The Denver Board of Ethics unanimously dismissed an ethics complaint filed after the Denver mayor flew to Texas for Thanksgiving, despite urging city residents not to travel over the holidays because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Chairman of the Board, Joseph Michaels, admitted that the actions of Denver Mayor Michael Hancock affected, disappointed or angered the Denver Post reported Wednesday. But he also said that the board had determined that the Democratic mayor had not explicitly violated the city’s code of ethics.
Michaels added, “This board certainly won’t condone this trip.”
Hancock flew to Texas over the holidays, rented a car and drove to Mississippi to be with his family while sharing messages on social media asking residents to avoid traveling.
His trip has been criticized by public health officials, local residents and politicians. Hancock apologized in response.
The complaint was filed on November 28 by Tonia Wilson, a member of Safe and Sound Denver, a group who condemned Hancock for his travels and hypocrisy.
Wilson argued that Hancock’s actions were in violation of the city’s code of ethics. She accused him of using his personal security information and means of transport – paid for in taxpayers’ money – for private purposes.
“I regret my decision to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a mistake for which I took responsibility and apologized to the people of Denver, and although it was alleged that my behavior was in some way contrary to the Denver Code of Ethics, the complaint appears to be based on false facts and / or assumptions ” Hancock said a written response as requested by the ethics committee in January.
Michaels said Wednesday Hancock did not use city resources to buy his flight.
Wilson disagreed with the ethics committee’s decision and briefly paused the virtual meeting. Michaels told Wilson there was no public comment on the meeting.
