London, August 30, 2025
News Summary
The London City Council held a special meeting to discuss misconduct charges against Mayor Randall Weddle. The council unanimously approved amended charges of misconduct and willful neglect, prompting a public removal hearing on September 5. Accusations against Weddle include failing to appoint members to the Housing Authority, misusing police resources, and signing a significant mortgage without council approval. The situation raises public concern as the allegations threaten the mayor’s ability to govern effectively.
London City Council convened a special-called meeting on Friday to address misconduct charges against Mayor Randall Weddle. The council unanimously approved amended charges of misconduct and willful neglect against the mayor, which will be the focus of a public removal hearing scheduled for September 5 at 9 a.m. at the Laurel County Judicial Center.
During an intense meeting, Mayor Weddle urged residents to remain calm and maintain order while emphasizing their First Amendment rights after the meeting concluded. The council’s decision comes after concerns were raised about Weddle’s handling of various city responsibilities and ethical governance.
The amended resolution presents several allegations against Mayor Weddle, including:
- Failing to appoint members to the city’s Housing Authority for over a year and a half.
- Making Housing Authority appointments without obtaining necessary council approval and permitting illegal meetings and hiring.
- Misusing police resources for personal protection.
- Refusing to convene city council meetings for several months in 2025.
- Failing to properly publish city ordinances.
- Ignoring the established rules related to the city’s ethics commission and filing improper ethics complaints against council members.
- Signing a $5 million mortgage without council approval, potentially exposing the city to legal liability.
Previously, Weddle had removed three members of the Housing Authority in October 2023, with a pledge to fill these vacancies quickly. However, no appointments were made until July 2025, after federal officials reached out to the city regarding the appointments. Weddle faces allegations of violating Kentucky law by appointing Housing Authority members without appropriate council approval, undermining procedural protocols in the process.
Council members argued that Weddle’s inaction jeopardized the city’s compliance and access to federal housing funds, potentially placing vulnerable residents in jeopardy. Following the discussion, the council approved the amended charges and requested additional sworn statements and records for the upcoming hearing.
Interestingly, the only council member to oppose the mayor’s removal, Charles Stacy Benge, announced his resignation just a week before the scheduled public hearing. While the council accepted Benge’s resignation during the Friday meeting, they did not disclose the reasons behind his decision or the timing related to it. Benge was serving his second term and had previously advocated for fair public service practices.
This ongoing situation raises significant public interest, especially given that it occurs less than a year before the next city elections. Allegations against Weddle extend beyond the charges at hand, suggesting potential misuse of public funds and violations of electoral laws during his campaign, including claims of illegal donations and gifts to voters and officials. Furthermore, allegations of Weddle using police protection to intimidate residents and mismanagement of the Housing Authority have emerged amidst the current turmoil.
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Weddle, but the city council’s efforts to pursue these misconduct charges highlight the gravity and urgency of the situation. With the public removal hearing approaching, the council aims to chart a path forward that addresses these serious concerns while maintaining order and governance in London.
FAQ Section
- What are the misconduct charges against Mayor Weddle?
Mayor Weddle faces several allegations, including failing to appoint members to the city’s Housing Authority, misusing police resources, refusing to convene city council meetings, and signing a significant mortgage without council approval. - When is the public removal hearing?
The public removal hearing is scheduled for September 5 at 9 a.m. at the Laurel County Judicial Center. - What did the council do at the special meeting?
The council approved amended charges against Mayor Weddle and requested further documentation for the upcoming hearing. - Has Mayor Weddle responded to the allegations?
Yes, Mayor Weddle has denied the allegations and called for unity and cooperation within the city amidst the ongoing situation. - What is the status of criminal charges against Mayor Weddle?
As of now, no criminal charges have been filed against Mayor Weddle.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| City Council Meeting | Special-called meeting to discuss misconduct charges against the mayor. |
| Charges Approved | Unanimous approval of amended charges of misconduct and willful neglect against Mayor Weddle. |
| Public Hearing Date | Scheduled for September 5 at the Laurel County Judicial Center. |
| Allegations Against Weddle | Multiple serious allegations including failure to appoint members to the Housing Authority and misuse of city resources. |
| Council Member Resignation | Charles Stacy Benge, the only council member to oppose the removal, resigned just before the hearing. |
| Community Impact | The upcoming hearing and charges have generated significant public interest and concern. |
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Additional Resources
- LEX18: London City Council Accuses Mayor Weddle of Misconduct
- Google Search: London City Council Mayor Weddle
- WTVQ: London City Council Demands Mayor Hand Over Records
- Wikipedia: Misconduct in Office
- Kentucky.com: London Mayor Vows Fight Against Impeachment
- Google News: London Mayor Randall Weddle
- Kentucky.com: State News Overview
- Google Scholar: Kentucky politics
- WKYT: London Mayor Abruptly Adjourns City Council Meeting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Local Government
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