The top Democrats in two neighboring counties, along with the Republican who held the top post in Cobb, will decide whether DeKalb County CEO Burrell Ellis should stay in office as he fights 14 felony charges.
Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday named Rockdale CEO Richard Oden and the Clayton Commission Chairman Jeff Turner to the three-member panel that also includes Attorney General Sam Olens, Cobb’s former commission chairman. All three have worked with Ellis, a Democrat, in local-government issues.
The committee has two weeks to hold a hearing to decide if the charges of theft, extortion and conspiracy against Ellis interfere with his ability to run daily operations in Georgia’s third-largest county.
The panel must submit a written report to Deal by July 22. If it recommends removal, final say will on Ellis’ fate will rest with the governor.
If suspended, Ellis will continue to draw his $150,000 salary. He would be able to return to the CEO’s post if he is not convicted.
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