Ferguson is becoming the new Survivor as yet another official has resigned from his post in the wake of the Department of Justice report which revealed racism and abuse against African Americans within the police and court system. The news comes less than 24 hours since Ferguson municipal court judge Ronald Brockmeyer stepped down.
Ferguson City Manager, John Shaw, formally resigned today writing in a letter that, “Over the last several months I have done everything in my power to work with countless groups to bring about positive change and strengthen our community.”
Shaw’s resignation comes after the resident-elected City Council unanimously voted (7-0) on a mutual separation with Shaw. (City Council members and are responsible for choosing a city manager, whom manages the city departments, for example the Police Department.)
In the DOJ report Shaw had been singled out, along with other officials, like Brockmeyer, for treating Ferguson residents as cash cows. According to the report, the city gave out so many tickets and fines that Ferguson was in the top eight of St. Louis County courts, raking in more than $1 million in revenue in 2010.
Back in 2012 Shaw replied to a police chief about the news that court revenues had surpassed $2 million in 2012 by saying, “Awesome! Thanks!”
Here’s Shaw’s resignation letter in full:
1.
[via CNN]
