Monroe City Council debates removal of mayor pro tem, hears no-confidence resolution and approves schedule and policy changes

MONROE, N.C. — At a July 8 Monroe City Council strategic planning meeting, council members debated a motion to remove Mayor Pro Tem David Dotson and nominate Councilwoman Saluda Anthony, considered a symbolic vote of no confidence in Mayor Robert Burns, and approved procedural changes including a new monthly meeting date, an appointment to the public safety committee, a tightening of public-comment rules and a travel-policy amendment.

Councilmember Carter Thompson opened the item on the mayor pro tem position and moved "to remove Mayor Pro Tem Dotson from the position of mayor pro tem and nominate Councilwoman Saluda Anthony for the mayor pro tem position effective at the 6:00 meeting," saying the council’s extended terms and recent legislative changes prompted a need to “restructure.” The motion was seconded and drew extended discussion from multiple council members about timing, process and perceived motives.

The debate included repeated exchanges over an incident at a prior meeting in which Councilmember James Carr used profanity and challenged other members during a recess. Several speakers argued that the council had been selective in holding members accountable; others said removing leadership positions should be…