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Fogeys in Fayette County are questioning whether or no longer Board of Training member Randy Hough would possibly presumably also fair tranquil reside in office after a whisper investigation tied him to the First Liberty Constructing and Loan Ponzi scheme. The Georgia Secretary of Reveal fined Hough $500,000 and referred the case for legal prosecution.

During a Board of Training work session Monday afternoon, Chair Scott Hollowell released a short statement on behalf of the board addressing the instruct.

The beefy statement reads:

“I were authorized by the Board to originate the following statement.

First, we desire to particular our deep sympathy for the victims of the First Liberty Loan and Constructing scandal. Our hearts shuffle out to those that hold had their lives devastated.

We hold seen the allegations referring to Mr. Hough. The Board has no more data than what is publicly on hand.

I desire to demonstrate that no Board member has person authority over the college system’s funds or any moderately a spread of matter. The Board handiest has authority when the majority of the Board votes on an field.

Moreover, the Fayette County College Machine has no connection to First Liberty. Right here’s a internal most matter for Mr. Hough. On condition that, and that can presumably well also fair be a pending moral matter, The Board will construct no longer hold any additional comment on this field.

Thank you.

Scott Hollowell
Chair, Fayette County Board of Training”

No matter the board’s space, some fogeys affirm the matter goes past the college system’s bellow involvement.

One Fayetteville guardian who called The Citizen earlier than the statement became released said she believes the instruct displays on the leadership of the college board. The guardian requested to reside nameless and is identified right here as “Rebecca.” She has moderately one in kindergarten in Fayette County faculties and yet every other who will enter pre-K this topple.

“It’s upsetting that leaders in our community are participating in scams that hurt Fayette County families,” Rebecca said. “Whether or no longer or no longer it’s a internal most matter or a school matter, it matters who’s in an authoritative seat.”

“If they’ll stop that in their ‘internal most life,’ what are they doing with their positions on the college board?” Rebecca said. “Our children’ training and futures are on the line, and we need those that situation an example of excellent citizenship.”

Rebecca said she believes Hough would possibly presumably also fair tranquil step down from the board.

“I’d cherish for Randy Hough to resign on his have and excellent step down and keep in mind that he’s no longer the categorical person to be leading on the Fayette County Board of Training,” she said.

She also said fogeys would possibly presumably also fair tranquil proceed speaking up about the matter.

“It’s no longer a internal most matter will hold to you would possibly presumably even be a public figure in a public office,” Rebecca said. “Fogeys must demand his resignation.”

One other guardian, identified right here as “Ed,” also said he believes the instruct undermines public belief in leadership.

Ed, a Peachtree City guardian with teens in both classic and center college and a old school registered funding e book, said he believes the penalties connected to the case need to be vital ample to discourage future misconduct.

“I factor within the penalties need to be excessive to stop moderately a spread of folks from doing this,” Ed said. “The slap on the wrist is not any longer ample for knowingly defrauding folks of their no longer easy-earned cash.”

Relating to a case cited within the Secretary of Reveal’s complaint of a special training teacher who lost half of of her retirement by arrangement of investments offered by Hough with First Liberty, Ed said, “I can’t factor in taking a teacher who’s labored for so long for youths within the neighborhood and destroying their retirement.”

Ed also said he believes Hough would possibly presumably also fair tranquil step down from the college board.

“I’d judge that Mr. Hough would must resign straight to distance the County College Board from any that you would possibly presumably presumably be factor in decisions that he can originate facing funds — or any resolution, genuinely,” Ed said.

He said actions by public officers can hold an affect on self perception within the establishments they aid.

“Whereas you’re a person in authority and a belief figure and you stop that, you undermine your total system,” Ed said.

For now, the Fayette County Board of Training says it considers the First Liberty matter a internal most moral field for Hough and has indicated it would possibly per chance probably presumably presumably no longer comment additional whereas the case stays pending.

Under Georgia legislation, local college boards in total cannot take away one amongst their very have members. An elected board member would possibly presumably also resign voluntarily or face a voter recall assignment. Elimination would possibly presumably also additionally happen if a legal conviction creates an moral emptiness within the office.