Sandra Morgan confirmed as East Cleveland's interim mayor
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Sandra Morgan is staying put as interim mayor of East Cleveland.
Why it matters: The Ohio Supreme Court decision last week settles a conflict between the East Cleveland city charter and the Ohio Revised Code, clearing the way for Morgan to tackle urgent local matters without the specter of illegitimacy hanging over her head.
Catch up quick: A three-judge panel suspended Mayor Brandon King in January due to felony charges related to his official conduct.
- According to the Ohio Revised Code, when a mayor is suspended, the county's probate court judge, Anthony Russo in Cuyahoga County, is empowered to appoint an interim mayor.
- Russo appointed Morgan, the granddaughter of Cleveland inventor Garrett Morgan and an 18-year East Cleveland resident, in late February after considering more than 30 applicants.
Friction point: The city charter specifies that in the case of a sitting mayor's "death, resignation, removal or long-term absence," the city council president becomes mayor.
- City Council President Lateek Shabazz filed a complaint with the Ohio Supreme Court, seeking to be named mayor.
The intrigue: The local charter also notes that for a mayor's short-term absence, the next official in the line of succession for acting mayor is the finance director, followed by the law director.
- East Cleveland law director Willa Hemmons initially claimed to be the rightful mayor, as the city has no finance director at the moment, and King's absence could be construed as short-term.
- King's trial begins April 30. If the charges are dismissed or if he is found not guilty, he'll return to the mayor's seat.
Between the lines: The legality of Morgan's appointment created another controversy in an already bitterly factionalized community, where interpersonal disputes have hindered progress for years.
What they're saying: Morgan did not respond to an Axios voicemail seeking comment, but has said in local interviews that the city budget, public safety and infrastructure will be first on her docket.
- "Some of our streets, I'm not kidding, look like Gaza," she told Signal Cleveland.
What's next: Morgan will serve as interim mayor until King's case is resolved or until a permanent successor is elected in November.
- She intends to run for the gig.