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Poll: Should state government get involved in removing a local politician who committed a non-criminal act?

There is no current state law that would enable West York Borough Council or a judge to remove West York Mayor Chuck Wasko from office. Wasko has been censured ...
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There is no current state law that would enable West York Borough Council or a judge to remove West York Mayor Chuck Wasko from office.

Wasko has been censured by borough council since it first came to light that he published posts to his Facebook page — nearly two weeks ago — that residents said were racist. There is no punitive action attached to his censure, and he is still acting mayor of West York.

Wasko’s initial response to public outrage was, “this is all a witch hunt.”

Borough President Shawn Mauck said Wasko’s comments did not reflect the thoughts and feelings of West York Borough. He also added that he thought Wasko should step down.

Wasko’s posts caught the attention of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, whose office released this statement, “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.”

According to the Pennsylvania Constitution, “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.”

Should state government get involved in removing a local politician who committed a non-criminal act?

 

 

 

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