Crystal Thomas
The State Journal-Register
At the request of an alderman, the city is researching rules that would address disorderly conduct among aldermen and could ultimately allow two-thirds of aldermen to expel one of their own from a meeting.
A part of the municipal code already states that “The city council shall determine its own rules of proceeding and punish its members for disorderly conduct.” It also says that, “With the concurrence of two-thirds of the aldermen elected, it may expel an alderman, but not a second time for the same offense.”
The language is derived from the Illinois municipal code found within state statutes.
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Like most legislative bodies, Springfield aldermen use Robert’s Rules of Order for parliamentary procedure, which gives the chair authority to gavel down inappropriate debate.
On June 11, as utility committee chair Ward 1 Ald. Chuck Redpath tried to gavel for order, Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin and Ward 10 Ald. Ralph Hanauer continued to trade jabs about perceived influence. Tensions arose after McMenamin mentioned that aldermen had taken campaign contributions from a coal company, which he said could influence their votes while deciding City Water, Light and Power’s future. Hanauer retorted that McMenamin is a member of the Sierra Club (he’s not).
Aldermen have clashed with McMenamin over his seven-year tenure on the council over accusations made by him. McMenamin often calls out aldermen for taking campaign contributions from labor groups that do business with the city.
“Being out of order is unacceptable and needs to be avoided, but from the comments I’ve received from voters, they are much more concerned about the potential influence of money and campaign contribution on council votes, and conflicts of interest,” McMenamin wrote in a text message.
McMenamin added that “the money influence on the council is what poisons the atmosphere.” He said he would like to see “more and honest” debate about city council campaign finance.
“Some Council members now attack the messenger since they don’t like the message,” McMenamin wrote.
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Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 