East Point mayor files lawsuit against city

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By Helena Oliviero

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Just days before elections, the mayor of East Point is suing her own city.

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Mayor Earnestine D. Pittman, of East Point

City Council overrides veto

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Mayor Earnestine D. Pittman said attorney John Woodham has filed a suit against the south Fulton city on behalf of five residents, including herself and state Sen. Vincent Fort.

Pittman, who has often battled city council members — four of which are on Tuesday’s ballot — said the council members have had plenty of opportunities "to do the right thing."

With the election quickly approaching, she said time’s up.

"We have given the elected officials every opportunity prior to the election," said Pittman who held a press conference Sunday to make the announcement.

Pittman listed the following reasons for the lawsuit: adoption of a franchise fee ordinance in violation of the city charter, collecting franchise fees in violation of state statute, and providing the city manager with a contract that contains an over-generous buyout provision.

Pittman said donations paid for the lawsuit to be filed, not city funds.

In an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Pittman focused on the rise in utility rates. She said cash-strapped residents and businesses can not afford higher water and sewer bills.

East Point Councilman Clyde Mitchell, who is up for re-election Tuesday, dismissed the lawsuit as little more than a publicity stunt.

"If things don’t go her way, she tries to use the media and intimidate to get her way," he said.

Mitchell said the increase in the utility rates, which is about a $47-per-month increase for most residences, was necessary for much-needed maintenance and for the refinancing of water and sewer bonds. He said the city has not had an increase for many years.

The lawsuit is the latest incident in ongoing squabbling between the mayor and what she calls the "Gang of Five" on the City Council.

Earlier this year, Pittman accused the majority of the council of hijacking meetings, violating the open meetings law and allowing only their pet items to move forward on the agenda. She also refused to go to Unicoi State Park for an annual retreat in May.

The purpose of the retreat near Helen was reportedly to discuss pressing issues and work on fostering better working relationships on the council. But Pittman thought the retreat as a waste of taxpayer’s money.

Pittman said she just wants what best for her city.

Mitchell said Pittman will disagree just to disagree.

"She is a narcissistic mayor who wants to save a city that doesn’t need to be saved," said Mitchell.