Residents spoke out in both support of and opposition to Parkville mayor Nan Johnston and she issued her own apology for her recent arrest at the regular meeting of the board of aldermen last week.
While the board met remotely, long-time alderman and board president Marc Sportsman presided over the public input via Zoom, acknowledging several letters received since Johnston’s DWI arrest on Saturday, Sept. 26. Three people also spoke to the board from city hall, assisted by city administrator Joe Parente. In the wake of the meeting, the board issued a public statement on Friday, Oct. 9 (See below).
Parkville resident Elaine Kellerman questioned Parente’s announcement a few days after the arrest that the city had no formal statement on her arrest.
Kellerman cited a municipal ordinance saying “conduct should be beyond reproach.”
She also cited the fine levied against Johnston earlier this year for campaign finance.
“The citizens of Parkville are well aware of these incidents and they are watching the board to see if the board of aldermen will hold her accountable for her behavior,” Kellerman said. “As duly elected board members you are obligated to seriously address this problem no matter how uncomfortable it may be to you.”
She also cited the lawsuit filed by Citizens for a Better Parkville’s Jason Maki, alleging 59 violations of the Missouri Sunshine Law.
Kellerman said should the board’s response not satisfy her she may file a complaint with the Parkville Ethics Commission to ask for Johnston’s removal from office.
City attorney Chris Williams said the ordinance cited was from the city’s code of ethics and that the ethics commission’s role was an advisory one. The commission could make recommendations to the board of aldermen, but the board’s only option for removal of an elected official was via an impeachment hearing.
Sportsman asked how a personal problem translated into an ethics violation. Williams said it was a subjective matter for the board and the commission and would depend on whether or not the problem impacted the official’s ability to perform their duty to the city.
This is not the first time a member of Parkville government has had a brush with the law in recent memory.
In 2014, Sportsman also faced a DWI charge. First elected to the board in 2007, Sportsman apologized for his actions and offered to resign if the board wished him to do so.
Roxsen Koch also spoke at the meeting, in support of Johnston. Koch, who was actively involved in Johnston’s last re-election campaign, calling her an advocate for residents of “all corners” of Parkville. She cited ongoing development projects that have come to fruition during Johnston’s time on the board of aldermen and as mayor.
“Several people who don’t appreciate this growth have made unfounded claims against our mayor and have cost the city thousands of dollars in their endless vendetta against the mayor,” Koch said. “There’s not one person among us tonight who is perfect and whether it’s determined if she’s innocent or guilty I know mayor Johnston will continue to be an effective mayor.”
Resident John Carter, who works as an emergency room physician, said the news upset him greatly and that he believed the code of ethics called for elected officials to be “perfect.” Johnston’s reported blood alcohol levels of 0.110 and 0.098 during her two reported tests were well over the legal limit of 0.08, and reports that she crossed the center line indicated she could have become involved in a deadly head-on collision. He also voiced concerns if a future hypothetical crash caused by an elected official could cause liability concerns for the City of Parkville. He also called for Johnston’s resignation.
Before the meeting returned to routine business, Johnston issued her own statement on her arrest.
“I do sincerely apologize to this board, to our staff and to the residents of Parkville for the embarrassment I caused everyone due to my actions,” Johnston said, adding that she was advised by her attorney to make no further public statements. “I really am asking for your forgiveness. I’ve worked hard on behalf of the City of Parkville and I would like to continue to do so.”
Parkville aldermen issue statement
On Friday, Oct. 12, the Parkville Board of Aldermen issued the following statement:
“At Tuesday evening’s board of aldermen meeting, mayor Nan Johnston issued an apology for the incident on Sept. 26 which led to a DWI charge. Prior to this, she contacted each member of the board of aldermen and personally issued an apology.
“While the charge against her is something that is being dealt with in the legal process, we expressed to her our disappointment that this incident has brought a negative light to the city and its citizens. We are also disappointed in her response to a constituent concerning a communication received regarding the incident, the day after it occurred. “Many people in the community rightfully expect more from their elected officials. We are required to be good stewards representing their interests, and to hold ourselves above reproach.
“The sincere apology from the mayor at this week’s board of aldermen meeting to the board, city staff and citizens of Parkville is a start. We encourage her to conduct herself, just like we expect from ourselves, to the highest standard both in the public and private portions of our lives.
“It is unfortunate these events have overshadowed many accomplishments which have occurred under mayor Johnston’s leadership, such as the revitalization of downtown Parkville, increased and improved amenities throughout our parks, tremendous growth in housing, restaurants and sports activities as part of the Creekside Development and lastly, the strongest financial position in the city’s history, in spite of being affected by one of the world’s worst health crises ever.
“Our commitment to you, as we move forward, as we will continue to represent Parkville’s best interests and work hard to fulfill our vision statement which states, ‘Parkville will offer an exceptional quality of life for its residents and visitors by embracing opportunities to enhance commerce and economic activity, while preserving the community’s historic charm, attractive character and unique natural environments.’”