South Fulton mayor won't seek re-election amid spending scrutiny
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South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau announced Tuesday that he won't seek re-election and will use next week's State of the City address to bid farewell.
Why it matters: Kamau, whose term expires at the end of the year, is the second person to serve as mayor for the city, which incorporated in 2017 and has a population of about 108,000 people.
- His tenure has been marked with controversy, including a 2023 arrest on burglary charges and allegations of making lavish purchases and taking international trips on the city's dime.
Driving the news: The mayor confirmed his plans during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, WSB reports.
- His announcement comes days after Bill Edwards, the city's first mayor who in 2021 lost his re-election bid to Kamau, said he will run for the office.
- Two other people, Councilmember Carmalitha Gumbs and Kelvin Davis, are also running for mayor.
Catch up quick: Kamau, who goes by Mayor Kobi, has faced scrutiny from South Fulton City Councilmembers over allegations that he misused his city-issued purchasing card to make roughly $26,000 in purchases.
- Councilmember Helen Willis questioned Kamau's spending on a trip to Africa, a TV production studio in his City Hall office, and other purchases.
- The City Council in February voted to restrict his access to City Hall and stripped him of most of his power and spending authority.
Yes, and: In 2023, while mayor, Kamau was arrested on burglary and trespassing charges at a home in Fairburn.
The other side: The mayor, who called the international trips trade missions to promote economic development, said he was disappointed by the Council's actions. He also said he kept the city manager abreast of any purchasing decisions he made.