Tom Ross, the now-former mayor of Minot, North Dakota, resigned this week after a stomach-turning scandal involving a sexually express video he “by chance” despatched to the town lawyer throughout work hours.
Ross’s resignation comes following a quick sexual harassment investigation initiated after Metropolis Lawyer Stefanie Stalheim acquired the specific footage simply minutes after discussing the tragic suicide of a police officer with the mayor.
His political occasion affiliation was not prominently talked about in most sources, however some reviews explicitly describe him as nonpartisan.
In response to the report, Ross bizarrely claimed the video was meant for his girlfriend—whose title supposedly additionally begins with a “C”—however was mistakenly despatched to “Metropolis Lawyer” allegedly as a consequence of a contact mix-up.
Ross thought a fast “delete it and neglect it” plea to Stalheim would sweep his filth underneath the rug. However Stalheim didn’t let this slide.
Two weeks later, she filed a harassment criticism, demanding a proper apology and urging Ross to resign.
Ross “instantly prompted Stalheim’s lack of ability to work in an surroundings free from unreasonable sexual harassment and created an offensive work surroundings.”
In response to the New York Post, Minot, a hardworking metropolis of 47,000 simply 50 miles from the Canadian border, now faces a 15-day window for residents to petition for a particular election.
If no petition arises, the Metropolis Council will appoint a alternative from its ranks. One can solely hope they’ll choose somebody with a shred of integrity—qualities Ross clearly lacked.
In his resignation letter, Ross placed on a present of self-pity, citing “psychological and bodily” tolls from balancing his day job with being mayor.
“Pricey Council President Mark Jantzer, Metropolis Supervisor, & Metropolis Clerk,
As a lot as I like the Metropolis of Minot and the place it’s heading, for the final, nearly 5 years, I’ve had my priorities misaligned. Holding a full time job, whereas attempting to be a full time Mayor, and placing my household behind my job and elected place has taken a toll on me, mentally and bodily.
Whereas I’ve completed my perfect to be a superb chief, it’s clear that point has come to an finish.
What I’ve tried to try for and symbolize is, l’ve at all times wished to place the Metropolis of Minot first. Right this moment is not any completely different. I’m happy with the work l’ve bought to assist on with our Nice Metropolis. However I’ve realized, I must step down from the place of Mayor efficient April 1st, 2025. The usual I set for myself was too excessive to maintain.
My focus now can be on my bodily and psychological well being. I’ve tried too be an excessive amount of to too many individuals. I failed. I’ve had knowledgeable and respectful relationship with each Metropolis of Minot Workers member that I’ve come throughout. I’m happy with that. Sadly, I’ve allow them to down as a frontrunner, as I’ve with many in our group.
I thank the council for his or her teamwork, and want them one of the best. My solely request is to honor the privateness of my household and myself as we undergo this subsequent chapter.”
In a statement to Your Information Chief, Tom Ross mentioned:
I do take duty for this error. I attempted to right away right it and was unable. I’ll at all times have the utmost respect for Stefanie Stalhiem, she is a real skilled. The choice I made falls according to all my work on behalf of the Metropolis of Minot. I put my coronary heart and soul into this group. My stepping down is another resolution that’s finest for all of Minot.
