Removing Ohio city council members isn't easy — even after criminal charges
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A Whitehall City Council member accused of sexually abusing children will stay in office, for now — a tumultuous case drawing attention to municipal government's usually mundane mechanics.
Why it matters: Most people don't think much about city charters, the local equivalent of a constitution. But some, like Whitehall's, make it surprisingly difficult to remove an embattled elected official.
The big picture: Ohio is a home rule state, meaning local governments can set their own rules, or defer to processes defined in state law.
Catch up quick: A vote to oust Gerald Dixon failed Tuesday night because Whitehall's charter requires the unanimous agreement of all six other council members. One voted against it.
- Dixon was sworn in for a second term Dec. 9, just hours after being released from jail.
Tuesday's hectic proceedings included heckling, an increased police presence and Dixon abruptly leaving the meeting to avoid violating his release conditions when attendees brought several children into the room.
Zoom in: Other cities have different rules on removing a council member. In Columbus, just a two-thirds vote of council is needed.
- That's also the case in Gahanna, Westerville and Pickerington, though many local charters don't describe a removal process at all.
Between the lines: Being accused of a crime isn't the same as being convicted.
- State law does bar "convicted felons" from office — but it can take years for some cases to play out in court.
- Charges related to official duties can also result in suspension.
The other side: Dixon declined comment at Tuesday's meeting and on social media, citing the pending case.
What we're watching: Whitehall residents could consider a couple of other options defined in state law.
- They could petition the local court for removal proceedings, with signatures equal to 15% of local votes cast in the last governor's race.
- Or a local recall election would require petition signatures equal to 25% of voters from Dixon's ward in the most recent mayoral race.
Yes, but: They couldn't file a recall petition until six months into Dixon's term, or June 9, per Whitehall's charter.
What's next: A hearing regarding Dixon's charges is scheduled for Tuesday in Franklin County Municipal Court.