Mount Vernon City Council Votes To Oust Mayor

MOUNT VERNON, NY — The Mount Vernon City Council voted Wednesday to oust Mayor Richard Thomas, who was to step down Sept. 30 in a plea bargain with the New York Attorney General's Office and OK'd by the court.

The members voted to make council President Andre Wallace, a political enemy of Thomas's who is running for the office, the interim mayor. Wallace was soundly defeated in the Democratic primary but has the Republican ballot line in the November general election. Council members said the City Charter allowed their action, according to news reports.

Thomas issued a statement:

The City Council's illegal coup d'etat confirms there is an organized effort to undermine democracy in Mount Vernon and hide the truth about the "undocumented" $95 million in loans by past administrations. These are the same people that won't vote for garbage trucks nor toilet paper for seniors, yet they illegally anoint themselves as Mayor. Get ready for another waste of time and money on unnecessary litigation.

The winner of the Democratic primary, Shawyn Patterson-Howard, also issued a statement:

“The people of Mount Vernon need and deserve a smooth and orderly leadership transition. They need a path forward that doesn’t derail vital city services with chaos and political infighting. On June 25, 2019, they voted for a new direction. As the Democratic mayoral nominee, I’m focused on the November 5th general election and bringing my vision of progressive and effective governing to the people. In order to heal Mount Vernon and make the city work for all of us, we need less arguing and more effective planning. It’s time to move forward together.”

SEE:

• Mount Vernon Mayor Pleads Guilty, Will Step Down
• Results: Close In Mount Vernon Democratic Mayoral Primary