Governor Tom Wolf has released a statement regarding West York Mayor Charles Wasko.
Wasko, who put up several racist and derogatory posts on Facebook, has faced backlash for his actions.
Many believe that Wasko should resign.
Now, Gov. Wolf has echoed the sentiments, via a statement from Jeffrey Sheridan:
“The actions of the West York mayor are beyond reprehensible, and Governor Wolf believes he should absolutely resign immediately. The mayor’s comments are shameful and racist, and this kind of bigotry has no place in society, let alone government. If the Senate initiates the mayor’s removal, Governor Wolf will support their efforts.”
For your background:
The Pennsylvania Constitution specifically provides three exclusive methods for removing the mayor from office: (1) Article II, Section 7 relating to ineligibility by criminal conviction of an infamous crime, which does not apply here; (2) Article VI, Section 6 relating to impeachment; and (3) Article VI, Section 7 related to removal for conviction of an infamous crime, misbehavior in office, or reasonable cause. With regard to removal for reasonable cause under Article VI, Section 7, the procedure for which to do so requires “address” by the Senate:
All civil officers shall hold their offices on the condition that they behave themselves well while in office and shall be removed on conviction of misbehavior in office or of any infamous crime. Appointed civil officers, other than judges of the courts of record, may be removed at the pleasure of the power by which they shall have been appointed. All civil officers elected by the people,except the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, members of the General Assembly and judges of the courts of record, shall be removed by the Governor for reasonable cause after due notice and full hearing, on the address of two-thirds of the Senate.
(Pa. Const. art.VI, ? 7 is the process by which the Senate tried to remove Kathleen Kane from office – as you know, they were unsuccessful).
