As of Thursday, December 27, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Albany Herald
Christopher Pike
ALBANY — City officials aren’t eager to answer uncomfortable questions about one of their own, but as financial woes continue to swirl around Albany City Commissioner Christopher Pike, they may soon find themselves with little choice.
An official with the downtown Hilton Garden Inn said this week Pike had failed to make the first court-ordered payment on the more than $11,000 the business says Pike owes for use of its facilities during the Albany Area Black Expo in April, and a Dougherty County court clerk said Thursday papers filed against the city commissioner by the Albany Civic Center for a bad check in excess of $2,000 were awaiting a judge’s signature.
“I’ve talked with (city attorney) Nathan (Davis) about this situation, and he’s informed me that there is no course of action we can take concerning a commissioner’s personal business,” Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard said. “And, to be honest, I’m not comfortable talking about the problems of one of my colleagues who’s going through a tough time right now.
“But at some point I think we’re going to have to look at this situation. I think we may be put in a position where we’re going to have to take a closer look at the way we do things.”
B.J. Fletcher, the events coordinator for the Hilton Garden Inn, said this week she believes Pike is receiving preferential treatment because of his position on the commission. She noted that the hotel had filed papers seeking garnishment of wages from the $15,000 Pike receives as a member of the City Commission, but the city said Pike’s annual salary does not meet minimum statutory requirements for garnishment.
“I’ve got people working for me who make minimum wage, and their checks are garnished all the time,” Fletcher said. “I don’t see how the city can say (Pike) doesn’t meet the requirements for garnishment.”
City Finance Director Kris Newton said the state has a formula used to determine minimum requirements for which money can be taken from an employee’s wages to pay a debt. She said Pike’s salary falls just below the minimum standards.
“According to state guidelines, a person must make more than the total of 30 hours a week at minimum wage,” Newton said. “Currently, that equates to a salary of $217.50 a week, or $11,310 annually. The city pays its commissioners $15,000 a year, but when you take out all the deductions, the amount falls under the state minimum required for garnishment.”
The Hilton Garden Inn filed a garnishment summons against Pike in Magistrate Court on Oct. 26 for the $11,253.33, plus court costs, the hotel said Pike owed for the meeting rooms and food provided by the hotel at the five-day Black Expo. Fletcher said the hotel set up a repayment plan for Pike, but when he did not make a payment as agreed, the court set up its own plan.
“The court worked out a payment plan for him, but he still hasn’t paid on the debt,” Fletcher said. “That’s a substantial amount of money, but there are a lot of larger questions, too. Doesn’t the city have some kind of ethics code in place? And how can people in the city be expected to trust this person, who is one of seven commissioners making decisions on a $100 million budget, when he doesn’t take care of his own finances?”
A sales representative who said she was fired from her job at the Hilton Garden Inn because of Pike’s failure to pay his debt, said this week that Pike promised he’d pay the money owed as soon as he received funding from Black Expo sponsors, which included Procter & Gamble, MillerCoors, Albany State University, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital and AT&T, among others.
According to an email sent to the sales rep, who shared her email communications with the stipulation that her name not be used, Pike wrote:
“Sorry for the delay (in paying the debt). The problem is that many of our sponsors like Albany State & Phoebe cannot be invoiced until after the event. Then on top of that it takes 30-45 days to get a payment from them. Our goals was (sic) to get you all a total payment after all monies have collected (sic). However I think a better approach would be to get you all the money as it comes in. Having said that here is our proposal:
Friday May 11th $3,000
Friday May 25th $3,000
Friday June 8th $3,000
Friday June 22nd Balance
“Of course this schedule could be accelerated based on when sponsors deliver payments.”
A person involved in the ongoing situation, who asked that her name not be used because she is not authorized to speak on behalf of one of the event sponsors, said she’d contacted a Black Expo sponsor and had been told that the sponsor had paid Pike $4,000 in sponsorship money.
The sales rep, who said responsibility for booking the Black Expo fell solely on her when the Hilton’s corporate office demanded someone be held accountable, admitted she’s still hurt that someone she trusted based on his position with the city had left her ultimately responsible for his failure to pay the debt.
