Judge asked to remove Baltimore mayor

BALTIMORE, July 1 (UPI) -- A Baltimore resident has filed a petition to have Mayor Sheila Dixon removed because she was sworn in by the governor instead of the clerk of the circuit court.

Paralegal David A. Wiggins says the Maryland Constitution calls for mayors to receive the oath of office from the clerk or his deputy, the Baltimore Sun reported Wednesday.

In his petition, Wiggins asks a Baltimore judge to install him as interim mayor after removing Dixon.

City Solicitor George Nilson says Wiggins is "legally incorrect" and that the state Constitution allows a governor to give the oath.

Wiggins says he fears his case will not be taken seriously.

"I expect that the court will sweep this under the rug," he says.