RINGGOLD, Ga. — Ringgold councilmen on Monday wouldn’t give reasons why Catoosa County Magistrate Anthony Peters was dismissed from his post as city judge, but the former judge did get an apology for the way the message was delivered.
Judge Peters, who was represented for most of his appearance by lawyer Larry Stagg, attended the meeting to ask about reasons for his dismissal in an unanimous June 14 vote that came before he became embroiled in a spat with Chief Magistrate Judge Donald “Sonny” Caldwell two days later.
Mr. Stagg said Judge Peters was concerned about the timing of the dismissal and the method of delivery because it appeared to be “pre-planned.” He said a mailed version of the letter was postmarked June 17.
Mayor Joe Barger said the council directed City Manager Dan Wright to see that the letter was delivered as soon as possible, but didn’t tell Mr. Wright how to deliver it.
“I’m not saying that it was the way it should’ve been,” Mr. Barger said.