The state-appointed director of Georgia's Jekyll Island is stepping down after 10 years at the center of sometimes contentious island politics.
Bill Donoghue has been described as the island's mayor, only he's not elected, but appointed. The Jekyll Island Authority runs the state-owned island -- and not without criticism. Right now, Jekyll is in the middle of its most momentous debate ever -- a controversial plan to upscale the island with new development.
Tise Eyler has worked with Donoghue for almost 10-years as part of a citizens group that hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with island management. He says, Donoghue's departure in the midst of the current debate is a shock: "He has been a master at walking on the thin ice that separates the political part of his job from the human interaction aspect of working with the residents, businesses and hoteliers."
Governor Sonny Perdue has recommended Donoghue head northeast Georgia's Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. A replacement to lead the Jekyll Island Authority hasn't been named.
Bill Donoghue has been described as the island's mayor, only he's not elected, but appointed. The Jekyll Island Authority runs the state-owned island -- and not without criticism. Right now, Jekyll is in the middle of its most momentous debate ever -- a controversial plan to upscale the island with new development.
Tise Eyler has worked with Donoghue for almost 10-years as part of a citizens group that hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with island management. He says, Donoghue's departure in the midst of the current debate is a shock: "He has been a master at walking on the thin ice that separates the political part of his job from the human interaction aspect of working with the residents, businesses and hoteliers."
Governor Sonny Perdue has recommended Donoghue head northeast Georgia's Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. A replacement to lead the Jekyll Island Authority hasn't been named.
