Latest news with #RobbPitts
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fulton County chairman says he was 'disinvited' from White House meeting
The Brief Fulton County Chairman Robb Pitts says he was disinvited from a White House meeting after already traveling to Washington, D.C., costing taxpayers nearly $2,000. Pitts questioned why he was disinvited while other Fulton County commissioners remained on the guest list; the White House cited seating capacity limits. Both Pitts and Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell, who was also disinvited, are Democrats, raising questions about whether politics played a role. FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - A scheduled White House meeting for local leaders has turned into controversy after Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said he was unexpectedly disinvited — a claim the White House disputes. What they're saying Pitts was already in Washington, D.C., ahead of Tuesday's meeting when he said he received an email on Sunday notifying him that he was no longer invited. The email, according to Pitts, read: "We regret to inform you that due to circumstances beyond our control, we are no longer able to welcome you to the White House. We appreciate your understanding." Pitts' travel expenses — just under $2,000 for airfare and hotel, according to the county — were already incurred by taxpayers before the cancellation. He had planned to meet with officials including the head of the Small Business Administration and former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler. Pitts said his top priority was to advocate for Fulton County's grants and ensure they are not cut. Fulton County, Georgia's most populous county, was still represented at the White House event by other commissioners from both political parties. However, Pitts questioned why he, as chairman, was disinvited while his colleagues remained on the guest list. What we know An email provided by the county showed that after Pitts submitted his RSVP on Sunday, the White House opened additional invitations to other political leaders. Henry County Commission Chair Carlotta Harrell also received a notice that she could no longer attend. Harrell, however, had not yet traveled to Washington, meaning no expenses were incurred for Henry County. The White House Intergovernmental Affairs Office initially did not provide an explanation, but later a White House official stated the disinvitations were due to seating capacity being maxed out. When asked if he thought it was a mistake or political, Pitts said he thinks it is political. Both Pitts and Harrell are Democrats. There have been unconfirmed reports that other counties were affected by similar disinvitations, but no further details have been verified.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
International travel policy raised again as South Fulton approves Nigeria visit
The Brief The city of South Fulton has approved an international trip by a council member, following the mayor getting lots of criticism after several international trips. The council approved by a vote of 5-2, a trip to Nigeria for Council woman Natasha Williams Brown. One council member who is running for Mayor, Carmalithia Gumbs says she voted NO because the trip did not follow the new international travel policy and does not provide a benefit for the City of South Fulton. SOUTH FULTON, Ga. - The issue of international travel is back in the headlines in the city of South Fulton. What we know The council approved a trip to Nigeria this week for one of the council members under its new international travel policy. That policy was put in place after the current mayor spent $26,000 in travel to Paris, Ghana Rwanda and Columbia over the last two years. Williams Brown proposed she participate in an week-long international trip to Nigeria in August. The invitation came from Fulton County chairman Robb Pitts and will likely cost South Fulton taxpayers an estimated $5. The trip passed by a vote of 5-2, so council member Williams Brown will be packing her bags soon. As part of the new international travel policy, Councilwoman Williams Brown will be require to submit a detailed written report that includes the trips benefits for the city of South Fulton. What they're saying "We are looking to continue the work that has begun. There is an existing MOU with Nigeria, and we are continuing to pursue these types of activities to bring not just the city of softball into the world, but between the world to the city of South Fulton," South Fulton City Council woman Natasha Williams Brown explained. "The airfare is looking to be about $3,000, if I am able to book this in the morning," the district 6 council woman said during Tuesday night's meeting. Council man Jaceey Sebastian said as the only foreign-born elected official on the council, he believes in reaching out to the rest of the world. "So, I do believe that we have tons of room for exposure of our city, internationally and to grow our business base internationally," the district 4 council man said. The other side But two council members objected. Helen Willis and Carmelita Gumbs. Gumbs, who is running for mayor, held a news conference blasting the decision, which comes on the heels of the current mayor spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on a long list of trips to Paris, Ghana, Columbia, Toronto and Rwanda. "I could not, in good conscience affirm or approve vote to have Council Member Williams Brown travel abroad because that places a big burden on taxpayers, Gumbs complained. What's next Council woman Williams Brown will go on the trip hosted by Fulton County Commissioner Chairman Rob Pitts. The trip will likely cost South Fulton County Taxpayers $5,000, once airfare and per diem are added. The Source This is original reporting by FOX 5's Aungelique Proctor
