Power struggle grows in Lithonia
By Brian Egeston
be@brianwrites.com
A Lithonia City Council meeting ended Monday night with a police chief fired, escorted from the building, rehired and officers removing protesting citizens from City Hall. Then came the locksmith.
The uprising is the latest episode in a rift between Mayor Joyce McKibben, Police Chief Willie Rosser.
During the meeting McKibben announced to people in attendance, “The City of Lithonia has relieved Chief Willie Rosser from his duties for violation of city policy.” The City Council then left the meeting to convene without the mayor. When the council returned, Councilwoman Tonya Peterson announced that the council had decided to reinstate the police chief.
Apparent mayhem ensued when a council member made a motion to remove the mayor from the meeting. McKibben later attempted to adjourn the meeting, but was met with verbal protests from the audience.
McKibben’s transition team then locked themselves in the City Hall building until law enforcement officials removed them.
“Under the advice of my attorney, [the advice] was to return to work. I have been reinstated by the council as of last night,” Rosser was quoted Tuesday morning when he addressed the media.
McKibben also addressed the media and claimed she was roughed up by law enforcement officers who tried to confiscate computer equipment from her.
According to published reports, Rosser fired seven people since January and terminated one other, all without city approval. She said the he also bought a $20,000 Crown Victoria on city credit without any authorization.
McKibben, who has been locked out of City Hall by the council, is conducting business from a coffee shop next door.
McKibben nor Rosser could be reached form comment by press time.
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