Ken Johnson returns to council - 19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

Cleveland City Council retiree returns to his position

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CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -

Tonight was the first Council meeting of 2013 and first back from winter recess. 

Cleveland City Council voted tonight to appoint Kenneth L.  Johnson as the Ward 4 council representative. 

Johnson retired from Council on Dec. 31, 2012 and sought to be reappointed to his position. 

Tempers flared and angry words were exchanged over his "double dipping"at a Cleveland City Council caucus meeting on Monday afternoon.

Councilman Kenneth Johnson retired at the end of the year, and now wants to come back. It allows him to collect his retirement and his $74,000 council salary.

This is a situation, as Mr. Johnson said, which 100% brought about by the actions of the state legislature.

Under council rules, Johnson can suggest his successor.  He suggested himself sparking the debate over embracing his double dipping by reappointing him. 

This is the first time a Council member has resigned and sought reappointment since records were kept in 1836. Council voted 13 Yes. 3 No (Brady, Cummins, Polensek). 2 Absent (Reed & Zone).

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