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Stripping Mayoral Powers in Annapolis After Republican Victory

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Days after a Republican was elected mayor of Annapolis, City Council members say they will revisit legislation that would strip the mayor's office of much of its power.

Democratic Alderman Ross Arnett of Ward 8 tells The Capital he will introduce a charter amendment to move Annapolis to a council-manager style of government. The city manager would report directly to the City Council, not the mayor.

Under Arnett's legislation, the mayor's post would be largely ceremonial. The mayor would retain a single vote on the council. Arnett says the change would stabilize the city's management.

If the measure is approved, it would mean the Democratic-dominated council would be removing the powers of the first Republican mayor elected since 1997.

Last week, Republican Mike Pantelides defeated Democratic incumbent Josh Cohen.

Don Rush is the News Director and Senior Producer of News and Public Affairs at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.