Wausau Alder Deb Ryan. Image courtesy: City of Wausau
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau District 11 Alder Deb Ryan had her actions condemned by the Wausau Ethics Board on Monday, though the group has cleared her of any wrongdoing when it comes to violating the city’s ethics code and dismissed the complaint filed against her by William Harris.
The decision came after about an hour of closed-session deliberation on Monday. Board Member Robyn DeVos provided the motion coming out of the closed session.
“I would move that the Ethics Board strongly condemn the actions of Alderperson Ryan in the strongest possible terms,” said DeVos.
She went on to refer to specific areas of the complaint.
“I would further ask that the board find that her actions do not fit as a violation of the code of ethics as it is presently written,” added DeVos in her motion, saying that the board must make a decision that was “strictly construed.”
Harris has accused Ryan of making defamatory statements against him including a claim that he provided illegal advice to Mayor Katie Rosenberg regarding the community for all resolution. Harris also accuses Ryan of trying to get him fired from his position with Wisconsin Judicare and also threatening other employees at the firm.
Harris had asked for an apology from Ryan and offered to drop the complaint if she delivered by mid-September 2021, but when she didn’t he moved forward with the complaint.
The board’s vote was unanimous.
Monday’s action means that there will be no hearing on the complaint, though the board did set another meeting on April 28th to wrap up the matter.
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