Barberton City Council Moves to Remove Mayor William Judge

Council President cites need for city to 'heal and move forward' in initiating removal proceedings

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:41pm

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A nostalgic, cinematic painting of the exterior of a government building in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of civic tension and unease.The potential removal of Barberton's long-serving mayor casts a somber shadow over the city's political landscape.Barberton Today

Barberton City Council voted 6-2 to initiate proceedings to remove Democratic Mayor William Judge, who has served since 2011 and was recently re-elected to a fourth term in 2023. Council President Shorter Griffin made the motion, citing the need for the city to 'heal and move forward', though the specific charges against the mayor were not immediately clear.

Why it matters

The removal of an elected mayor is a significant political event that could have wide-ranging implications for the city of Barberton. As a long-serving Democratic mayor, Judge's potential ouster could shift the political landscape and leadership in the city.

The details

During the council meeting, which was live-streamed, Council President Shorter Griffin made a motion to engage independent legal counsel to prepare formal written charges against Mayor Judge consistent with the city charter. Council member Emily Beck was the only one to speak publicly about the proceedings, saying her request for the mayor's resignation 'does not come from anger, self-righteousness or personal ambition' but from a 'deep sense of duty' and commitment to the city's future.

  • Barberton City Council voted 6-2 to initiate removal proceedings against Mayor William Judge on April 15, 2026.
  • Barberton City Council will hold a special meeting with an executive session at 6 p.m. on April 15, 2026 to discuss the matter further.

The players

William Judge

The Democratic mayor of Barberton, Ohio who has served since 2011 and was recently re-elected to a fourth term in 2023.

Shorter Griffin

The Barberton City Council President who made the motion to initiate proceedings to remove Mayor William Judge from office.

Emily Beck

A Barberton City Council member who spoke publicly about the need for the mayor's resignation, saying it comes from a 'deep sense of duty' to the city rather than 'anger, self-righteousness or personal ambition'.

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What they’re saying

“'I further move that independent legal counsel be engaged and directed to prepare formal, written charges consistent with section 3.03 (of the city charter) and that such charges be served upon the mayor in accordance with the charter providing the required notice of a public hearing.'”

— Shorter Griffin, Barberton City Council President

“'Someone once told me they felt Barberton suffers from a kind of broken heart. That idea has stayed with me, especially in moments that demand difficult decisions. In those times, I'm trying to ask myself a simple question, will the outcome of this decision truly help our city heal and move forward? There have been many occasions when I had to set my own opinions and personal comfort aside in order to do what I believe is right. I know that it's a responsibility we all share in public service.'”

— Emily Beck, Barberton City Council Member

What’s next

Barberton City Council will hold a special meeting with an executive session at 6 p.m. on April 15, 2026 to discuss the matter further and potentially take additional actions regarding the removal of Mayor William Judge.

The takeaway

The potential removal of a long-serving Democratic mayor in Barberton, Ohio highlights the political tensions and challenges facing the city's leadership. While the specific charges against Mayor Judge are not yet clear, the council's decision to initiate removal proceedings suggests deep divisions that the city will need to navigate in the coming weeks and months.