Henry County Commission Chairwoman June Wood called for civility during public comments at Tuesday's board meeting, two weeks after discourse during the group's last meeting became animated.
“In the last meeting that we had ... I allowed that meeting to get out of control,” Wood said, before apologizing to county personnel and several individuals who spoke at the meeting. “I want to apologize to Henry County because it is important that our image here in Henry County represents the professionals that we are.”
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At the meeting, several supporters of former Fire Chief Brenda “Nish” Willis demanded more details on her March 21 dismissal. That led to a spirited debate among commissioners about how the county is run and accusations that some members were not being forthcoming about their knowledge beforehand of the county’s plans to fire Willis.
Several residents also directed their anger at County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, who fired Willis, and called into question her motives. Matthews said she stands by her decision.
Willis was the first woman to hold the position of fire chief in Henry County.
Wood said she was sorry for interrupting speakers or for not being consistent in cutting some off while allowing others to speak.
“We are going to rise above what we see in other governments where it becomes a soap opera or a drama,” Wood said. “We’re going to show that we are professionals and we’re going to take care of this county business in an orderly fashion.”
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