[Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Daniel Rodewolt.]
By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald
Guyton City Councilman Theodore Hamby is being investigated by the city’s ethics committee for allegedly approaching both candidates for tax commissioner asking for funds in exchange for Hamby’s endorsement and support.
Kelly Hoffner and Daniel Rodewolt are in a runoff election for Effingham County Tax Commissioner. Election Day is June 18.
The complaint was filed with the city by Hoffner’s campaign last week.
The Hoffner campaign alleges Hamby approached both Rodewolt and Hoffner asking for money to endorse one or both campaigns.
“This is nothing but a distraction from our citizens who so desperately need and want for honest, transparent leadership in this county,” Hoffner wrote in a statement. “This type of behavior is disgusting, especially coming from elected officials. This is truly a frightening reality for our county. I will not continue to entertain morally corrupt behavior, as I am here to set new standards.”
“The City of Guyton is aware that a formal complaint has been filed against Councilmember Hamby. The City of Guyton has a Board of Ethics comprised of three qualified residents, none of whom are members of City Council,” the city released in a statement last week.
According to the city’s statement, the Board of Ethics is authorized to conduct investigations, gather evidence, and hold hearings to address the subject matter of the complaint. The ordinance, approved by the city council on April 14, 2020, was an update of the original ordinance passed in May 2000.
Now in the Board of Ethics’ hands, the board has seven days to review the complaint and follow through with its investigation providing the complaint is “not unjustified, frivolous, unfounded, or fails to state facts sufficient to invoke the disciplinary action of the City Council,” the ordinance states. If the Board of Ethics finds the complaint does not pass these tests, the complainant can still pursue legal action if they desire.
If the Board of Ethics agrees to pursue the matter, the ordinance stipulates the board has 60 days to collect evidence and hold a hearing, which may include testimony and cross examination. The final decision of the Board is due seven days after the hearing.
Finally, the subject of the complaint may appeal the Board of Ethics’ adverse ruling to County Superior Court.
If the ruling is upheld by the court upon appeal, the City Council may issue a public reprimand or censure; or ask for the councilmember’s resignation from council.
Hamby responded June 3 via email stating, “I categorically deny all the false claims brought against me in this ethics complaint. I have always conducted myself with the utmost integrity and have prided myself on being the most transparent councilman. I eagerly await the conclusion of this matter so that I can continue focusing on the work the citizens of Guyton elected me to do.”
The Herald received a response from Rodewolt on June 4.
“I have never paid for an endorsement, nor have I been asked to pay for an endorsement, Rodewolt’s statement said.
“Once the primary race was over and a runoff was declared, Mr. Hamby approached me with his political consulting services. Mr. Hamby did not present himself as a councilman, nor did he present himself as a GOP official. Mr. Hamby represented himself as a grassroots political consultant. I do not have any active agreements with Mr. Hamby, or anyone else,” Rodewolt continued. “An endorsement from Hamby was never solicited.
“I do not. nor have I had, a campaign manager. My team consists of my wife and myself,” Rodewolt stated
The Hoffner campaign also filed the complaint with the Effingham County Sheriff Office June 3, which forwarded the complaint to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The Herald reached out to the GBI which said there currently is no investigation. "The situation didn't equate to an investigation," the GBI said.
