Months of long, drawn-out debate came to an end Tuesday night during a much-anticipated ordinance change in Bellevue. The City Council passed an ordinance that would allow elected to discipline one another.
The new amendment means instead of being removed from office, elected officials will either be reprimanded or removed from committees.
The move comes after a city council member is accused of making threatening and harassing comments to elected officials. Council President Paul Cook said with recent misconduct allegations coming from an elected official, the city needs to immediately move forward with a way to discipline members.
"I sincerely hope we never have to use these ordinances, and it is unfortunate we are faced with this," Cook said. "At this time we have no way addressing these issues and they need to stop."
Also discussed during the meeting was Council Member Pat Shannon's new recall effort of Council Member Kathy Welch. Part of his claim is Welch doesn't live in the Ward she represents.
"Despite efforts of another city council member to intimidate and harass me into voting no on this ordinance, I am voting yes," Welch said.
(Photo: 6 News)