Helena Mayor Jim Smith will hold a hearing at noon Monday to consider a request by the Helena Housing Authority Commission to remove one of its members for alleged misconduct.

The HHA board voted 5-2 last month to censure and recommend the removal of resident Commissioner Mary Lee Shepherd.

HHA commissioners said Shepherd's statements to the press after a closed-door meeting, in which the board fired Director Colleen McCarthy, were inappropriate. They also claimed she had left a meeting in August yelling profanities at other board members.

Monday's hearing will take place in Room 326 of the City-County Building. Shepherd will have be given an opportunity to rebut the allegations. She has returned a call to the Independent Record, but attempts to interview her have so far been unsuccessful.

Smith, by state law, has the sole authority to remove housing-authority commissioners.

Reporter Larry Kline: 447-4075 or larry.kline@helenair.com