May. 10, 2019
HARRISBURG –Rep. Justin Walsh (R-Westmoreland) recently introduced legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to allow municipal elected officials to be removed from office for lack of attendance at public meetings.
“For more than a year, the Monessen mayor has not attended city council meetings,” Walsh said. “In addition, a member of council also has had attendance problems. Local government cannot operate efficiently and properly if those entrusted with representing the people are no-shows at regularly scheduled public meetings.”
House Bill 1444 would allow for the removal of a member of a municipal governing body for failure to attend more than 50 percent of the scheduled meetings in a calendar year. The remaining members of the board would then request the municipal solicitor to begin proceedings to vacate the office. A Constitutional amendment must pass the Legislature in two consecutive sessions before going to the voters for approval.
The 58th Legislative District in Westmoreland County includes Jeannette and Monessen cities, as well as East Huntingdon (part), Hempfield (part), Rostraver, Sewickley and South Huntingdon townships. Also, the district encompasses the boroughs of Adamsburg, Arona, Madison, Mount Pleasant, North Belle Vernon, Penn, Smithton, Sutersville and West Newton.
Representative Justin Walsh
58th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tracy Polovick
717.260.6358
tpolovick@pahousegop.com
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