Robert Wood

Some controversy arose before the matter was officially heard, as Commissioner Robert Wood announced that he would not hear the discussion or participate in the vote due to his ties to both sides of the issue.Wood formerly served as a board member for Angel's House, and a longtime business associate of his was present to speak on behalf of the opposition, he said.

As Wood was leaving, Commissioner Lawrence Nelms stated for the record his objection to Wood's recusal, which sparked a lenghty debate on that issue.
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At Wood's urging, County Attorney Mitch Powell expressed his opinion, based on earlier conversations with Wood, that the commissioner's business and financial interests were a sufficient reason for his recusal.
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After a bit more verbal sparring, Chairman Jim McGuffey declared the matter closed and Wood left the room.

During Tuesday morning's commission meeting, Commissioner Robert Wood said he didn't have a problem with how the document was worded.

"It's time to move forward," Wood said.

Wood spearheaded the effort to form the Coweta Intergovernmental Association during the local governments retreat in Athens.

Under the joint statement's terms, each local government will appoint one representative the association.The association will meet at least quarterly and swap information that will lead to better planning.

The CIA will receive input from such agencies as the Chamber of Commerce, Newnan Utilities and Chattahoochee-Flint Regional Development Center.

While the association will not have any governmental power, it will still keep minutes of its meetings and comply with all open meetings laws.