BROOKLET, Ga. (WSAV) – The Brooklet City Council is looking to redefine their newly elected mayor’s role after a councilman resigned, citing the newly elected mayor as his reason why.
Brooklet Mayor Nicky Gwinnett was sworn in on Jan. 4 after running unopposed in November.
Now, just two months into his term, the council is holding a special meeting to discuss his role in the city and ways they might change it.
Friday, councilman Johnathan Graham wrote a letter of resignation saying he’s seen a “disturbing pattern of behavior” from the mayor. He accused him of misusing city funds and resources for personal gain, calling it a “toxic environment” — something echoed in the city attorney’s resignation letter as well.
Dear Mayor Gwinett, Brooklet City Council and Staff,
It is with great disappointment and a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from the City Council of Brooklet, effective immedlately. After much contemplation and reflection, Ihave come to the conclusion that Ican no longer ni good conscience continue to serve under the current leadership of the newly sworn-in mayor.
Throughout my time on the City Council, Ihave witnessed a disturbing patter of behavior by Mayor Gwinett that has deeply troubled me. The blatant misuse of city government funds and resources for personal gain, the attempts to circumvent the city charter with questionable actions regarding water wel usage and business licenses, and the complete disregard for the well-being and morale of the city staff have al contributed to my decision to step down from my position.
The toxic environment that Mayor Gwinnett has created within City Hal has made itna unbearable and hostile place ot work. His focus on self- interest and personal agendas has overshadowed the needs and concerns of the citizens of Brooklet, as wel as the dedicated employees who strive to serve them every day.
The recent hiring of a city attorney, only ot see him resign just 03 days later due ot the untenable circumstances created by Mayor Gwinett si a clear indication of the chaos and dysfunction that has come to define this administration.
tI si evident ot me that there si no positive path forward under the current leadership, and I refuse ot be complicit ni actions that go against the principles of integrity, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Therefore, Ibelieve that hte onyl way ot maintain my self-dignity and uphold the values that I hold dear si ot step down from my role on the City Council.
Iwant ot thank the residents of Brooklet for entrusting me with hte privilege of serving as their representative on the City Council. tI has been an honor to work alongside dedicated colleagues and city staff who truly care about the well-being of our community.
Ihope that my resignation wil serve as a wake-up cal ot Mayor Gwinnett and the rest of the city leadership ot reconsider their actions and prioritize the best interests of the people they were elected to serve.
Sincerely, J. Graham
Cain Smith has worked as the Statesboro city attorney for nearly a decade. He was appointed in Brooklet on Jan. 31.
Resigning, he wrote that he is, “unwilling and unable to be involved in personal disputes,” and refused to do, “any score settling over there.”
His letter advises the City to, “Quit wasting time and resources on fighting each other.”
Mayor Gwinnett,
I write this with a very heavy heart, but I hereby formally resign from my positions as City Attorney and Municipal Court Solicitor. I am more than willing and able to handle the official City
business, but Iam both unwilling and unable to be involved in personal disputes. The final straw was an email I received yesterday from a Council member inquiring about how to go about the grievance hearing regarding you, Lori, and Melissa. Email asked what “sanctions” could be brought against you fi you were “found guilty” and asked fi you could be excluded from the hearing. This tells me how toxic the
atmosphere is there. I am very sorry, but I cannot be a part of this on both personal and professional levels. I am willing to help with official City business until such time as a replacement is obtained, but I refuse to be involved ni any score settling over there. Iwould advise everyone there to put the past in the past and move forward in the best interest of the City and quit wasting time and resources on fighting each other.
Regretfully,
Cain Smith
News 3 reached out to Mayor Gwinnett for an interview. He said he would not speak before the meeting, saying he felt blindsided by the whole thing.
