Report: Improvements needed in public defender's office

ATLANTA - A legislative study commission concludes there is a need for more efficiency in the public defender's office that serves Hall and Dawson counties but not more personnel.

Among the other findings: the management problems in the office can be solved by a "more effective and efficient leadership style." (The commission recommendations, as printed in the report, are posted in a separate story.)

The man who runs the office, Brad Morris, says he's only had time for a quick review of the 31-page document.

"There are lots of things in there I think might be at issue," Brad Morris said.

But, he added "We are looking over and seeking whatever advise and information that would be useful in improving our office."

However, he said the main thing is that he, as, not only the person in charge of the office but also a member of the commission, did not see a final draft of the report before the commission's findings were released to the public.

"We have a committee report that purports to be from the committee...when at least one committee person had never seen the report until it came out," Morris said. "(I) don't know whether other committee members had seen it or not (but I had not)."

The commission was formed by the state Legislature last winter following complaints about the cost of operating the office, which serves the Northeastern Judicial Circuit, comprised of Hall and Dawson counties.

The group also also calls for the the proceedings, including the votes by individual members, of the Public Defender Selection Committee to be open to the public.

The committee reappointed Morris to a new term a few weeks ago before the commission's final report was ready.

"The Selection Committee appears to be accountable to no one," according to the report. "Members of the selection committee serve five-year terms, but they are appointed by public servants who serve either two or four-year terms."

At the commission's final hearing Nov. 3, Selection Committee Chairwoman and Superior Court Judge Kathlene Gosselin said her committee considered a number of factors in determining when to decide on what to do about the position but was up against a deadline.

"We had told everyone when we met with them what our timetable was, and we told you that as well," she said at the time. "We did push back our decision until after your public hearings were done, and we felt that was sufficient."