Charlottesville officials opt not to rehire city manager

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Officials in the Virginia town where violence broke out last year during a white nationalist rally have voted not to renew the city manager’s contract.

The Charlottesville city council has voted not to renew Maurice Jones’ contract past its Dec. 7 expiration.

Jones issued a statement Friday saying he has been honoured to serve the community, including eight years as city manager.

Jones described Charlottesville as a special place that has challenges like all communities but also has the ability to address them.

Jones says he hopes the city will come together as one to find solutions to complex problems.

An independent report sharply criticized local officials for their failure to adequately plan for or respond to the August rally, which led to violent clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters.