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Camden County Republican Central Committee urges Commissioner Dougan’s resignation over investigation findings; Dougan declines
Summary
CCRCC members presented a unanimous censure resolution asking Commissioner Steve Dougan to resign and to reimburse Camden County for the cost of an outside investigation into alleged sexual harassment and retaliation; Dougan said he would not resign and the commission entered closed session under RSMo 610.021(1).
Members of the Camden County Republican Central Committee presented a censure resolution to the Camden County Commission at the March 31 public meeting, urging Commissioner Steve Dougan to resign and to reimburse the county for the cost of an outside investigation that the committee said found retaliation and other misconduct.
Chairman John Beckett told commissioners the CCRCC voted unanimously to censure Commissioner Dougan and requested his resignation and repayment of investigation costs. "The Committee voted unanimously to censure Commissioner Dougan and request his resignation," Beckett said.
Vice Chair Stacy Shore and other committee members described concerns about Dougan’s conduct and urged that he step down. Stacy Shore referred to the investigative report’s findings and said the committee was "concerned about retaliation toward certain residents of Big Island Drive." Committee member Julie Thomas urged resignation as a way to redeem himself; Jeff Shore reiterated concerns and questioned Dougan’s change in position regarding previously approved roadwork.
Presiding Commissioner Ike Skelton told the room the Commission has "no recourse authority in this matter," and that further actions are being investigated. Commissioner Dougan replied in the meeting, "I have nothing to say other than I am not going to resign." John Beckett urged members of the public to contact Attorney General Catherine Hanaway to pursue the matter and said documentation had already been filed.
Following the presentation, the Commission recessed and later entered closed session under RSMo 610.021(1); roll-call votes recorded all three commissioners voting "aye" to enter and to exit closed session.
Why it matters: The CCRCC’s public censure and request for repayment and resignation put the investigation’s findings and political pressure into the public record; the Commission indicated it lacks unilateral authority to remove an elected commissioner and moved the matter into further review.
Next steps: The Commission entered closed session for further discussion under the statutory exception cited, and public records indicate interested parties may contact the Missouri Attorney General’s office regarding removal processes.
