Politics
Lawrence council advances resolution criticizing DePeña as recall organizers seek 7,000 signatures
A City Council subcommittee voted to recommend a symbolic no-confidence resolution against Mayor Brian DePeña, who has pleaded not guilty to state and federal criminal charges and says he will not resign. Recall organizers have 30 days to collect 7,000 signatures to put his removal to voters.
A Lawrence City Council subcommittee voted Tuesday to recommend a no-confidence resolution against Mayor Brian DePeña, as a separate recall campaign seeks the signatures needed to put his removal before voters.
Five councilors supported advancing the resolution and two opposed it. The full council is expected to consider the measure Tuesday, Oct. 20, Council President Jeovanny Rodriguez said.
The no-confidence vote would be symbolic; a recall is the legal route available to remove DePeña from office, according to the account provided by city officials. Recall organizers must gather 7,000 signatures within 30 days.
“Brian DePeña has failed the city of Lawrence when it comes to his leadership,” Rodriguez said, adding that the council would make its determination next week. DePeña has refused to resign.
The council’s action came hours after DePeña pleaded not guilty in Essex Superior Court to 14 counts of wiretapping and one count of witness intimidation. He was released on personal recognizance. A status hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9.
The state charges stem from allegations that a security system installed in the mayor’s office in 2023 recorded audio and video of a conversation between two City Hall employees in March. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office says the system was separate from City Hall’s surveillance cameras, which do not record sound, and that the public was not told the system recorded audio. Prosecutors allege DePeña distributed copies of the recording to 14 people and later violated a witness-intimidation law.
DePeña’s attorney, Neil Faigel, said the mayor did not know how the cameras worked, did not have their passcodes and could not access the recordings.
The mayor also faces federal charges, including wire fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege he obtained pandemic relief funds and used a loan to support his election campaign and pay personal expenses. Those allegations, like the state charges, have not been proven in court.
Council Vice President Ana Levy said the city must continue its work while the legal process proceeds. Asked whether DePeña could carry out his duties, she answered, “Yes, and no.”
Sarah Perez, who is leading the recall effort, said organizers began the campaign because they believe resignation is the only way to spare the city further disruption. The situation recalls Fall River’s 2019 recall of then-Mayor Jasiel Correia, who was elected back into office in the same vote.