Kalberman ethics case to cost state over $1 million

The state will pay $1.15 million to former ethics commission director Stacey Kalberman and her attorneys in a final settlement signed Wednesday.

The judgment, obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, stems from Kalberman's April victory in a lawsuit that claimed she was forced from her job for investigating Nathan Deal's 2010 campaign for governor.

The amount — nearly equal to the commission’s $1.3 million annual budget — was the result of a jury verdict that awarded Kalberman $700,000 in damages plus court costs and attorneys fees. The state signed off on the deal Wednesday.

Under the terms, Kalberman is to receive $725,111.79, and Thrasher Liss & Smith will be paid $424,881.21.

The Kalberman verdict is one of three cases involving the commission and its Deal investigation that could be decided in the next several months — all before November’s election.

About the Author

Aaron Gould Sheinin

Primary runoff draws more poll workers than voters in some counties

The low turnout Public Service Commission primary led to an even lower turnout in the runoff. Here's how election staff have spent their time at polls.

New Georgia election audit targets voters registered at P.O. boxes and businesses

Georgia election officials are trying to find inaccurate voter registrations of people registered at P.O. boxes or business addresses.

Georgia on track to end the year with another budget surplus

For the fifth straight year, Georgia is set to end the fiscal year with a budget surplus.

The Latest

Credit: BRAVO

Bravo TV star enters Georgia House race

1h ago

Georgia on track to end the year with another budget surplus

OPINION

A eulogy for the GOP deficit hawk, which died a public death last week

Featured

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

New Georgia election audit targets voters registered at P.O. boxes and businesses

Georgia election officials are trying to find inaccurate voter registrations of people registered at P.O. boxes or business addresses.

Rent an apartment, or just a bedroom, at this new Atlanta skyscraper

Amid rising costs and changing lifestyles, Society Atlanta offers a co-living model designed to shake up traditional apartments.

DISPATCH

In Georgia’s melon mecca, watermelon wizards’ ears are sweetly attuned

In the heart of Georgia's watermelon country, everyone has a trick to tell if a melon is ripe. One way is the sound a melon makes when it is thumped. Or better, patted.