April 25, 2025
Mayor Khalid Kamau shouldn’t be seeing re-election in South Fulton County.
South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau introduced he is not going to search re-election. The mayor will conclude his tumultuous time period in 2025—a tenure marked by monetary scrutiny, authorized points, and conflicts with the Metropolis Council.
Kamau, often known as Mayor Kobi, introduced through the April 22 Metropolis Council assembly. He said that his upcoming State of the Metropolis handle on Could 1 will function his farewell.
Kamau cited monetary hardship as a major motive for stepping down. The mayor notes that the wage pays roughly $40,000 yearly, which subsequently compelled him to promote his mom’s home and depend on meals stamps.
“To maintain this promise of doing this job full-time and this job solely, I’ve bought my mom’s home, I’ve been on meals stamps, and turned down some fairly good job gives,” Kamau mentioned.
Kamau additionally confronted private monetary difficulties, including an eviction discover for unpaid hire. Although he initially introduced his re-election in January, his plans have modified. BLACK ENTERPRISE reported on Kamau’s claims that troubles throughout his time period have been politically motivated.
“I wasn’t anticipating to wish a authorized crew once I introduced my re-election plans in January, however I assume that’s the best way the political recreation is performed now.”
Kamau has confronted allegations of misusing a city-issued buying card. The alleged unauthorized expenditures complete round $26,000, together with a 20-day journey to Ghana. He describes the journey as a commerce mission for financial improvement.
Moreover, in 2023, Kamau was arrested on housebreaking and trespassing costs. The mayor entered a house, claiming he believed it was deserted and supposed to buy it.
The Metropolis Council responded by implementing measures to restrict Kamau’s entry to metropolis assets. These included revoking his finances entry, eradicating unauthorized tools from his workplace, and a short lived ban from municipal properties.
With Kamau stepping down, the race for South Fulton’s subsequent mayor is underway. Former Mayor Invoice Edwards and present Metropolis Councilwoman Carmalitha Gumbs have each introduced their candidacies for the Nov. 4 election.
Kamau’s departure marks the tip of a turbulent chapter in South Fulton’s management.
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