The fight over a proposed data center in Coweta has become some fierce and deep that residents went before the city council to urge the removal of City Manager Julie Casteen.
The opponents of Project Atlas put enough heat on the city council that it recently was informed by the developer it was no longer pursuing any approval of the project. While it would seem that would have been the end of the controversy, it wasn’t as residents took their anger out on Casteen, demanding her removal.
“We’re here tonight, because we all want the best for Coweta,” Coweta neighbor Cathie Hogate, said, “We ask that you terminate our manager, Julie Casteen. No more silence, hidden agendas. Stop letting intimidation stop you from doing your job.”
They went before the city council this week and voiced their attack on Casteen who sat quietly and had to listen to their comments.
“Do what’s in the best interest of this community, step down from your position, allow this community to move on without you.”
“We ask that you terminate our manager, Julie Casteen. No more silence, hidden agendas.”
“This is a text to a member of the council where she says quote unquote, a lot of the people protesting are just not very smart and can’t accept change.” My response to that is, this text wasn’t very smart, and I assure you there is change coming. It’s just a matter if you’re willing to accept it Ms. Casteen.”
“People of this town aren’t very smart, and can’t accept change, she said.”
KTUL’s Burt Mummolo reported Casteen did not comment following the meeting.
A report by KJRH TV news indicated the city council chose to not respond to the public comments and took no action on the calls for the ouster of Casteen.