Deputy Mayor: Put Up or Shut Up

Town Council members took action regarding recent allegations of misconduct at Monday night's meeting, but it wasn't necessarily the action many expected.

While a formal discussion of sending the allegations to the board of ethics for an advisory opinion did not take place, Deputy Mayor Al Simon stood his ground, saying the accusers have "acted like petulant and bitter children who failed to get their way," and submitting a challenge to supply sufficient evidence of wrongdoing or discontinue their talk of ethics violations (see attached video for Simon's full comment).

"The accusers are making false, baseless, unproven allegations of ethical misconduct," said Simon

"At no point have these accusers recognized that there could be a different point of view which carried more weight than their arguments. They continue to reject the outcome of the public decision-making process," he added, referencing residents' response to the Dollar Tree approval process.

Simon also commented on his issue with the manner in which residents have chosen to express their concerns over the process.

Alluding to comments made on Windsor Patch, particularly those made by anonymous users, Simon said the allegations "are bullying tactics from a bilious few who have been unable to win with reason and logic."

"Cowards who hide behind their anonymity while making false accusations don't deserve the time of day ... So to put it simply to those who wish to accuse wrongdoing, put up or shut up," Simon added.

Mayor Don Trinks backed up Simon's criticism of those who have made claims while remaining anonymous.

"For any blog site that allows anonymity, you have zero respect for me. If you have a problem with what we do, just tell me," said Trinks, adding that anonymity should not be allowed, and anonymous comments or letters do not "hold water" in his eyes.

During the council's May 21 meeting, it was Republican Don Jepsen who suggested the council discuss commissioning an independent investigation into residents' claims of ethic violations, but it was Republican Aaron Jubrey who brought the topic back before the council Monday, requesting the issues be added to the night's agenda.

"We've gotten some requests tonight for an investigation, and as it was discussed last meeting ... I just would like to discuss the possibility of having an independent investigation," said Jubrey.

Seconded by Lisa Boccia (R), Jubrey's motion was withdrawn after council members suggested the matter, which concerns the reputations of those sitting on the council, should be moved to the next scheduled meeting to avoid an item of importance being added at the last minute.

"I just want my council members to know I don't believe anything intentionally, deliberately, maliciously wrong was done... I have to be honest, I don't have a lot of confidence in going to an ethics violation. I just don't like the way the protocol is laid out," Jubrey said. "I think we would be better served with an independent investigation."

The town council is scheduled to meet again on June 18.