Greensboro City Council names Marikay Abuzuaiter new mayor pro tempore

Greensboro City Council Member Marikay Abuzuaiter was named mayor pro tem on Tuesday after a debate about being visionary versus continuing to follow tradition.

The decision came after Council Member Goldie Wells nominated herself for the position. Wells, who is Black, said this would show a commitment to inclusivity for a majority-minority city.

"When you look up here, we've always had a Black person for the last years sitting here," she said. "When you look at our leadership now, it's not going to show that. And I just believe our city should have the leadership that shows our diversity."

She was supported by Council Members Sharon Hightower and Hugh Holston, who are also Black. Traditionally, an at-large member like Abuzuaiter is appointed to the position.

But the motion for Wells to fill the role failed after a 3-5 vote. Afterward, the City Council voted unanimously to appoint Abuzuaiter.

Mayor Nancy Vaughan says the tradition has remained for years because council members who represent districts often are more focused and familiar with their constituency.

"The mayor pro tem has to be the mayor pro tem of the entire city," Vaughan said. "And at this point, there's no time to get to know areas of the city that they haven't necessarily been in."

Abuzuaiter takes the role left vacant after the passing of Yvonne Johnson in December.