Former Oconee County state Representative Bob Smith opened last night’s meeting of the City Council in Watkinsville by resigning as Mayor of Watkinsville.
Smith submitted his resignation in a letter to the Council.
“As I have seen in the past 14 months, there is no need for the position of mayor. With the knowledge and support of the mayor pro tem and the previous city council, the unelected city manager has taken over the responsibilities and duties that once belonged to the mayor. The mayor has virtually no authority to meet with people desiring property changes, negotiate transactions or give any input whatsoever on the business of Watkinsville government.
“Despite my best efforts, I have essentially been shut out of all decisions regarding the day-to-day management of Watkinsville. Under this system, much of the historic character of downtown Watkinsville has been changed forever. The approach to downtown from the north is an example.
“Most of all, I am disappointed at the city’s failure to have an inclusive government. The city council operates on a two-tier system. There is the inner circle, and there is the remainder of city government.”