Dispute Over Ex-City Manager Grows : Politics: Mayor Fasching decries a letter to voters written by nine ex-mayors, who said that the forced resignation of George Watts was illegal.

Mayor George Fasching lashed back last week at nine former mayors who signed a letter denouncing as illegal the forced resignation of former City Manager George Watts.

Speaking at Tuesday’s council meeting, Fasching called the letter “one-sided and non-factual” and said that the council acted within the law.

He said the letter “urges conversion of the city manager position into a political position subject to a popularity contest.”

The letter, dated May 22, was mailed to 14,000 registered voters in the city, said former Mayor Mary Young, whose husband spearheaded the campaign. Young could not seek reelection this year because she had served two consecutive terms, the limit set in the City Charter.

Less than a month after the municipal election, newly seated Councilmen Dennis A. Lojeski and Robert G. Margett joined Fasching and Councilman Joseph C. Ciraulo in asking Watts to resign. They said they wanted “new administrative leadership.” Councilman Robert C. Harbicht dissented. Watts resigned May 7. William Woolard is the acting city manager.

In their letter, the former mayors accused the four councilmen of violating the City Charter provision prohibiting officials from removing a city manager within 135 days of a City Council election, except by unanimous vote.

“We believe that they have undertaken conduct which is not only illegal but which is excessive and unworthy, and tends to reflect discredit upon our city government,” the letter said.

The former mayors also accused officials of ousting Watts, who ran a tight fiscal budget, so they could deplete reserve funds.

At Tuesday’s council meeting, both Fasching and City Attorney Mike Miller read prepared statements countering the accusations.

Miller said the charter was not violated because Watts voluntarily resigned and accepted a management consultant position with the city with full pay and benefits for up to one year. If Watts hadn’t resigned, the council would not have removed him from office until the 135 days had lapsed, Miller said.

At the council meeting, a crowd of about 100 people applauded after comments by resident Beth Wells, who said she was outraged by the campaign against the council.

“Watts was arrogant and knew it all, and you couldn’t tell him anything,” Wells said later. “It’s a healthy, wonderful opportunity now for things to happen.”

During an interview Wednesday, Fasching said accusations about the council raiding the city coffers were “malicious and inflammatory.” He said officials may seek legal action, at their own expense, if the allegations persist.

“This attack is libelous,” he said. “We have been advised that we have grounds for a libel suit.”

He conceded that the council is studying the possibility of using the city’s $8-million reserve fund to make lighting improvements citywide, and upgrade City Hall, the library and some police stations. But he said that was not related to the council’s desire to replace Watts.