The City of Union, South Carolina is in for a change in its form of government.
In a decision made by the Union City Council at a special called meeting late Tuesday afternoon, the city has opted to hire a full-time administrator, separating the position from the Mayor's position.
The Council also terminated city zoning director Jeff Lawson.
Lawson had been on unpaid administrative leave after being indicted under federal corruption charges.
Former Union Mayor Bruce Morgan was also charged in the corruption scandal. Morgan resigned the day the indictments were handed down.
Residents of the city had assumed, as they had been led to believe by the Council, that Union's next Mayor would handle the combined role of city administrator as well, as it had been done since 2004 when Morgan convinced the Council to combine the two positions.
But the Council nixed that plan at today's meeting and chose instead to hire a full-time city administrator. A nationwide search will ensue to find the person best suited for the job, according to the Council.
At least 6 persons have announced their candidacy for Mayor. With Tuesday's decision by the Council, the Mayor of Union will be a significantly weakened position with a reduced salary.
Showing posts with label Union City Council. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Union City Council. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Corruption Scandal in Union May Broaden
Bearing in mind that charges and allegations brought against citizens, even public officials, must be proved in a court of law, local news sources in South Carolina report that the corruption scandal in the government of the City of Union may broaden.
Union Mayor Bruce Morgan and city official Jeffrey Lawson have both resigned from their positions under federal indictment for corruption. Both are charged with allegedly engaging in a kickback scheme involving the granting of government contracts.
But law enforcement agents have reportedly disclosed to local news reporters that more indictments may be handed down to other government officials in Union.
And then, there is also the broader issue of who, exactly, paid off these city officials in exchange for being given lucrative government contracts, if in fact the allegations are true.
The Union City Council will hold a special meeting today to determine the best manner to proceed through the crisis.
Mayor Morgan was scheduled to run for re-election in the Fall and was considered to be a shoo-in. With the filing deadline already passed, the Union mayoral race will be an 'open election,' meaning that all candidates will be write-in candidates, and anyone can run. The annual salary of $103,000 is considered a sweet deal that will draw many candidates.
But the City Council is considering a plan to separate the two positions of Mayor and City Administrator, which had been combined under Morgan. This would more than likely mean that the Mayor's salary would be drastically reduced.
Although the special Council meeting is considered open to the public, it will be difficult for local citizens to attend given that the Council has been in Charleston all week at a special conference, some 3 hours away.
For more information on this continually-developing story, click on the links below.
WSPA-TV News Channel 7
The Union Daily Times
Union Mayor Bruce Morgan and city official Jeffrey Lawson have both resigned from their positions under federal indictment for corruption. Both are charged with allegedly engaging in a kickback scheme involving the granting of government contracts.
But law enforcement agents have reportedly disclosed to local news reporters that more indictments may be handed down to other government officials in Union.
And then, there is also the broader issue of who, exactly, paid off these city officials in exchange for being given lucrative government contracts, if in fact the allegations are true.
The Union City Council will hold a special meeting today to determine the best manner to proceed through the crisis.
Mayor Morgan was scheduled to run for re-election in the Fall and was considered to be a shoo-in. With the filing deadline already passed, the Union mayoral race will be an 'open election,' meaning that all candidates will be write-in candidates, and anyone can run. The annual salary of $103,000 is considered a sweet deal that will draw many candidates.
But the City Council is considering a plan to separate the two positions of Mayor and City Administrator, which had been combined under Morgan. This would more than likely mean that the Mayor's salary would be drastically reduced.
Although the special Council meeting is considered open to the public, it will be difficult for local citizens to attend given that the Council has been in Charleston all week at a special conference, some 3 hours away.
For more information on this continually-developing story, click on the links below.
WSPA-TV News Channel 7
The Union Daily Times
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