Northglenn council approves ethics complaint against state Sen. Faith Winter
DENVER (KDVR) — The Northglenn City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday night to approve a resolution that authorized the mayor to file an ethics complaint against Sen. Faith Winter.
It’s all because of a community meeting held on April 3. Winter was on a panel focused on a proposed Mental Health Transitional Living Facility, which is at a site opposed by many residents. Winter, a Democrat, is the assistant majority leader in the Colorado Senate and represents portions of Adams, Broomfield and Weld counties.
Polis signs bill to assign firearm code to gun, ammo purchases
According to Northglenn City Council members, Winter appeared intoxicated at the April 3 meeting. In the resolution passed Wednesday, the council alleged that individuals suggested after the meeting that Winter find a ride home, instead of driving herself.
On April 4, the senator apologized for her actions at the town hall and stepped down from her role as chair of the Transportation and Energy committee to “focus on my health.”
“Shortly thereafter, local news sources indicated that Senator Winter intended to enter rehab for alcohol abuse,” the resolution states.
After that, the Northglenn council requested a special meeting to consider filing an ethics complaint. The 2024 Legislative Session is scheduled to end in just under a week on May 8.
The ethics complaint focuses on Winter’s conduct as an elected representative of the city, with the resolution language stating she “undermined the integrity of her office as a Senator representing the constituents of the City, and demonstrated an inability to perform her legislative duties in a manner that promotes public confidence.”
The letter authorized to be sent to Senate President Steve Fenberg will serve as a formal ethics complaint against Winter.
US House passes bill to remove wolves from endangered species list
“While the City is sensitive to the disease of alcoholism, there is simply no excuse for showing up to a community meeting under the influence of alcohol,” the mayor’s letter reads. “From the City Council’s perspective, this is at a minimum a dereliction of her legislative duties under Rule 41(a.5) as set forth below.”
That rule states that the person who holds a legislative office “is to be respectful of the confidence placed in that member,” and “shall perform his or her legislative duties at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and independence of the Senate and of the General Assembly.”
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
