Only one ground left... which was my response to the recall.
Response to Ground 1
I will only respond to factual, specific statements in which the recall petition clearly states. Ground 1 only lists baseless allegations prior to my taking office. One employee remained for a short time while I was in office. No sworn testimony or official documents have been sourced, nor released. This allegation is baseless and false.
Ground 2 - City Resources
As it is the ONLY REMAINING GROUND, let me address this allegation:
- I used a city computer to run Microsoft Powerpoint and Teams software for my response to the media enslaught of vague baseless allegations. There was no cost to taxpayers.
- I used City Hall's internet which is available to the public. No addtional cost to taxpayers.
- I used the conference capabilities at City Hall to share and record my statements, these services are available to the public. No additional cost to taxpayers.
- I did not call the press conference, the PAC for the recall alerted the media with its "scorched earth" press releases.
- I was not campaigning for office, I was defending myself from baseless allegations.
- After the council meeting was adjourned, I dismissed all elected/appointed officials and city employees. I explained the meeting was over and their responsibilities were complete.
- Please see my recorded statements: DTR - Public Address (debunktherecall.com) .
I was accused of possibly violating the Hatch Act. I have yet to be charged with anything. I can only conclude the Hatch Act would not apply to my public statements. Codified Law 12-27-20 | South Dakota Legislature (sdlegislature.gov)
This allegation is baseless and false.
Ground 3 - Public Information
I will only respond to factual, specific statements in which the recall petition clearly states. Ground 3 has only misleading allegations. No sworn testimony or official documents are sourced.
The matters have been settled. GPC has paid $46,000 in fines to the DANR and have reach a settlement of $735,000 to the City and other local benefactors. The City's legal team confirmed the City Council has complete authority to the release of information, not the Mayor. These allegations are baseless and false.
Ground 4 - Conflict of Interests
I can only respond to factual, specific statements in which the recall petition clearly states. Ground 4 lists baseless and simply false allegations. No sworn testimony or official documents are sourced.
All of the mayor's appointment recommendations must be ratified by the council. See Minutes of unanimous approval
Appointment of officers: Codified Law 9-14-3 | South Dakota Legislature (sdlegislature.gov) Baltic ordinance, appointment of officers: § 31.01 APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS. (amlegal.com)
The Council approves all agreements and payments. The Mayor does not vote. Any interaction with potential conflicts of interest within the council are well documented and accounted for. Please see the 03 28 23 City Council Public Hearing & Special Meeting Recording part one - YouTube at the 32:26 point where I ask the council about conflict of interest and attempt to recuse myself from conducting the vote for the council chambers renovation.
This allegation is baseless and false.
Ground 5 - Public Conduct
I can only respond to factual, specific statements in which the recall petition clearly states. Ground 5 has only misleading allegations. No sworn testimony or official documents are sourced.
Two conversations were noted and addressed in my response to the recall https://debunktherecall.com/dtr-public-address. It is very clear that editing was at play and transparency was not the goal of the recall efforts. Watch for yourself.
This allegation is baseless and false.