We, the citizens of Stonecrest, request the city charter, as it pertains to the roles of Mayor and council members, remain unchanged. State Senators Emanuel Jones, Tonya Anderson, and Gloria Bultler have put forth Georgia Senate Bill 469 which would dramatically change the City of Stonecrest’s government!
Among other things it calls for:
- Removing the Mayor’s executive powers. The unelected City Manager would be the city’s chief executive, but, in a disrupting way, could be removed by city council at any time.
- Removing the mayor from city council making his role ceremonial only (“kissing babies and cutting ribbons”)
- Creating a Council President elected by the city council and NOT the citizens of Stonecrest.
Background
In a separate matter, two citizens did a freedom of information request believing that Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble had violated the City Charter. She missed one third of the scheduled city council meetings last year in a three-month period without being formally excused by the council. A reasonable reading of the City Charter would imply her absences would require her to forfeit her office.
The mayor had to honor his oath of office to uphold the charter so he and the city took legal action seeking clarity through a declaratory action and requested a restraining order against Ms Cobble until the matter could be resolved. Dekalb Judge Mark Anthony Scott dismissed the restraining order because of a procedural filing error and did not rule on the declaratory action.
Under the guise of fixing the charter to remove ambiguities around missed meetings, Senator Jones, who is on record as opposing the formation of the City of Stonecrest and personally opposing Mayor Lary, authored Senate Bill 469 to drastically restructure Stonecrest’s form of government.
Consequences
If successful, Senate Bill 469 undermines the will of the people who voted for the city’s existing form of government and who voted twice to elect Mayor Lary in his role as the city’s Chief Executive. It would put the future of the city in the hands of district representatives, who are motivated to do what is best for their district, but who would not have a cohesive vision for the city overall. The position of Mayor is elected by all the people, but the position of Council President is only elected by the council.
Most disturbing of all, these changes would be made with NO INPUT FROM THE MAJORITY OF STONECREST CITIZENS.
Stonecrest's current Charter: https://www.stonecrestga.gov/charter.php
Georgia Senate Bill 469: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20192020/191562.pdf
On Common Ground News article: http://ocgnews.com/controversial-state-senate-bill-change-city-stonecrests-government-prompts-outcry/
Please sign this petition letting Senators Emanuel Jones, Tonya Anderson, and Gloria Butler know you want them to withdraw Senate Bill 469 and that as public servants this is an inappropriate use of their powers. If you log into the site, you can leave comments as well.
Updates
March 24, 2020
I have been neck deep in these documents all morning and it is honestly wild how they think they can just rewrite the rules of our city behind closed doors. People keep messaging me with their own concerns about the Mayor losing real power and it really grounds me even when the legal side of things feels like just another endless loop of bureaucratic nonsense.
March 24, 2020
I really never thought this would gain this much steam but here we are and it is honestly wild to see so many of you catching on to what is happening at city hall. It feels like people are finally waking up to the fact that our local government is being messed with behind our backs and we have to keep this pressure high because the momentum is just getting started.
Reached 100 supporters
March 24, 2020
41 Comments
The Federal government has a strong executive branch. The State government has a strong executive branch. Why do people have an issue when it comes to local government? We need to take current personalities out of this and remember such actions impact the future as well. Leave our city alone!
What came to the light about SB 469, authored by Senator Emanuel Jones and supported by Senators Tanya Anderson and Gloria Butler – Senator Jones said “four of your City Council members came to me to draw up SB 469.” With four of the City Council members’ unprofessional behavior – walking out of the Council meeting, bickering on the dais, their seeming not to know the issues to cast a vote and claiming they did not receive the information packet – and they did receive it, nothing positive would happen. We will be paying them $20,000 a year to accomplish nothing – a total waste of taxpayer money.
Gross overreach by our elected senators without any public input from Stonecrest citizens. The bill undermines what we voted for in creating the city of Stonecrest. I am really disappointed in the city council members who support this bill. It shows they are unwilling to work together and weather the challenges we face as we grow. Leave personal feelings at the door and do what is right for the city and your constituents.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article 3-6-2020 in the Metro section '"PROPOSAL WOULD BE A 'KILLER' FOR MAYOR" - No the proposal would be a 'killer' for the City of Stonecrest!" Let's not let four city council members achieve a political coup which will jeopardize the major economic development projects in the near future.
Citizens have the right to determine how their city should be run without interference from people who don't even live in the city. If a state official has reason to think changes need to be made, then call a referendum of the people.
Hey you're awesome! Are you accepting volunteers? I have a TON of experience with local businesses and building websites. I've found the best way to get to know people is by volunteering so I would like to offer my time and give you a FREE Audit and Consultation. Call or text 718-673-9411. Looking forward to speaking with you and showing how I can help - David
As a citizen of the city of Stonecrest, Do not discount my vote for Mayor!
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We, the citizens of Stonecrest, request the city charter, as it pertains to the roles of Mayor and council members, remain unchanged. State Senators Emanuel Jones, Tonya Anderson, and Gloria Bultler have put forth Georgia Senate Bill 469 which would dramatically change the City of Stonecrest’s government!