“Here’s someone who was elected to look out for the best interest of downtown, and because of him a downtown employee lost her job,” she said.
Pike did not respond to phone messages and emails seeking comment.
City Manager James Taylor said that Pike was being dealt with “like any other customer” when the Ward III commissioner’s check paying for usage of the Albany Civic Center was returned for insufficient funds after the American Basketball Association’s Albany Shockwave, for which Pike is the general manager, played its first game. Pike told The Herald at the time he was “clearing up that matter with the city,” and he moved the remainder of the team’s home games to Albany High School.
But Suzanne Davis, who serves as the city’s Parks and Recreation director and as manager of the Civic Center, said Pike had not cleared up the matter in the 10 days required by law after notice of the returned check was given. She said she filed paperwork, as required, with Magistrate’s Court on Dec. 5.
Senior Court Clerk Johanna Bowen said Thursday paperwork had been delivered to the court by Civic Center officials, but no judge had been available during the holidays to sign off on the paperwork.
“We figure it will be Tuesday or Wednesday of next week before a judge is available,” Davis said.
In another issue that surfaced in the ongoing discussion of Pike’s financial situation, three city officials — Hubbard, Taylor and Ward IV Commissioner Roger Marietta — told The Herald they had written Pike checks from their personal accounts in support of the ABA team. The officials were responding to an unsubstantiated claim that they’d used city funds to help finance the venture.
Taylor, meanwhile, said he could not respond to the growing cry of ethics violations from citizens.
“Those kinds of issues are issues that must be addressed by the City Commission,” the city manager said. “When it comes to something like this, an ethics issue, that’s an issue for the city’s policymakers. I’m not trying to duck the bullet; I’m just not the person responsible for making those kinds of decisions.”
Pike had declared in an online response to earlier criticism of his financial issues that he would “immediately resign without hesitation” if “the people in my ward feel as though I can no longer effectively (represent) their needs, concerns and issues at City Hall.”
Hubbard, for one, said she hopes it doesn’t come to that.
“I honestly don’t know how (Pike) is handling all this,” she said. “I’ve talked with him briefly about it, but to be honest he doesn’t appear to be overly concerned. But I’m on his side; I’d really like to see him succeed. He’s a brilliant young man, but at some point he’s going to have to resolve these issues.”
More like this story
- Legal actions filed against Albany City Commissioner ( July 25, 2012 )
- Fletcher to make bid for City Commission ( April 22, 2013 )
- First Albany Area Black Expo opens ( April 18, 2011 )
- African-American culture celebrated at Albany expo ( April 11, 2012 )
- Local hoops legend Smith to lead Albany’s new ABA pro team ( July 31, 2012 )
Comments
chinaberry25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
If I am not mistaken, they percentage is figured on gross income and they must take home a certain amount. $15000 would for sure be more than that. BJ can figure this herself. He could claim a lot of dependents that were not him to circumvent this, if this were the case. Payroll clerks cannot question how many deductions you put on your W-4 form.
FlunkyMonkey 4 months, 3 weeks ago
The figures provided are correct....I am not supporting Pike, I just know the figures for garnishment are correct.
PatrickY2K 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Pike is a used car salesman. This is not suprising. Nothing will happen to him, and that isn't surprising, either.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Spike Pike. Garnish his Luxury Import Automobile.
On the other hand, the Obama Administration spends 40% more than they take in so why not the Honorable Mr. Pike and all his relatives, friends, acquaintences, Brothas and Sistas without concern or recourse? And hey, stop by the Doctor's Office and pick up a Handicapped Parking Sticker while they last. You'll be Too Fat To Walk very far pretty soon. Mr. Brillian Incompetent Money Manager (just check the mattress for the cash).
2beaurawls 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Sister_Ruby you truly are like your kind (take of the hankerchief). George W Bush spent in the trillions for us to take out Saddam because "ole dad" could not. "Leave the slim pickins to Obama" says you ghost rider mentality types living in the trailer parks, " blame him for the mess G.W. made cause he may have washed his brain with too much moonshine. Regardless, OLE GAL, President Obama is Your President too. Again, Take off the kerchief SISTA!! Hee-Haw!
