Say it ain’t so Don

Don Buie’s life just got more interesting.  WALB reported yesterday that additional checks are being investigated by the GBI, these made out to one “Shanon Lee”, who WALB believes is Buie’s estranged wife.  A total of five checks ranging from around $500-$600, totaling $2600.  Buie was answering WALB’s Karen Cohilas’ “interoggatories” when Cohilas asked if Shannon Lee was Buie’s wife.

Buie’s mature and professional response?  He hung up.

He later texted her and stated that his job description said he could pick whoever he wanted as a vendor (again, he claims that this was a check for a vendor), but never confirmed nor denied that Lee was his wife.  Maybe it’s just me, but that says a mouthful.  First, why whould he hang up on Cohilas when she asked what is a legitimate question?  I can’t help but believe that it’s because he know he’s caught.

As for the checks, the memo lines contain descriptions of all kinds – things like Jazz in the Park, Equipment Rental, Event Grant, Lighting Rental and one simply says March – but seem inconsistent with one Shannon Lee who is listed on the internet as a “social media consultant/web editor”.   In addition, the memo lines range pretty far and are fairly vague.  For example, “March”?

Two of the checks being signed by ADICA chairman Jane Wilson doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence on that body’s oversight capabilities. It’s my understanding that there are some on the ADICA board who have lost confidence in her leadership of the board as it is, and this was before the latest accusations against Buie.

Of course, word has it that Buie will resign wednesday, but now the damage is done.  Honestly, it won’t be soon enough.