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Residents urge continued funding for Hearts to Nourish Hope and raise complaints about board conduct
Summary
Multiple residents spoke during public comment: several praised Hearts to Nourish Hope and asked the board to preserve its services; other residents alleged conduct, ethics and nepotism concerns involving board leadership and requested changes to a residential noise ordinance.
During public comment at the Oct. 7 Clayton County Board of Commissioners meeting, residents gave sharply different messages: several speakers urged continued support for Hearts to Nourish Hope, while others raised complaints about board conduct, alleged conflicts and asked for ordinance changes.
Multiple speakers representing Hearts to Nourish Hope described the nonprofit’s services — food distribution, housing assistance, GED programming and youth and job programs — and asked the board to ensure the organization can continue operating. Deborah Anglin, identified as the Hearts leader, said on one day more than 400 families received food and that the organization has served Clayton County for about 30 years. “We listen...we're all in this together,” one speaker said. Supporters noted partnerships with local organizations and described program outcomes including transitional housing and job placement assistance.
Other commenters described governance and ethics concerns. Orlando Gooden (District 3) said the chair accused him of lying at a Sept. 16 meeting and that he was escorted out by police; he cited a county letter about public‑comment protocol and argued citizens retain First Amendment protections. Gwen Gooden (District 3) alleged county waste and misuse, cited a $54,000 consultant payment she said produced no deliverables, and raised questions about vendor waivers and use of county vehicles. Carol Yancey alleged stalking, harassment and campaign reporting failures and suggested complaints to the ethics commission.
Another resident, Geddy (Getty) Heller of Barracruz Drive in Morrow, asked the board to change the residential noise ordinance to start quiet hours at 9:30 p.m. rather than 11 p.m., saying repeated loud music disturbed her household and that calls for police had not resulted in enforcement.
The chair thanked speakers and noted residents who did not get to speak would be allowed time at the Oct. 21 meeting. The transcript records comments and allegations from speakers; no formal board action on the allegations or proposed ordinance change occurred at the Oct. 7 meeting.
