NEWBURGH – Following two hours of comments from members of the public concerning whether the Newburgh City Council should censure Councilman Omari Shakur for a vulgar-filled tirade to city police officers, a council majority voted to censure the first-term lawmaker.
Most of the 26 people who spoke, said Shakur was disrespectful to the city he serves and should be called on the carpet.
Mayor Torrance Harvey said he had hoped any such censure vote should come after an independent investigation into the incident is completed.
Councilwoman Karen Mejia also had hoped any action should come following an investigation. She abstained from voting for or against the resolution. Shakur voted against the censure, but all other members voted to approve the action.
Harvey and city attorney Michelle Kelson said the city charter does not allow any council action beyond censure.
Harvey said it is within the purview of the governor to remove an elected official from office.
