Ellisville Impeachment Hearing Is On: Judge Denies Restraining Order

St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Robert S. Cohen on Friday denied requests to stop the Ellisville city council from holding an impeachment hearing regarding Mayor Adam Paul on Monday.

Lynette Petruska, an attorney representing Paul, argued Thursday that the city’s charter is unconstitutional because it is vague and overbroad. As an example, she pointed out one charge brought against the mayor is for requesting letterhead from a city employee.

During a hearing Thursday, Cohen said several things could happen that would make such interference unnecessary. He said they could find Paul not guilty of any charges, or they could find him guilty only of serious charges.

Chet Pleban, said the city council has been following a game plan to impeach Paul and remove him from office since last May.

“I don’t care what the evidence is on Monday, this council will remove him from office,” Pleban said following Thursday’s hearing. “It’s no coincidence this hearing is set one day before a new council is seated.”

Tuesday’s elections will bring at least two and possibly three new council members, Pleban said.

Pleban also said Thursday it was possible that Paul would appeal Cohen’s decision on Friday. Patch could not reach Pleban Friday morning.

The impeachment hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday at Ellisville Elementary School.

For more information on the Ellisville mayor impeachment, see the following articles:

• Attorney for Ellisville Mayor Says Emails Undermine Impeachment Case
• Councilman Denies Any 'Conspiracy' in Case Against Ellisville Mayor
• Mayor Impeachment Hearing Moved to Ellisville Elementary