Bender named Snellville mayor following Witts’ resignation

Barbara Bender is sworn in as Snellville mayor by City Clerk Melisa Arnold Jan. 14. (Courtesy City of Snellville)

Barbara Bender is sworn in as Snellville mayor by City Clerk Melisa Arnold Jan. 14. (Courtesy City of Snellville)

Snellville has appointed Barbara Bender as the city’s new mayor after the resignation of Tom Witts.

“As the new mayor,” she said. “I would like to make a pledge to the city to represent the citizens of Snellville to the best of my abilities in a professional and respectful manner; to work with this council to keep them well-informed of anything going on with the city and with the staff; to listen with an open mind to all views; to engage in and require respectful debates on issues; and to help build consensus on issues important to the city.

Her appointment was confirmed following a 3-1-1 vote, with Councilman Roger Marmol dissenting and Bender abstaining. Councilman Dave Emanuel was named mayor pro tem.

Because Bender had to resign her council seat to take the mayor’s post, there will be a special election March 19 to fill that seat. Qualifying for the Post 5 seat will take place Jan. 22-24 in City Hall, 2342 Oak Road.

Bender, a CPA and owner of Barbara A. Bender, CPA, LLC in Lawrenceville, served on the city council for six years from 2005 to 2011 and was elected again Nov. 2013. She serves on various city boards and commissions.