Controversial Marietta Board of Lights and Water appointment leads to discord, animosity, and accusations of failure to be inclusive

The nomination process for a coveted position on the Board of Lights and Water (BLW) in Marietta recently turned into a heated debate, drawing accusations of “cronyism,” and highlighting concerns about diversity in leadership when it comes to appointments on boards and commissions by the Marietta City Council.

The controversy erupted after Councilman Andy Morris, who also sits on the BLW, nominated Pete Waldrep for the position during the Marietta City Council’s March 7 meeting. Waldrep, a former Marietta councilman and executive director of the Marietta Housing Authority, is a White man in his 70s.

Councilman Carlyle Kent raised objections to Waldrep’s nomination, raising concerns about diversity on the board. Kent presented a PowerPoint on racial demographics in Marietta as he underscored the need for diverse representation in the process. Said Kent, “The board represents the whole city, and I think for diversity, it should represent the city.” Following his presentation, Kent nominated Jesse Bonner Jr., son of Cobb NAACP president emerita Deane Bonner, for the position.

After some discussion, the council decided to open the application process to the public. However, one month later, Waldrep was nominated again. This time, he was appointed to the role in a 6-1 vote, with Kent opposing the decision. In voting no, Kent cited the lack of diversity on the board, which is currently comprised predominantly by White members. He was not alone in his criticism as others in the audience also voiced concerns about diversity and inclusion. Some members of the Council have suggested that those speaking out were raising issues about race, but for those ringing the bell, they say it is about diversity and gender insensitivity by the Marietta Council, not racism.

Former Marietta Councilman Reggie Copeland took it a step further saying it is all about “money” as he pointed to the elephant in the room – the monthly stipend associated with Marietta boards and commissions and who is continuously getting these benefits. In the case of the BLW, Copeland says members each get a stipend of $350 per month. He pointed to one member who he says has been in place for 22 years, which adds up to $92,400 dollars. For a member that serves on Water Works, Copeland says the member has received $500 a month for the past 12 years, adding up to $72,000.

For some long-serving members of boards and commissions, this is a cash cow, especially if you have served on the board for decades – with no term limits to impact a continuous check. Also getting a BLW stipend is Councilman Andy Morris. Copeland suggests that similar to term limits for other roles, boards and commissions should also incorporate term limits in their charters to ensure that other members of the community with the requisite skill sets to sit on these boards and commissions are afforded the opportunity to do so.

Kent also raised the possibility of implementing term limits for BLW members, noting that some have served for over 20 years. While he acknowledged the complexity of the board’s responsibilities, he believed term limits could promote turnover and fresh perspectives.

Kent and Copeland’s criticism of the board’s composition was shared by others, given its disproportionate representation in relation to the city’s demographic makeup. With five White men, one White woman, and one Black man, the board’s lack of diversity stands in stark contrast to the diverse population of Marietta.’

According to 2023 U.S. Census data, Marietta’s population reflects a significant level of diversity, with approximately 42% white, 31% Black, 19% Latino or Hispanic, 3% Asian, Native American, or Pacific Islander, and 8% identifying as two or more races. This demographic diversity underscores the importance of ensuring equitable representation in leadership positions within the city.

Public commenters expressed disappointment with Waldrep’s appointment, calling it a missed opportunity to promote diversity, while others say that the council had already decided on Waldrep before opening the application process to the public, labeling the selection process as a “sham.” One such person questioning the process was Tracey Stevenson, a white male, who also applied for the board appointment. Among the concerns Stevenson raised was the process of interviewing 8 candidates in 45 minutes, which he suggests was a sham interview.

Also being batted around is Kent revealing that Councilman Morris had indicated he had enough votes to secure Waldrep’s appointment before the selection process began. While Kent expressed concerns about the process, he clarified that Morris’s statements were not necessarily conspiratorial but reflected customary practice among council members.

As Waldrep begins his term, the discussion about diversity, governance, transparency, and term limits with Marietta boards and commissions will continue. Meanwhile, Copeland is encouraging other concerned citizens to plan now to attend the next BLW meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 6th at 12:00 noon.

Said Copeland, “The disparity between the board’s composition and the city’s demographics highlights the need for greater inclusivity and representation in decision-making processes. By addressing these disparities, Marietta can strive towards more inclusive governance that reflects the rich diversity of its population.”