Video: Columbus Mayor Will Not Use Veto Power

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Columbus, Miss. (WCBI) — Columbus Mayor Robert Smith will not use his power of veto on the city council decision to hire Chief Oscar Lewis III from Waynesboro, Mississippi as the next chief of police.

“Whether I agreed or not is not the question…”, Smith said, “…the council spoke, by majority vote, and we’re moving forward…”

The city council voted 3-2 in favor of Lewis, and the Ward 5 seat is still vacant with a special election coming in February.

Smith said he made the decision to not “drag out” the search for a chief, and that the city needs to move forward. Smith also mentioned that “who’s to say” the new Ward 5 city councilman wouldn’t vote in favor of the 3 votes made in favor of Lewis.

I would have hoped that we would have had some dialogue in executive session as far as strengths and weakness…”, admitted Smith, “…the council saw fit to make the vote on Tuesday night…”

The mayor also had high praise for Interim police chief Fred Shelton, saying he “had done a fantastic job, as interim chief of the police department…he stepped in during a critical situation…and did a heck of a job…”

Smith also hopes Shelton stays with the department.

Smith said he and the new chosen chief have been in contact, and a starting date will be discussed once Lewis has finalized the process of leaving the Waynesboro police department.

“Chief Lewis has made Columbus his home…”, said Smith, “…he’s looking forward to being back home with his wife and kids…”

Smith also believes Lewis can be the answer to building longevity at the chief position, which has seen now nine new faces in the past 25 years.

No official starting date has been set as to when Lewis will take over as head of the department.