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Beaumont council censures two members after heated public hearing over charter breaches
Summary
After hours of public comment and council debate, the Beaumont City Council voted to censure Councilmembers Michael Williams and Joseph Hilliard for conduct the city attorney concluded violated the city charter and rules on personnel communications; supporters and opponents gave lengthy statements during a public hearing that split residents and council alike.
The Beaumont City Council voted on Dec. 16 to censure Councilmember Michael Williams and Councilmember Joseph Hilliard following a public hearing and extended council debate over alleged violations of the city charter.
Supporters of the censure argued the council members had exceeded their authority by publicly calling for the resignation or removal of city employees — actions, they said, that should run through the city manager. "A council person cannot...pretend you are just one of the guys," resident Chris Jones said during public comment, urging the council to uphold the charter. Councilwoman Sherwood read the city attorney's opinion to the council, saying the attorney concluded the charter…
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