City Council files complaint and injunction concerning dispute with Mayor Correia

The Fall River City Council has filed both a complaint and an injunction involving their dispute with Mayor Correia.

The council made the filings in hopes of removing Correia from his duties as mayor.

The following statement was released this morning by City Council representation KP Law concerning the two filings.

“This morning, the Fall River City Council filed a verified complaint in Bristol Superior Court seeking a declaration confirming the validity of the Council’s September 10, 2019 emergency order determining that the Mayor Jaisel F. Correia II is unable to carry out the duties of his office due to pending Indictments directly related to the exercise of his official duties.”

“The Council also filed a motion for preliminary injunction to require Correia to comply with the Council’s lawful order and relinquish the duties of the office until a full hearing can be held. A short order of notice was issued and this matter will be heard in Bristol Superior Court in New Bedford on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.”

“The Council, while disfavoring the expenditure of municipal resources in what is already a turbulent time for the City, filed this action to safeguard the City, its finances, residents, visitors, and businesses. Following its vote, the Council has endeavored to allow Mr. Correia an appropriate period to prepare for the smooth transition of government, providing him with every opportunity to do what is best for the City. Mr. Correia has not challenged the Council’s Order in court, requested additional time to provide for transition, or otherwise sought to come to a reasonable agreement with the Council about how to proceed in light of these significant allegations against him and members of his staff. Instead, Mr. Correia, even after the Preliminary Election, continues to flout the legal authority of the Council, and, perhaps just as importantly, acts in complete disregard for the best interests of the City and its residents.”

“The Council will continue to exercise the responsibilities provided to it under the Charter and take whatever action is necessary to protect the City.”