Doug Diny
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Wausau Mayor Doug Diny has released a statement after the city’s Ethics Board voted to investigate a complaint filed against him by a group of citizens regarding his handling of a locked, unsecured municipal dropbox that the City Clerk hand intended to use as a ballot dropbox for the 2024 Presidential election.
“My attorney and I have responded and think the case should be dismissed. However, it seems like we have a long way to go until the Ethics Board even gets a chance to read that letter,” said Diny, referring to a letter sent from his attorney to the City Council in late January which called for the matter to be dismissed. The letter states that Diny did not break any state or federal laws by moving the box into his office.
“There was one recusal; I think there should be more,” continued Diny, referencing Kay Palmer’s decision to step away from the Board for discussion on this issue. Palmer admitted she would not be an unbiased participant in the issue because of her previously stated opposition to Diny’s actions.
Diny went on to call the issue “a circus. And it would be entertaining if the clowning-around did not cost the city taxpayers more each passing hour.”
Attorney Eric Larson of Waukesha-based Municipal Law Group is assisting the Board in handling the complaint at a rate of $250 per hour plus $30 for document review and $35 for document or letter drafting.
RELATED: Wausau Ethics Board to Investigate Complaint Against Mayor Diny
Diny’s statement was emailed to the press late Wednesday. The Mayor indicated that he watched the meeting on TV.
Board members have requested evidence and statements from Diny, Clerk Kaitlyn Bernarde, and City Attorney Ann Jacobson. No further meeting dates have been scheduled.
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