Wednesday, October 14, 2026·Focal News

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Lawrence council committee backs no-confidence resolution as DePeña faces charges

A 5-2 vote sends a resolution questioning Mayor Brian A. DePeña’s leadership to the full City Council. The council is scheduled to take a final vote next Tuesday.

Lawrence council committee backs no-confidence resolution as DePeña faces charges
A Lawrence City Council committee voted 5-2 on Tuesday to recommend that the full council declare no confidence in Mayor Brian A. DePeña, who was arraigned in state court the same day on wiretapping-related charges and witness intimidation. The Committee of the Whole approved forwarding the resolution to the full council, which is scheduled to consider it at its next regular meeting Tuesday. That vote will decide whether the council formally adopts the measure. City Clerk Eileen O’Connor Bernal read the resolution aloud. It says the mayor is responsible for leading the city and maintaining public trust, and argues that the charges have undermined confidence in local government and distracted DePeña from his duties. The resolution is a statement by the council, not a finding of criminal guilt. DePeña’s arraignment took place in Salem Superior Court. The available details do not specify how he has responded to the charges.

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