Broken Arrow city council unanimously votes in new city manager

The Broken Arrow City Council unanimously voted in a new city manager Tuesday.

Thom Moton, currently the interim city manager for the city of Greenville, N.C., will take over for acting city manager Russell Gale, who replaced longtime city manager David Wooden in April.

City officials would not originally say what led to his termination, but Wooden said his handling of the controversial Red Clay Casino project was "a factor."

According to the BA website, the city manager "coordinates and administers the implementation of policies, procedures and ordinances that will provide for the sustainable, managed growth of the city" and serves under the direction of the city council.

"Through this process, Mr. Moton stood out to me, the other councilors, as well as the other groups that participated," said Mayor Craig Thurmond. "He is a true visionary that can lead Broken Arrow into the future."

Moton grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and lived in Texas for many years, according to the city of Greenville website.

The city council will discuss Moton's contract at an Oct. 2 meeting.