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Board debates resolution urging Director Richardson to resign; sponsors ask to be removed
Summary
Board members debated a proposed Resolution 21 asking Director Richardson to resign. Directors questioned the effect and practical outcome of such a resolution, discussed vote math (six votes required), and several sponsors asked to have their names removed; no vote recorded.
Directors debated on Dec. 9 whether the Little Rock Board should adopt Resolution 21, an expression asking Director Richardson to resign.
During discussion Director Miller asked a procedural question: "May I ask you, how many votes would it take for this resolution to pass?" Counsel responded that six votes are required. The counsel later corrected that only eight board members were eligible to vote (one recused) and reiterated the six-vote threshold.
Several directors said they did not want their names listed as sponsors and asked to be removed. Director Miller said, "I don't want my name on this thing," and asked staff to remove his name; other directors made similar requests. Directors expressed divided views: some said a resolution is an appropriate expression of the board’s wishes; others argued the matter should be left to Ward 2 constituents and the recall process.
Context and effect: board counsel noted the resolution is an expression of opinion and does not compel Director Richardson to resign or produce direct disciplinary consequences; the mayor had indicated a veto if the resolution reached his desk. Board members emphasized the symbolic nature of resolutions and the limits of board authority in compelling a resignation.
What comes next: No recorded vote or final action was taken during the Dec. 9 meeting. Board members asked staff to remove names of those who requested it and to let the Ward 2 process continue as appropriate.
