London City Council amends charges against Mayor Randall Weddle ahead of removal hearing

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A special-called meeting of the London City Council Friday grew tense as members approved amended charges of misconduct and willful neglect against Mayor Randall Weddle ahead of a removal hearing set for next week.

Mayor Weddle opened the meeting by urging residents to remain calm, acknowledging “tensions are high on both sides.” He asked those in attendance to keep order during the proceedings, promising they could fully exercise their First Amendment rights after the meeting.

Mayor’s attorney raises objections

Attorney Carmine Garino, representing Mayor Weddle, objected “in the strongest possible terms” to the council’s handling of the process. He argued the investigation has violated state statutes by denying the mayor due process, shifting and amending charges at the last minute, and attempting to hold the hearing in a courtroom that could limit public participation.

Garino also claimed the council may seek to block the mayor from calling witnesses in his defense, calling such a move “a staggering denial of fundamental fairness” that would not withstand legal scrutiny. He said the council’s actions amount to an “abusive process” designed to overturn the will of voters less than a year before the next election.

Charges against the mayor

The amended resolution lists several allegations, including:

• Failing for more than a year and a half to appoint members to the city’s Housing Authority after removing prior commissioners.

• Making Housing Authority appointments without required council approval and allowing that body to conduct meetings and hire staff illegally.

• Misusing police resources for personal protection.

• Refusing to call council meetings during several months in 2025.

• Failing to properly publish ordinances.

• Ignoring 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 liability.

Sidebar: Housing Authority dispute central to charges

At the heart of the case is Mayor Weddle’s handling of the London Housing Authority:

• October 2023 removals: Weddle removed three members of the Housing Authority, pledging to swiftly fill vacancies. According to council records, no appointments were made until July 2025 — only after federal officials contacted the city about noncompliance.

• Improper appointments: When Weddle did act, council members say he violated Kentucky law by appointing members without council approval and by issuing four-year terms instead of staggered terms. The council claims those appointees held meetings, spent funds, and hired staff illegally.

• Funding risk: Weddle warned Thursday that removing his appointees could leave the Housing Authority without a functioning board — potentially jeopardizing federal housing funds for local families. Council members countered that his failure to follow legal procedures is what put compliance in jeopardy.

What’s next

The public removal hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 5 at 9 a.m. at the Laurel County Judicial Center in London. Former Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Joseph Lambert has been appointed as hearing officer.

Council members voted unanimously to adopt the amended charges and to order additional sworn statements and records from city officials ahead of the hearing.