Council rejects proposal to require two‑thirds council vote to remove legislative assistant

Councilman Henry proposed that the Charter Revision Commission redraft section 3‑3 so the legislative assistant could be removed only by a 0.667 vote of the entire council, removing the mayor’s unilateral removal authority. Supporters said the assistant is a council resource and should report to the legislative body; opponents said making removal that difficult would hamper the mayor’s ability to run the executive office.

Attorney Mortoletti summarized that the proposed redline would alter the balance between executive continuity and legislative oversight. After remarks for and against, the council held a roll‑call vote; the motion failed (14 opposed) and the Commission’s redline remained in place for further consideration.

The council asked the Commission to review language that clarifies reporting lines and protections for the legislative assistant before any final charter ballot.