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Local Village Of America News

Chairman Bill Chappell Hauls Liquor in County Truck

Chappell has 2 previous D.U.I. Convictions.

by D. Tim Clark

March 14, 2010

Less than two weeks ago, Carroll County Commission Chairman Bill Chappell was praised in a public meeting for removing a 'liquor by the drink' measure from the county board's agenda. During the meeting, local ministers and citizens described how alcohol abuse has impacted their lives.

But as history clearly demonstrates, Bill Chappell aligns himself more closely with alcohol abuse than with prohibition.

Hauling Liquor in County Truck
This past Friday, The Information Age videoed Carroll County Commission Chairman Bill Chappell as he loaded liquor into his county-provided truck at the Cheers liquor store on Maple Street in Carrollton.

Recall just last summer, the chairman was pulled over at a roadblock near his home (while on county business) where he was given a field sobriety test when he was found to smell of alcohol. He absolutely failed the sobriety test and if he had been anybody other than the chairman of the county he would have spent the night in the Jack Bell Detention Center. Instead, he was allowed to drive himself home, while being closely followed by a Georgia State Trooper "for his safety."

Also recall, Bill Chappell admitted to 2 previous D.U.I. convictions when deposed during a recent defamation lawsuit.

Several county employees have confirmed frequently smelling alcohol on the chairman "first thing in the morning" and "all day long."

What do the commissioners think?
Regarding Chappell's use of a county vehicle to haul liquor, District Commissioner Vicki Anderson replied, "This has never happened before that I am aware of during my tenure. My immediate response is that it looks inappropriate."

Commissioner Kevin Jackson said, "The County vehicle policy prohibits alcohol in any county vehicle. I expect our Chairman to abide by the same rules in which he enforces."

Commissioner Ashley Hendrix provided, "I do not approve of the chairman hauling liquor in county vehicles. The privilege of having county vehicles is not intended for personal use in my opinion."

Long-serving Commissioner Trent North answered "No" when asked "Do you believe county vehicles should be used to carry liquor?"

Commissioners George Chambers and John Wilson, who are both up for re-election this year, have not responded to emailed questions regarding the chairman's behavior.

Chairman Bill Chappell was asked whether he would "have a problem if any other county employee hauled liquor around in a Carroll County vehicle," but as usual, he has failed to reply.

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Public Notice: Welcome to Carroll County, Georgia. If you see a white GMC truck with Carroll County government license plate GV57201 while you are here, please be careful as the driver has a history of drinking and driving. If you see this vehicle swerving and driving in an unsafe manner, do your best to stay clear. There is no need to dial 9-1-1 or to bring the matter to the attention of local law enforcement .. as nothing will be done about it. After all, this is Carroll County, Georgia and the driver is our chairman.

This story is published on the following community web sites:

West Georgia | Carroll County | Bowdon | Carrollton | Mt. Zion | Roopville | Temple | Villa Rica | Whitesburg

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