It appeared to be business as usual at Monday's Syracuse Common Council meeting, even as one of their members faces misdemeanor charges related to a domestic violence incident.
Councilor-at-large Amir Gethers was arrested and arraigned last week after a woman who identified herself as his ex-girlfriend told police he tried to choke her on two different days. Gethers attended Monday's meeting, but declined to take questions from reporters. His fellow councilors were also reluctant to talk pending the outcome of court proceedings. Common Council President Helen Hudson grew agitated as reporters pressed her for answers.
"I am not his boss, first off. He was elected by the people of Syracuse, so am I going to answer you? No, I'm not going to...you go ask him, or ask the people of Syracuse, not me," she said.
The sensitive nature of the matter seems to have caught councilors off guard. Councilor Michael Greene said the allegations are concerning, but it’s not clear what, if any action the council will take regarding Gethers’ future at this point.
"We haven't had that conversation yet, no. So we don't have an understanding of what our process is going to be as a council to evaluate," Greene said. When asked if the council had discussed the subject, he said, "Not that I was part of."
City charter says the council can punish or expel a member for disorderly conduct, violating its rules or official misconduct. There’s no mention of what those consequences might be. Removal from office would require a hearing and three-fourths vote. Gethers pleaded not guilty. His next court date is Nov. 3.
