Westlake Mayor Explains Vetoes Of City Council Ordinances

WESTLAKE, OH — Mayor Dennis Clough recently vetoed six ordinances passed by Westlake City Council. Clough is now defending the use of his veto.

Two of the key ordinances would have had a direct impact on the office of mayor. Ordinance 2020-82 would clarify the powers of the mayor, Ordinance 2020-83 would clarify the procedure for appointing an acting mayor should the position become vacant.

Other vetoed ordinances would have renamed the Charter Review Committee, expanded the committee and implemented a residency requirement for members. Other ordinances would have provided "flexibility" in start times for City Council meetings and reduced requirements for becoming Westlake's law director.

Clough said he vetoed the ordinances because they proposed substantive changes to the Westlake City Charter but were not recommended by the Charter Review Committee.

"As a matter of precedent, I have serious apprehensions about any ordinance that would alter the Westlake City Charter in a way that sidesteps recommendations by the Charter Review Committee and is likely to cause needless confusion among voters regarding proposed Charter amendments or the duties and authorities of city officials," Clough said in a statement.

Clough also argued the proposed amendments would not clarify municipal protocols but actually muddy the waters. The mayor's powers have been unchanged since 1965, as has succession procedure in the event of a sudden mayoral vacancy.

"The existing process for filling a vacancy in the Mayor's Office has been in place for decades and the Charter should not be changed due to the opinion of a few or for personal or political reasons.

This new process is not consistent with the election process for a vacancy in the elected Law Director position," Clough argued.

"Additionally, I strongly believe that amendments to the City Charter should not reflect the political reasons or personal opinions of a few. After all, the Charter is essentially the City’s Constitution, and has served Westlake and its residents well since its adoption in 1965," Clough said.

The mayor has requested the right to further clarify his veto decision at the Sept. 3 City Council meeting.