Belle Alderman resigns after closed session

By Roxie Murphy, Staff Writer

Posted 12/16/20

Belle Alderman Tony Gieck resigned unexpectedly during a Dec. 8 three-hour-long closed session meeting that followed a three-hour-long regular session.

Aldermen went into a closed session with …

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Belle Alderman resigns after closed session

Belle Alderman Tony Gieck (photo left, at right) unexpectedly resigned during a Dec. 8 closed session meeting after serving “several years” as alderman. The Advocate was not able acquire a copy of the meeting minutes to determine who the employee was, as the city clerk has been out of the office since last week. Gieck is pictured at the Aug. 11 Belle city meeting alongside Marshal Joe Turnbough.

Photo by Roxie Murphy

Posted Wednesday, December 16, 2020 3:20 pm

Timely commentary

‘Thank you all for your support’

To the Citizens of Belle:

I would like to start by saying it has been a privilege to have served you as mayor for two years and as councilman Ward 2 for many years. I have always considered every vote cast and decision made to benefit the city as a whole, not just a certain part of town or for one individual. Although, not all decisions or votes were popular to some, I still believe the way I voted was best for the city. I submitted my resignation as alderman Ward 2 during closed session Dec. 9th. Reasons for my resignation is “I Cannot and Will Not serve on council that will not take action or stand up to protect taxpayer money from fraud and falsifying documents with no consequences — that we are sworn by oath to do.” I would like to thank you all for your support over the years. I would also encourage all residents of Belle to attend your council meetings when possible. Thank you again.”

Tony Gieck, Former Alderman Ward 2, City of Belle

By Roxie Murphy, Staff Writer

Belle Alderman Tony Gieck resigned unexpectedly during a Dec. 8 three-hour-long closed session meeting that followed a three-hour-long regular session.

Aldermen went into a closed session with “personnel” on the agenda. Gieck said they had a discussion that a city employee was stealing time and mileage. Two aldermen voted to terminate the employee’s employment and two voted against the termination. Gieck said after 20 minutes, Vogt broke the tie, voting to terminate the employee.

The employee was then called into the meeting and notified that they were terminated.

“Within a 10 minute period, the mayor asked to recant his vote and voted not to terminate,” Gieck said.

It was at that point that Gieck wrote his resignation on a piece of legal paper.

“I will not and cannot be a part of a board that will harbor a thief. I resign my post as alderman Ward 2.”

Gieck signed his name to the document and made it effective as of 11:45 p.m. Dec. 8.

On Monday afternoon, Gieck confirmed that his resignation was still in place. He wrote a letter to the citizens of Belle to explain his decision to resign.