In a move that could end political gridlock, Snellville City Councilman Mike Sabbagh resigned as mayor pro tem Monday night and paved the way for the selection of his colleague Tom Witts.
Sabbagh said he relinquished the position because of increased responsibilities at his job. But his decision effectively ended a three-month stalemate over his appointment by new Mayor Kelly Kautz, which other council members said was not permitted in the City Charter.
Kautz disputed their interpretation of the charter but opened up the nomination to a vote, saying she wanted to move forward.
"These are small issues, and we have major decisions that we need to make," she said, directing her comments to the City Council. "This is something you've made clear is going to be put on every agenda here on out."
The council members then unanimously approved the nomination of Witts, a political rival of Kautz's who supported her opponent in the November election.
Friction still remains among council members, however, particularly over Kautz's choice of Stuart Oberman as the city's interim attorney. The council still has yet to approve the rates and schedules for Oberman, who has been working for the city since November.
The city wasn't immediately sure how much Oberman was owed as of Tuesday.
"The mayor has the right to appoint, and I have the right to ask questions," Councilman Dave Emanuel said. "I feel some of the charges are excessive and unjustified. This is not resolved by any means."
Kautz said she was not backing down on her appointment of Oberman.
"The poor man hasn't been paid now in three months," she said.
Council members also blocked a couple of Kautz's nominations for city boards and committees, most notably former Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer for the city Planning Commission. His nomination failed in a 3-3 vote, with new members Emanuel, Bobby Howard and Diane Krause all voting against it.
"This past election has sharply divided the City," Oberholtzer said in a statement on Facebook. "My decision to rise above the fracas and continue to do what is best for the City of Snellville has obviously made some unhappy. This is the result."
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