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November 22, 2001
Section: Local Edition: Morning Final Page: 3B COUNCIL MEMBERS SAY CITY CAN CONDUCT BUSINESS WHILE CASE ALLEGING CORRUPTION GOES FORWARD JOSHUA L. KWAN, Mercury News
A majority of Mountain View City Council members do not want to strip embattled Mayor Mario Ambra of his title before January, when the city council votes for the next mayor.
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If convicted, Ambra would be removed from office but face no time in prison. Ambra, through his lawyer Kenneth Robinson, said he intends to continue to serve as mayor. And he has the support of some members on the seven-seat city council, who say Ambra should continue serving on the council while his trial proceeds. ''It's inappropriate to take any action before the verdict,'' said Matt Pear, a city council member. The city council has the power to strip the mayor of his title, according to City Attorney Michael Martello, who initiated the investigation by alerting the district attorney's office to Ambra's alleged misconduct. Rosemary Stasek, a council member and candidate for the state Assembly, said it doesn't need to come to that. The council can conduct business efficiently despite the specter of Ambra's trial, she said. ''I think that we can all be professional enough to do the people's business at our meeting,'' Stasek said. Sally Lieber, another city council member and candidate for state Assembly, called for Ambra to resign. She is next in line for the largely ceremonial position, a one-year term usually rotated among the council members based on seniority. ''His actions are not consistent with our city's charter or the ethical standards we have for our city, and I think he should resign immediately,'' Lieber said.
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Illustration: Photo PHOTO: Ambra Pleaded not guilty this week to four counts of corruption that could cost him his office. |
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Copyright (c) 2001 San Jose Mercury News
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