Snellville Mayor Attempting To Gut City’s Most Successful Community Initiatives

Written by Marbury Creative Group

The composition of the Snellville Tourism and Trade Association (STAT) board could change dramatically at the Monday night meeting of the Snellville City Council, according to an item placed on the agenda by Mayor Kelly Kautz.

Three founding members of that board--Gretchen Schulz, Kelly McALoon and Aysha Cooper--are not being considered by Kautz for reappointment even though STAT's nominating committee recommended their reappointment at the December meeting of the city council.

Schulz, who serves as STAT's volunteer manager for the Snellville Farmers' Market, was the driving force behind the establishment of the market in 2010, and has driven it through two successful seasons. In 2011 the market won national honors as the #1 large market on the East Coast. Schulz, who spends an average of 30 volunteer hours a week in season working on the Farmers' Market, said when notified of the mayor's decision, "I'm doing some real soul searching at this time. It's very hard to stay devoted to projects when you know the mayor wants to see you gone. I've felt that the farmers' market and all the projects STAT has taken on have been projects that have contributed immensely to the city. I don't intend to spend my retirement years caught in the middle of (Kautz's) political games ".

Kelly McAloon, chairman of both the Fall Festival, as well as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, recently received a proclamation from the city for her dedication, which resulted in Snellville having the largest attended Christmas Tree lighting in The city's history. McAloon's response to the news was,"Unbelievable. Why would anyone want to dismantle such a dedicated group of people who have brought the sense of "community" back to Snellville and want to continue to do so? What a slap in the face!"

In an email to Kautz, Council Member Tom Witts stated, "I cannot conceive of one reason, other than a political motivation, that would bring you to the decision to disregard the STAT board's recommendation to reappoint these three proven, dedicated volunteers who have brought so much positive attention to our city. Our job as city leaders is to put politics aside and think of our city and citizens first. It is a concept that has served the city well over the last two years. I would ask that you reconsider your position on this matter.."