YAKIMA — The mayor is calling for newly elected City Councilman Rick Ensey to step down after he acknowledged his wife had posted anonymous blogs that included unfounded rumors his opponent had been arrested for drunken driving.
“I think that what has happened has really hurt our community. I think it would be the best thing for the community if he did,” Mayor Dave Edler told the Yakima Herald-Republic after announcing at Tuesday night’s council meeting that he feels Ensey should resign.
Throughout Ensey’s campaign, an anonymous blogger criticized his opponent, Councilman Ron Bonlender, and Democrats on a Web site.
The blogger also mentioned “rumors” that Bonlender had been arrested several times for investigation of drunken driving and that police, the city manager and local newspapers had covered up the arrest reports.
The blogger offered no evidence and the Herald-Republic’s review of state records found nothing to back up the claims. Two days after the election, Ensey acknowledged his wife was the blogger.
Bonlender has sued Diane Ensey for defamation and portraying him in a false light, alleging she maliciously smeared him on behalf of her husband. The Superior Court lawsuit names Rick Ensey as a co-defendant.
Several council members have said they agree with the mayor and hope Ensey won’t take office in January.
“I hate to pass judgment on anybody, but I think a resignation is in order,” Councilman Norm Johnson said Wednesday. “I have never ever in my life had so many phone calls, people stopping me on the street, stopping me in church wanting to talk about something.”
Ensey said he has no intention of resigning and is disappointed the mayor is urging him to do so. “I don’t know how many people have spoken to Mayor Edler and I don’t know what they said,” he told the Herald-Republic.
Councilman Bill Lover believes Ensey should stick with the job he was elected to do.
“I believe as a council we must show some wisdom and patience,” Lover said. “We don’t have all the information or facts; most citizens or council members have not read the full blog.”
Bonlender said he wasn’t seeking to overturn the election but feels Ensey isn’t fit to serve. “I agree with the mayor’s call, basically,” he said.
If a newly elected council member resigns or fails to take the oath of office, the person holding that seat — in this case Bonlender — would continue to serve until the council appoints a successor, according to the Association of Washington Cities.
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