Wheat Ridge – Terry Womble’s colleagues in city government have sent him letters saying they don’t want him on the City Council anymore.
The District 1 representative was charged May 1 with telephone harassment for allegedly calling a fellow council member’s supervisors to complain about her job performance.
Womble has admitted to using a false name and making the call to Councilwoman Karen Berry’s employer – the Colorado Department of Natural Resources – to complain that Berry wasn’t at her desk and did not return calls.
“I made a huge mistake,” Womble told The Denver Post shortly after the misdemeanor charge was filed.
Political differences had been simmering for a year and a half, Womble said, adding, “I let my emotions get the better of me.”
Though Womble has acknowledged his actions, he has insisted on having his day in court. Womble pleaded not guilty in June, and an Oct. 22 jury trial has been scheduled.
Womble, who was elected in 2005, does not intend to step down from the council, his attorney said Tuesday. “We’re starting to explore any potential legal remedies against the Wheat Ridge city government and individuals for any libelous and slanderous acts,” Robert Burnhart said.
Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio and six other council members recently sent a letter to Womble suggesting he “strongly consider” resigning.
“Your recent actions has positioned the city of Wheat Ridge in an unfavorable light within the region and potentially placed the livelihood of a fellow elected official in jeopardy,” the letter states. “Your actions have also caused a divisive and nonreversible wedge within the community and among members of council.”
The city charter mandates resignation only if a council member is convicted of a felony.
Councilman Dean Gokey noted in a separate letter that personal conflicts don’t support mandatory resignation and it is up to citizens to decide whether to recall Womble.
Staff writer Ann Schrader can be reached at 303-278-3217 or aschrader@denverpost.com.
