Convicted Trenton Mayor Tony Mack Removed From Office
By Cleve Bryan
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS)—Trenton Mayor Tony Mack had little to say entering court on Wednesday.
Mack's been holding onto office for more than two weeks, despite being found guilty of federal corruption charges.
Wednesday's hearing was to decide if Mack should be removed from office immediately, or as his lawyer argued, stay in power until final sentencing in May.
The State Attorney General's office argued that would be unfair to the people of Trenton.
Deputy Attorney General Steven Yomtov says, "The only interest that could be served are of his own personal interest."
Although there was a lengthy discussion, Judge Mary Jacobson agreed that Mack needs to leave office immediately. She granted an order of forfeiture and with that Mack was mayor no more.
Eyewitness News asked Mack, "Were you surprised by the verdict?" He did not respond.
Mack said nothing after court, but one person who was ecstatic about the decision was David Ponton, who led the charge several years ago to have Mack recalled from office.
"I was overwhelmed with joy because I know now this city has an opportunity to be great again."
Around 2:30 p.m. City Council President George Muschal took the oath as acting mayor of Trenton.
Mushcal says his first order of business is catching up on work Mack neglected and restoring honesty to City Hall.
"The challenge is to show that we can move the city forward and that we can be prosperous, and honesty and integrity and loyalty in the council and myself,"