State Rep. Tom Taylor pleaded “not guilty” this week in a Clayton Municipal Court filing for a “waiver of formal arraignment.”
Taylor, of Dunwoody, faces charges of DUI, speeding and possession of an open container after he was stopped April 7 in Rabun County. He filed a not guilty plea with Clayton Municipal Court on May 3 and waived his right for a formal arraignment hearing that was set for May 9, said Clayton Prosecutor Mitch Baker. His next court date is a trial date set for June 20.
Taylor faces Doraville Republican Tom Owens in the May 24 primary.
“He will not be on the [May 9] calendar,” Baker said.
Taylor has said publicly he will not fight the charges. Baker said a not guilty plea during an arraignment is not unusual. Taylor has the opportunity change his plea on June 20, Baker said, and oftentimes with a criminal case a negotiated plea can happen.
Taylor was stopped in Rabun County on April 7 for driving 72 mph in a 45 mph zone. He was legally carrying a Glock .45 handgun on his hip. After blowing a .225 on a Breathalyzer, he was arrested and charged with DUI.
Taylor issued a statement shortly after news broke about his arrest, saying he “profoundly” regretted the “serious mistake.” He said he would not resign his seat and work every day to build back trust with his constituents.
So I received a mailer from Tom the other day with the heading “An open letter from Tom Taylor”. The letter seemed to say Navy, Navy, Navy.
This is what it should have said…
Dear Upset Neighbor
You may have seen me on the news recently. Similar to other politicians who are facing bribery charges, sex scandals, kickback schemes, etc. I want to assure you that my situation equally warrants complete denial. By doing so, I have enjoyed a great deal of financial support from fellow members of the house and lobbyists with special interests. This was great news considering the alleged events of the past few weeks. These people like me so much that they gave me $20,000.
Unlike Bernie Sanders, my money has come in large chunks, which has made campaigning so much easier. All I have to do is run a weekly Crier ad, do a mailer, and BAM! I’m off on another weekend road trip to the north Georgia mountains enjoying some light refreshments and exploring the countryside while entertaining exchange students.
So in closing, when you hear DUI, Super Speeder, 3 times the legal limit, open container, loaded Glock, exchange students, .225,etc., just remember: the only thing I own is my weapons carry permit, which is legit. Vote for Tom Taylor on May 25th!
Lets make District 79 Great Again!
Priceless!