Mayor Ron Shinnick of Cohutta, Georgia, has resigned shortly after attempting to dismiss the town's entire police department, a move that was ultimately reversed by the local governing council. In a resignation letter dated 15 May, Shinnick cited family health concerns as the reason for stepping down, making no mention of the police force incident that garnered international attention.
Resignation and Context
Shinnick, who had served as mayor since 2014, wrote in his letter that the decision was not made lightly, but he believed it was in the best interest of both the town and himself. The letter took immediate effect. The 70-year-old mayor had dismissed the police chief and 10 officers on 6 May, posting a sign advising residents to contact the county for emergencies.
Political Spat and Reversal
The firings stemmed from a political dispute involving Shinnick's wife, Pam, who had been fired as town clerk in January. Officers had raised complaints about her, alleging a hostile work environment and continued access to sensitive data. The town council held an emergency meeting on 8 May and voted to reinstate the police department, noting that Shinnick's actions violated the town's charter.
Shinnick's resignation letter praised his tenure, highlighting new businesses and improved services, and expressed confidence in the town's future under new leadership. The council will discuss appointing an interim mayor at a meeting on Wednesday. Cohutta is located about 100 miles northwest of Atlanta, near the Tennessee border.
