Barberton Council Launches Bid To Oust Longtime Mayor

Council voted 6-2 to start formal removal proceedings against Mayor Bill Judge and directed independent counsel to prepare charges under the charter.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 2:05pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A moody, cinematic painting of an empty city council chamber, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the desks and chairs, creating a palpable sense of tension and unease.The quiet, tense atmosphere of Barberton's city council chambers reflects the high-stakes political drama unfolding behind closed doors.Barberton Today

In a surprise move, the Barberton City Council voted 6-2 to initiate the process to remove long-serving Mayor William "Bill" Judge from office. Council President Shorter Griffin introduced a motion to "consider the removal" of the mayor and bring in independent legal counsel to draft formal charges against him under the city charter. The council immediately scheduled a special meeting to discuss the matter further.

Why it matters

The removal of a sitting mayor is a rare and high-stakes political event in a local government. Barberton's charter has strict guidelines for such a process, requiring a two-thirds council vote, written notice to the mayor, and a public hearing. This showdown could have major implications for the city's leadership and politics.

The details

Under Barberton's charter, the council can remove a mayor for gross misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance. The process requires a two-thirds council vote, written notice to the mayor at least 15 days before a public hearing, and guarantees the mayor the right to be heard, present evidence and question witnesses. If the office is declared vacant, the council president would become acting mayor or council could appoint another member to serve out the term.

  • On April 16, 2026, Barberton City Council voted 6-2 to start the formal process to remove Mayor William "Bill" Judge from office.
  • Council immediately scheduled a special meeting with an executive session for 6 p.m. that same night to discuss the matter further.

The players

William "Bill" Judge

The Democratic mayor of Barberton who has held the office since 2011 and was recently re-elected to a fourth term in 2023.

Shorter Griffin

The Barberton City Council President who introduced the motion to "consider the removal" of Mayor Judge.

Emily Beck

A Barberton City Council member from Ward 4 who openly called for Mayor Judge to resign during the council meeting.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

Independent counsel must first draft the formal charges against Mayor Judge, then serve them on the mayor. After the required 15-day notice period, the council can hold a public hearing on the matter.

The takeaway

This high-stakes political showdown in Barberton highlights the complex process and serious implications of removing a sitting mayor from office. The outcome could have a major impact on the city's leadership and future direction.