Duluth Monitor publisher says his complaint against Commissioner Nelson was closed with no discipline
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Summary
John Ramos, publisher of the Duluth Monitor, told the St. Louis County board during public comment that he filed a formal complaint after two incidents in October in which he says Commissioner Nelson cursed at and attacked him; Ramos says a Jan. 9 review found no discipline was warranted.
John Ramos, publisher of the Duluth Monitor, told the St. Louis County board during the public comment period that he filed a formal complaint after two October encounters with Commissioner Nelson in which he says Nelson cursed at him and personally attacked him.
Ramos said the incidents occurred Oct. 15 and Oct. 28 and were captured on video and shared on social media. He said he filed a formal complaint Oct. 30 and was notified Jan. 9 that the county’s review had been completed and the matter was closed with no disciplinary action taken. "Those who conducted this review and determined that Nelson's behavior met the county's code of conduct have set an awfully uncivil precedent for future board meetings," Ramos said.
Why it matters: Ramos framed the issue as one of conduct and accountability for elected officials. He cited the county’s code of conduct language that calls for respectful interactions among elected officials, employees, contractors and members of the public, and said the outcome sends a signal about enforcement.
What Ramos told the board: Ramos read the code’s definition of "respectful" behavior and recounted being cursed at after he asked a parliamentary-procedure question. He said the exchanges were later reported statewide. "I will not be disrespected by that individual ever again," Ramos said during his comment.
What the county has said on the record: The transcript records Ramos’s statement that a deputy administrator confirmed no discipline resulted from the review. The transcript does not include any on-the-record response from Commissioner Nelson, Chair Harlow, or county administration during the public comment period captured here.
Next steps and context: Ramos urged greater enforcement of the county’s code of conduct. The public comment record here does not show any formal board action, referral or a staff directive in response to his remarks. Whether the county will reopen or further review the matter is not specified in the meeting record.