Residents ask Clayton council to investigate alleged defamatory website statement by council member

Two residents, Dane and Connie Horton, used the public‑comment period on March 18 to say a Council Member's statement posted on the City of Clayton website had harmed their reputation and to urge the council to investigate.

Dane Horton told the council he and his wife submitted a letter to the council on Feb. 18 about "primary concerns and issues in the City" and later found what they called an "inflammatory statement" on the city website that they attribute to Council Member Tillman. The Horton reading quoted the language they cited: "As a speak, as a leader in our community, I denounce the comments made by Dane and Connie Horton. And I proudly stand with all our residents, neighbors, friends, and strangers who choose to peacefully protest and speak out for those who are marginalized." The Hortons called the language defamatory and said it suggested they discriminated against certain groups, which they denied.

Connie Horton said the remarks were "unprofessional and unlawful" in their view and exposed the city to legal liability; the couple formally requested that the council instruct Council Member Tillman to retract written and verbal statements and provide both them and the community written assurance that no further disparaging statements would be made.

Mayor Treviano thanked the Hortons for raising the issue during public comment. The transcript does not record any immediate response from Council Member Tillman during that public‑comment segment, nor does the council issue a directive or formal finding at the meeting. The Hortons asked for a prompt investigation and a written response from the council; staff or council follow‑up was not recorded on March 18.