The Board of Ethics ruled today that Councilwoman Bonser has violated the City's Municipal Ethics Code stemming from a complaint filed earlier this year by Stephen Chipka.
In a unanimous vote, the board will be submitting its recommendation that Councilwoman Bonser be publicly reprimanded by City Council for behavior unbecoming of a public servant.
See the official meeting Summary by clicking on the link below. It will also take you to the video of the hearing.
BOE video and Summary minutes
Regarding the hearing - without going into great detail I would urge Chairman Blaske to recuse himself should future ethics complaints be brought against Councilwoman Bonser and step down as Chair from any proceeding in which she is named. It is obvious from his actions, or rather inaction, during last year's hearings, watching this video, and listening to his reasons for possibly abstaining from voting today on some items that he has some attachment or allegiance to Dr. Bonser. And that's fine if that's the case. We're a relatively small community and friendships, loyalties and alliances are going to exist. But his unwillingness to "gavel" Dr. Bonser as being out of order and to allow her to effectively take over the meeting and then ramble on for 15-20 minutes (see the video around the 11:00 minute mark) jeopardizes these formal legal proceedings, as well as the credibility of the Board! And that's a problem.
Why is this a problem? By not controlling the meeting and, in this case, allowing Dr. Bonser to actively reopen discussion on matters already heard, effectively attempting to rehear her case, attempting to introduce new materials, etc., without the complaintant or their legal representative present, jeopardizes the legal process in its totality! It would be easy for the plaintiff to argue that her presence and behavior today could have influenced or been perceived as influencing the Board and their decision. By allowing her to speak at today's hearing opens the door for further legal action, all at additional cost to the City.
I'm Just Sayin'..........if you agree to Chair a Committee, be prepared to fulfill your responsibility, or step aside if you are conflicted.
