UPDATE: Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m.
Members of the London City Council as well as former acting Mayor Tracie Handley, in both their official and individual capacities, have filed an appeal of yesterday's decision reinstating Randall Weddle as mayor of London.
According to a court document filed Monday, members involved in the appeal include Judd Weaver Donna Gail Wilson House, Kelly Smith Greene, Anthony Ortega, Justin Young and James Baker.
Yesterday's decision ruled that the council did not present sufficient grounds for removal in their previous impeachment in early September.
Weddle, who returned to his position yesterday, spoke to LEX 18 following a city council meeting.
"The constitutionality was there to be able the powers for counsel to do it, but the merit wasn't there for them to be able to impeach," he said.
UPDATE: Sept. 29 at 11 p.m.
More than three weeks after his impeachment, London Mayor Randall Weddle returned to his position at today's city council meeting following a circuit court decision that overturned his removal from office.
The Laurel Circuit Clerk ruled that the city council did not "present sufficient grounds for the removal" of Mayor Weddle, leading to his reinstatement.
"It's been rough. Emotionally, it's been hard because of the physical toll and mental toll," Weddle said.
Council members had accused Weddle of several charges, including misconduct and negligence, during the impeachment proceedings.
"The constitutionality was there to be able the powers for counsel to do it, but the merit wasn't there for them to be able to impeach," Weddle said.
"Judge Williams today restored democracy," he added.
The decision has generated mixed reactions from London residents. One resident who worked with the mayor on a housing authority project expressed support for his return.
"I think that he has a passion for helping communities," said London resident Emily Campbell.
However, social media reactions have been more critical, with some saying Weddle has been involved in "various shady dealing that led to widespread criticism."
The political division surrounding the case has created tension in the community.
"When we become so divided in any sort of political realm, it makes people nervous," Campbell said.
Despite differing political viewpoints, several London residents share a common concern about the ongoing controversy.
"All of the great things about London are being overshadowed right now by this negativity," Campbell said.
Weddle expressed his desire to move forward and focus on the people of London.
"I want to put this behind us and just move the city forward, you know, that we're here to do a job and that's what I want to do," Weddle said.
Original Story:
In a document filed on Monday, the Laurel Circuit Court has reinstated Randall Weddle as mayor of London, effective immediately, ruling that the city council failed to present sufficient grounds for his removal from office.
The court case challenged the city council's decision to remove Weddle from his mayoral position. Weddle sued both in his individual capacity and in his official capacity as mayor.
The judge's ruling marks the end of what appears to have been a contentious dispute between Weddle and the city council over his tenure as mayor. The court determined that whatever grounds the council cited for removal were insufficient under the law.
Covering Kentucky
London Mayor Randall Weddle says he plans to appeal impeachment ruling
The decision is final, but can be appealed, with the judge noting there was "no just cause for delay" in issuing the ruling.
This is a developing story. More information will be added as it becomes available.
