London Mayor reflects on impeachment and being reinstated

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – After weeks of headlines, controversy, and a courtroom battle, London Mayor Randall Weddle is back in office — and speaking out about what he’s been through and how he plans to move the city forward.

Weddle was impeached by the London City Council on September 5, following a nine-hour hearing that accused him of misconduct, including allegedly misusing police resources. The council later appointed an acting mayor. Days after being removed, Weddle filed an appeal in court — and a judge ultimately reinstated him.

“After the greatest coup of Southeast Kentucky, I feel pretty good,” Weddle said. “I feel pretty good that the judge reinstated us, and, you know, we’ve just gotten back to work.”

Since returning to office, Weddle said his focus is on repairing relationships and reducing division between his office and the council.

“I hope that we continue to close the division, the gap in the division that’s here between me and council,” he said. “You can disagree with me, and not like me, or not support that I’m in this office, but at the same time don’t cause so much chaos that your city is at a standstill. I just invite them to come and sit at the table… let’s just move this city forward.”

Weddle also addressed the fatal police shooting of Doug Harless, who was killed last December when London police mistakenly executed a search warrant at the wrong address. Kentucky State Police is investigating the incident.

“Accountability is gonna be here, but it’s really important we believe in the state police,” Weddle said. “We just have to wait for the facts.”

Weddle said he was disappointed that London made national headlines for controversy rather than its accomplishments, noting that videos of city council meetings received more than 100,000 views.

“When I saw our council meetings online hit over 100,000 views, I’m like, ‘Wow, we are the new Jerry Springer of Kentucky,’” he said. “I just hope that one day we make national news for being one of the best towns in Kentucky because we have a lot to offer.”

As the investigation continues and the city recovers from recent turmoil, Weddle said he’s focused on leading London forward.