McKinney City Council has called for a special meeting Wednesday, May 23 to discuss and consider whether to issue a censure and resolution expressing disapproval of Council Member La'Shadion Shemwell's behavior during a
recent arrest. A censure expresses severe disapproval.
Shemwell was arrested May 8 for allegedly speeding and failing to report a change of address or name, according to Collin County jail records.
“Councilman Shemwell’s behavior was not acceptable, plain and simple,” Mayor George Fuller said during the May 15 City Council meeting. “As a council body we will consider what action is taken in response. That action will be decided by the majority of council [and] will be carried out swiftly. … We will, as a council, put this behind us and work together for the greatest good of McKinney. With regards to the racial divide discussion, that discussion deserves to be had on its own merit across the country for that matter.”
According to city documents, Shemwell directed a "city employee/police officer" to contact his department head and that at the traffic stop, Shemwell "displayed uncooperative and argumentative behavior."
City documents go on to say while Shemwell has expressed some regrets for his actions, council still finds it necessary to reinforce that this behavior is not acceptable for an elected official.
Shemwell was not available for public comment at the time of publication. During the May 15 meeting, Shemwell said he will continue to serve on council and continue to lead. He also said he should have handled the situation better.
The meeting May 23 will begin at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 222 N. Tennessee St., McKinney.