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A group of city councilors in Fall River are considering lobbying to have Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II fired Tuesday for a special hearing. They can legally force him legally if they can muster seven votes against him.
"There is a lack of immediate confidence because of its trading relationships. There is this cloud hovering over him, whether the allegations are true or not. The focus will always be on that. I do not know how he can focus on both his duties as mayor, the management of this city and this federal affair, "said Pam Laliberte-Lebeau, Fall River City Councilor. "It's a black mark on the city that we do not need."
Correia is accused of nine counts of fraud and four counts of producing false tax returns related to a company that he founded. Federal prosecutors said Correia had used hundreds of thousands of dollars to fund a lavish lifestyle.
Cliff Ponte, Fall River's city council president, announced yesterday that the nine-member commission would meet Tuesday night to discuss the federal government's fraud charges against Correia, as well as to consider any leadership of our city ".
Under the Fall River Charter, the council can remove a mayor who is "unable to assume office" with at least seven votes. It is unclear whether those seeking to get Correia out of power will get enough votes. Of the six councilors who responded to the Herald's demands, three said they would vote to fire him.
"It's time for the city council to take the lead. I am confident that he will not resign voluntarily, but that would alleviate the problems that Fall River faces, "said Councilor Bradford Kilby, who said he would vote in favor of Correia's dismissal. "I have received many emails and asked him to withdraw. It is very unfortunate and I am not proud of it. It is a sad situation and gives the city two black eyes and a broken nose. "
Ponte, who would become acting mayor if Correia resigns or is dismissed, did not specify how he would vote.
Correia did not respond to a request for comment but said Thursday after his indictment that he would not resign and maintain his innocence.
Meanwhile, a growing number of senior elected officials have said that Correia should resign or withdraw during the course of the investigation.
"Mayor Correia should pull out and allow the city of Fall River to weather this difficult time," US Representative Joseph Kennedy III said in a statement. Kennedy, who represents Fall River, chose the city as the venue for his refutation of the state of the Union earlier this year.
Governor Charlie Baker and US Senator Edward Markey both said Correia should at least withdraw during the course of the investigation.
"I think the best thing to do would be for the mayor to withdraw, deal with the issue, wherever it is, and give the city a chance to get out," Baker said. "I certainly think it would be in the city's interest to withdraw while this issue is playing out of itself."
Democratic governor candidate Jay Gonzalez also called for Correia's resignation.
Kathleen McKiernan contributed to this report.
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