The recent Eastlake City Council meeting took a dramatic turn as a shouting match erupted over concerns about Mayor David Spotton working two full-time jobs. This issue came to light after an anonymous letter was received by the News 5 Investigators, questioning the amount of time Mayor Spotton actually spends on city matters. As residents were interviewed, it became apparent that many were unaware of the mayor’s dual employment status.
Sharon Matty, an Eastlake resident, expressed surprise at the revelation that Mayor Spotton was juggling two full-time jobs. She emphasized the importance of the mayor’s undivided attention to the city’s issues, stating that Eastlake needs a leader who can dedicate their time and effort to addressing the community’s problems.
The situation arose following the passing of former Mayor Dennis Morley, which led to Spotton assuming the role of mayor as per the city’s charter. The charter explicitly states that the mayor must be a full-time position and cannot hold any other private employment. Additionally, the elected mayor is required to divest from any business within six months of taking office.
Despite these regulations, Mayor Spotton continued to work full-time for the Lakeland Community College Police Department, earning over $70,000 annually. Concerns were raised by former Mayor Ted Andraejewski, who pointed out that Spotton’s absence and lack of responsiveness to residents’ inquiries were troubling.
During a city council meeting, Mayor Spotton defended his actions, stating that he had sought legal advice and was following the guidance of the law director. The law director, Randy Klammer, argued that since Spotton was appointed, not elected, he was not bound by the charter’s restrictions on outside employment.
The debate intensified as council members questioned the mayor’s ability to fulfill his duties effectively while working two full-time jobs. The issue of accountability and transparency was raised, with residents and officials alike seeking clarity on the mayor’s commitment to the city.
Despite Mayor Spotton’s claims of dedicating over 40 hours a week to his mayoral duties, concerns lingered about his ability to effectively serve the community while balancing multiple roles. The lack of official tracking of the mayor’s hours further fueled skepticism about his level of engagement with city affairs.
As the controversy continues to unfold, residents like Sharon Matty are calling for Mayor Spotton to prioritize his mayoral responsibilities over his secondary employment. The ongoing debate raises questions about the expectations placed on public officials and the need for clarity and accountability in local governance.
With Mayor Spotton’s term not ending until next year, the community remains divided over his dual employment status and its impact on his ability to lead effectively. As the Eastlake City Council convenes for another meeting, the spotlight remains on the mayor’s commitment to serving the city and addressing the concerns raised by residents and officials alike.
