CITY OF PORT WENTWORTH

7224 GA Highway 21| Port Wentworth, Georgia 31407

Phone (912) 964-4379 | Fax (912) 966-7429
www.cityofportwentworth.com

ELECTED OFFICIALS FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

MAYOR
Gary Norton Port Wentworth, GA – February 23, 2022

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Thomas Barbee, Mayor Pro Tem
Jo Smith, At-Large
Gabrielle Nelson, District 1
Mark Stephens, District 2
Rufus Bright, District 3
Glenn Jones, District 4
CITY MANAGER
Edwin L. Booth
Mayor Norton has announced that the February 24, 2022, council
meeting has been cancelled. This meeting will be rescheduled
later. The meeting is being cancelled for several issues.
1. The city currently does not have a Clerk of Council and is
facing a major staff shortage in City Hall. This is due to
several complaints from numerous employees against
Councilmen Thomas Barbee, for interface in day-to-day
operations and hostile work environment.

2. Mr. Ervin, who was appointed as the city attorney at the

January 27, 2022 City of Port Wentworth Council meeting
at the request of Councilmen Thomas Barbee, has notified
Mayor Norton and Council that he is resigning his position
effective immediately due to the conduct of certain
members of council.

3. Mayor Norton has requested that the Georgia Bureau of

Investigation conduct a criminal / public integrity
investigation into the actions of several members of the
Port Wentworth City Council and anyone who is
attempting to circumvent proper and legal course of action
to conduct business within the City of Port Wentworth.

Mayor Norton stated he will do everything in his power to ensure

that the City of Port Wentworth conducts its business in a
professional and impartial manner. Mayor Norton also stated that
he demands those who wish to work for or do business with the
city be held to the same standard.