Mayor Brandon King has been suspended while he faces criminal corruption charges, but city leaders can’t agree on who the acting mayor is.
EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — It’s the question everyone living in East Cleveland wants to know. Who is in charge?
According to Mansell Baker, East Cleveland Clerk of Council, they are currently in the process of resolving the issue with the Ohio Supreme Court and are awaiting the court’s verdict.
Recently, a panel of judges has ordered the suspension of Mayor Brandon King from office due to facing criminal corruption charges from the state. As per the city’s charter, an acting mayor is required to take over his responsibilities, at least temporarily.
However, a dilemma has arisen as city officials are in disagreement over who should assume the role of acting mayor. While City Council President Lateek Shabazz claims it should be him, Law Director Willa Hemmons argues that it is her rightful position.
3News stopped by City Hall Tuesday afternoon. Shabazz did not respond to messages, and Hemmons refused to go on camera.
“Sorry, but she says ‘no comment’ on pending litigation,” a woman sitting outside Hemmons’ office told us.
Baker asserts Hemmons is ineligible to be acting mayor, and showed 3News documents supporting the claim.
“Ms. Hemmons has stated that she is in charge of the city,” Baker said. “However, due to her not being a full-time employee of the city and being a contracted law director, that does not make her eligible for the position.”
Cuyahoga County Probate Court has taken up the dispute, and Judge Anthony Russo is accepting applications for interim mayor, which are due by Feb. 14. In the meantime, Baker says his office has been flooded with questions.
“Our city charter is clear that the line of succession rests with the council president,” he stated, citing language in the charter that the council president would take over due to the “death, resignation, removal or long-term absence of the Mayor.” Legislators appear to be treating King’s absence as “long-term,” while Hemmons and her allies claim it’s only “temporary,” which would usually mandate the finance director be acting mayor. Since the current finance head is only an interim director, that would put Hemmons next in line as law director.
When asked if he understood why people would be “confused” at the moment, Baker answered, “I can understand, because information is not readily available for people if they don’t ask for it. But we’re willing and able to provide.”
A spokesperson for Russo’s office said he does not want to comment on the “interim to the interim” debate. So, far he’s received at least four applications for acting mayor, and will make a decision on who will lead East Cleveland through at least November.
King, who has pleaded not guilty, officially remains East Cleveland’s mayor despite being barred for exercising his duties.
