Columbia Prohibiting Interference ordinance (Charter § 12)

Neither the council nor any of its members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or the removal of any person from office by the city manager or any of the manager's subordinates, nor in any way interfere with the appointment or removal of officers and employees in the administrative service of the city. Except for the purpose of inquiry, or as otherwise provided in this charter, the council and its members shall deal with the administrative officers and services solely through the city manager, and neither the council nor any member thereof shall give orders to the subordinates of the city manager, either publicly or privately. The office of any council member violating the provisions of this section shall be forfeited.