Alderman Pulls Plans to Limit Mayoral Powers

An Annapolis alderman has pulled his plans to introduce legislation that would limit the mayor's powers.

A few days after new Annapolis Mayor Mike Pantelides was elected, Alderman Ross Arnett unveiled plans to change the management of the city government to a council-manager form. The shift would make the City Manager report directly to the City Council instead of the mayor, reducing the power of the mayor to nearly a formality.

The proposed move was interpreted by some as a way to limit the power of the newly elected Republican mayor who would be working with a council of mostly Democrats, and resulted in a scathing mention on Rush Limbaugh's radio program. It also led to a recall campaign among Arnett's constituents.

But at a press conference Thursday night at City Hall, Pantelides and Arnett shook hands and agreed to put the issue behind them, The Capital reported.

"Ross and I have moved beyond it," Pantelides said.

The City Council is scheduled to meet on Dec. 9 for its first session since the Nov. 5 election.