Do you think Mayor Oberholtzer is "a bully"?

"Oberholtzer is an unpleasant man, a bully with a hot temper who likes to yell at people. Everyone who's the tiniest bit familiar with Snellville has known that for years. But I think this is a symptom of a man who has become mentally unstable." - MTHEORY Blogger

Do you agree or disagree with the blogger who wrote this?
Why or why not?

I don't think Mayor Oberholtzer should be serving as City Manager, even as Interim City Manager. I agree with the person who pointed out to me that the residents of Snellville didn't elect Oberholtzer to be City Manager, they voted him to be Mayor. It's a simplification but it does make sense.

But "mentally unstable?" Nah. I don't agree with that. I think Mayor Oberholtzer thinks he is doing the right thing by Snellville. He has said in the past that the Department Heads are great and the city "practically runs itself." I think the regular City Manager position pays something like $110,000 or more per year. That's a lot of money and I don't think that figure includes benefits. Jim Brooks did a fantastic job and in my opinion was well worth what he was paid (see earlier blog post)

In regard to losing temper and yelling at people, if that makes someone a bully, then I am a member of that club. I wish I wasn't. But when you have someone who is passionate about what they do and you add to that someone who is used to pushing ahead and getting things accomplished, it always looks pushy and controlling to others. When I was a manager, I was accused of being pushy. It does take forcefulness sometimes to get the things done that need to be done.

But all 60 or so of you who read this blog on a regular basis know that I do like to look at all sides of a story. It doesn't make for a good blogger. I should try to be more biased one way or the other and rant and rave about my position. It brings more web-traffic and comments. It works for the radio talk show hosts. I don't think they truly believe half the stuff they say.

I have to say that I am surprised that this blog doesn't get comments on these issues. I do wonder if there is fear of retribution? After all, Snellville is a relatively small town still, and everybody knows everybody else... and you know I'm not a fan of anonymous comments, because I don't think they are 100% fair, but if you are afraid of trouble, go ahead and post comments anonymously.