Neillsville Mayor Turns in Letter of Resignation Amid Election Fraud Allegations
Wednesday, August 15th, 2018 -- 1:08 PM
-As of 11am today, Steve Mabie turned in his letter of resignation to the Neillsville City Clerk and has stepped down as the Mayor of Neillsville.The resignation occurred when Mabie found himself under investigation for election fraud. Several people complained to former Clark County Judge Jon Counsell and his wife, City Alderman Julie Counsell, regarding the mayor’s residency. Mabie owns two properties, one on State Street in Neillsville and another on County Highway B outside of town. People accused him of living at his property on Highway B and not State Street. This caused a problem in regards to his residency and qualifications of being mayor if he’s living outside of town and his voting/declaring candidacy in recent elections. With Steve stepping down, this clears up the residency issue brought forth in the complaint, but an investigation will be done by an outside agency regarding the potential elections violations.
Steve Mabie provided me with a statement in the form of a written letter this morning. The letter states the following:
“An open letter to the people of Neillsville;
I have reached a crossroad in my political career. Having been a civil servant for almost 19 years, allegations against me have brought an untimely conclusion to my humble service as your mayor. I have been and always will be proud of what I have accomplished as a result of good, caring, civic minded folks whom I have worked with over the years. Many of you I appointed or was directly involved in your employment with the city, and I thank you for your support and for putting the best interest of Neillsville first. I will say the technicality of my residency has been a bitter pill to swallow, having had the Mabie property in town for nearly 70 years. We have been through some tough times, but this charge has exacted a toll on my family that prohibits me from serving as your mayor.
My intention moving forward is to stay in contact with and make myself available to the new hospital complex in a capacity yet to be determined. Also, I will avail myself to The Highground management for support and promotion of one of the most highly regarded points of interest in the state.
I thank you all for your ongoing support, and words of encouragement.
Signed,
Steven J. Mabie.”
Mabie’s resignation isn’t official until accepted by the Common Council during their next meeting on Tuesday, August 28th. A public hearing was originally scheduled on Wednesday, August 29th to discuss these issues, but, due to Mabie’s resignation, it is no longer needed and has been cancelled. As to filling the mayor’s position, the decision will be left up to the Common Council during the August 28th meeting, but a City Ordinance does state that the Council President will act as “Acting Mayor” in the Mayor’s absence. This would mean City Council President Chuck Glassbrenner would be “Acting Mayor” until a more permanent solution is reached.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.