Resident accuses Clyde Park mayor of favoring personal/business interests in heated open forum

At the Nov. 11 Town of Clyde Park meeting, resident Carla Williams used the open-forum portion to accuse Mayor Sydney Wiley of acting for personal and business interests rather than for the town, citing variances the mayor had requested for dogwood trees at her home and outside ice machines at her business.

Williams addressed the mayor directly and asked for an honest answer about whether Wiley "was a mayor for the citizens and a mayor for the town," saying the variances gave the appearance the mayor was seeking personal benefit. Williams asked whether the mayor should resign; Wiley asked in response whether Williams wanted that and Williams said no, but insisted the concern be noted.

Several council members responded during the exchange. Council member Brian Eckenrod said the dogwood issue had been tabled previously and stressed that the council has done many things for the town. Council member James Walsh said the object and the matter "do matter" and should be addressed. Council member Roger Chandler emphasized that code violations and variances must be handled consistently regardless of ownership. Council member Teresa Saari said the mayor had brought the dogwood relocation to the council and that the council passed a variance to allow spring relocation.

The minutes record the exchange and the council discussion but show no formal ethics complaint, investigation, or vote. The matter remained an open-forum allegation and was discussed informally by council members during the meeting.