A veteran Georgia Public Broadcasting employee has resigned, citing the hiring of former powerful state lawmaker Chip Rogers.
Rogers resigned his state Senate seat last month and is now working as an executive producer at GPB with a six-figure salary.
"I have been presented with a great opportunity with the governor and Georgia Public Broadcasting to take a leadership role in that organization," Rogers said in December.
Rogers became executive producer for GPB's community jobs program.
After learning that the former Senate Majority leader will be paid $150,000 annually, GPB senior producer Ashlie Wilson Pendley has resigned.
A copy of her resignation letter refers to GPB cutbacks, saying, in part, "I think it is unconscionable to create a position and compensate any individual in this manner during these difficult times"
The letter also says, "This was the wrong decision for GPB. It has the appearance of the political manipulation of the public airwaves. This stinks of cronyism."
Bryan Long of the advocacy group Better Georgia released the letter.
"She, in her well-worded resignation letter, just expressed what a lot of people are feeling," said Long.
His group has been critical of Gov. Nathan Deal and other Republicans.
"This job, which, you know, Chip Rogers has been given without any competition, he didn't compete for it, it wasn't advertised -- it's wrong," said Long.
FOX 5 left phone messages but did not get a response from the newly-resigned producer.
The Governor's Office and GPB declined comment as well, except for a GPB official who said Pendley had made "amazing contributions."
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:16:44 GMT
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground.
FOX 5 has learned that two Newton County elementary school students are being treated for injuries after they were bitten by a fox while they were playing on a playground. Both victims are 6-year-old boys who are in kindergarten at Rocky Plains Elementary School, where the attack happened.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
A group of metro Atlanta business community leaders are pledging $10.5 million to improve one of the state's busiest and most congested freeway interchanges.
