GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – The Green Bay City Council was set to determine whether one of its members should be punished.
However, it’s a decision it appears the council is not yet ready to make.
Council members say they need more time.
On June 13, the Green Bay Ethics Board found Alderman Chris Wery violated three sections of the city’s ethics code when he used his temporary position at Associated Bank to look at his former election opponent’s financial records without permission.
Those sections deal with integrity of public officials, operating with public interest as a prime concern, and not exceeding authority.
Ahead of Tuesday’s meeting, Wery filed an objection that he violated the city’s ethics policy.
In an email to the city’s attorney, Wery said, “this matter has no standing before the Green Bay Ethics Board and should be dismissed.”
The email, which included several documents to support his objection, goes on to say, “Due to the erroneous decision of the Green Bay Ethics Board to proceed, personal and financial harm has been caused to myself. To avoid further damage, an immediate decision to dismiss this matter before the Ethics Board is requested.”
Wery says he’s paid a price already.
“Both the Green Bay Police Department and the District Attorney reported there was no illegal activity on my part. Her allegations are not effecting my ability to support my family. I firmly believe based on expert’s opinion that the Ethic’s Board is over stepping its bounds”
Debbie Jacques, who filed the complaint against Wery, has also filed a civil lawsuit.
Associated Bank confirmed Wery accessed Jacques’ accounts without authorization and was fired as a result.
Green Bay alderman, Bill Galvin
“I think that citizens that vote are getting tired of businesses as usual and no accountability, and then finger pointing on both sides and everything gets lost in the rhetoric. I think at this point people really need to be held accountable.”
The council will take up the issue again in August.
