Citizens Pack City Council Meeting to Challenge John Anker’s Appointment

By Janell Williams

A packed city council meeting Tuesday night saw numerous citizens voice their opinions on the recent appointment of John Anker to the council, with many addressing their concerns during the public agenda session.

The city council convened at 5:30 p.m. at the City Services Center. Mayor Henderson and council members, including the newly appointed John Anker, were present. Public turnout was high, with a total of 27 citizens signing up to speak.

Anker was appointed to the council on Mar. 11, 2025, to fill the vacancy left by Judy Thomas. Controversy surrounding his appointment surfaced after his impromptu same-day nomination and appointment at the previous Council meeting, leaving community members feeling silenced.

Residents expressed a mix of support and opposition to Anker’s appointment. Key arguments presented by citizens included a lack of transparency and trust in the council, along with an allegation of outside corroboration to plan Anker's same-day appointment.

"Columbus deserves a council that is transparent. Columbus deserves a council that can demonstrate sound judgment. Columbus deserves a council that wants to unite rather than divide." Laura Irvin said. She closed her remarks with a question for council members, "Did you know that a motion for this appointment would be made at the last City Council Meeting?"

"I don't understand the rush. I don't feel like this process reflected due diligence. Why do we have to sign up four days in advance to speak at these council meetings, but you all can make a decision like that with no notice," Leadership Representative James Ogburn said.

Some residents focused their time to speak on calling out other council members, like Isaiah Hugley, with accusations of their own.

“I agree with everyone here that an investigation with the Attorney General, the FBI and the GBI should take place, but to look at the misplacement of funds," Columbus citizen Kathryn Turner said. The council did not know that the City Manager gave his wife almost $30,000 of taxpayer's money. That was illegal."

Council members addressed concerns like these, with City Manager Isaiah Hugley responding to the accusations against the mismanagement of city funds. Hugley and his Deputy City Manager disclosed details of the alleged $30,000 issued to Hugley’s wife, Minority House Leader Carolyn Hugley. Hugley also called for a follow-up internal audit to be done in light of the efforts of his team to discredit the accusations from other council members and citizens.

“I hear over and over and over again about rumors of money missing. I want to set the record straight," Hugley stated. "The auditors came in and determined that accusation was not true, but we have not corrected that misstatement. It is time to put that to rest. We have to stop letting people come to stand at this podium and state accusations that they have no facts about. Let's bring the internal auditor back in and let her set that record straight. I have been transparent, and I will continue to be."

Columbus residents and community leaders are hoping that an investigation will be launched into the validity of John Anker's nomination and appointment, possibly recalling the vote.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about this issue as well as political issues going forward and attend as many City Council meetings as they can. The next City Council meeting is to be held on Tuesday, Apr. 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the City Services Building. More information about this meeting and others can be found on the City Services Website.