11-18-20 fdl ethics board finds probable cause that councilmember violated city ethics code-schedules hearing for next month

WFDL news has learned the Fond du Lac Ethics Board has found probable cause that a Fond du Lac city councilmember violated the city’s ethics code and has scheduled a formal hearing for next month.  The Ethics Board found probable cause that councilmember Ben Giles violated three sections of the city’s Ethics Code:   Dedicated Service,  Fair and Equal Treatment and Conflict of Interest.  The Board reached it’s findings following a closed door hearing last week.   A Finding of Probable Cause, signed by Ethics Board Chairperson Paul Czisny,  says  “probable cause is satisfied when there exists a believable or plausible account of an individual’s commission of a violation.  It is not a choice between conflicting facts or inferences.  It means there exists a substantial basis for proceeding to a hearing.  It is not a determination of guilt.”   A formal public hearing is scheduled for Friday December 11 in the legislative chambers of the city county government center.  At the hearing Giles will be able to testify, bring any witnesses,  and to question or refute any testimony or evidence, including the opportunity to confront or cross examine any adverse witnesses.   The hearing notice and finding of probable cause does not detail the complaint,  but Giles has been spearheading the controversial Lakeside Park alternative master plan.   Giles has worked with a business group that has pledged money to build a restaurant and amphitheater at the park.  Since a complaint was filed with the Ethics Board in September Giles has been abstaining from any votes relating to Lakeside Park.