Ga. State Senator criticizes bill giving Stonecrest mayor more power
One of three Georgia senators who represent parts of Stonecrest says he opposes a bill that would create a strong-mayor form of government in the city and substantially boost the pay of its chief executive.
Sen. Emanuel Jones, D-Decatur, also was critical of Stonecrest Mayor Jason Lary, whose salary would increase from $20,000 a year to $75,000 under House Bill 1060.
“We did not create the city to be a jobs program for the mayor and his cronies,” Jones said.
Lary said he is insulted by Jones’ comment and that his only goals are to clarify the mayor’s role and create a stronger city.
Jones said that he, Sen. Tonya Anderson, D-Lithonia, and Sen. Gloria Butler, D-Stone Mountain, all agree they will not support the bill, which was approved by the House on Wednesday. Without two of the three senators’ backing, the measure is likely dead.
VIDEO: Previous coverage of Stonecrest
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About the Author
Tia Mitchell is the AJC’s Washington Bureau Chief and a co-host of the "Politically Georgia" podcast. She writes about Georgia’s congressional delegation, campaigns, elections and the impact that decisions made in D.C. have on residents of the Peach State.