Merlin 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Ethics, the word in not recognized by the Albany Comissioners.
Merlin 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Correction...is.
RedEric 4 months, 3 weeks ago
That is true, he is just following Obama's lead. A new wave progressive politician. He must be waiting on the loan from China to pay the Hilton. those Hilton's are 1%ers and should pay their fair share. Also, it is good that welfare is not counted as income.
RedEric 4 months, 3 weeks ago
That is true, he is just following Obama's lead. A new wave progressive politician. He must be waiting on the loan from China to pay the Hilton. those Hilton's are 1%ers and should pay their fair share.
rightasrain 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Albany politicians...crooks, crooks, crooks...it's in their blood.
spookj6 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
VSU 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Spoken like a true racist. Good ole ED (Leesburg) as you say is Leesburg, and has nothing to do with Albany. And there are Leesburg residents complaining about him too, so get off the racism train.
bigbob 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Black in Albany, why bother going after him. You wonder why you can't get any big bussinesses in town just look around albany, most corrupt school board ever, commisioners are thiefs, it goes on & on. What suprises me the most is the blacks will back any other black no matter how corrupt. It's their city their destroying but they don't care. Really don't understand their thinking.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
It's my home, business and taxes they are squandering though. If law enforcment doesn't get better in the Merry Acres and Lake Park areas most people will either sell, rent or abandon their homes. There are a large number on the market and have been for years. The city is not protecting its treasure (taxbase). They eat their seed corn and roast the goose that layed the taxable egg. The feudal system is choking the life out of this community. There are factors of racism but that aint the cause of our woes.
2beaurawls 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Spoken just like a true Good Ole Boy!!!. Whites do the same. Years ago, republican-led south georgians crossed the line to vote democratic for Mike Von Meyer when opposed by Black republican Joe Thomas. So puncha nella FELLA!! Take the kerchief off your face!!!
chinaberry25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
The real issue is that he stole the money that was earmarked for this purpose. It is just not that he owes money. He got the money and refused to pay it.. Now he is in charge of some government grants and that is very bad. Yes, there is probably money is a Mason jar.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Mayor Hubbard: "But I’m on his (Pike's) side. "
This is the medieval feudal (should I write futile) system in all of its glory. Hubbard doesn't give a whit about the lady who lost her job or business that can't collect a legitimate debt or the taxpayers who can't get a bad check cleared. The entire situation is despicable and the system folds its protective arms around Piker, a first class charlatan and snakeoil salesman who the illustrious Mayor Hubbard calls "brilliant." The only thing that shines on this turkey is his bald head when its slicked-up. Why in hell isn't there a judge around on Thursday or Friday to sign the papers. I'll tell you why, it's just like I wrote previously in a remark which was deleted the judges in this community aren't worth a damned from the state court to the federal bench.
Accountability is absent in a feudal system along as the fat lords are protected.
missdaisy 4 months, 3 weeks ago
No Judge available during the holidays? What if a police officer needs a search or arrest warrant? A presiding judge or magistrate is always available, maybe on-call, but always available. A $2000 bad check is a felony; book him Dan-O, aggravated stupidity!
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I know everybody has a right to speak out on Obama, Rynders, et. al. but I urge you to call the mayor's office and your city commissioner to voice your disgust with the Piker.
City of Albany's website
Mayor Hubbard's 2012 Call to Service:
As Mayor of the City of Albany, I challenge Albanians to come together to make Albany a more inviting place to live, work, and play. Groups will be asked to take ownership of a defined geographic area to clean up and keep clean, to report issues requiring city action/assistance, and report criminal activity and community concerns.
Okay, Madame Mayor, I'm reporting now let's clean it up. It's show time!
