Brookhaven Mayor Calls for Inquiry into Councilman's New Job

Brookhaven Mayor Rebecca Chase Williams is calling for an independent inquiry into Brookhaven Innovation Academy’s (BIA) hiring of Councilman Bates Mattison as its executive director.

“While no ethical complaint has been filed, the mayor and several council members would like a legal opinion concerning the ethics of Councilman Mattison accepting a full time job with the Brookhaven Innovation Academy given his role in creating the BIA,” Williams said in a statement released Monday morning.

Mattison, as reported by the Brookhaven Post, was hired back in October to serve as the school’s executive director until September 2016. The District 3 councilman played a leading role in creating the BIA as a State Funded Charter School.

Here is the rest of Williams’ statement:

“The Mayor and council would like to clarify and have a better understanding of any legal, ethical or charter problems, violations or conflicts of interest for Mr. Mattison to serve as both a Brookhaven city councilman and director of the BIA. That is why I am calling for an independent inquiry into the questions.

“I would also ask for guidance on any votes Mr. Mattison makes that might prove to be a conflict or ethical problem given his contract to earn a portion of funds he raises for the BIA.

“I would ask that the same procedure be used that is called for in the city’s ethics ordinance: the city clerk randomly chooses an attorney she has compiled from a list of four attorneys chosen for their independence, integrity and ability to render a fair and impartial decision.

“I ask that this review be made as expeditiously as possible so the council can move forward with its many pressing issues without a distraction or hint of controversy. We also believe Councilman Mattison deserves a fair and impartial answer as quickly as possible.

“I am anxious to clear up any questions, as we must hold ourselves to the highest of standards.”