An ethics charge against Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, who flew to Texas during the Thanksgiving holiday, even after he told his constituents to restrict travel, was rejected by the Ethics Council on Wednesday.
Council Chairman Joseph Michaels acknowledged that Hancock’s actions had angered city residents, who considered them hypocritical, but said they were not violating the city’s code of ethics, reports The Denver Post .
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“This advice certainly does not condense the journey,” he said.
A board representative told Fox News that they have received numerous complaints about elected officials investigating their behavior, but ‘unless an appropriate portion of the code is implied, the board can not act as a body or really have an opinion. (or statement) does not deliver. with respect to that conduct. ‘
Hancock flew to Texas over the holidays, rented a car and drove to Mississippi to be with his family while sharing messages on social media and asking residents to avoid traveling.
Minutes before his flight, he issued a tweet warning people to “pass on the potatoes, not COVID”, advising them to “host virtual gatherings instead of dinners in person” and “Avoid traveling, if you can. “
Hancock apologized for the trip following the setback of public health officials, residents and politicians.
Tonia Wilson, a member of Safe and Sound Denver, a group that condemned Hancock for his travels and hypocrisy, filed a lawsuit against him on Nov. 28, saying he disregarded the city’s code of ethics. She also accused him of using his personal security details and transportation – which was paid for with tax money – for private gain.
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“I regret my decision to travel over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a mistake for which I took responsibility and apologized to the people of Denver, and although it is alleged that my conduct somehow violates the code of ethics of Denver, it appears that the complaint is based on incorrect facts and / or assumptions, ”Hancock said in a written response in January as requested by the ethics council.
Michaels said Wednesday Hancock did not use city resources to buy the ticket for the flight.
“As the council has stated with regard to other complaints, the council is concerned about the allegations and expects all public employees, officials and elected officials to adhere to the highest standard of ethical conduct,” he said during the hearing.
Spokesmen for Hancock and Wilson did not respond to Fox News’ requests for comment.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.