Gulfport Referendum #8 Forfeiture of Office
Ballot Language:The City Charter does not provide specific provisions for forfeiture of office by members of the council. Shall the City Charter be amended to provide for forfeiture of office by council members if they lack qualifications for the office; are convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude; or fail to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings or four (4) regular meetings in a twelve (12) month period?Synopsis:In May 2025, the City Council appointed members to the Charter Review Committee to perform a full review of the City Charter for updates and/or changes.This referendum expands the current actions that may lead to a Council member’s forfeiture of office. A City Council member shall forfeit the office if such Councilmember: (1) Lacks at any time during the term of office any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law. (2.) Is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude. For the purposes of this section, “convicted” means a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial, regardless of whether the adjudication is withheld. (3.) Fails to attend three (3) consecutive regular meetings or a total of four (4) regular meetings within a twelve (12) month period, other than work sessions, of the city council unless such absence is excused by the city council.This referendum is directly tied to Referendums 6, 7 & 9 which specifically outline Prohibitions, Removal from Office and the Handling of Vacancies. Yes - For the MeasureDefine the provisions for forfeiture of office by a council member, specifically adding “is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (“convicted” means a determination of guilt that is the result of a plea or trial, regardless of whether the adjudication is withheld).No - Against the MeasureLeave current rules in place for removal of a council member: (1) Fails to attend three consecutive meetings or a total of six regular meetings in a twelve-month period; (2) Fails to meet qualifications; or (3) Is removed from office in any manner authorized by law.
