ATLANTA (CBS ATLANTA) -
John Sherman, the president of the Fulton County Taxpayer Foundation, a non profit organization of concerned taxpayers, said Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson should not have his job.
"I think the sheriff should resign immediately," said Sherman.
Tuesday investigators said a murder suspect being held at the jail shot another inmate with a gun that was illegally brought to the facility. Sherman wants to get rid of the sheriff because of the incident and because Sherman said he believes the jail is not run efficiently.
"The federal judge who has been on this case since 2004, that's seven long years, should issue an order to the board of commissioners that they should acquire additional bed space and privatize the jail," Sherman said.
In 2010, Jackson worked with a $96 million budget. Sherman said taxpayers aren't getting enough bang for their buck.
"That amount of money, $96 million, is absolutely a ridiculous budget for the office of sheriff and the operation of the jail. I believe privatization would result in a 36 % savings," said Sherman.
Fulton county commissioner Robb Pitts said he believes the sheriff is only doing an adequate job, but he said he's not convinced Sherman is on the right path.
"I'm not opposed to looking into the issue of privatizing the jail, but that won't solve this type of problem," said Pitts.
CBS Atlanta tried asking Jackson Tough Questions about the incident, but he has refused to answer them.
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