Delta mayor resigns over nepotism

DELTA, Mo. -- Mayor Carol Collins resigned Monday evening, acknowledging that she had violated the Missouri Constitution's ban on nepotism last year when she appointed her brother-in-law to the Delta Board of Aldermen.

With 18 townspeople on hand -- a big turnout for a city meeting -- Collins rose at the beginning of the meeting to announce she was stepping down. "I appointed my brother-in-law as a member of the Board of Aldermen, which is against the law," she said. "However, it has been a practice in this city for many years."

The brother-in-law, Dale Hobeck, retained his seat and is on the April 3 ballot seeking to serve out the remainder of the two-year term.

With that statement, Collins took a seat with other town residents. Alderwoman Bonnie Bradshaw took over as acting mayor for the regular monthly meeting.

The remaining board members will choose a replacement at a special meeting Feb. 19 in the Delta Community Center. At that meeting, members will also choose who will serve for two months in the Ward 1 seat resigned by Alderman Ricky Cobb two weeks ago because of questions about whether he, as a convicted felon, can legally serve on the board.

Collins declined to comment on her resignation after the meeting. But during a period of public comment and questioning in the meeting, Collins said "It was a force job."

Questions about her actions appointing Hobeck were raised by townspeople who contacted the Southeast Missourian. Following news reports about the nepotism allegations, a complaint from a town resident prompted Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle to investigate.

Swingle hadn't announced any results, but Delta city attorney Scott Reynolds said that when he reviewed the issues it was clear that Collins had committed nepotism. The issue could have been avoided, Reynolds said, if his advice had been sought before the appointment was made.

"I learned about it after the fact," he said. "I just thought it was very clear what needed to be done."

Cobb resigned from the board and withdrew as a candidate after learning about a state law in effect since Jan. 1 barring convicted felons from seeking office. On Monday evening, Cobb asked for his seat back based on an interpretation from the Missouri Secretary of State's office that the law does not apply to fourth-class cities."If I am eligible, I would like to be reinstated," he said.

Reynolds said he would have to review the new law and the opinion about its application. He also said he is researching a state law that makes anyone who owes back taxes ineligible to serve on the board. Board member Dennis Bowers was bumped off the April ballot for unpaid taxes but continues to campaign as a write-in candidate.

The issues of legality on the board were raised as part of ongoing disputes among officials and townspeople. The town needs to settle down to business, Reynolds said. "There are a lot of good people here," he said. "But there is so much animosity and backbiting."

rkeller@semissourian.com

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