OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Omaha City Council voted 5-1 to removeindicted Councilmember Vinny Palermo from his role as council vice president. Omaha City Attorney Matt Kuhse cited the city charter, Palermo's recent indictment and the federal detention order as the legal grounds for removing Palermo from that position.
"These four documents indicate a legal basis and a factual basis why Councilmember Palermo can no longer serve in the capacity as vice president of the city council," said City Attorney Matt Kuhse.
Councilmember Juanita Johnson was the only 'no' vote. She said that an indictment is merely an accusation and that Palermo is innocent until proven guilty.
"I stand on fairness, equity, and due process. That's my very core my very being. With that said, voting yes would be against my moral compass," said Johnson.
The motion to remove Palermo as vice president of the council was made by Councilmember Brinker Harding, who said Palermo should be removed as VP for conduct unbecoming and for an inability to perform the duties of the position.
Palermo's term as council vice president would have ended in June. He remains a member of the council.
KMTV 3 News Now only publishes mugshots in certain situations. It’s part of our commitment to being fair and minimizing harm in our reporting. In this case, we are using mugshots because the suspects are high-profile people who have held positions of trust in the community and because the charges are serious. To read more about our mugshot policy, click here.
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