Despite a federal indictment accusing him of taking kickbacks and fraud Vinny Palermo is still a member of the Omaha City Council, but he lost a key title today and many are counting down the days until he’s off the council for good.

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Palermo has refused to resign, but today he permanently lost the title of Vice-President. The city council by a vote of 5-1 making last week’s temporary title stripping a done deal.

The only council member voting for Palermo, fellow Democrat Juanita Johnson, is also the only council member to make the hour drive to Lincoln Federal Court for Palermo’s initial hearings last week, both of them.

Joe Jordan, News Channel Nebraska: “Wondering if you think Mr. Palermo should resign?

Juanita Johnson, Omaha City Council: “The law says you’re innocent until proven guilty, so I think we should see how this plays out, Joe.”

Today Johnson said voting against Palermo would be against her “moral compass.”

During the hearing, Palermo—in jail until his trial, likely months and months from now—was of course a no-show as was his attorney who told reporters last week that the criminal case was paramount.

Randy Paragas, Councilman Palermo’s lawyer: “We really haven’t made any decision regarding the City Council at this time.”

Today's 8-minute hearing ending with no surprises and the likelihood that if Palermo never resigns, city rules will have him gone for good by mid-July.