Faircloth Resigns From Downtown Development Authority

By John P. Boan
News Editor

Local businessman Ryan Faircloth resigned from the Trenton Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Jan. 9, writing in a resignation letter that the priorities of the Trenton City Commission “do not align with the fundamental needs of local entrepreneurs.”

This comes roughly six weeks after Faircloth was accused in a formal complaint to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office of providing alcohol to minors as payment for their votes in the Nov. 4 City Commission election. The complaint was filed by Trenton Police Commissioner Mike Norris, who is himself named in a separate complaint alleging that he was influencing voters during that same election.

It’s unclear when these investigations will be completed, according to Autumn Miller, Open Records Specialist with the Georgia State Election Board.

“The time it takes to complete an investigation is highly variable,” Miller said. “Once the investigators complete their work, they alert the board so that the case can be added to the agenda of an upcoming meeting for adjudication.”

Faircloth denies these allegations and denies that they have anything to do with his resignation from the DDA.

Instead, he said, his resignation stems from the belief that the City Commission does not understand what is required for positive economic growth.

“When the economics come into play and money starts moving, you have to have a Commission that will move with you and not against you,” Faircloth said. “I’m just stepping back, because it’s very difficult to work with individuals who do not see the light of what can be.”

In his resignation letter, Faircloth said he understands the realities that small business owners face, and he is hopeful that new city leadership will better understand these realities and make decisions accordingly.

“Small business owners are routinely confronted with uncertainty, financial risk, regulatory hurdles and mounting tax obligations, often without meaningful representation or advocacy regarding how those tax dollars are utilized,” he wrote. “I sincerely hope … the future brings new city leadership more closely connected to, and experienced with, the individuals who generate the city’s tax base. Small business owners are the backbone of local economies, and their voices and realities deserve to be understood and represented.”

Monda Wooten, City Commissioner and member of the DDA, said that Faircloth’s resignation does not impact the continued mission of both the city and the DDA, and the two will continue to work together to drive positive development.

“I’m sorry Ryan feels the need to step away from the DDA but the city will remain committed to responsible development, accountability and steady progress,” Wooten said. “The work of the DDA and the city will continue to move forward through collaboration and representation of all, while not dependent on any single individual or viewpoint.”

Faircloth said he’s stepping away from serving in a public capacity to focus on his own business efforts.

“Change is difficult. People don’t want it,” he said. “But it’s coming whether we like it or not, and we need positive change.”