Now that the Metro Spirit has exposed the true colors of Joe Mullins, the local entertainment promoter and former candidate for the House District 122 seat, in this past week’s cover story, it is time for Columbia County leaders to wise up.
For years, Mullins has been given special treatment for events he held at the Evans Towne Center Park and the Lady A Pavilion.
Columbia County staff members, past and present, have been forced to bend over backwards to provide Mullins extra assistance in organizing many of his events and even, on occasion, reduce or waive certain fees.
And for what?
It is no big secret around town that some of Joe Mullins’ local events have been absolute train wrecks that leave county staff scrambling to help pull them off.
So, why in the world was Mullins given such special treatment? Why would county employees put up with such a tremendous headache?
Two words: Ron Cross.
Due to Mullins’ enormous bank account and family connections, he and Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross are tight. Extremely tight.
And since Cross acts like a dictator throughout Columbia County’s government, Mullins definitely gets his way at every turn.
It’s mind-boggling the number of times Columbia County employees have had to endure the same song and dance routine from Mullins when he plans an event at a county facility.
But none of the county employees, including County Administrator Scott Johnson, dare challenge the arrangement because Cross would, without a doubt, do everything in his power to crush them.
Don’t believe it?
Just look at the high level of turnover in the county’s Department of the Community & Leisure Services Division.
Cross absolutely adores a “Yes man” or “Yes woman” because he can run right over them easier than a speed bump and not even look back.
However, considering the rotten behavior and tremendous lies that Mullins has exposed this community to over the past few months during and after his run for the District 122 seat, isn’t it time to permanently slam the door on his sweetheart deals with the county and send him packing?
Mullins needs to be treated like every other person in this community who wants to rent a county facility.
He is no different than any other renter or promoter, other than the fact that he is a lying S.O.B., of course.
It is time for Columbia County commissioners to open up their eyes. It is time for them to wise up and tell Cross and his good ol’ buddy Mullins that the game is over.
They lost and lost in a big way.
And the Insider is not just talking about Mullins receiving only 15 percent of the votes cast in the District 122 race on Nov. 3.
Mullins has lost the respect of the majority of people in this community. He is a walking punchline now.
Columbia County officials no longer have to bow down to what Mullins wants or needs.
He is an average Joe, now.
Because, the truth of the matter is, money can’t buy respect. It can’t buy honesty. And it sure as hell can’t buy the citizens of Columbia County.
Mullins might be one of the richest men in the region, but it is time for him to cash out on Columbia County and go home.
He’s done here.
