Bob McManus. MWC file photo.
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — City leaders in Marshfield have scheduled two days for testimony as they consider whether to remove Mayor Bob McManus from office after a complaint was lodged against him by a member of the city’s Fire and Police Commission.
WDLB Radio in Marshfield reports that the hearings will begin Friday, March 19th, and conclude three days later on March 22nd. That’s after the City Council voted unanimously to set the schedule and retain attorney James Kalny to act as legal representation for the Council.
After the meeting, Kalny described how the process would play out.
“My principal role is going to be to make sure we have due process in this situation involving the Mayor and this complaint,” he said. “[Along with] how do we process this manner?”
Members of the City Council will essentially play the role of the jury in the case. Kalny added that while their normal duties as Alders include taking public input from their constituents; in this case, they should shut out that outside noise and stick to the facts.
“We are going to look at this complaint, and we are going to stick to what’s in the complaint in proving these allegations. That’s what we should cover, and that’s what the Mayor has guaranteed as his due-process rights.”
The complaint against McManus was filed by Andy Keogh of the Fire and Police Commission.
McManus reportedly has not seen that complaint. It will have to be delivered to him ten days before the March 19th hearing. Additionally, there will be at least one meeting between attorneys to go over the evidence of the case and decide if any witnesses will be subpoenaed.
Hearings will begin at 6 PM each day and will be open to the public. Any action by the council, including the possible removal of McManus from office, would require approval by 80% of the council, or eight of the ten alders.
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