Mayor Dorothy Hubbard dhubbard@albany.ga.us Office: 229-431-3244 Fax: 229-878-3198
JST 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This is racism, corruption, and criminal activity at it's core. 1. If a city official were to host a "White Expo" it would automatically be deemed racist and protested throughout the city. 2. If by chance the event was allowed to be held and not payed for after the "sponsors" paid their money, the city official would be fired and the sponsors would be boycotted. 3. Since when do we allow favoritism in the leasing of the Civic Center for personal gain by a city official ($2000 seems insufficient to finance the operations of the Civic Center for an event of this size). 4. He acted like the big man in town on others money and then stole it. 5. The saddest thing is that the Mayor and elected / employed city officilas support his activity by making excuses for him and condoning his activities. SAD SAD DAY!!!
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Also there were many local businesses (even national ones like Mars, P&G, etc) who paid to sponsor the Black Expo. They are the ones who got ripped off and who should join in the call for accountability and consequences.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
If the Piker absconded with the loot, I wonder if it would constitute a criminal act? Was he obligated to a group or institution to turn proceeds over to them after bills were paid? That malfeasance could be deeper than we have looked and maybe should come to a prosecutor's attention. Of course, Edwards would defer to an appointed prosecutor as they are probably on the same polo team.
chinaberry25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Not necessarily. A logger and a person from Florida stole timber from a landowner. The logger cut the timber and paid the man from Florida. There are no laws on the book in Georgia for this type of behavior. The person who got paid for anothers timber is off scott free. Just filed bankruptcy and got away with any broken laws. The timber co. have to file insurance on it. They are always slick.
FlunkyMonkey 4 months, 3 weeks ago
It could be theft by deception....
tiger12 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Wow...I knew it was bad here, but I didn't think Albany would be leadership would act this blatantly. This place is bad enough that I'm moving my family over an hour away, just to get them away from bad schools, dangerous streets and zero opportunity. I'll be smiling on the long commute. By the way.
neliz 4 months, 3 weeks ago
When someone's job loss is directly impacted by the commissioner overseeing that ward, it's time for the people of that ward to ask for change. Pike stole money from company sponsors for his event instead of paying on the bill? What a fraud. And all he can do is shrug his shoulders and not appear "overly concerned." Give me a break.
LikeItIs 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Me thinks Mr.Pike "repurposed" the sponsorship money. When that $10K+ appeared in his account he decided to double down and try his hand at being a sports mogul, and to heck with those he owed. Oops.
And to respond to Ms. Hubbard, I wouldn't say he is particularly brilliant, but he would appear to be a great deal brighter than you...
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
BTW....love the word......."REPURPOSED" and am adding it to my Dictionary of Excuse Words to Use When All Others Have Failed......
outsider 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I find it very interesting how much Ms. Fletcher always seems to have the inside "Scoop" on every city situation. Id bet money she's biding her time for Pike's seat. She didn't get the mayor's postition so now she will ride in on a white horse and Save the day with all her wisdom and expertise? HAAA!! Maybe people ought to start thinking ahead and investigating Her business moves of the past few years...Just sayin. since she seems to have all the answers. things aren't always what they seem and she could sell a ketchup popsicle to a poor woman in white gloves.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
moron
VSU 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I am sure Fletcher would make a better commissioner than Pike, she would have made a better Mayor, but guess this is why people voted for Hubbard to keep the status quo.
truthsayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
@outsider, you must be a outsider. This ain't the first time shenanigans has gone on regarding commissioners who use that title to further their bank account with tax payer moneys. This is a criminal act, point blank. Writing bad checks is a felony. To you it may not seem so bad, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. More will come out, if the D.A. does his job, which I sincerely doubt. This goes on all the time.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
outsider, B.J. Fletcher is the events coordinator for the Hilton Garden Inn which is being swindled by the Piker. If you've got the "scoop" (to use your word) on B. J. throw it down. Play your hand if you've got one. What are the "things (that) aren't always what they seem? ? ?" If you've got the poop have the courage and integrity to be specific. Maybe you don't have any thing. Maybe you are just trying to deflect the Piker's despicable conduct. You know it takes a person of conviction to lay it on the table. It would be a person who had been raised right by a mother who had morals and direction and purpose. Did yo mama raise you right and take you to Sunday School? Did yo mama have principles? Come on now put it down. Give us the skinny on BJ. Do yo mama proud.
beartrap 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Pike deserves a little jail time for fraud....unfortunately the people who vote for him have the same lack of morals so it won't make any difference to them...just another example of why Albany is going down the tubes....won't be long until Albany is just another detroit,Pricard,Al. or Washington,D.C. and the state will have to come in and run the city....
