Warner Robins faces legal threat from former public works director

The city of Warner Robins is looking at the prospect of legal action from a former public works director.

Joe Musselwhite, through his attorney, Stanley Martin, sent a demand letter to city officials seeking $100,000 in damages for what he alleges were defamatory statements.

“I’ve pretty much been accused of racism in a public council meeting,” Musselwhite said.

The accusations stem from an anonymous letter read to the council members on June 1 by Louise McBride. The letter alleged that, under then-Mayor Chuck Shaheen, Musselwhite demeaned, belittled and verbally abused employees.

The anonymous letter also contended that Musselwhite used a racial epithet when referring to black employees.

Musselwhite said being accused of racism made him sick to his stomach.

“I can assure you racism wasn’t a problem,” he said.

At the time of the meeting, however, council member Tim Thomas said it was not a rumor and “not false.”

In the demand letter to Mayor Randy Toms on June 25, Martin wrote, “Because of the words and actions of the City’s officers and elected officials, ... Musselwhite has suffered and continues to suffer tremendous damages to his personal and professional reputation and to his standing in the community.”

Martin told The Telegraph that when Musselwhite worked as director of the Public Works Department, “He had roughly 80 percent minorities working for him, and he’s never had a complaint about mistreatment from anyone.”

He added that the accusations of mistreatment and racism were “insane” and “outrageous.”

Shaheen said when he first got into office years ago, he implemented a whistleblower policy so people could submit anonymous complaints.

He added, “I don’t recall any written complaints of Mr. Musselwhite,” but wasn’t certain.

Musselwhite also said he wasn’t sure if there were complaints out there, but he disputed Thomas’ public confirmation of the accusations. He said there’s been no official investigation into the allegations against him and that his attorney has filed Georgia Open Records Act requests with the city for any complaints against him.

“We’re trying to get to the bottom of it,” he said.

Musselwhite was the public works director for almost 20 years before he retired in 2013, after an unsuccessful mayoral bid.

Martin said, “It’s almost two years since he left. So why are they picking on him now?”

Neither City Attorney Jim Elliott nor Thomas could not be reached for comment.

The city has 30 days to respond to the demand letter.

To contact writer David Schick, call 744-4382.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Warner Robins faces legal threat from former public works director."