By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

The City of Guyton's ethics committee has called a public hearing for July 9 at City Hall. The hearing will begin at noon.

The purpose is to hear testimony and cross-examination regarding an ethics complaint filed by the Kelly Hoffner campaign against Councilman Theordore Hamby during the recent runoff election for Effingham County tax commissioner.

Hoffner lost to Daniel Rodewolt in the runoff on June 18.

The Hoffner campaign alleges Councilman Hamby approached both her and the Rodewolt campaign asking for payment for his endorsement and campaign help. Hoffner refused the offer and alleges Hamby made the same offer to Rodewolt and has a signed contract.

Rodewolt denied any transaction took place, but that Hamby did approach him offering his services as a “grassroots political consultant.” Rodewolt went on to say that Hamby did not present himself as a city councilman or in any official capacity with the GOP.

Hamby denied the allegations via email to the Herald on June 3 stating, “I categorically deny all the false claims brought against me in this ethics complaint.”

The hearing is being held within the 60-day time limit required by city ordinance. The committee has seven days after the hearing to issue its decision to the mayor and city council. If the committee decides the councilman is guilty of an ethics violation, the city council can then decide if it wants to issue a censure, a public reprimand, or ask for the councilman’s resignation.

The current members of the ethics committee are: Reginald Stanmar, Robert Hunter, and LaToya Jones. All three were appointed on July 12, 2022 for two-year terms. Members of the committee serve without monetary compensation.