FOUNTAIN HILLS, Ariz. — A Fountain Hills councilman who violated his town’s code of ethics was hit with serious sanctions.
Some members of the council say they have never handed down sanctions of this level before.
In a split vote, Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn can no longer become vice-mayor, use taxpayer money to travel for events and meetings or physically meet with workers unless another worker is there with them.
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Skillicorn addressed the decision moments after it happened during a break at Tuesday night’s town council meeting
“Purely it’s a partisan political hit job and its completely meaningless and it’s a waste of time,” Skillicorn said.
Documents obtained by 12News claim Skillicorn violated ethics rules when he reportedly chased down a Code Compliance Officer who removed one of the councilman's political signs that was placed illegally according to the document.
Vice-mayor Sharron Grzybowski, Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis and Pamela Cap filed the complaint.
It claims Skillicorn drove "aggressively" toward the worker while flashing his car's high beams while in his car. The worker said he felt unsafe in the situation and contacted a Maricopa County Sheriff's Deputy who was nearby.
Another complaint filed by Vice-Mayor Grzybowski against Skillicorn claims he violated the Code of Ethics when he implied the council members had "inappropriate conversations" with a developer and took campaign contributions from them. It happened during a town council meeting in the middle of January.
The Fountain Hills Town Council Chambers were packed Tuesday night. One side of the room supported the Councilman, the other side was against his actions.
During public comment, those who wanted to see sanctions given to Skillicorn said he brings shame to their town.
Skillicorn’s supporters said these ethics violations are part of a political game against the councilmember and no sanctions should be given.
Some said Skillicorn should be able to publicly defend himself from these complaints during the council meeting.
When that time came following public comment, Skillicorn waived the right to discuss it.
This is a developing story.
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