A workers’ union for city employees in Lewiston has called for the City Council to remove Mayor Carl Sheline from office, citing recent developments with the city’s code enforcement director and health inspector positions.
Adam Jones, president of the Maine Service Employees Association, Service Employees International Union Local 1989, asked the council to impeach Sheline Tuesday evening during the public comment section of the council’s regular meeting.
In his remarks, Jones said 95% of the voting members voted no confidence in the mayor on Feb. 5.
“This vote reflects that there is a perception by our union members that there exists a lack of transparency and accountability within the position of mayor currently, so the union calls for you members of council, if possible, to impeach the mayor,” Jones said.
Jones did not indicate in Tuesday’s remarks how many members voted or what percentage of the city’s workforce were union members. He was also not available for direct comment for this story.
Jones noted Tuesday night how David Hediger, the city’s director of planning and code enforcement, was placed on administrative leave the week of Jan. 23. At its Jan. 23 meeting, the council discussed but tabled without action a proposal to eliminate the city’s health inspector position.
Hediger and the inspector, Louis LaChance, Jones said, were union members. Both the proposal and Hediger’s suspension, Jones said, “created a toxic work environment” between Sheline and city workers.
Jones also accused the mayor of violating agreements between the union and the city.
“The city mayor has repeatedly shown lack of respect for our legal rights and processes spelled out in our union contracts, including conducting non-transparent investigations and discipline that blatantly goes against our collective bargaining agreements,” Jones said.
Sheline responded to requests for comment with a written statement via email, where he said he values the city’s employees.
“I am disappointed and surprised at this vote given that this group of employees hasn't reached out to me to talk through their concerns and especially since the office of the mayor doesn't have the power to hire or fire city staff,” Sheline wrote. “Nonetheless, I value the input of our unions, take their concerns seriously and look forward to working with all city employees to continue to make Lewiston a great place to work.”
City Council President Scott Harrison said the city’s charter grants the council the authority to remove Sheline.
If the council wishes to explore removing Sheline, the charter mandates that a special hearing take place. Unless Sheline requests otherwise, it would be held during executive, or non-public, session.
The council may remove Sheline by voting in public session, according to the charter.
At least five council members need to vote yes to remove the mayor.
“I haven't talked to every member of the council about this no-confidence vote yet, but I can say that we're still digesting this information at this time and determining the path forward,” Harrison said via email. “I'm also planning to reach out to the union president to see if he can share more detailed information about their concerns.”