Multiple residents used the board's public-comment periods to call for the resignation or suspension of Commissioner Bill Hayden following an announced criminal indictment.

At the meeting, Ken Collins of Andover Township opened public comments on agenda items by saying he expected Hayden’s resignation “immediately after his indictment” and asked the commission to accept it. Cathy Brennan of Hampton Township told the board that the indictment concerned “stolen valor tax fraud,” said Hayden “broke the law,” and urged commissioners to “immediately start the process of trying to, start suspension proceedings.” Gail Just of Layton and other speakers recounted contacting authorities and alleged multiple tax filings claiming veteran status; speakers said Hayden had represented himself as a veteran and that the indictment related to that claim.

Why this matters: residents argued the indictment undermines trust and called on elected commissioners to act to preserve public confidence in county government. Multiple speakers also framed their remarks around respect for veterans and the seriousness of falsely claiming military service.

What the board did: no formal board action to remove or suspend Hayden was recorded at the meeting. Hayden was noted as absent in roll-call votes taken on other items. The public-comment period was opened and closed by motion; the board did not announce any immediate suspension procedure during the session.

Voices at the meeting: people who spoke on this topic included Ken Collins (Andover Township), Cathy Brennan (Hampton Township), Gail Just (Layton), Richard Schnur (Hardison Township), David DeWitt (Hampton Township), and other area residents. Several speakers explicitly urged the board to remove or suspend Hayden or to prompt state action.

Limits of reporting: statements in public comment reflect speakers’ allegations and opinions as delivered at the meeting. The board did not provide a response or any legal finding during this session, and no formal disciplinary action was recorded on the meeting agenda or minutes.