January recall for mayor, mayor pro-tem in Hoschton

The Jackson County Board of Elections says the recall elections could take place as early as next month, with January 14 set as a targeted date: recall petitions have been circulating in Hoschton, where Mayor Theresa Kennerly and the Mayor Pro Tem Jim Cleveland are under fire for what critics say were racist remarks.

Some Hoschton City Council members say Mayor Theresa Kenerly admitted to them that she pulled the resume of a city administrator candidate because he’s black and she was worried the town wasn’t ready for a black city administrator. Cleveland was quoted as saying he didn’t approve of interracial marriage.

The Georgia Supreme Court has refused to hear arguments against the validity of the recall effort.