GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro Mayor-Elect Marikay Abuzuaiter is responding to questions after a recent email she sent to incoming city council members stirred concerns about communication, representation, and proper protocol as a new administration prepares to take office.
The email, dated Nov. 12, stated that Abuzuaiter is “the face and the only spokesperson for the city and council on council matters,” prompting three newly elected members — Crystal Black, Cecile Crawford, and Adam Marshall — to request clarification on what responsibilities they hold and how communication will be handled moving forward.
A Welcome Message That Sparked Conversation
Abuzuaiter says her message was intended as a welcome letter, not a restriction.
“I sent it out just as a welcome, and I wanted them to know there are things the mayor does,” she explained, emphasizing that she did not intend to “box in” or silence council members.
She made it clear that representatives can still attend neighborhood meetings, speak with residents, and advocate for their districts — but there are rules tied to protocol and staff involvement.
Meetings Involving City Staff Must Follow Procedure
According to Abuzuaiter, when meetings involve city employees or department staff, proper notification is required.
City Manager Trey Davis, she noted, is one of only two employees — along with the city attorney — whom the council is legally allowed to direct under state law.
“It is good to let the chair of the board know … if you are having a meeting that involves city staff,” she said.
Sunshine Laws and Council Transparency
Abuzuaiter also reminded incoming members of North Carolina’s open meetings laws.
“If five of us meet, that has to be noticed as a council meeting,” she said, stressing the importance of transparency.
These guidelines, she says, are standard protocol and help maintain public trust in city governance.
Intentions Misunderstood, Mayor-Elect Says
Abuzuaiter maintains that her goal is collaboration, not control.
“I am not there to tell anybody ‘no.’ I want to say ‘yes,’ and we go from there to see how it can be done … There are a lot of rules and protocol we have to follow first,” she said.
She also acknowledged that public scrutiny comes with the job.
“I know every time I do an email, it’s public record. I have no issue with that.”
New Council Members Settle Questions During Orientation
The six newly elected council members attended a formal orientation on Monday, where they were able to discuss the email further and raise any remaining questions.
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