After a day-long hearing at South Fulton’s City Hall, no compelling evidence was presented to prove that Mayor Bill Edwards or Councilwoman Helen Willis steered a development deal involving Halperns’ Steak and Seafood away from the city.
Instead, City Attorney Emilia Walker testified that she in fact made attempts to convince Halperns’ to switch jurisdiction. She communicated with the company by phone and in writing to solicit the business.
Had the deal been done in the city, Walker, financial advisor Ed Wall and bond attorney Dan McRae would have benefited financially.
Additionally, the hearing did uncover a few new cracks in an already fractured city. Issues with the city charter, and potentially a greater need for stronger city policies and more oversight were revealed.
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