(Lake County) - Willoughby Hills council members are returning to work. Retired Geauga County Common Pleas visiting judge David Fuhry approved a temporary restraining order overruling a purge of lawmakers by Mayor Robert Weger.
The effected lawmakers have retained their full power and authority.
The mayor attempted to remove 6 of the city's 7 council members accusing them of misconduct, improperly passing charter amendments, illegally hiring a law director, and cutting the administration's budget.
Ousted last week were Nancy Fellows, John Plecnik, David Fiebig, Laura Lenz, Janet Majka and Laura Pizmoht.
Wegar planned to appoint unelected replacements, and changed the locks at City Hall.
Plecnik tells Newsradio WTAM 1100, he knew Judge Fuhry would make the right decision, and expects the temporary restraining order to become permanent.
Plecnik says residents are very upset, and admits some have spoken about recalling Weger. He says at no time in Ohio history has a mayor ever purged even one duly elected member of a city council.
(Photos courtesy City of Willoughby Hills)
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