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Dear Judge

Mayor Shay Baker in a happier time, one month before her controversial ouster.
kcur photo by dan verbeck
Mayor Shay Baker in a happier time, one month before her controversial ouster.

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-877901.mp3

Leavenworth, KS. – The Leavenworth City Commission was out of line when it ousted the mayor earlier this year. The opinion has no power of law, but it does come from the Kansas Attorney General.

Mayor Shay Baker was taken out of her role as mayor last September but stayed on as elected member of the city commission. She was removed from office after siding with a convicted drug dealer who asked leniency from a judge. Her letter of recommendation was on city stationary and included a mayor's business card.

Attorney General Steve Six writes in his opinion that a commission has no right to oust any mayor. It's not clear whether the commission will heed the recommendation. The earliest the controversy might be reconsidered is January 5th when the city commission next meets. Baker wants reinstatement.

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