Minot Mayor Resigns Amid Scandal Involving Inappropriate Video
In a surprising turn of events, Tom Ross, the mayor of Minot, North Dakota, officially resigned from his position after a scandal concerning a lewd video surfaced. This incident, which reportedly took place during a lunch break, involved Ross accidentally sending a video of himself to a city attorney, an act he claimed was unintentional.
According to a statement issued by Ross following his resignation on Wednesday, he expressed deep regret for his actions. “I take full responsibility for this mistake. I attempted to rectify the situation immediately but was unsuccessful,” he stated. Ross further elaborated, “My decision aligns with my commitment to the City of Minot. I have devoted my heart and soul to this community.”
The incident reportedly occurred in January when City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim received a video of the mayor shortly after they had spoken about the tragic suicide of a police officer. Stalheim later described how she was taken aback by the inappropriate content, which starkly contrasted the serious nature of their previous conversation.
In a bid to explain his actions, Ross claimed that the video—recorded for his girlfriend—was mistakenly sent to Stalheim due to the similar initials shared by both women. The mayor allegedly requested that Stalheim delete the video and keep the matter private between them.
However, two weeks after the incident, Stalheim filed an official harassment complaint. She sought an apology from Ross and suggested that he consider resigning from his position. The findings from a subsequent investigation revealed that Ross’s behavior had contributed to a hostile work environment and hindered Stalheim’s ability to perform her duties without facing unreasonable sexual harassment.
The scandal has left many members of the community shocked, raising concerns about the conduct of elected officials. While some local citizens may be inclined to excuse the behavior as a personal mistake, many argue that public leaders should uphold a higher standard of professionalism, especially when representing their city.
As a result of this incident, Minot is facing a critical period. Residents now have 15 days to petition for a special election to choose a new mayor. If no petitions are filed, the City Council will select a new mayor from within its ranks. This situation highlights not only the responsibilities of public office but also the consequences of poor decision-making.
Minot, located just 50 miles from the Canadian border, is North Dakota’s fourth-largest city, with a population of approximately 47,000. The community now looks forward to moving past this troubling situation and restoring stability in its leadership.
Neither Mayor Ross nor City Attorney Stalheim responded to further inquiries regarding the incident, leaving many in Minot eager for clarity and direction in the wake of this unusual scandal. As the city navigates this transition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity among public servants. The people of Minot deserve leaders who can inspire confidence and trust in their governance, and it remains to be seen what changes will come next for this tight-knit community.
