May 1, 2009 - Lithia Springs GA: Douglas County District One Commissioner Freddie Ashmon’s Thursday night town hall meeting ended abruptly after Commissioner Ashmon become enraged by a question from a citizen. 

The meetig was held at the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Lithia Springs.

Witnesses said Ashmon became angry after Jimmy Hulsey, a 55 resident of Douglas County, asked Ashmon to explain why he has missed numerous official meetings. Hulsey read a list of dates of commission meetings, obtained through an open records request which showed Ashmon’s absences. Ashmon attempted to talk over Mr. Hulsey, who had the floor and accused Hulsey of lying and attempting to discredit him.

According to Hulsey, Commissioner Ashmon left the lectern, approached him, and angrily slapped his hands knocking his notes to the floor. Ashmon then grabbed the remaining papers in Hulsey’s hands, ripped and through the papers to the floor and kicked and stomped them.

A sheriff deputy stepped between Ashmon and Hulsey in an attempt to regain order and warned he would stop the meeting.

Hulsey then called for the commissioner to resign, Ashmon again angrily approached him. At the request of the church minister, the deputy stopped the meeting and ordered everyone to leave the building.

 Witnesses said they were stunned by Commissioner Ashmon’s angry demeanor. Some described it as a “fit of rage” and that the commissioner was out of control.

One witness said county employees stood by and watched in shocked silence as Ashmon repeated accosted Mr. Hulsey. Commission Chairman Tom Worthan was also present.

Ashmon left the room for a moment then return to confronted Hulsey once again. Ashmon ask him “who paid you to do this”? Hulsey said he felt threaten and warned Ashmon to back away.

An attempt by email to reach Commissioner Ashmon for comment was not answered.

Mr. Hulsey declined comment when asked if he will seek legal action against Commissioner Ashmon.

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