 PM | Link to this
Christians are strangling America, sold a pile of righteous baloney, old immigrants hate new immigrants, melting pot schmelting pot, we are in the toilet because of your fear which leads to closed minds, lighten up….read a book, learns Spanish
By chrisagain
July 13, 2008 7:45 PM | Link to this
If the “Citizens” for Dunwoody (is CH2MHill a “citizen”?) would only disclose their finances, including sources, and answer the basic questions that Rep. Chambers and others have asked, there would be no problem. When you have no case you abuse the other side - which is just what Rep.Millar and the other gang members have been doing. Never once have they offered to sit down with Rep. Chambers and civilly discuss her concerns. Hmmm - why is that? And I have actually heard some of the rude personal and professional insults directed at Rep. Chambers whenever she asks a simple question or raises an issue. “Leadership” will indeed intervene in this situation - but not to stifle an advocate for truth and justice. Rep. Millar should be careful about what he asks for. If Fran Millar is supporting a Democrat who is endorsed by Roy Barnes then exactly what kind of a two-faced hypocrite is he? What is his real agenda? Has he entered into yet another backroom deal - this time with Roy Barnes? Fran Millar is a disgrace to the Republican party - and by the way he is no gentleman! A final thought - if Dunwoody really becomes a city good luck to all of its fine citizens with people like Fran Millar and the like at the helm. You had better watch out - and keep your hand on your wallet. And whatever you do, don’t ask a single question or raise a single issue or you will be subjected to an onslaught of attacks. When it is time to pay your taxes just keep your mouth shut and send a blank check.
By Fun for a Change
July 13, 2008 9:42 PM | Link to this
Goodness. I love to see Repugnicans slanging it out. Does my heart good. Ya’ll keep it up. The more acrimony the better. Looks like the only thing that will get passed is gas.
Fun for a Change.
By Robert
July 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
Jill Chambers you are a traitor, just resign now. Dunwoody in 2008!
By PoFo
July 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this
Jill Chambers: The Dutchess of Dunwoody!
By dunwoody dame
July 14, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this
one day before the election and the “Dunwoody Action Committee” still has not filed their disclosures.
[http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/Campaign/Campaign_Name.aspx?NameID=4023&FilerID=NC2008000025]