College Park city manager fired amid Chelsea Gardens controversy
Fired College Park city manager responds
College Park City Manager Dr. Emmanuel Adediran was fired in a 3-2 council vote, with accusations of "willful misconduct" and "dishonesty," though no details have been publicly disclosed. He has issued a statement in response.
COLLEGE PARK, Ga. - The city manager of College Park has been abruptly fired, following a narrow vote by the City Council and amid a swirl of controversy and unanswered questions.
What we know:
Dr. Emmanuel Adediran was terminated from his position during a special meeting on Monday, with council members voting 3-2 in favor of his removal. Council member Roderick Gay accused Adediran of "willful misconduct" and "dishonesty." However, city officials have yet to provide specific details about the alleged misconduct.
What they're saying:
The firing comes as the city faces growing scrutiny over its handling of the Chelsea Gardens apartment complex, which was recently condemned. Some residents and city leaders believe the controversy surrounding that issue may have contributed to Adediran’s ouster.
RELATED STORIES
- Chelsea Gardens residents protest water shutoffs and alleged eviction tactics
- College Park residents given days to pack up and get out their apartments
- Residents of condemned College Park apartments call for extension to move-out deadline
Adediran is the third city manager College Park has dismissed in the past two years. In the wake of his departure, the council has appointed Lindell Miller as interim city manager. Miller previously served as the city’s procurement officer.
Statement from Dr. Emmanuel Adediran
My wife and I came to College Park for me to become Public Works Director. The city was facing some division and turmoil among its elected leadership, and I was soon asked to serve as Interim City Manager, and then 8-months ago appointed as full-time City Manager.
In that time we have reduced crime by double-digits, reduced the millage rate, delivered two healthy budgets close to $200-million, operated our two utilities (water & electric), and dealt with the aftermath of two massive storm systems downing limbs and trees and knocking out power city wide, in both cases with streets being cleared and power restored in less than half a day.
The circumstances of my departure and now false allegations being made by some are distressing to my family and I, but as my wife and I both work in government service, we are familiar with the blame game and seeking injury to another's reputation in effort to protect your own. Our careers in public service will continue, and our track record of leaving behind legacies and attempting to improve the communities in which we work won't change.
Though I'm not perfect, and managing a municipality with divided leadership can be challenging, I have nearly four decades in public service, in the midwest, mid-Atlantic region and south Florida. As the fourth City Manager in three years for the City of College Park, I suspect I am not the problem. We love living here and wish the city, city government as well as the citizens and local business owners all the best.
What's next:
As of Sunday evening, city officials had not released further comment.