Man starts petition to recall 28-year Morganton mayor

MORGANTON, N.C. — In Burke County, there's a petition to recall the Morganton mayor of 28 years.

Dr. Aziz Omer has organized a petition drive to force Mayor Mel Cohen from office.

Under the city charter, he must collect signatures from 25 percent of the people who voted in the last election to force a recall election.

Omer has been a vocal opponent of the city's recent decision to increase the deposit on utilities.

"There are a lot of people who are very deeply saddened and depressed that we have to take this route. There is no other way. He has turned into a career politician and not in the greater good of our community," Omer said.

Cohen said the city's decision to increase the deposit on utilities will keep Morganton from losing money.

WSOC