William Cotton is not stepping down from his District 4 County Commission seat despite an arrest on federal bribery charges.
Commissioner Cotton was in his seat as usual as the commission held a regular meeting on Tuesday morning.
Afterward, he told reporters he can make no comment "on advice of counsel."
He said, "At the proper time, I will have my say and respond to my constituents."
He added, "I think everything's going to turn out all right."
Commissioner Cotton was unusually quiet during the meeting, making only a few comments to praise emergency workers who were being honored.
Commission Chairman Larry Henry said Commissioner Cotton is entitled to "due process of law. He's innocent until proven guilty."
He added, "I hope the best for him."
Commissioner Curtis Adams said, "We will leave it up to him. We won't pressure him. It will be his decision."
County Attorney Rheubin Taylor said Commissioner Cotton can serve until he is either convicted or pleads guilty. Then he would have to resign.
Commissioner Cotton hurried past reporters to waiting van after Federal Court appearance
- Photo2 by John Wilson