City Ethics Complaint Dismissed

The Monticello Board of Ethics convened last Thursday, Sept. 10, for an official board meeting, and evidentiary hearing on pending ethics complaint.

The ethics committee made up of Wanda Cummings, chair; Charles Forsythe, vice-chair, Carole Norris, Judy Hunsucker and Joyce Wallace, had received training the previous week after being pulled together when Adam McGinnis brought an ethics complaint against City Councilwoman Cynthia Miller for alleged inappropriate use of the city’s Mine Lake property.

The hearing convened at 5:30 p.m., and city attorney Joe Reitman discussed the rules of the hearing, and stressed the need for decorum.

After 30 minutes of discussing how things will be conducted, Mr. Reitman suggested the accuser and accused meet and see if they can come to an agreement before proceeding. At that time Mr. McGinnis, along with Mrs. Miller and her legal representation left the room. After a time, Mr. Reitman checked on them, and returned to the room telling the board he told them to take as much time as they needed.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., they returned, saying no agreement had been made.

Mr. McGinnis began his opening statement by thanking the board members for serving. He went on to comment that the community is working against each other, and nobody is held accountable. He said it is his goal to make the city, the downtown, better. He said he doesn’t want to see injustices tear us apart. He also indicated he was glad the ethics board is now in place.

After stressing the need to hold everyone accountable, he said he wanted to dismiss his complaint. The board accepted the dismissal and adjourned.