If you’ve ever been to a Columbia City Council meeting, odds are you’ve witnessed one of Councilman E.W. Cromartie’s legendary speeches — where words like “cohesify” were born.
Before his resignation today amid charges of federal tax evasion, Cromartie presided over one last City Council meeting and ended it with one last speech.
Councilman E.W. Cromartie has not officially resigned, and the city cannot move forward with an election to replace him until he does.
Here’s what the state law says about special election:
A vacancy in the office of mayor or council shall be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term at the next regular election or at a special election if the vacancy occurs one hundred eighty days or more prior to the next general election. (5-7-200)
If Cromartie resigns with less than 180 days left before the next general election, city voters can elect his replacement during the general election. If he resigns with more than 180 days left before the general election, the city must hold a special election.
The city’s next general election is April 6, 28 days away. That’s less than 180 days, which means the election will be on April 6, right?
Not necessarily. There comes a point when it would be impossible to hold the election on April 6th because it would be technically impossible. The city wouldn’t have enough time to hire poll workers, train them, print ballots, etc.
The question is, if Cromartie were to resign today, is 28 days enough time to hold the election April 6? City Council will have to decide, and it won’t be easy. Any decision they make will likely be roundly criticized. If the election is April 6, it will ensure a higher turnout in district 2, which would affect the mayor’s race. If council opts for a special election, it would cost more money and suffer from a lower voter turnout.
Sort of.
He issued this news release today just before 6 p.m:
Official Press Statement of
EW Cromartie II
March 8, 2010
I am genuinely sorry for my mistakes in judgment. I am deeply grateful to the citizens of District II and the City of Columbia, and the thousands of people who have supported me over my 27 years of public service.
Columbia City Councilman E.W. Cromartie has agreed to plead guilty to federal tax evasion. As part of a plea agreement, he will resign from office and serve time in prison.
You can read the court documents below:
Adam Beam covers the City of Columbia for The State newspaper. Here, he blogs about local government. Reach him at (803) 386-7038 or abeam@thestate.com
The field (so far) vying for Cromartie’s seat
In my Wednesday story about the now former Councilman E.W. Cromartie ’s troubles with the federal government, I mentioned three people who had indicated they wanted to run for Cromartie’s seat.
Now that the election is (tentatively) set for April 6th, filing for the seat officially opens at noon Monday and closes at noon March 19th.
Here are the candidates I know about:
Chris Barcazk — real estate appraiser, ran for the Tameika Isaac Devine’s at-large seat in 2006 and lost. He does not live in the district, but he does own a house there and could move there to launch his campaign.
Brian DeQuincey Newman — Former Richland County prosecutor, now a personal injury and criminal defense attorney in private practice with Rikard & Moses. He is the nephew of legendary S.C. civil rights icon I. DeQuincey Newman.
Harold “Puff” Howard — owner of Puff Howard’s Towing and Howard’s Garage on Two Notch Road. He is the brother of State Rep. Leon Howard, the former chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus.
Laddie Howard — Former lobbyist with the S.C. Association of Counties, now runs his own lobbying business whose clients include the South Carolina Equality Coalition. Howard is not related to Puff Howard or Leon Howard.
UPDATE: Because so many of you have asked, I haven’t been able to reach Cromartie’s son, Ernest Cromartie III.