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Judge rules Fulton County election board members in contempt
A Fulton County Judge imposed civil contempt sanctions against the Democratic members of the Fulton County Board of Commissioner. The Civil sanctions include a daily $10K fine beginning Friday, August 29th and continue until the Commission appoints Republican nominees to the Elections Board.
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A Fulton County Judge imposed civil contempt sanctions against the Democratic members of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday after they refused an order to appoint two GOP members to the board.
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What we know:
The civil sanctions include a daily $10K fine beginning Friday, August 29th and continuing until the Commission appoints Republican nominees to the Elections Board. The judge also awarded the GOP the cost of attorney fees but says a hearing will be held to determine the amount of those legal fees.
The ruling comes after an emergency hearing convened by Fulton County GOP against democratic commissioners who failed to appoint Republicans Julie Adams and Jason Frazier to the Elections Board.
What they're saying:
Attorney Don Samuel, who represents all seven of the commissioners, said, "We are looking forward to having this important case heard in the court of appeals, and we will request that the contempt fines be suspended pending the appeal. We appreciate the judge's decision not to impose any criminal contempt sanctions, and no fines against any member of the board personally."
The backstory:
Three commissioners attended the hearing, while Chairman Robb Pitts was out of the country and Commissioner Marvin Arrington remained on medical leave following surgery. At least two commissioners have repeatedly voted against Adams and Frazier, calling them election deniers.
One commissioner defended the stance in court, saying, "I was elected by the people, and I take my responsibility very seriously. No court, no lawyer, no political party can compel me to vote against the best interests of the people."
Commissioners Dana Barrett and Moe Ivory call the two nominees in question election deniers and believe they will attack democracy in Fulton County.
What's next:
It is not known if the commissioners will hold another vote on the Republican members before the fines are imposed.