Cincinnati City Councilwoman Betsy Sundermann proposed a charter amendment to the city charter.

The amendment would allow the city to suspend a council member upon the filing of an indictment or certain criminal charges, and to remove them if convicted.

There is currently no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.

The proposed charter amendment also requires ethics training for new council members within 60 days of oath of office.

The amendment also prohibits council members from amending their successor designation certificate after being indicted.

If approved by council, the charter amendment would be submitted to the voters for approval in 2021.

Two Cincinnati Councilmembers, Greg Landsman and Betsy Sundermann held separate news conferences in front of City Hall today.

The two councilmembers announced a series of proposed reforms to restore the public’s trust in government after two members were charged with corruption just this year.

The proposed reforms include establishing an ethics commission, designating a chief ethics and good government officer, campaign finance reform, ongoing training, and a potential charter amendment that would allow for the recall of people in office.

At this time, there is no provision in the Cincinnati Charter addressing what happens in the event of public corruption allegations.

Tamaya Dennard resigned from council in February. Councilman Jeff Pastor, who was arrested Tuesday has not resigned despite calls for him to do so.