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Post by duke on Nov 7, 2012 17:44:23 GMT -5
D.C. Votes to Eject Officials For Felony Convictions While in Office November 07, 2012 by Zoe Tillman l With the resignation and criminal convictions of two D.C. Council members and other political scandals this year likely on their minds, voters in the District of Columbia approved two charter amendments in yesterday’s general election that would disqualify elected officials from serving if convicted of a felony while in office. The two charter amendments passed with more than 75 percent of voters saying yes. Charter Amendment VI would make any council member convicted of a felony while in office ineligible to stay in office or hold that position in the future. Charter Amendment VII would apply the same rules to the mayor. The vote comes at the tail-end of a rough year for the city’s political reputation. Former Councilmember Harry Thomas Jr. is serving a 38-month prison sentence after pleading guilty in January to embezzling public funds. Former Council Chair Kwame Brown is due for sentencing next week after pleading guilty to bank fraud and campaign finance law violations. And an ongoing investigation into Mayor Vincent Gray’s (D) 2010 campaign has already resulted in guilty pleas from several ex-campaign aides and supporters; the mayor has not been charged with any wrongdoing. <snip> legaltimes.typepad.com/blt/2012/11/dc-votes-to-eject-officials-for-felony-convictions-while-in-office.htm
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