Signgate, Part 2 - Motion Failed
In our previous article, we highlighted the mayor's controversial involvement in Public Works operations, and it seems the saga continues. Recently, she accused two employees of third-degree felony theft regarding signs intended for auction at Founders Day. The conflict arose when the mayor insisted on taking control over which signs were deemed no longer serviceable by Public Works Director Tom Davis—who has managed this process for seven years.
Undeterred by established procedures, the mayor conducted a sign inventory and demanded that old signs be handed over for her auction. When they weren't, she filed a police report alleging malfeasance against both the Town Manager and Davis without substantial evidence—only her own suspicions fueled by seeing an old sign at a local business.
Police Chief Zander and the employees contested these allegations. They explained that all discarded signs are recorded as part of an ongoing inventory managed by Public Works. Signs deemed unserviceable can either be sold or discarded; those offered for auction were not fit for use due to rust and damage.
Despite finding no evidence of theft during her intrusive search of Public Works facilities, where serviceable signs were clearly documented, the mayor persisted with allegations against the staff based on questionable reasoning tied to potential auction revenue rather than actual value.
Ultimately, Chief Zander determined there was no crime committed. Yet instead of accepting this conclusion, the mayor attempted to reprimand town officials at a recent meeting—a motion that failed to gain support from fellow commissioners.
With these repeated accusations and disregard for proper procedure raising concern among residents, many are left wondering: how far will she go? It may be time to reconsider our leadership choices moving forward.