Recent Columbus Council events: Catch up on councilor’s resignation, new appointment, more
The recent Columbus Council votes have sparked widespread controversy, highlighting concerns over transparency and community involvement. The appointment of John Anker to a vacant council seat on the same day of Judy Thomas’ resignation has drawn criticism from civil rights groups, clergy and residents, particularly due to perceived haste and lack of public consultation. Allegations of private discussions among council members raised legal concerns from local Black leaders, prompting calls for an investigation by the state attorney general. Critics argue the process subverted voter intent, while supporters of the decision tout the need for seamless governance.
The fallout has galvanized public discourse, with organizations like the NAACP vowing political action against council members involved in the decision.
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
NO. 1: COLUMBUS CITY COUNCILOR JUDY THOMAS RESIGNS FROM OFFICE AFTER FOUR TERMS. HERE’S WHY
The longtime councilor has ended her 18-year service, promising to continue supporting the Muscogee County community and her replacement. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 2: THESE 5 COLUMBUS RESIDENTS ARE ADVISING THE MAYOR IN SELECTION OF THE NEXT CITY MANAGER
Mayor Skip Henderson provides an update on finding Isaiah Hugley’s replacement. | Published March 11, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 3: NAACP AND PASTORS CALL FOR COLUMBUS COUNCIL TO RECALL VOTE APPOINTING JOHN ANKER
“They’re in-house Negroes,” the Rev. Johnny Flakes III said, referring to the two Black councilors who supported this move. “They carry the buckets of the water, and they have sold their souls.” | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 4: COLUMBUS COUNCILORS REPLY TO BLACK PASTOR’S ‘IN-HOUSE NEGROES’ COMMENT AFTER ANKER VOTE
“We may not always agree, but disagreement should never turn into disrespect,” Councilor Byron Hickey of District 1 told the Ledger-Enquirer. | Published March 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 5: FORMER COLUMBUS MAYOR SHOWS SUPPORT FOR ISAIAH HUGLEY. DID CITY COUNCILORS VIOLATE LAW?
Early conversations about who would fill former Columbus Councilor Judy Thomas’ seat prior to her resignation would have violated Georgia’s Open Meetings Act, said Mayor Teresa Tomlinson. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 6: JOHN ANKER SPEAKS ON CONTROVERSIAL COLUMBUS COUNCIL VOTE, HIS CRITICISM OF ISAIAH HUGLEY
In an interview with the Ledger-Enquirer, John Anker also answered questions about whether he will run for office again. | Published March 18, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 7: COLUMBUS COUNCIL UNDER SCRUTINY. NAACP SEEKS PROBE INTO WHETHER STATE LAW WAS BROKEN
“No elected official is above accountability,” said Columbus NAACP branch president Melvin Tanner. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 8: MAYOR RESPONDS TO CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO WHETHER COLUMBUS COUNCIL BROKE STATE LAW
The Columbus branch of the NAACP has called for the mayor to ask the Georgia Attorney General to investigate. | Published March 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 9: NAACP COLLECTING SIGNATURES FOR PETITION AND ORGANIZING TO VOTE OUT COLUMBUS COUNCILORS
“You cannot subvert the will of the voters,” said Ed DuBose national NAACP board member. “When you do that, you are operating like wolves in sheep clothing.” | Published March 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee
NO. 10: OUTCRY AT COLUMBUS COUNCIL. RESIDENTS QUESTION VOTE APPOINTING JOHN ANKER TO CITYWIDE SEAT
“We are here to let you know that there will be a reckoning,” the Rev. Johnny Flakes III of Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church told the city council. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brittany McGee…