Groveland city council has voted Mayor George Rosario out of office after over a year ago, council members found out Rosario was a convicted felon.
- Groveland city council votes to oust Mayor Rosario
- Rosario has two felony convictions from 1987
- Council member said Rosario had no proof civil rights were restored
Despite this, Rosario's attorney said Rosario will serve as mayor until he receives a court notice. Jim Jimenez said the decision was unlawful and council had no authority to take the action they did.
“This is not over at all. This is an unconstitutional action taken by an unlawful body without the law behind them," said Jimenez.
City council members found out that Rosario had two convictions from Pennsylvania in 1987 — one for possession of cocaine and another felony for trying to sell cocaine to an undercover officer.
According to Groveland charter, as a felon Rosario is not qualified to hold office unless his civil rights were restored.
At a special meeting Wednesday night, City Council Member Mike Radzik said there’s been no proof of restored rights or of a pardon.
“It’s done from the perspective that we voted to forfeit his office and declare a vacancy. We’ve been threatened with a lawsuit. The bottom line is Mr. Rosario doesn’t have legal standing and the lawsuit will be over," said Radzik.
During the meeting, Rosario said he was not there to participate but rather to defend himself.
“This is a target on a minority and that’s the bottom line,“ he said to the audience.
That statement was met by many boos, but supporters spoke out during the public phase of the meeting.
“People want to say there ain’t no race card being played here. You better open up your eyes because you’re blind,” said one speaker.
The meeting was heated at times.
“This needs to go back to the court,” said one public speaker.
“Don’t hurt our city get out of the seat,” said another.
The council plans to swear in the vice mayor as mayor at their next meeting.