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Pike is probably guilty of several crimes including conversion of non-profit funds for personal use, tax evasion, fraud, and misrepresentation (lying). I say get the judge out of bed or home from vaca and lock his ass up.
Not to mention his earnings from the Shock Wave, breach of contract with the civic center for basketball games, and general brilliant stupidity which endangers self and others.
wtfalbany 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Does Pike still live in his distrtict? Or is he lying to his constituents about that too?
iko 4 months, 3 weeks ago
It's hilarious that Commissioner "Politically Correct" Marietta wrote a personal check in support of this nonsense. For once, he wasted his own money.
Bubbavet_rureel 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This must be the next public castrated "opinion" victim, his picture explains the hate comments.
We the voters decide who stays and who goes, I'm enjoying vacation, please don't disturb my vacation, more orange juice please!
The Real Deal - Bubbavet_rureel
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
you mean 'cause he's almost bald? that explains it.......
LoneCycler 4 months, 3 weeks ago
How does a for profit franchise company like Albany Shockwave get to use DCSS facilities? If it is OK for Albany Shockwave to use the Albany High School gym will we see other for profit companies taking advantage of the taxpayer funded DCSS facilities? How about letting Chick-fil-A use the cafeteria equipment to sell sandwiches to students? Is there anyone in local government that has a clue about what it is doing?
DoctorDorite 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Man, with everything going on with Obamas "Cliff-Hanger" I must have missed the "Ed" story ! Will someone fill us "un-informed" in since he's coming up for re-election.
truthsayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This is the way they roll here in EBONY GA. No one is accounted for, no one has to pay back money they stole from the real working taxpayers and the nonsense just rolls out of the government center like water out of a faucet. Remember when the lady gave herself a 50000 dollar loan to open a business near Ebony State, which was illegal mind you, did you ever hear of her paying that money back? Of course not. The total incompetence of our so called leaders in this backward *** town is unbelievable. I hate Ebony with a passion. Been here 52 years and can't stand to even drive in the city limits any more. This town will be a ghost town in 10 years. Mark this down on your calender, because it is true.
Cartman 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I Love This Town!
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Someone refresh my memory.....is this the same Pike's Peak who I read about a while back who was involved in some sort of money deal that was sorta (I don't want to say illegal, sounds so harsh and why kick a man in the nads when he is down) but it was sorta shady and there may have been some female involvement in it.....grant money, a mall..... etc etc, and you scratch my back and I will scratch your back.........etc etc...Anyway, seems I recall the name.......
Any btw truthsayer, I know how you feel about Albany....I refuse to go to Albany anymore....when I go to the MCLB I hit the bypass and that's all she wrote...never even see the city. I am way out in the country now and love every second of it. I don't think I would go to Albany if anyone paid me. Unless it was a huge offer..... I mean a really big paycheck...let's say more than $1.6 million...........
LoneCycler 4 months, 3 weeks ago
You're thinking of Don Buie the head of Albany Dougherty Inner City Authority giving $50,000 to L'Jua's restaurant that was outside the inner city on Radium Springs Rd. (across from ASU). Mr. Buie did some jail time and is banished now from Dougherty County, but his example is relevant. Mr. Pike should heed it.
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Thanks.......since I don't live in the city or county I can't keep up with the events that go on....since there are sooooo many......but did recall there was once something that happened involving money that was improperly used (gasp, not in Albany!!!) ie., a small mall on the Newton Road that apparently went belly up before it even opened. For some reason Pike's name popped into my head but Buie was probably the one involved. I do remember now the Buie and L'Jua event because I recall some squawks about him but had no idea he had been banished. Wonder where he is and what he is doing.....probably working in the same capacity someplace else...huh?
whattheheck 4 months, 3 weeks ago
That was Loronzo Williams of North American Equities (Stone Mountain) who hit us up for $100,000 in a business loan from city for the stores on Newton Rd. Loronzo was also in with Tim Washington who had the Dollar Square downtown and an ADICA/Buie facade grant.
