Council votes to begin impeachment hearing of Caruthersville Mayor

The Caruthersville City Council met in regular session on Monday, Oct. 16 with the final decision of the meeting being a unanimous vote to begin the impeachment process of Mayor Mike McGraw.

During the open floor session of the meeting, resident and business owner Tom Tidwell addressed the council. Tidwell read the oath of office that is taken by every elected official who takes office in the city, in which the official swears to uphold the laws of the constitution, the state and the ordinances of the city. “I have been in Caruthersville for 32 years, I have been through two mayoral administrations. I have never in my lifetime seen as much dissension and turmoil within the people and the town itself. And also, within the city administration, departments and everything else. Now in light of the city facing allegations, in a law suit, brought against the city, I feel that according to the oath of office, with that being set upon the shoulders of the city to burden with this lawsuit, that he has not performed his oath of office, and I am here personally asking for his resignation from office or at least an administrative leave of absence until these court proceedings can run their course because I do not feel that we can get the full attention that the city needs while trying to defend and stand behind this court case.”

Tidwell went on to say he had a petition that was circulating which would ask for a recall of the election should the mayor not resign or be placed on administrative leave. Counselor Lawrence Dorroh reminded the council and attendees that because of the pending litigation regarding the mayors alleged conduct, the city would not be able to comment on any of the allegations contained in the petition.

Councilperson JJ Bullington then asked Dorroh if he could explain whether or not the council could place the mayor on administrative leave or what their options would be. Dorroh replied that any leave of absence would have to be voluntary as there is nothing in the statutes that authorizes a leave of absence being opposed on an elected official. “That leaves only two other routes in respect to any other actions being taken. A recall election, in which Mr. Tidwell has indicated, or impeachment by two-thirds of the city council.”

Tidwell stated he understood that there could be no discussion on the allegations but said there were two ways the case could go. One, would be that it would become a jury trial in the new venue of Dunklin County where the case was recently moved. Or that it would be settled out of court and the city would have to pay an undetermined amount of money to settle. Tidwell asked whether or not the mayor's resignation would be a part of the settlement in either case. Dorroh said he could not speculate what would happen in the future.

Councilperson Nick Cartee then stated, “Mr. Mayor, do you think that it is time with the allegations that are there and the lawsuit of the city that you should step down?” The mayor responded saying, “On advice of counsel, I am deferring it to the city counselor.”

Dorroh then answered, “Well I represent the city in this matter, I do not represent the mayor individually. I want to make that clear that I am representing the city. I think the mayor has his own legal council.”

Councilperson BT Merideth then stated that he agreed with Cartee and felt that it was time for McGraw to consider stepping down. “With everything that has gone on, not only with the litigation but with the turmoil that we have had with the employees and the citizens and everything else, I think it would be in the best interest of the citizens and employees and the council.” McGraw again said on advice of his council he would not be making any comment.

Councilperson Matt Duckworth added, “What it all boils down to is in life we all have to go to sleep at night and we have to live with ourselves. We have to put our best foot forwards. I would ask that when you go home tonight and you lay down that you think about what is going to be the best thing for the City of Caruthersville. Think about it long and hard, wake up tomorrow and we will see how it goes.”

JJ Bullington then said, “I would like to add that you consider, if not stepping down then, then you consider a voluntary leave of absence so we do not all have this cloud hanging over us as we are trying to move forward for the city.”

The group then moved into closed session for litigation. Those in attendance stepped outside to wait until the group returned to open session. After a lengthy discussion, the group returned to open session. During this time, Councilperson BT Merideth made a motion stating, “I would like to make a motion that the city will find outside legal counsel to pursue and move forward with an impeachment hearing for Mayor Mike McGraw.” Roll call was given by the City Clerk with every council member voting yes, to move forward. The meeting was then adjourned.