Among other things it calls for:
- Removing the Mayor’s executive powers. The unelected City Manager would be the city’s chief executive, but, in a disrupting way, could be removed by city council at any time.
- Removing the mayor from city council making his role ceremonial only (“kissing babies and cutting ribbons”)
- Creating a Council President elected by the city council and NOT the citizens of Stonecrest.
Background
In a separate matter, two citizens did a freedom of information request believing that Councilwoman Jazzmin Cobble had violated the City Charter. She missed one third of the scheduled city council meetings last year in a three-month period without being formally excused by the council. A reasonable reading of the City Charter would imply her absences would require her to forfeit her office.
The mayor had to honor his oath of office to uphold the charter so he and the city took legal action seeking clarity through a declaratory action and requested a restraining order against Ms Cobble until the matter could be resolved. Dekalb Judge Mark Anthony Scott dismissed the restraining order because of a procedural filing error and did not rule on the declaratory action.
Under the guise of fixing the charter to remove ambiguities around missed meetings, Senator Jones, who is on record as opposing the formation of the City of Stonecrest and personally opposing Mayor Lary, authored Senate Bill 469 to drastically restructure Stonecrest’s form of government.
Consequences
If successful, Senate Bill 469 undermines the will of the people who voted for the city’s existing form of government and who voted twice to elect Mayor Lary in his role as the city’s Chief Executive. It would put the future of the city in the hands of district representatives, who are motivated to do what is best for their district, but who would not have a cohesive vision for the city overall. The position of Mayor is elected by all the people, but the position of Council President is only elected by the council.
Most disturbing of all, these changes would be made with NO INPUT FROM THE MAJORITY OF STONECREST CITIZENS.
Stonecrest's current Charter: https://www.stonecrestga.gov/charter.php
Georgia Senate Bill 469: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20192020/191562.pdf
On Common Ground News article: http://ocgnews.com/controversial-state-senate-bill-change-city-stonecrests-government-prompts-outcry/
Please sign this petition letting Senators Emanuel Jones, Tonya Anderson, and Gloria Butler know you want them to withdraw Senate Bill 469 and that as public servants this is an inappropriate use of their powers. If you log into the site, you can leave comments as well.
Updates
March 24, 2020
I have been neck deep in these documents all morning and it is honestly wild how they think they can just rewrite the rules of our city behind closed doors. People keep messaging me with their own concerns about the Mayor losing real power and it really grounds me even when the legal side of things feels like just another endless loop of bureaucratic nonsense.
March 24, 2020
I really never thought this would gain this much steam but here we are and it is honestly wild to see so many of you catching on to what is happening at city hall. It feels like people are finally waking up to the fact that our local government is being messed with behind our backs and we have to keep this pressure high because the momentum is just getting started.
Reached 100 supporters
March 24, 2020
41 Comments
Worst idea ever! No public input and the bill sponsors have ignored the submitted charter changes by mayor and council for three sessions. Personal and petty, and it will never pass.
The Federal government has a strong executive branch. The State government has a strong executive branch. Why do people have an issue when it comes to local government? We need to take current personalities out of this and remember such actions impact the future as well. Leave our city alone!
What came to the light about SB 469, authored by Senator Emanuel Jones and supported by Senators Tanya Anderson and Gloria Butler – Senator Jones said “four of your City Council members came to me to draw up SB 469.” With four of the City Council members’ unprofessional behavior – walking out of the Council meeting, bickering on the dais, their seeming not to know the issues to cast a vote and claiming they did not receive the information packet – and they did receive it, nothing positive would happen. We will be paying them $20,000 a year to accomplish nothing – a total waste of taxpayer money.
Gross overreach by our elected senators without any public input from Stonecrest citizens. The bill undermines what we voted for in creating the city of Stonecrest. I am really disappointed in the city council members who support this bill. It shows they are unwilling to work together and weather the challenges we face as we grow. Leave personal feelings at the door and do what is right for the city and your constituents.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article 3-6-2020 in the Metro section '"PROPOSAL WOULD BE A 'KILLER' FOR MAYOR" - No the proposal would be a 'killer' for the City of Stonecrest!" Let's not let four city council members achieve a political coup which will jeopardize the major economic development projects in the near future.
Citizens have the right to determine how their city should be run without interference from people who don't even live in the city. If a state official has reason to think changes need to be made, then call a referendum of the people.
Hey you're awesome! Are you accepting volunteers? I have a TON of experience with local businesses and building websites. I've found the best way to get to know people is by volunteering so I would like to offer my time and give you a FREE Audit and Consultation. Call or text 718-673-9411. Looking forward to speaking with you and showing how I can help - David
As a citizen of the city of Stonecrest, Do not discount my vote for Mayor!
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Worst idea ever! No public input and the bill sponsors have ignored the submitted charter changes by mayor and council for three sessions. Personal and petty, and it will never pass.