ATLANTA – State Representatives Kimberly Alexander (D-Hiram), Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) and LaDawn Blackett Jones (D-Atlanta) today issued the following joint statement in response to recent comments made by Douglas County Commission Chairman Tom Worthan:
“Commission Chairman Worthan’s statements regarding African Americans were unacceptable and inappropriate. As the Douglas County Commission Chairman, Chairman Worthan does not represent the type of leadership his role requires. An effective leader does not believe in derogatory, false and racially based stereotypes.
“Chairman Worthan has completely undermined his ability to do his job as chairman. He has destroyed our faith in his motives and his ability to unite Douglas County. As a result, we jointly demand his resignation, and we request that he withdraw from the November election.
“We know that this type of negative leadership drains a county’s economy. How can Chairman Worthan attract businesses to Douglas County when business owners and employees feel unwelcomed by him? How can African American county employees continue to work for the county when they know that Douglas County’s top leader thinks they are incapable of doing their jobs? These employees are being judged by the color of their skin rather than their character or abilities.
“It is highly disappointing that Chairman Worthan chose September Saturdays, an annual family oriented event held at the county courthouse, to utilize such racist rhetoric. As exhibited at September Saturdays, Douglas County is a diverse community. We want a leader that encourages unity rather than division and that represents the core values of Douglas County. The chairman’s racist attacks are offensive to each and every one of us elected officials. Furthermore, his statements are offensive to Douglas County residents of all colors.
“If Chairman Worthan is truly apologetic and loves Douglas County, he will step down from his elected position, which is the only way to indicate he truly recognizes the gravity of his words and actions. A true patriot and leader would rather end his time in office than be a distraction to the economic growth, prosperity and unity of Douglas County.”
Representatives Kimberly Alexander (D-Hiram), Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) and LaDawn Blackett Jones (D-Atlanta), along with other Douglas County elected officials and leaders, will hold a press conference to address these comments on Monday, October 3, 2016, at 3 p.m. on the front steps of the Douglas County Courthouse.
Representative Kimberly Alexander represents the citizens of District 66, which includes portions of Douglas and Paulding counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves on the Code Revision, Intragovernmental Coordination, Motor Vehicles, and Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment committees.
Representative Roger Bruce represents the citizens of District 61, which includes portions of Cobb, Douglas, and Fulton counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002 and currently serves on the Game, Fish, & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, Judiciary, and Small Business Development committees.
Representative LaDawn “LBJ” Jones represents the citizens of District 62, which includes portions of Douglas and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Judiciary, Small Business Development, and State Properties committees.
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