Micah Goodin Sidelined Indefinitely, but the Door Remains Open for His Return

So what is the fate of the wayward councilor going forward?  He is duly elected, therefore Micah Goodin cannot be terminated from the Belize City Council.  Despite measures taken against him for his unbecoming conduct, Mayor Wagner says that the door is still open for Council Goodin to reform and return to the fold.  How long that will take, however, is anyone’s guess.

Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor

“Well unfortunately, I can’t fire him.  He’s an elected official.  He remains as a councillor but portfolios again, all the portfolios are served under my pleasure and so we are just taking away the portfolio.”

Reporter

“First of all, councillors are paid a monthly, I think it’s more than a stipend, three thousand dollars a month, if I got a stipend like that I could retire.  I am saying, will he continue to receive his monthly stipend?”

Bernard Wagner

Bernard Wagner

“To the best of my knowledge, yes.”

Reporter

“So then he will be paid for not doing anything because you ketch feelings.”

Bernard Wagner

“It’s protocol, it’s protocol.  I can’t, I will not be the first mayor that has reassigned portfolios.  I want the good councillor to take the opportunity to reflect. My door is opened to him.  I just want the councillor to take a moment and reflect.  My door is open, I am… I have been mentoring him for the past year but at some point in time you have to take the bitter pill.”

Reporter

“How long will Councillor Goodin be without portfolio, do you have a timeframe in mind?”

Bernard Wagner

“I have no timeframe.  I can’t put a time to it.”