Annapolis City Council Returns, Robot Fred Paone Reinstated

Mayor Buckley lead the movement to get Paone back on the council

Annapolis (SPP) – In a rare and moving scene of bipartisanship, Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley lead the charge to have Alderman Fred Paone, the council’s only Republican, restored to the Annapolis City Council last night. Paone, who was first elected in 2013 and then reelected in 2017, was expelled from the City Council late last month after it was revealed that he was actually a robot. According to the then existing Annapolis Code, only actual human beings were entitled to serve.

However, Mayor Buckley felt that set a terrible precedent. “I’m against discrimination of any sort,” Buckley said. “Whether it be against blacks, gays, robots, or anything. Robots can do just a good a job as anyone, especially with all the artificial intelligence. Honestly, I couldn’t tell the difference between Robot Fred Paone and the old Fred Paone.”

Buckley felt so strongly about the idea that he campaigned outside City Hall last night, before the council meeting, and lobbied council members as they arrived at the door.

Buckley even asked Robot Paone to take part in discussions and to vote on the issue.

The amendment to allow Robot Paone to serve passed 8 to 1, with only Robot Fred Paone, who said the measure was illogical, voting against it.