February 13, 2025
The mayor’s focus stays on defending his file and regaining the neighborhood’s assist.
The South Fulton Metropolis Council took decisive motion, voting to strip Mayor Khalid Kamau of his oversight privileges and practically all budgetary management. The unprecedented transfer follows mounting allegations of unauthorized spending and questionable worldwide journeys.
In now-deleted Instagram posts that have been flagged on Feb. 12, town council posted what plan of action can be taken in opposition to the seemingly doomed politician.
In a public vote, the council accredited measures to revoke the mayor’s city-issued car, a $1,300 drone, and a $20,000 media studio, together with a $1,000 leisure pool desk. Mayor Kamau has till the tip of Wednesday to return the objects.
Council members outlined extra directives aimed toward curbing Kamau’s affect. Efficient instantly:
- Metropolis workers are prohibited from interacting with the mayor with out express authorization from the Metropolis Supervisor. Violators face disciplinary motion.
- Movie studio gear will probably be returned to the seller or reassigned to the Public Affairs Division.
- Three Mac units bought for the mayor’s workplace will probably be reallocated to the IT Division.
- The movie and media supervisor place will probably be reclassified and reported to the Metropolis Clerk.
- Locks on the mayoral suite will probably be modified, and Kamau’s entry to all metropolis services has been revoked.
- The electrical car assigned to the mayor will probably be reclaimed, and a journey allowance will probably be reinstated till a proper coverage is established.
Mayor’s Assertion
Mayor Kamau, who grew to become polarizing after his election in 2021, has accused the council of staging a “coup” in opposition to him.
“Final night time’s 1 am vote was a coup by seven folks to overrule the votes of hundreds who selected me as Mayor,” Kamau said Wednesday afternoon. “I’m heartbroken to see us extra prepared to struggle one another than our actual enemies.”
Kamau defended his spending and worldwide journey, claiming his efforts aimed to advertise South Fulton as a hub for Black excellence and financial improvement.
Worldwide Journeys Beneath Scrutiny
The mayor has been criticized for taking journeys to locations corresponding to Colombia, Paris, and Ghana with out notifying the council. The journeys, which price town $26,000, have sparked outrage amongst residents and officers. Kamau insists the journey was a part of his technique to draw international funding.
“We’ve been chasing Fortune 500 corporations and getting warehouses and information facilities. Once I began speaking about South Fulton because the Blackest metropolis in America, we acquired invites from all around the world,” Kamau mentioned.
Workplace Renovations and Questionable Purchases
Kamau’s expenditures prolonged past journey. Experiences revealed the mayor spent $1,800 on a mix pool desk and different workplace objects. He additionally created a $20,000 media studio, which the council deemed unauthorized.
Town council launched an audit, citing over 100 unaccounted P-card transactions. Kamau responded by creating a web site to showcase receipts and pictures from his journeys, claiming transparency.
Council Pushback
Council members have been vocal of their criticism. District 3 Councilwoman Helen Willis dismissed Kamau’s claims that the council was knowledgeable about his actions.
“We’re not tearing you down. You took your Black behind over to Africa for 20 days and didn’t inform anyone,” Willis mentioned throughout a current assembly.
Neighborhood Response
South Fulton residents have reacted blended to the council’s actions. Whereas some reward the council for holding the mayor accountable, others view the measures as politically motivated.
Kamau continues to defend his initiatives and plans to hunt re-election. He has used public boards, together with his “Mayor Mondays” occasions, to elucidate his imaginative and prescient for South Fulton and counter the allegations.
Wanting Forward
Because the controversy unfolds, the South Fulton Metropolis Council’s choice marks a turning level in Kamau’s tenure. The council will deal with the problem in upcoming conferences, however Kamau’s skill to steer successfully seems more and more compromised.
The mayor’s focus stays on defending his file and regaining the neighborhood’s assist. Whether or not he can achieve this in time for the following election stays to be seen.
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