A Code of Ethics was adopted by the Town Council some 10 years ago. Since then there have been several violations by elected members of Town Council, only to have the complaints swept under the “cactus.”

Most recently, there has been a serious violation of the Code of Ethics by an elected member of Council. This person was found to have not only violated one, but four sections of the Code of Ethics!

The offenses took place nearly one year ago. A mediator was hired, but only met with the victim because the member of Council refused to cooperate and meet. Then a hearing officer was hired and, begrudgingly, the council member was interviewed and found in violation of four sections of our town code.

Subsequently, a meeting with the victim and the elected member of Council was scheduled, wherein the elected member of Council was asked to “make it right” with the victim. This elected member of Council turned that meeting into a mockery and never apologized.

Every member of council is asked to sign the Code of Ethics upon being sworn into office, and many of our council members do respect the Code. But with this most recent serious violation, it looks like history is repeating itself.

Nobody, including elected officials, is above the law. We need all members of Town Council complying with the Code of Ethics. We must have elected officials that treat everyone with respect and dignity because they are entrusted with making the right decisions to make Our Town a great place to live.

This Council member should come forward, and do the right thing and apologize to the victim, the Town’s people, business community, town staff and all other members of Council, or will it be just swept under the “cactus?”

Editor’s Note: The Times has confirmed that this matter has been addressed by the Town Council in executive session and is considered closed.