FORT WAYNE – The National Weather Service in northern Indiana says northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio are likely to see more record-breaking heat on Monday.A resident has asked the Huntertown Council to begin the impeachment process to remove the town’s clerk-treasurer.
Huntertown resident Jacquelyn Tracey presented the council with a petition Monday containing 103 signatures supporting her request to have the council lead an effort against Clerk-Treasurer Dave Rudolph, who has been ill and unable to work since October.
Council President Jim Fortman said he was blindsided by the request.
“This is unprecedented,” Fortman said, “and to my knowledge has never happened before. We will take it under advisement and talk to our legal counsel.”
The petition asks that Rudolph be impeached for “neglecting to perform the official duties pertaining to his office.”
Tracey said the process may be initiated by the council or by a resident, but she felt the town should take the lead for the “good of the community.” She referred to a state law that says all county, city, town, and township officers are liable to impeachment for any misdemeanor in office.
“This is about being accountable for his actions; it’s not judgmental,” Tracey said.
The petition cites a report by the Indiana State Board of Accounts, noting that the town paid $1,675 in late fees and penalties to the IRS in June 2011, and the month before paid $176 in late fees and interest to the Indiana Department of Revenue.
The report also noted that some vendors and suppliers were not paid on time, resulting in late fees, and that a claims list was not made available at the time of the audit.
Tracey said Rudolph failed to carry out the duties of his office and that it, “had nothing to do with his illness.”
“Are you going to ignore this and continue to pay his $55,000-a-year salary for the next three years?” Tracey asked.
During Rudolph’s illness, a consultant, Charlene Quednow, processed claims, and Utility Clerk Rosemary Scheele stamped checks with Rudolph’s signature. The town pays Quednow $45 an hour plus traveling time and expenses. She was paid about $20,000 for services from May through October to train and help Rudolph.
Since November, Rudolph has appointed three deputy clerks to fill in for him. The first two quit shortly after being hired. The most recent appointment, Cathy Mittendorf, officially started Feb. 1.
Town attorney David Hawk warned that if the council proceeds with the impeachment process and is unsuccessful, the town, as the initiating party, would be liable for all court and legal fees.
