When Decorum Dies: How One Councilwoman's Rage Exposed a Broken System—and Why Fairburn Deserves Better
- Samantha Hudson
- May 29
- 3 min read
In an era where citizens demand transparency and accountability, Fairburn remains tethered to antiquated local policies that do more to protect misconduct than to prevent it. The most recent scandal involving Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones during a closed executive session on May 12, 2025, is not just a matter of behavior—it’s a symptom of systemic dysfunction embedded deep within Fairburn’s political framework.
A Dangerous Outburst, and a Deafening Silence
As confirmed in a police report (Case #2511997) and the detailed accounts of both Councilwoman Samantha Hudson and Councilman James Whitmore, Councilwoman Portis-Jones exhibited what can only be described as violent rage during a closed session, physically confronting Councilwoman Hudson in an outburst that required physical restraint by other council and staff members.
Yet, despite the clear threat this posed to public safety and institutional integrity, the city’s policies have no clear pathway for immediate censure, investigation, or removal. Fairburn’s outdated procedures make it possible for public officials to engage in repeated misconduct without facing swift, public accountability.
The Hypocrisy of Hiding Behind Process
Adding insult to injury is the glaring hypocrisy of Councilwoman Portis-Jones herself. Just months ago, Portis-Jones—alongside Councilwoman Linda Davis—illegally moved Councilwoman Hudson’s ethics complaint against Councilman Alex Heath into executive session, denying it the public hearing that basic democratic norms demand. This move violated the Georgia Open Meetings Act, yet no corrective action was taken.
Contrast this with how Portis-Jones’ own ethics hearing was conducted: fully in public view, under the same Councilwoman Davis’ supervision. This double standard is not only unethical—it’s intentional. It reflects a calculated use of policy as a political weapon to protect allies and punish dissenters.
A Third-Party Investigation, or Political Theater?
The hypocrisy doesn’t stop there. Councilwoman Portis-Jones voted to make public a third-party investigative report involving Councilman James Whitmore—a report that was commissioned unilaterally by Mayor Avery without Council approval, in direct violation of Fairburn's policy and procurement procedures. By voting to release the report, Portis-Jones effectively endorsed Mayor Avery’s misuse of authority and unauthorized expenditure of public funds.
The vote to publicize the report had nothing to do with accountability and everything to do with political optics. Meanwhile, her own physical confrontation with a fellow council member has not been subject to any formal review, highlighting the ongoing abuse of selective process and double standards within this governing body.
Mayor Avery’s Power Grab: Unchecked, Unvoted, Unlawful
Then there’s Mayor Mario Avery, who continues to exploit the gray areas of Fairburn’s weak governance structure to protect preferred figures and neutralize his critics. In the wake of the May 12 incident, Mayor Avery unilaterally allowed the City Administrator to select an investigative firm without seeking Council approval. This decision violates Fairburn’s code and contradicts the principles of checks and balances.
No executive, not even the mayor, has the legal authority to bypass a council vote when public funds are involved in hiring external counsel or investigators. This kind of procedural abuse mirrors the worst of small-town political machines—opaque, self-serving, and unaccountable.
It’s Time to Modernize the Rules—and the Leadership
What Fairburn needs is not another cover-up, but a complete overhaul of its ethics and governance procedures:
Close the loopholes that allow executive sessions to be used as political hiding places.
Mandate public hearings for all ethics complaints involving elected officials.
Require council votes on all third-party investigations and legal expenditures.
Institute mechanisms for temporary suspension or censure when violence or intimidation occurs.
Limit the Mayor’s unilateral authority and strengthen oversight of the City Attorney’s office.
Because right now, bad behavior is protected, honest criticism is punished, and public trust is being destroyed.
Accountability Is Not Optional—It Is a Duty
Let it be clear:
Councilwoman Hattie Portis-Jones must be held accountable for her threatening behavior, abuse of process, and pattern of retaliation. No elected official who attempts to intimidate colleagues—verbally or physically—should remain in public office.
Mayor Mario Avery must be held accountable for circumventing Council authority and enabling an environment of selective enforcement and political interference. His actions violate public trust and the ethical standards of leadership.
The entire City Council must follow the law, not just when convenient, but consistently and transparently. This includes upholding the Georgia Open Meetings Act, respecting due process, and rejecting the misuse of executive authority.
Attached are the recent police report and witness statements.
The people of Fairburn are watching. They deserve leadership grounded in law, not ego. They deserve representation, not retaliation. And they deserve a government that works for them, not against itself.
Enough is enough. The time for accountability is now.
"Change Does not Happen Until We Act!"
Yours in Service,
Councilwoman Samantha L. Hudson-McCalla
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