Supporters of the mayor of College Park gather outside City Hall to defend her after the vote of no confidence

COLLEGE PARK, Georgia (Atlanta News First) – Fireworks again took place at College Park City Hall Monday night.

A group of citizens supporting Mayor Bianca Motley Broom protested because they were upset about the council’s recent decision to censure her.

“They are silencing the mayor and preventing her from expressing her opinion on the deliberations,” said Keith, who appeared with the political group United College Park. He did not want to give his last name for privacy reasons.

They gathered in protest outside the council meeting. This all stems from a meeting on August 9 that was marked by controversy. During this meeting, some of them were escorted out and even arrested.

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“It was a disgrace. A disgrace to the mayor, a disgrace to the citizens of the city,” Keith said.

We spoke to the council members who voted for the reprimand.

“College Park’s charter provides for a weak mayoral system and it has been that way for 133 years,” said Council Member Jamelle McKenzie.

In a strong mayor system, the mayor has more say and veto power.

McKenzie and Mayor Roderick Gay said Motley Broom was exceeding his authority.

“The mayor will not participate in the debates. The moderator of the debate will not participate in the debate. If that is the case, it will be chaos,” McKenzie said. “We are here to handle the citizens’ business. That is what we were elected to do and that is what we will continue to do.”

Motley Broom’s supporters welcome her increased voice on the podium.

“She’s a mediator, she’s a lawyer, she’s a brilliant woman,” Keith said.

“Ultimately, we have to come together, accept the differences and find a way to get along,” McKenzie said.

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