The Hamilton County Council on Wednesday evening approved a Resolution of Censure admonishing Jeff Hern for his involvement in a missing campaign sign case in which councilman Rick McKinney was the victim.
The resolution introduced by McKinney stated, “Whereas Indiana Code 36-2-3-9 (3) states the fiscal body of a county may adopt its own rules to govern proceedings of expelling a member under this section but a two thirds (2/3) vote is required to expel a member or vacate his seat, this resolution is meant to convey the Hamilton County Council’s displeasure with the recent admission of guilt of Criminal Mischief by Councilor Hern.”
While his criminal mischief actions, which were directly related to his candidacy for Hamilton County Councilor, took place prior to his taking office on January 1, 2017, the guilty plea he admitted to the court on May 24, 2017, casts a shadow on the integrity of the entire Hamilton County Council specifically and all political officials in general.
Therefore, let it be known to all, that the Hamilton County Council issues this letter of CENSURE to Jeff Hern and condemns his criminal actions to which he pleaded guilty.”
Councilmen Brad Beaver, Paul Ayers, Fred Glynn and Rick McKinney voted in favor of the resolution.
Councilman Steve Schwartz voted against the action and Amy Massillamany abstained.
Both Schwartz and Massillamany were campaign contributors of Hern.
Steve Schwartz condones this behavior because “people have had issues on this council”. Steve must have misunderstood the plea. Jeff Hern is guilty, not “supposed.”
I don’t know Steve, but his comments should concern every voter in Hamilton County. Steve Schwartz constituents in Noblesville, Jackson, and White River Townships should understand his moral compass.
Comments like Steve’s are the reason a recent Pew Study show a >70% distrust in a government.