Snellville’s mayor has suspended himself from office following his 66-count indictment two weeks ago on charges of tax evasion and using campaign funds for personal use – including a cruise and a subscription to a porn website.
Tom Witts did not attend the city council meeting Monday night, but had a statement read on his behalf by City Attorney Tony Powell.
“My decision to accept the suspension of my office voluntarily is designed to get my issues out of the way so the other leaders can pick up our banner without the distraction of my defense,” the statement read.
Witts’ move preempts efforts by Gov. Nathan Deal to form a three-member panel that would have issued a recommendation on whether he should be suspended from office.
“I will soon have the opportunity to assert my plea that I am not guilty of the charges filed against me. I am prepared for this challenge knowing that it is the only way to restore my name,” the statement read.
Witts’ duties will be assumed by Mayor Pro Tem Barbara Bender who read her own statement on behalf of the council.
“We will continue the progress we have made in the past two years and we will continue to work together in a respectful manner for the good of our city,” she read.
Witts has served two years of his first four-year term as mayor. He served on the city council for six years prior to running for mayor in 2015.
In his statement, he says he is proud of the accomplishments the city has made during that time and nothing grieves him more than having to surrender his oversight of the planning and development of the new Towne Center.