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Well thanks, whattheheck.......tis a sad day when there is so much corruption in a city the size of Albany, huh, and no one has to pay the "PIKER"......hahhaha....I sorta made a funny.....(maybe not).....anyway......it is sad that Albany has such a history of criminal activities among its "leaders" (coughcoughcough) because you know good and well NO business is going to even think about coming here when they find out about the history of the city. By the way, is Pike in any way related to the Mayor......you know there may be a branch of the family tree out there he has a little leaf stuck to we don't know about.
LoneCycler 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Amazingly, Dorothy Hubbard and Winfred Dukes our Georgia congressional house representative of district 150, serving Baker and parts of Dougherty County, are claimed as sponsors of the Albany Shockwave team. My, my, my. Ticketmaster shows all future Albany Shockwave games have been cancelled. Like many other ABA teams this one seems to be going bankrupt quickly. That is, unless Commissioner Pike can get the owners of the Sand Trap Lounge, Charley B’s, Big Daddy’s Lounge and Club Xcape to pony up their sponsorship contributions. I wonder if he has any influence with these particular nightclubs?
whattheheck 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Wonder if the Shockwave is paying the DCSS for using the high school gyms?
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
And this from the guy the inimitable Mayor declares to be brillant.
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Because he is a city commissioner shaping decisions about millions of taxpayer dollars. Because as a commissioner he has a fiduciary obligation to see that bills at municipal facilities are paid. Because he has incurred bills under the banner of a significant constitutency (Black Exp) of the city and has swindled money from a business and subscribers rather than pay the bills. Because he has written a bad check (illegal) in the amount of $2000 and has not redeemed it. Because he has violated his contract to pay the obligations. Because he has lied about collecting money from his sponsors. Because he has to make decision relative to good faith committments of contractors and signators who do business with the city and he has no capacity to understand the meaning of "good faith". Shall I continue? Who is Ruthie Garner for chrissakes and who cares?
Abytaxpayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
THE REASON? The reason is because he is one of the commissioners who decides how to spend your tax dollars and how to charge you MORE taxes because he has no idea how to manage money. Is it any wonder he supports giving more money to the Riverquarium & Civil Rights Institute? If he can’t manage his money why should he judge how they spend your tax dollars? Kind of like the blind leading the blind!!!! And let’s not talk about how smart Hubbard, Taylor and Ward IV Commissioner Roger Marietta are to think Pike was a good investment for their own money and these are the same people raising our taxes and deciding how to spend it. That is WHY this is Front page news these are our Leaders!
by Everything you get from the GOVERNMENT
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
THE REASON We don't have any real news. Only in Smallbany is this of any merit. The same article was already written in July. This is newsworthy because this town does not want to grow into what it could and should be. There is always a gripe about something or someone. We are always showing our ineptitude at resolving matters on the front page when there are more important things to consider that merit our attention like drawing big business to the city and downtown. The article is poorly written and with unknown sources for much of its content but we call it news.
SMHgain 4 months, 3 weeks ago
When a person decides to run for political office their whole lives become open to scrutiny. That is the reason we are all voicing our opinions regarding Mr. Pike. Does any one know what happened with the ice cream store that he opened in downtown Albany?
Abytaxpayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
@MNP.... Seriously do you think Pikes actions will draw big business? BTW this is a follow up to the July article. Pike has now committed a FELONY by passing a bad check on the city for $2000 and refused to pay it. People who want to sweep this behavior under the table are one reason big business stay out of Albany. Lack of responsibility and ethics by Leadership is NOT viewed as desirable by any company looking at Albany. This town does want to grow but is held back by people who do not stand up against corruption. So you want to trust a person with Pike's ethics to control your tax money?
by Everything you get from the GOVERNMENT
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
If Pike has committed a FELONY and gets convicted, he must be removed from office by Law. He won't have to wait for a judgement from his "constituency" (who would never throw him out for "showing them how it's done")
And mnp137 obviously has no problem with such behavior.......reserves his criticism only for someone who would dare to call the crime what it is....a crime. Does the "p" in mnp stand for Pike? Hmmmm................
