Aliquippa Council’s meeting on Ash Wednesday began with its members and the mayor linking hands in prayer. It devolved into shouting, table pounding and state Grand Jury subpoenas being waved.
The more than two-hour meeting went off the rails at the 1:38 mark when Councilwoman Jennifer Milliner recommended that Councilman Matthew Mottes either be suspended or removed from the board.
Referring to an altercation Monday night at the Democratic petition signing at the American Italian Club, Milliner described Mottes’ involvement and “lack of control” as shameful, embarrassing and disrespectful. She said he was unfit to represent the city.
Several candidates for county-wide offices were in attendance, and told BeaverCountian.com that Mottes and his father Peter Mottes instigated an argument with Aliquippa School Board member Catherine Colalella and her boyfriend Anthony Raspberry.
The fracas moved outside, with some witnesses claiming Peter Mottes was hit. Matthew Mottes was holding Raspberry on the ground when police arrived.
Aliquippa Democratic Party Chairman Joe West also alleged that Mayor Dwan Walker threatened him.
West is running for Aliquippa Council as part of a primary ticket with Councilman Mottes, who is running against Walker. West is hoping to take a council seat currently occupied by Dwan’s brother, Donald Walker.
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