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Menino Calls For Councilor Chuck Turner To Step Down

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston Mayor Tom Menino is reiterating his call for convicted City Councilor Chuck Turner to resign his seat. He's the first city official to call for Turner's ouster.

Turner was convicted two weeks ago of accepting a bribe in 2007 and lying to the FBI.

After Turner's arrest in 2008, the City Council adopted Rule 40A which says, in part, "…a member may be unqualified by violating federal or state law…"  The rule requires a two-thirds majority roll call vote for any action.
 
Turner voted for Rule 40A, but says a lawyer has told him that he's not sure the council has that power.  Turner wants to complete his term, which runs through the end of next year.

The City Council has set a hearing for December 1 to decide whether to allow him to stay.

He's asked that be postponed until after his sentencing January 25. He could stay on the council if he gets probation. If he gets prison time, state law requires him to leave.

Podcast

WBZ News Radio's Kim Tunnicliffe talked with Mayor Menino

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