McCarthy’s discrimination suit advances

Cordele's insurance underwriter nixes mediation; city attorney won't represent Commission Chair named in lawsuit

CORDELE, GA – It appears former Cordele City Manager Roland McCarthy’s discrimination lawsuit against the city will move forward, after Cordele’s insurance carrier declined to resolve the complaint through the mediation process.

Atlanta attorney Daniel Pope, who represents McCarthy,  says he will notify the EEOC in advance of the impending lawsuit filed against Cordele.

McCarthy was swiftly fired on January 4th in the first order of business from Cordele’s newly elected city commission, satisfying the campaign promise of current Cordele City Commission Chairman Joshua Deriso.

Deriso will have to find himself an attorney to represent him, as Cordele City Attorney Tommy Coleman confirmed to South Georgia Television News that he will not represent Deriso in any litigation relating to the lawsuit.

Coleman says as city attorney, he needs to keep Cordele’s legal best interest in mind.

McCarthy’s lawsuit is the first filed against the current Cordele City Commission, with another recently brought by city businesses also at odds with the current administration.