Town chair accused of ethical lapses by his political opponent

Talk about it

In a letter to the Kinnickinnic Town Board and its attorney, town resident Gordon Awsumb outlined what he views as ethical violations by Town Chairman Roger VanBeek. Adding to the drama: Awsumb is now a candidate who will run for VanBeek’s chair position in the spring election.

The December letter claims that VanBeek’s employment with Asphalt Associates conflicts with his sitting on the town’s road committee, and that VanBeek’s employer has benefited by securing road upkeep contracts from Kinnickinnic.

In recent years the town has shifted to private road contracts after using St. Croix County before.

In his defense, VanBeek addressed his colleagues: “I urge the board to take immediate action. These are serious allegations. I am not guilty and am more than willing to take a deposition.”

VanBeek also took aim at his accuser and election opponent: “I would also like clarification if he (Awsumb) is in violation of ethics since he is running for chair. Is there a conflict?”

Town Board Supervisor Bill Gnatzig said at last week’s regular meeting, “There should be a review of the facts.”

VanBeek recused himself as the Town Board voted to have its attorney, Bob Loberg, investigate and respond to the accusations made in Awsumb’s letter.

For more on this story, please see the Jan. 12 print edition of the River Falls Journal.

Tags: kinnickinnic, government, politics, fccnetwork