Public dispute between mayor and city council of College Park
The dispute among College Park’s city leaders continues, with the first City Council meeting held Monday since chaos erupted at a meeting earlier this month.
COLLEGE PARK, Georgia. – The divide between College Park’s city leaders is still evident, with Monday night marking the first City Council meeting since chaos erupted at a meeting earlier this month when the council voted to reprimand the mayor.
Before Monday night’s meeting, a group gathered wearing “United College Park” T-shirts and holding signs to express their support for Mayor Bianca Motley Broom and their disapproval of the city council members who voted to censure her.
“She’s a mediator, she’s an advocate, she’s a brilliant woman and she can provide insights that aren’t always heard,” said Keith of United College Park.
Another group in green shirts gathered to show their support for the council members.
“The mayor doesn’t want to abide by the ordinance that was passed. It was an ordinance that she shouldn’t have been considering, and she just can’t handle it,” said Rex Willis.
Mayor Bianca Motley Broom
All this happened after a chaotic council meeting earlier this month, when two people were dragged out in handcuffs as residents came to the mayor’s aid to reprimand her after the vote.
Things took a turn at Monday evening’s meeting when those present decided to vote to reprimand the city council.
The group said it wanted to reprimand council members for their disruptive behavior and disregard for transparency in public meetings.
Couple handcuffed at College Park City Council meeting
A College Park couple was handcuffed during an explosive city council meeting shortly before voting to reprimand the mayor. West and Kim Gary say city officials broke the law.
Most of that group left the room when the City Council voted to air a segment from the series “Georgia Gang” discussing the chaotic meeting and the actions of city leaders.
At the end of the meeting, the mayor addressed the audience in her mayoral report.
“I know my place. It’s your mayor. It’s a role that I value and am grateful for in this community. It’s not an easy job, but I love it. I’m not going anywhere,” said Mayor Bianca Motley Broom.
