Indirect apology from Minnesota reps who accused ranger of lying
Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) and Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - Minnesota State Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Red Wing) and Rep. Tara Mack (R-Apple Valley) have apologized after accusing a Dakota County park ranger of lying in his report, but indirect apology has Democrats asking for more. The lawmakers were issued public nuisance citations at Lebanon Hills Regional Park on Aug. 25 after park ranger Jordan Moses came across two cars parked remotely in the north parking lot.
“When I was roughly 20 yards away, I noticed both parties were leaned in towards the center of the car engaging in intimate behavior,” Moses wrote.
The ranger noted that Mack’s pants and belt were pulled down to mid-thigh, and she was wearing blue-teal underwear. When asked why her pants were pulled down, Kelly and Mack “both gave no response to the question and the female tried to cover herself up by repositioning in her seat and folding her hands above the exposed area.”
Rep. Tara Mack statement (Sept. 14)
"Since becoming a State Representative in 2009, I have been a strong supporter of our men and women in law enforcement. I understand that the Park Ranger was trying to do his job. I have the utmost respect for the work law enforcement does to keep Minnesotans safe and I apologize for offending these great men and women."
Rep. Tim Kelly statement (Sept. 14)
“After serious reflection on the last two weeks, I can say that I am disappointed in myself for the way I handled my disagreement with a park ranger. I reacted to this in an emotional way and certainly without respect and professionalism. Several of my own family members serve in law enforcement and I have nothing but respect for the entire community. There is a proper way to handle conflicts and as a state representative you should certainly expect me to do so. I apologize to my constituents, to the law enforcement community and to the state of Minnesota.”
Indirect apology
Rep. Dan Schoen (DFL-Cottage Grove) wrote a letter to House Speaker Kurt Daudt last week requesting a direct apology to the ranger -- a request that hasn't been fulfilled.
“While I am glad that Rep. Kelly and Rep. Mack have apologized to the law enforcement community, I repeat my request that they apologize directly to the law enforcement official and Dakota County Sheriff’s Office whose reputations they have tarnished," Rep. Schoen said in a statement. "Rep. Kelly called this officer’s report an ‘absolute lie’ and Rep. Mack called it ‘completely false.’ Neither Rep. Kelly nor Rep. Mack have apologized for making those accusations. And as I stated in my letter last Friday, it is unacceptable to allow Rep. Kelly and Rep. Mack’s serious allegations to go unresolved.”
Concern amongst the DFL caucus was echoed by House DFL leader Paul Thissen in a statement Monday:
"I have had several members contact me to express concern that Rep. Kelly and Rep. Mack made what increasingly appear to be false claims against law enforcement officials. They continue to express frustration that with today's statement, neither member answers the central question about whether the initial claim that the officer lied was false, or takes responsibility for their actions. That's what members believe is the central issue and what needs resolution."
Removed from ethics committee
House Speaker Kurt Daudt issued a statement Monday morning, confirming Reps. Kelly and Mack have been removed from the legislature's ethics committee:
“Over the weekend, Majority Leader Peppin and I had the opportunity to speak with Representative Tim Kelly and Representative Tara Mack to discuss the incident and the subsequent attention from their public comments. We expressed our concerns to Representatives Kelly and Mack, and I appreciate their statements today. Representatives Kelly and Mack have voluntarily agreed to step down from the Ethics Commitee. and I have appointed Representative Paul Torkelson and Representative Jenifer Loon to take their places.”