MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe's Mayor Jamie Mayo had some harsh words for the city council on Monday as he dished out his opinions on upcoming council business at a media briefing.
The briefing was part of the city's new communication plan to update the people of Monroe on where the administration stands on council agenda items before each council meeting. "The city council is quite frankly trying to gain more power," said Mayo.
Mayor Jamie Mayo is accusing the council of trying to expand its authority through talks of hiring a city council attorney, cutting the full time city engineer job, and imposing term limits. Mayo even compared the council to the Monroe City School Board who is criticized for internal conflict.
"I have several friends on the school board, but quite frankly, some of them have created an environment that's not conducive to growth for the Monroe City School System, I'm afraid that the City of Monroe is possibly heading in that direction, by wanting to change the charter to give them more power," said Mayo.
The mayor has openly disagreed with several recent council proposals including promising to veto the term limit ordinance that would limit elected city leaders to three terms in office. "I believe each and every time our citizens vote we consider that term limits," said Mayo.
But because striking down a proposed amendment is against city charter, he's instead refusing to sign the ordinance. "Without my signature, I'm saying I oppose this, for the reasons I've already stated.
Mayo also used the briefing to ask for the council's support on a new splash pad at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, selling water to the Charleston Industrial Park, and talked about the need for a bigger civic center arena.
We reached out to Council Chair Eddie Clark and Vice Chair Ray Armstrong, who have both chosen for now to not respond to Mayo's comments.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 12:32 AM EDT2013-05-21 04:32:49 GMT
WATERPROOF, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A school fight lands more than a dozen students in jail back in April. Monday, parents are deciding to challenge a zero-tolerance rule.
WATERPROOF, La. (KNOE 8 News) - A school fight lands more than a dozen students in jail back in April. Monday, parents are deciding to challenge a zero-tolerance rule.
Friday, May 17 2013 12:09 PM EDT2013-05-17 16:09:18 GMT
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
FARMERVILLE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The family of a Farmerville teen who died at football practice last week says it is overwhelmed by the community's gratitude.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:06:05 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - School closures, cuts to services, and employee reductions will be actions facing new Monroe superintendent-elect Brent Vidrine.