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
He may not be my best friend, but who am I to judge? I don't give a rat's booty flying in the wind about what he does. I didn't put any money into his hands. My question is why is this front page news? If systems are in place to deal with his behavior, why make much ado about nothing. There are children to be raised and jobs to be created. Focus on that.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
The article made it pretty clear that there aren't any systems in place that can reach him to deal with his behavior which is how you work the system from his point of view.
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
The p stands for my last name, which is not Pike. I would invite you to call me personally, but I think you are a crazy person. I don't think you are a sister or your name is Ruby. I am listed in the phone book. God judges, not me. If I thought he was the only person committing a FELONY, I might be compelled to be as bitter as so many people who post here on a daily basis seem to be.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Well I looked for mnp317 in the phone book but there ain't one and then I started calling all the peoples that has a p last name but I haven't got you yet. Give me some digits.
And I guess in your book we can only go after this guy who is committing a FELONY only after we have discovered what all the other FELONS are up to and have prosecuted them and then only if all those other FELONS are white guys I guess.
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Those are my initials in that order. Quit playing. Like I said, I don't do crazy people.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Pike don't do crazy people neither. He just do folks who are stupid enough to give him money or better yet, goods and services without payment up front.
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
No, I don't want him to control my money, but I would certainly love to know what he does with his. I would love the opportunity to look at his personal bank statements and see his cancelled checks. I want to know what he has written where it says. Pay to the Order of___
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I would prefer to look at my own finances. I'd rather keep my own house in order and worry about his. "The poor are forever with us."
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Oh I never said I was worried.....just curious...if he is such a bad businessman, can you imagine how bad he must be with personal finances? And thank you very much but my house is in very good order.
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
A lot of people are bad with their own finances. I wasn't worried about your house. It's life. We have to educate other generations about how to maintain theirs.
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Well let's use the Piker as antagonist in the teaching module - how the house should not be maintained. But as I say, Albany is a Mendicant City and the Piker is just an advanced example.
mnp317 4 months, 3 weeks ago
His actions will definitely not bring business especially if we make that front page news.
wino3800 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I really don't understand this situation. Why isn't Pike in jail? Why hasn't Pike been arrested? How does the Mayor let this continue? Why doesn't the city commission do something? It appears our leaders condone this activity. Pike must resign or lose his seat. We cannot tolerate this criminal activity.
KaosinAlbany 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I cannot contact my commissioner about the problem with Pike since he is my commissioner now.
Amazed2 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Ms Mayor Dorothy of Dougherty she says she is on his side. He is a bright young man. Now that speaks volumes to who the community black and white elected to represent the City. Not only did he commit basically not pay for $11000 in food and services from the Hilton now he wrote a Bad Check to the Civic Center for $2000. You would think a Bad Check Warrant would be easy to get. Im sure if I wrote a local storea bad check for half that the Sheriff Deputy would be ringing my doorbell. No sure why our local DA does not step up to the plte on this.
VSU 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Our current leaders are the reason why Albany stays behind the 8 ball.
Abytaxpayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
This story is nothing new for Pike. He has a history pior to his election of bad payments of debts. here are a few of his most recent. The Mayor says he is a Brillant young man. I guess she is right never heard of a con man who dumb.
Legal actions filed against Albany City Commissioner by J.D. Sumner
Court documents show that Pike continues to have financial troubles.
On May 21, Tristate Office Products Co., Inc., doing business as Premier Business Solutions located on Dawson Road, filed a claim in Dougherty County Magistrate Court for an unpaid balance on the rental of a copier for his business for $4,280.88.
Magistrate Robert Revell issued a default judgment against Urban Pulse and Pike July 11 for the full amount plus interest and court costs.
