THOMASVILLE, Ga. — There's no longer a Thomasville city council seat empty. Just hours ago, the council voted on a temporary replacement for Mayor Greg Hobbs.
“I’m still getting over the shock. I’m elated, you know. This is something I’ve wanted to do for, I guess it’s been over 30 years," said Cheryl Presha.
Presha was surprised and emotional to be unanimously voted in by the city council.
The entire room erupted into cheering as Presha was named the temporary replacement for the District 1 seat. And she couldn’t even contain her joy, she was crying happy tears before even being sworn in.
She’s the first African American woman to serve on the Rose City’s city council and Presha already has ideas for the board.
“To work with the elderly, those who do not have access to the news, and talk with different group and organizations, and let them know what’s going on in the community," said Presha.
Presha was sworn in on Monday and will fill the role until a ruling is made in the investigation into Mayor Hobbs or until the end of his term in December 2020.
Mayor Pro Tem, Terry Scott, will continue to fill the role of acting mayor. Those who live in Thomasville said they're happy with the direction the city is moving.
"I'm just happy. I'm ready to serve. I thank those who have sent out the prayers for me," said Presha.
This all comes after Georgia's governor suspended Mayor Greg Hobbs on April 2.
He was indicted by a Thomas County grand jury on charges of making false statements to investigators.
In Georgia, a lot of change is coming to Thomasville.
The city council is set to name a temporary replacement for suspended Mayor Greg Hobbs.
Council members will announce the temporary replacement during their meeting Monday at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.
Governor Brian Kemp suspended Hobbs after he was indicted on charges of making false statements to investigators. Some of the people we talked to after the suspension were shocked that it ever got to this point.
"You are innocent until you are proven guilty and I really would have rather waited until more evidence was given, more information came forward," said Morris Arrington, Thomasville native.
"I think the process has worked and I support the governor's decision to suspend the mayor," said Wallace Goodman, long-time Thomasville resident.
If Hobbs is found not guilty, he will be allowed to resume his post.