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New dawn rises on Fulton County government as it commits to solar power
It's the dawn of a new day in Fulton County, and county leaders would like to spread a little sunshine. 'Got my sunglasses here. We're all very excited, despite the weather outside. This is the future,' County Chairman Robb Pitts told Channel 2's Berndt Petersen. On Thursday Fulton County officially went solar, beginning with the Evelyn G. Lowery Library. On Friday, county officials said they'll unveil several more. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Woman charged with neglect after elderly man found dead in Cobb home Marietta hotel fined women hundreds for smoking, but they say other activities tripped sensors Warrant: R&B singer Jaheim had animal control called on him 3 times before Atlanta arrest 'The solar program is not just ambitious, it's forward looking in it's design,' Cherry Street Energy's Michael Chanin said. Fulton has teamed up with the company to retrofit county buildings with solar panels. 'They represent a commitment to 46 county facilities. I'm going to make you clap for that! That is phenomenal,' Fulton Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman said. Administrators say solar power will save local taxpayers nearly $2.5 million dollars over the next two decades, and officials say this is just the beginning of a program designed to deliver sustainability and energy savings. 'And also professional, high paying quality jobs for people in the communities. that's why I say, it's a win, win, win,' Pitts said. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Millions spent on Fulton County Diversion Center, but it's barely used
The Fulton County Center for Diversion & Services was built with the goal of bringing people who only committed a minor offense there to get help, instead of hauling them to jail. But after costing taxpayers $5 million, Fulton County Commission Chair Robb Pitts feels the center isn't getting enough use. 'It's a beautiful facility,' Pitts told Channel 2's Sophia Choi. Pitts voted to use taxpayer money for the diversion center, which opened in January. 'Simple reason, because it will (alleviate) some of the pressure on Rice Street,' Pitts said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] He said the diversion center can help people with minor offenses avoid a permanent record. But after touring the facility, Pitts is disappointed by the lack of use. '(I'm) seeing only two or three people per day. And that's not going to get it,' Pitts said. Both Fulton County and Atlanta contributed $2.5 million to build the center with 20 beds, most of which stay empty, and they're still spending tax dollars on it. Grady Memorial Hospital runs it, but any police department within the county limits can use it. 'So it's the 15 police departments that's within Fulton County, the cities. Plus MARTA, plus Georgia State, and others around there,' Pitts said. Atlanta police say they've taken plenty of people to the center since it opened. The problem is, they can't make people stay. TRENDING STORIES: Fight outside McDonald's in DeKalb County ends in shootout, police say We now have 4 candidates running to be Georgia's next governor Man found dead on top of tank at Cartersville manufacturing plant Pitts hopes to convince officers to start using the diversion program on a regular basis. He plans to meet with police chiefs next week. 'We're going to have to get the officers, and more importantly, the chiefs, to say to their people, we have to take advantage of this. Otherwise, I mean, it's a waste of time and money if we're not utilizing it,' Pitts said. Pitts said he's looking at some options when it comes to the building. He said the county and city will likely give the program some more time before considering closing it. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘You're hired': Fulton County looks to fill job vacancies with laid-off federal workers
Fulton County officials are stepping in to help federal employees who are facing job cuts and layoffs. Fulton County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said there's a need in Fulton County to fill around 800 vacancies. The new initiative will give guaranteed job interviews to federal workers in the county who've been impacted by the recent government cuts. Pitts said the part- and full-time positions are already funded. The requirements are as follows: applicants need to be a resident of Fulton County and meet the qualifications of the job to get the interview. Channel 2's Eryn Rogers browsed the current openings and salaries ranged from just under $38,000 for a cook to upwards of $250,000 for an associate medical examiner. TRENDING STORIES Mom accused of stabbing son to death before being shot, killed by police CAUGHT ON CAMERA: Man committed murder, carjacking, assaults and more – all in 20 minutes Alpharetta native, son of Backstreet Boys star joins 'American Idol' on Channel 2 There are also open positions for engineers, law enforcement, attorneys, court reporters, and technology professionals. 'Some say you're fired, I say you're hired here in Fulton County,' Pitts said. 'The reason I say that is because there are at least a couple thousand Fulton County residents who've been displaced because of DOGE. These are experienced people, they're qualified people, and they're very professional people.' Pitts said this program is in effect now, but he plans to finalize it with a resolution at the board of commissioners meeting on March 19.
