ORDINANCE NO. 2025-__ RECITALS WHEREAS, elected officials represent the voters who elected them; and WHEREAS, removal by simple majority silences minority voices; and WHEREAS, political disagreement is not grounds for removal; and WHEREAS, the current Board has discussed removing Trustee Dave Knutson for his positions; and WHEREAS, democracy requires protecting dissenting voices; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN OF PAONIA: SECTION 1. REMOVAL STANDARD An elected trustee may only be removed by: a) Unanimous vote of all other trustees, or b) Recall election by the voters, or c) Criminal conviction for felony or official misconduct SECTION 2. PROTECTED ACTIVITIES The following are NOT grounds for removal: a) Voting record or political positions b) Speaking at public comment c) Disagreeing with majority d) Communicating with constituents e) Requesting public records f) Filing complaints or lawsuits g) Supporting or opposing initiatives SECTION 3. DUE PROCESS REQUIRED Before any removal vote: a) Written charges specifying grounds b) Minimum 30-day notice to trustee c) Public hearing with right to respond d) Right to legal counsel e) Evidence presented publicly f) Findings of fact required SECTION 4. LIMITED GROUNDS Removal only for: a) Criminal conviction (felony) b) Official misconduct (criminal statute) c) Abandonment (missing 4 consecutive meetings without excuse) d) No longer residing in Town e) Conflict of interest (financial crimes) SECTION 5. EMERGENCY SUSPENSION Temporary suspension only if: a) Criminal charges filed b) Clear and present danger c) Maximum 60 days d) Full pay continues e) Automatic reinstatement if not convicted SECTION 6. LEGAL PROTECTION The Town shall: a) Provide legal counsel to trustees facing removal b) Indemnify trustees for official actions c) Pay costs if removal attempt fails d) Not retaliate against family or business SECTION 7. MINORITY REPRESENTATION If removal would leave Board without minority viewpoint: a) Removal requires voter approval b) Special election within 60 days c) Interim appointments prohibited d) Removed trustee continues until replacement elected SECTION 8. PENALTIES Violation of this ordinance: a) Voids the removal action b) Personal liability for voting trustees c) Attorney fees to wrongfully removed trustee d) $10,000 statutory damages SECTION 9. EFFECTIVE DATE Immediately upon election certification and applies retroactively to prevent removal actions initiated before passage.