Walton reacts to recall verdict

Locals register support, ire for judge’s ruling

A judge’s decision to dismiss the recall petition dedicated to unseating Walton County Chairman David Thompson drew both praise and condemnation alike from Walton County residents.

During a court hearing Friday, Judge Neal Dickert ruled the petitioners did not meet the burden of proof required in arguing an annexation vote the Walton County Board of Commissioners approved in February of 2022 was a conflict of interest for Thompson as he had business dealings with the developer building property on that annexed land.

Gareth Fenley, chair of Walton In Action, who have been pushing for the recall since Thompson’s controversial vote to raise the millage rate this summer, said the decision was a disappointment.

“The judge’s ruling today was a disappointing moment,” Fenley said Friday. “We remain strong, resilient citizens who are all in this together as we continue our journey. Our common roots in faith and community were very clear during our prayer circle before the court hearing this morning. Steady on.”

Fenley said more on Sunday.

“The ruling by the judge on Friday, Nov. 21, to disqualify our recall petition was a disappointing moment,” Fenley said. “It’s natural to feel the weight of that decision. Even so, we remain strong, resilient citizens — all in this together as we continue our journey.

“Our board will be meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 25, to decide whether to appeal the judge’s ruling to the Georgia Supreme Court.”

On The Walton Tribune’s Facebook page, local residents registered a variety of reactions to the news of the recall’s failure, from disappointment to anger to satisfaction.

“Very disappointing,” Joey Garrison said. “I don’t know that recalling Thompson is the answer, but to have this effort thrown out feels pretty counter-culture to democracy.”

Others argued Thompson was benefitting from the legal system or other sources slanted his way.

“Good old boy system hard at work,” Richard Hayes said, while Mark Mieczko said, “Corruption will always protect itself.”

Riley N. Tucker was not impressed with the ruling, either.

“Astounding!” Tucker said. “I was hoping that Walton County officials in all sectors of judicial and legislative body were above the antics of Mr. Thompson. I know some definetely are. But elections do matter. The message this sends says maybe not!”

Dana Gamboeck Schaeffer was more ambivalent on what the ruling meant at this point.

“This is why they have an appeals court,” Schaeffer said. “This is far from over.”

Not everyone was critical of the ruling.

“I am not a fan of how our BoC Chairman chooses to operate within his elected position,” Megan Marsh Linebaugh said. “However, I was in the courtroom today and listened to all the evidence/testimony provided and I believe the ruling of the judge was reasonable relative to the evidence that was presented.”

Linebaugh said she was impressed with the recall effort, nonetheless.

“Moving forward, we as citizens should continue to be vigilant in expecting the highest degree of integrity and transparency in all of our elected officials,” she said. “I commend the private citizens who sacrificed their own time and finances to exercise their right to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

“Hopefully, the ruling today will serve as a catalyst for more Walton County residents to become aware, educated, and active as it relates to the operations of Walton County.”

Some alleged Thompson was cheating the system.

“So he gets to hike property taxes while having a company that will reap the benefits from properties getting repossessed and put up for auction because the owners can’t pay the increased property taxes,” Matthew Whitehurst said. “Just gross.”

But many agreed it showed the results of Thompson’s re-election last fall and what could face him on the ballot in three years.

“Elections matter,” Melinda Quinn said.