SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Mayor David Condon defended himself Wednesday during an Ethics Commission meeting and he said he was truthful.
The meeting was to examine a complaint about whether or not the mayor answered truthfully when asked if Monique Cotton had anything to do with the resignation of former Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub.
The complaint alleges the Mayor "knowingly and intentionally withheld information from the public and City Council regarding Monique Cotton's sexual harassment allegations against former Spokane Police Chief Frank Straub."
Cotton was at one point the public information officer for the Spokane Police Department but was abruptly transferred to the parks department. At the time, city leaders said the move was a promotion. It was not until later that it was learned she was moved because of the sexual harassment allegations.
In an executive session with city council members, councilwoman Karen Stratton asked the mayor if Cotton had anything to do with Straub's resignation. He answered no. Stratton believes the mayor was not truthful in his answer. She testified during the hearing Wednesday.
There was also testimony from City Council President Ben Stuckart, Assistant Police Chief Justin Lundgren, former Interim Chief Rick Dobrow and a former city attorney.
Both of members of law enforcement spoke of the toxic nature of Straub's leadership style. Dobrow said he dreaded coming to work. During the hearing, Joe Shogan, the man who filed the ethics complaint, also alleged that Condon knowingly and intentionally withheld information from the public and that he has never been held accountable.
The Ethics Commission is not making a decision yet since the hearing lasted so long. They plan to meet soon and said they could have a decision in the next week or so.