Can Mayor O also be Snellville City Manager? GA Atty General Says No

"A power struggle in Snellville gained new momentum this month with the Georgia Attorney General ruling that the mayor can not legally fill the vacant city manager's position."

Attorney General Thurbert Baker sent his opinion that -

"The mayor is not authorized to both act in his capacity as the elected executive leader of the city and also as the city manager because such dual service is inherently incompatible and inappropriate."

Mayor Oberholtzer's comments were:

"Just because the attorney general gives an opinion, that's not a binding opinion," the mayor said. "Is he going to have me arrested or sue me? He can't."

Full AJC Story Here

Well, what do you think? On one hand, I'm concerned about the Mayor's full-speed-ahead, my way or the highway approach...but then again, we are saving tons of money not having to pay a City Manager!

My opinion is that Mayor Oberholtzer may be able to serve in the capacity well, making suggestions and recommendations as he says in the article....but it sets a bad precedent, because in the future, Snellville might not have a Mayor who is able to ethically serve well in that position and could take advantage of the dual role.

SNELLVILLE SHOCKER: Oberholtzer Appoints Himself City Manager of Snellville

Painting Shown: Napoleon crowning himself Emperor

We have an outraged Snellville City Council.
There are also accusations of misappropriated funds....
$34,000 to be exact....to the Gwinnett Municipal Association.
The money's already gone, but I would love to know what we are
getting for that $34,000.
AJC Article

Jim Brooks Snellville City Manager

Jim Brooks took over as Interim City Manager of Snellville in May 2007, after Jeff Timler resigned. Jeff Timler was making an estimated $80,000 in salary, and Jim Brooks is making an estimated $110,000. Jim Brooks' contract expires February 13, 2008, but some are voicing a desire to have Mr. Brooks continue in this job permanently.

Here's why:

When he took over as City Manager in May, Snellville had a 1.26 Million budget deficit.
He has the budget deficit reduced to $387,000.