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Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Council Chaos: Monroe City Council votes to replace mayor pro tem, holds no-confidence vote
MONROE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Tensions were high at Tuesday's Monroe City Council strategic meeting. The meeting started with a motion made by council member Julie Thompson to demote Mayor Pro Tem David Dotson and replace him with council member Surluta Anthony, effective at the start of their 6 p.m. regular meeting that followed. This sparked a heated back-and-forth with Thompson and Anthony targeting both Dotson and Mayor Robert Burns. Burns accused the other council members of unfairly targeting Dotson and himself when council member James Kerr allegedly cursed at Burns and threatened to fight Dotson. Monroe community divided over city's stance on ICE amid protests in Los Angeles Burns claims that Thompson and Anthony, along with two other council members, witnessed Kerr verbally attacking Dotson, and yet, Dotson and Burns are the only ones being targeted. Dotson claims that Kerr refuses to speak to him and bashed both the mayor and mayor pro tem in an email sent to someone critical of their views. Burns called the members' claims 'baseless' and said it reeks of 'selective accountability.' 'If David (Dotson) or I had acted this way, I could guarantee you, we would be facing serious consequences,' Burns said. Council member Franco McGee and Dotson questioned whether the discussion was about policy or position. Dotson argued that this move is based on political differences, as Dotson and Burns vote similarly on the board. He also added that this move gives the council member a political advantage ahead of the upcoming November election. 'I have not received a single warning or public criticism from this council, not for my public comments, not for my social media, not for failing to do my duties,' Dotson said. 'I give this council my full attention, and yet we're here to discuss my removal.' Ultimately, the council voted 4-3 to demote Dotson and promote Anthony to mayor pro tem. No-confidence vote The council then moved to its next item: to discuss a vote of no-confidence against Mayor Burns. The vote was requested by Council members Kerr and Thompson. They accused Burns of multiple things, including using city logos and addresses to share personal political views and failing to conduct civil meetings. But one of the major complaints made by the other members was that Burns allegedly failed to share information about new legislation, House Bill 3, which changes Monroe's municipal elections to even-numbered years and changes them from nonpartisan to partisan. Due to the passage of HB 3, Monroe will not hold municipal elections in 2025, and the current term of the mayor and council members has been extended by one year to align with the revised schedule. The next municipal election will be held in 2026, with candidate filing beginning on Dec. 1. A primary election will be held on March 3, 2026. Additionally, under the new law, candidates must now run with a political party affiliation. Burns stresses that he was on a family trip when he was notified of HB 3 by the city manager, along with the other council members, and had no prior knowledge of the legislation. He assured that he had no role in its creation and that the claims made against him are 'absurd.' Burns also defended his use of city logos and addresses to share personal political views, claiming he did not violate the city's policy because he used a disclaimer. He says that the 'selective retaliation' from the board is an abuse of power and that it goes against his right to free speech. 'No one is taking away your free speech right. Create another page and post away — have at it, do what you want. You have a right to do that. No one is doing that,' Thompson argued. 'This is about political platform views for you and political expediency, and it's not about the citizens of Monroe… I just want them (the people of Monroe) represented fairly.' Thompson further accused Burns of being the one who made this situation political and created division amongst the council. This is not the first time the mayor and other Council members have been at odds. Last year, Burns was censured for comments he made praising the overturning of Roe v. Wade. 'I am unashamedly pro-life, from the womb to the tomb,' Burns said Tuesday. 'And I will use my title, and I will use everything that I have to be able to speak for those that do not have a voice.' He emphasized that he's always had a disclaimer on his social media and letters that his views were his own and don't reflect the council's views as a whole. Dotson argues that this action is a resolution, not a censure, and that by censuring Burns, they'll be censuring everyone who supports and shares his views. 'When you chill his voice by saying you followed the rules, but we don't like what you're saying, you chill their voice as well,' Dotson said. The council voted 5-2 in favor of a no-confidence motion against Burns. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Monroe City Council to discuss new election bill
Monroe city leaders will meet to discuss a new bill that would require partisan elections Monday morning, councilmembers said. This potential change to the city's election process comes after a house bill was amended by North Carolina lawmakers to include the city. Channel 9's Eli Brand said the bill, known as HB3, would require candidates for Monroe to list their political party when running for office, forcing most offices to hold primary elections. It is estimated that new primaries could cost the city $75,000 to run which would be costly for taxpayers if it passes. Council member Julie Thompson wishes the council had been consulted about the potential change. 'Your vote and elections are a sacred thing,' Thompson said. 'We live in a free county, and you should be able to whether you're unaffiliated or a Democrat or Republican, to vote your conscience and have your voice at the ballot box.' The council will hold an emergency meeting at 8 a.m. Check back for updates on this story on Eyewitness News at Noon. VIDEO: 'No Kings': Crowds gather across Charlotte area as part of nationwide day of protest
