Could DWI arrest lead to Fort Worth council member’s removal from office?
What, if anything, does Michael Crain’s arrest on a drunken driving charge mean for his future on the Fort Worth City Council?
According to the Fort Worth city charter, a council member can only be removed from office by a petition of qualified voters from the council member’s district. The petition requires the signatures of at least 20% of the electorate and must be filed with the city secretary for review.
A valid petition is then submitted to the City Council and a recall election is called, unless the council member in question resigns.
During a recall election, votes are cast either in favor of or against removing the council member. If the majority of the voters want to remove the council member, his or her office is declared vacant, and a special election will be held to fill the seat. The recalled council member is not eligible to run in the special election for his or her vacated seat.
City rules stipulate a council member cannot be recalled within six months of taking office. Council members also cannot be subjected to more than two recall elections per term.
Crain was elected to his third term serving District 3 in May. Following his arrest on Friday, Jan. 16, Crain expressed remorse and said he would continue fulfilling his public duties.
“To the residents of District 3, please know that my commitment to you and to the city will not waiver,” Crain said in a statement. “While this is a difficult moment, my responsibility to serve you has not changed and I remain focused, as always, on the work ahead and serving as your representative on the City Council.”