In February, Judge Baxter Howell issued a writ of possession effectively evicting Pike for failure to pay rent on his office at 242 Broad Avenue; a legal action brought by the Albany Downtown Group, Inc.
In January, a claim was filed by Pike's commercial landlord, Phil Cannon & Associates for $8,060 Cannon contended was owed to him by Pike following a verbal agreement in February 2011 in which an $8,000 loan was made to Pike with agreement for repayment once Pike's 2010 Income Tax refund came in.
In June 2011, Cannon contends that Pike offered to make installment payments of $500 per month to satisfy the debt, which he made for July and August 2011.
On March 15, Howell entered a default judgment against Pike for $8,060 plus court costs and interest
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
He's showing his constituency "how it's done". I expect there's plenty more where that came from. I bet he's making his car payments, tho.
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
My my my......now I do know I would like to take a peek into his bank account and see where he has been spending his money cause it sure doesn't look like he is paying any bills.....huh? Wonder how much his tax refund was and can a refund be granished? I still don't understand why he doesn't meet the requirements for garnishment......sheesh.......
bigbob 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Just another brilliant Albany commisioner. This city is such a joke.
KaosinAlbany 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Pike's financial woes are deeper than what the Herald published. If only y'all knew...
FryarTuk 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Well tell us.
Abytaxpayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Fryar ask Carlton to grow a pair and tell us about Pikes colorful history. Anything we say here would be challenged as unsupported hearsay. Carlton has the means to provide the facts with support, if only he has the nerve. Now that would make some politicians unhappy to see a light shined on one of their own, for fear the light will shine on them next.
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Yeah tell us.....I am an old lady and you know all about how old ladies want to know everything.....we have nothing better to do but sit around and gossip with our other old lady pals and sip tea so lay it on us. (hey guys I gave it my best shot but in the meantime I am putting out feelers).....
Amazed2 4 months, 3 weeks ago
I doubt with so many non payments and judgements already against Pike and several others pursuing him for Non Payment and a Bad Check he most likely keeps very little money in a bank account under his own name for fear it will be attached or taken by a judgement. He probably pays with money orders and cash for what he choses to pay. He sounds like a wheeler dealer to me. Maybe the Governors office can step in to help protect our tax dollar expendatures. Help!!!!!
Amazed2 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Mayor Hubbard only wants to clean up Blight as her campaign promoted. Well this mess with the City Commissioner is a bigger form of Blight on the reputation of The City of Albany. Mayor Dorothy those praises this commissioner as a bright young man and says she us on his side. Crazy that any Mayor in the country would make such a stupid statement based on the available facts but have to remember this is Albany home of the Government Program and numerous scams.
wino3800 4 months, 3 weeks ago
At some point, doesn't the District Attorney have the responsibility to address this criminal corruption? Where is the protection for the citizens of Albany? When does the Attorney General or Governor Deal get involved? How can everyone ignore these crimes?
Amazed2 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Unfortunately our DA does not seem to have interest in pursuing this at the local level. That became obvious with all the DCSS mess.
wino3800 4 months, 3 weeks ago
It kind of looks like a Good ol' Boys network. Where is the DA?
KaosinAlbany 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Has anyone stopped and thought why the Herald is publishing a story like this on Pike? A hidden agenda perhaps?
KaosinAlbany 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Nice political ploy there, Mr. Fletcher. ;)
Abytaxpayer 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Let’s just hope maybe just maybe Mr. Fletcher has grown a little backbone. We have seen what looking the other way and not reporting on Albany's Commissioners has done for us in the past.
Sister_Ruby 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Fletcher exists for one objective in life: to piss off the most people possible with each edition of his hyperbolic demagoguery. Exhibit A is the one above. I don't really think he believes or stands for any principles himself other than to find this and that stick to poke people in the eye with.
2beaurawls 4 months, 3 weeks ago
Hey MISTER,
Yeah, you da one!!! The PEOPLE have Spoken and the THREAT HAS BEEN REMOVED!!!
YEAH BUDDY...
agirl_25 4 months, 3 weeks ago
HUH? ....splain please...I don't understand....am I the only dumb one?
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