Pink Hill Town Clerk resigns amid controversy and claims of harassment
McGee resigns less than a year after her appointment
Lisa McGee. Photo: From Lisa McGee’s Facebook.
Pink Hill — The Town of Pink Hill has been grappling with a series of significant events that have led to multiple resignations, most recently that of Town Clerk, Lisa McGee. The sequence of upheavals started with the sudden death of former Mayor Carol Sykes and has since seen a string of departures and confrontations, culminating in McGee's resignation. McGee cites harassment and false allegations from Commissioner Pete Fantini as the primary reasons for her decision to step down.
In her resignation letter, McGee described the work environment as unsafe due to Commissioner Fantini's behavior. "In the past, I have felt uncomfortable around Commissioner Fantini, due to his irate and demanding behavior," McGee noted. "But after yesterday's encounter where he was loud and belligerent with me at town hall, I no longer feel safe in my work environment."
McGee’s resignation, per her resignation letter, marks the eleventh person to resign from Pink Hill employment since Sykes’s passing.
In response to the allegations, Fantini has firmly denied the claims made by McGee. "I am offended and deny the allegations," Fantini said. "In order to protect myself from continued negativity, I recorded our interactions. These are also recorded on town hall surveillance videos."
Fantini initially supported McGee’s role as the town clerk when she was hired. He believes his requests for financials, copies of checks written, and access to town hall were denied at the behest of the mayor.
“Lisa has time and time again refused to provide public information to me, stating that the mayor will not let her,” said Fantini. “She would message me saying, the mayor made her send him an email etc.... I voted to hire Lisa, why would I want her to not be successful at her job?”
After months of chaotic meetings, it’s no secret that Deatherage and Fantini have had issues. Fantini has accused the mayor of ordering the Pink Hill Chief of Police to give Fantini a breathalyzer test, and to test the tint on Fantini’s vehicle. Deatherage denied claims she told the police chief to investigate Fantini.
“Even after Lisa McGee and Commissioner Murphy told people I was drunk and smelled like alcohol at our last meeting, my approach was professional and forthcoming,” said Fantini. “Holding people accountable is not harassment. Asking for personnel files and being told I am not allowed to view or see them is not legal.”
Commissioner Murphy has disputed her part in Fantini’s statement.
Regarding the broader turmoil within Pink Hill, Fantini commented, "This 'chaos' is not what I signed up for. The corrupt behaviors of the Mayor and those that allow it to continue are not even briefly mentioned in meetings."
Deatherage denies Fantini’s claims. In an earlier interview, Deatherage addressed the claims made by Fantini.
“While I have been personally under attack the entire year, I step back from it, and I see that I am not the one under attack,” said Deatherage. “It is the town under attack. Before I was mayor, the target was the previous mayor. I am the target now.”
Deatherage was appointed mayor after the resignation of Mayor Mike Hill, who assumed the position after Sykes death. Deatherage was appointed by Commissioners James Quinn and Penny Murphy, and opposed by Commissioner Fantini.
“Critics attempt to portray me as the problem,” said Deatherage. “But the problem was here before I arrived. I am only here because there is a problem. Some want you to forget that. That is part of the distraction and manipulation.”
The 2023 Municipal Election will allow the citizens of Pink Hill to voice their opinion on the leadership in Pink Hill. Mayor Deatherage is fighting to retain her seat against Pink Hill resident Mike Horne. Commissioner James Quinn did not run for re-election. Candidates Michael Whitfield and Joshua Eing are vying for Quinn’s seat.
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