LOUISIANA, Mo. — After three hours of testimony, evidence and deliberation, the Louisiana City Council voted 5-1 in favor of impeaching and removing fellow council member Heather Wernowsky from the seat she was elected to hold in an administrative hearing on Tuesday night.
The council approved the articles of impeachment for “misconduct, malfeasance and interference with,” either directly or indirectly, operations of the police department. The matter started with a complaint filed against Wernowsky by Chief of Police Josh Baker the day after the November 24th council meeting where she posed a handful of questions about police procedures and tactics used in the response to a police call at a vacant home at 1210 Georgia Street the month before. At the administrative hearing on Tuesday, Baker claimed her questions led to media scrutiny of the department and planted seeds of distrust with the public.
The city attorney, Mary Weston, represented Baker on Tuesday night. Wernowsky was represented by individual counsel, Nick Fregeau. Baker and Wernowsky offered testimony under oath. A two-minute video from the November 24th meeting was also offered as evidence. Wernowsky is seen asking Baker about the call to John Boyd’s vacant house in October until Weston advises the council to table the matter until more information could be presented. At that time, all questioning ended. Wernowsky testified that after the council meeting (and video of the proceedings had ended), Baker angrily pointed out that she could have contacted him by phone or at his office to discuss the matter rather than addressing it in a meeting. Wernowsky pointed out that Mayor Tim Carter had directed council members to address department heads in meetings rather than individually. She testified that she had done nothing else besides the questions asked at the council meeting, noting she hasn’t shared or posted anything on Facebook, nor talked to any members of the press.
Weston presented evidence that included media articles and their accompanying public comment sections from websites and social media. She had Baker read a few of the most inflammatory comments made by local individuals criticizing the police department.
Fregeau objected on the grounds that Wernowsky did not generate any of the media coverage or author any comments. Baker went on to say that he attempted to answer Wernowsky’s questions at the November 24th meeting as openly and honestly as possible. He noted that while she did not state anything untrue in her questioning, it was her tone that made the exchange hostile in nature.
Baker testified that since her questioning in November, several officers have been accosted in public by individuals and there is added stress from bullying and commentary on social media. He added the department has also lost time to additional meetings. Baker said he felt Wernowsky’s questions in the open meeting rather than in a private setting qualified as a violation of Louisiana City Code 200.055 “Interference of Members of Council.”
Weston noted in her opening statements on Tuesday evening the rules governing those in office are there to ensure council members and administrators “stay in their lane” and provide adequate checks and balances.
“Our ordinances have meaning and intent,” she explained, adding this also means there are consequences for those who elect to operate beyond the bounds of office.
Fregeau argued Wernowsky’s simple questions about the October call to John Boyd’s vacant house did not rise to the necessity of overturning the will of the people who elected Wernowsky.
In the articles of impeachment, it was outlined that Wernowsky abused her official position as a council member in the following ways:
- Attacked the integrity of Chief of Police Josh Baker
- Cast unfounded doubt on police department operations
- Influenced administrative processes outside the legislative role
The articles of impeachment also stated that Wernowsky’s questions at the November 24th eroded community confidence in the police department, contributed to a hostile environment for officers and encouraged public hostility and online disparagement of Louisiana police.
It was noted by audience members at the meeting on Tuesday that the police department has been embroiled in controversy for years, particularly with the previous chief of police who is facing charges of second-degree murder, drug trafficking, evidence tampering, drug possession and theft.
While Robert’s Rules Of Order dictates a vote of the council would require five of the eight votes for impeachment, the council opted for the mayor’s recommendation with consent of the majority of elected and eligible members – as outlined by city ordinance – which meant four votes with Wernowsky unable to vote on the matter and the recusal of Ward III council member Glenda Sherman, who is Wernowsky’s mother.
While the council could have remained in open session to discuss the testimony and evidence that was presented before voting on the impeachment, the members all voted in favor of retiring to closed session. Missouri Sunshine Law encourages councils and boards to use closed sessions only when truly necessary to protect transparency.
After almost 30 minutes of deliberation, a roll call vote was taken. Council members had three options: impeachment with removal from office, impeachment without removal from office (censure), or exoneration. The vote went 5-1 in favor or impeachment with removal from office.
Steve Twitchell (Ward III), Bill Suddarth (Ward I), Dorothy Brown (Ward II), Jim Gott, Jr. (Ward IV), and Cassie Cordes (Ward II) voted for impeachment and removal. John Phillips (Ward IV) cast his vote for impeachment without removal.
It was announced that following the vote, the audience would be dismissed and should disperse before council members exited.
Following the vote, Wernowsky told Eagle 102 News that she was not surprised by the council’s decision but was disappointed. She added it was her opinion the impeachment was driven by Mayor Tim Carter.
The seat in Ward I will remain open until the mayor recommends an appointment for council approval.
