Workman may face felony counts

Yocom has yet to decide whether to actually charge Workman consistent with the panel's conclusions.

"We're still looking at it," he said Wednesday. He said the panel had amassed additional evidence that he wants to take a look at and that he would likely announce a decision in the next day or two.

If Yocom follows the panel's conclusions (the most probable course, since he convened it for that very purpose), the County Council would be required to put Workman on paid administrative leave, and Deputy Mayor Alan Dayton would likely take over as acting mayor.

Workman would be free to continue to campaign for re-election.

The mayor said in her press conference that she has no intention of taking an administrative leave "until I am told otherwise" — and, in fact, she has no obligation to volunteer. According to state law, the County Council has to place on paid leave any elected county officer charged with a felony relating to the officer's official duties until a court "disposes of the charges."

County Council Chairman Steve Harmsen said if Yocom comes up with charges today, he (Harmsen) would call a special meeting of the council.

Placing Workman on leave "would be something we as a council would have to consider and probably act on," he said.

In his own press conference, Peter Corroon, Workman's Democratic opponent in the mayoral race, said the announcement was "unfortunate" and "hard for everyone." Nevertheless, he acknowledged that Workman's troubles certainly help his chances (and those of independent candidate Merrill Cook).

"I wouldn't be very honest if I didn't say this didn't help our campaign," said Cook, predicting that independents and disgruntled Republicans would vote for him. "It acts as sort of a pole vault for us."

Political consultant LaVarr Webb, a Workman supporter, said the news is probably politically fatal.

"It is very damaging to Workman's chances," he said. "She has very little chance of being re-elected, and in fact may hurt other Republicans."

County officials said they were disturbed by the announcement but emphasized that the business of county government will go on.

"I wish Workman well, I sympathize with her family, but Alan Dayton will do very well," Councilman Jim Bradley said. "The council will carry on. (The staffers) are all professionals."

"County government is still going," Councilman Michael Jensen said. "If residents call 911, they'll get an answer."

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Contributing: Wendy Leonard

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E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com