Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere is calling for an ethics review and has asked City Councilor Ahmad Whitfield to consider resigning following his Wednesday arrest on felony drug charges.
In a statement released Thursday, the mayor said the situation must be handled “lawfully, decisively, and in a manner that protects the integrity of City government and the public trust,” while also acknowledging the personal impact on Whitfield and his family.
The mayor said he learned of Whitfield’s arrest just hours before Wednesday night’s City Council meeting and immediately convened a meeting with the city attorney, city manager, and chief of police to review the situation. The City Council was then notified and briefed.
State Police say Whitfield was taken into custody following an investigation conducted by the State Police Violent Gangs and Narcotics Enforcement Team, in coordination with the Geneva Police Department, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office, and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. Police allege Whitfield sold a quantity of cocaine and fentanyl during the course of the investigation. He was charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the second degree, an A felony, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree, both B felonies.
The mayor emphasized that Whitfield is entitled to due process and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty, but said the seriousness of the charges and Whitfield’s current incarceration prevent him from carrying out his duties.
“As a result of his incarceration and the uncertainty of his future status, Councilor Whitfield is unable to discharge the duties of his office,” the mayor said. “This leaves the City of Geneva without full representation and prevents the City Council from operating as a fully functioning legislative body.”
The mayor said he will ask the City Council to initiate an ethics review through the City’s Board of Ethics, as outlined in the City of Geneva Code of Ethics. That process allows for an investigation and potential disciplinary recommendations, though the mayor noted the City Charter does not allow for the removal of an elected official under these circumstances.
He also noted that under New York State Public Officers Law, a felony conviction would automatically create a vacancy in the office, but that an arrest or criminal charges alone do not.
The mayor said that if a vacancy were to occur, either through resignation or by operation of state law, the City Charter provides a process for filling the seat to ensure continuity of representation.
For that reason, the mayor said he has asked Whitfield to consider resigning.
While acknowledging that resignation is a personal decision, the mayor said doing so would allow the city to restore full representation more quickly and move forward without prolonged disruption.
The mayor also referenced the City Council’s recent reaffirmation of its ethical standards and said he has confidence in the remaining council members to continue serving with integrity.
The mayor said city government will continue to operate fully and professionally and that the matter will be handled with seriousness, transparency, and respect for the rule of law.
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