MURRELLS INLET -- Senator Ray Cleary has sent Governor Nikki Haley the nomination of Dave Jolliff for Murrells Inlet magistrate, according to former Georgetown County Councilman Tom Swatzel.

In response, Georgetown County Sheriff Lane Cribb, County Council Vice Chairman Jerry Oakley, Former County Councilman Glen O'Connell, Former County Councilman Tom Swatzel, and Preserve Murrells Inlet President Bill Chandler issued the following statement:

"Senator Cleary's submission of Dave Jolliff's nomination to Governor Haley is very disappointing and goes against the overwhelming community opposition to the nomination. We call on Governor Haley to swiftly reject this nomination and to insist on a nominee for magistrate who exhibits good judgment, has judicial temperament, and is highly respected in the Murrells Inlet community."

Dave Jolliff, 36, is a former Horry County police officer.

According to Horry County police, Jolliff was disciplined twice during his time at the department. In 2005, reports say he was verbally counseled for an alcohol related issue. Then in 2006, Jolliff was suspended after a report said he was "out of control" and "intoxicated". The report also says Jolliff urinated on a car outside a bar.

Wednesday, State Senator Ray Cleary said a report from a private investigator he hired shows his choice for a magistrate is a good one.

Cleary hired private investigator Steve Smith to look into Dave Jolliff's past. You can read that part of the story here.

The senator said he chose Jolliff after listening to Jolliff's resume and story, and told NewsChannel 15 "I don't pick my friends to be magistrates."

Senator Cleary also believes recent allegations that he sold items from a restaurant he owned with several others while the property was under lien, is part of a vendetta against him for choosing Jolliff for the magistrate's position.