City reacts to charges against mayor

WASHINGTON — City officials reacted publicly for the first time to criminal charges against Washington Mayor Jaron Rosien Tuesday night, the first city council meeting since allegations of sexual abuse came to light.

The meeting opened with the reading of a written, formal notice from Rosien of plans to take a voluntary unpaid leave of absence, “pending the resolution of the charges” against him. The mayor had previously telegraphed an intent to “step back from” municipal duties in an earlier statement, but the specifics of that plan were not clear until Tuesday night.

Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist said the unpaid leave would remove Rosien from any and all city-related business.

“It is our expectation that this leave of absence means that Mr. Rosien will no longer be leading or attending meetings with the city or acting on behalf of the city of Washington in any way,” she said. “We cannot allow elected officials or any other person to working for or representing the city to behave in ways that are unethical, illegal or immoral. We will work together to keep the city government of Washington afloat, balanced and going in a forward direction.”

In follow-up interviews after the meeting, all council members who were present — a count that excludes Fran Stigers, who was absent — said it was important for Rosien to take the leave of absence.

"Stepping back from all city duties is necessary, just of respect for our city employees, our residents of the community, everyone who’s looking to him as a leader,“ Council Member Bethany Glinsmann said.

Council Member Elaine Moore went a step further. She said Rosien should resign from his position altogether.

“Jaron took an oath to be a leader of this community and a representative of Washington throughout this state,” she said. “I believe his actions, whether judged a criminal offense or not, shows that Jaron is no longer able to carry out the oath of office … we as people, and the council, should accept nothing less.”

In an interview, Moore said she’d heard enough to believe Rosien misrepresented the city, even if a guilty verdict is not reached. In court documents, investigators said Rosien had “admitted to behaving flirtatiously” with someone matching the description of his accuser, and to being too intoxicated to recall details about the evening of the alleged abuse.

“Whether it’s deemed criminal or not, the behavior is unethical and unprofessional,” Moore said. “We, as city council members and mayors are held to a higher standard.”

Other council members were hesitant to suggest resignation before the court case plays out. If convicted of a felony — such as third degree sexual abuse, which he is charged with — Rosien could be removed from his mayoral office by a court, under state law.

“As long as he steps away (and) he’s not getting paid, he’s legally innocent until proven guilty,” Council Member Illa Earnest said.

Rosien declined to comment. A statement from his attorney said the unpaid leave showed the mayor had the city’s best interests in mind.

“Mayor Rosien has formalized his leave of absence without pay in order to put city business, the council and city's residents first,” the statement said. “There was no legal requirement he do so, but it is consistent with the Mayor's priorities. His priority is to serve, not to become an unproductive distraction.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com