Medina council censures member
By Joshua Adam Hicks
Bellevue Reporter
The Medina City Council reprimanded one of its own at an Oct. 16 special session, voting to censure councilmember Lucius Biglow for inappropriate use of his position and violating public trust.
Complaints about Biglow’s behavior have come from multiple sources, including residents and city staff.
The grievances are related to written communications, actions, and comments, according to the censure resolution.
Biglow and his attorney have responded to the matter with a statement that says:
“The remarks at issue were the product of intended humor and parody, transmitted in casual conversation by a gentleman whose only purpose is to serve his constituents. The most unfortunate aspect of this whole affair is that a few persons who are trying to accomplish a political objective have resorted to personal attacks designed to embarrass another.”
The Council moved on from its censure vote by authorizing a contract to make Donna Hansen the new city manager for Medina.
Biglow commented about the hire by saying he was confident of Hansen’s abilities. He also added: “I think she’s a very attractive and warm person.”
The remark drew rumblings from audience members.
“I could not believe those were the first comments out of his mouth,” said Medina resident Connie Gerlitz.
Part of the Biglow controversy stems from e-mails he sent to a Medina gas station employee.
Biglow states in one message that there was an apparent “misunderstanding of my involvement in your ‘problem with our Police Department.’”
He later refers to himself in joking fashion as a past nominee for president of the “United Predators of Medina,” noting that he had considered naming the gas-station employee as executive director of the imaginary organization.
“As I remember it, we declined,” Biglow wrote. “Best for us not to talk rape. Fine and imprisonment follow.”
Biglow also distributed a fictional story to community members that tells of a “flagrant example of Dark Magic” in which a divorced Korean woman conspires to open an unwanted business.
The story parallels the efforts of Hae Lee to re-establish Medina Market last year despite resistance from certain segments of the community.
Former Medina Mayor Mary Odermat suggests that Biglow’s sense of humor is causing him trouble.
“I truly don’t think he means any harm,” she said after the Oct. 16 meeting. “He’s very bright and creative, and very mischievous. He’s masterful at gamesmanship.
“There’s no way I can stay upset with him.”
City Council met in executive session on Oct. 2 to discuss Biglow’s behavior.
Conversation during the subsequent public meeting indicated that a majority of the Council had asked him to resign, but he refused to do so.
Former Medina Councilwoman Katie Phelps told The Reporter after the Oct. 16 special meeting that she was surprised by Biglow’s unwillingness to cooperate.
“He refuses to acknowledge the seriousness of the charges,” she said. “He’s putting his own interests before those of the city.”
Biglow commented prior to the Oct. 16 censure vote that he did not think the merits behind the censuring resolution were adequate.
“I believe Council is proceeding sooner than it should,” he said.
Biglow has submitted a draft letter to the city of Medina acknowledging that his past comments were offensive, agreeing to participate in sensitivity training, and promising to deliver official communications through the city manager in the future.
The note also indicates that he would withdraw his expression of interest in serving on the city’s finance committee.
Medina Mayor Mark Nelson remarked after the Oct. 16 meeting that Biglow has exhibited poor judgment, but noted that he is confident the councilmember can carry out his duties.
“As a councilmember, I think he’s very competent,” Nelson said. “I just want to make sure his written and verbal comments show better judgment.”
Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at jhicks@bellevuereporter.com or 425-453-4290.
