Councilman Challenges Nepotism Acts Reported by Mayor

The Image has learned that Mayor Liz Weeks sent out an email to all council members, regarding an alleged nepotism act committed by Councilman Ray Briscoe.

The Image obtained a copy of the email, which is included below and was sent by Mayor Liz Weeks.

Dated December 6, 2021 at 9:45 a.m. – “This is an FYI to be transparent with the council, and if you have any further questions, please email me directly. “I received information concerning Councilman Ray Briscoe committing nepotism on February 9, 2021. The concern stems from the council voting to hire insurance broker, Mrs. Martha Bennett, who is Mr. Briscoe’s niece. “Ray did not abstain from the vote. This has been submitted to the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office and the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, according to the information received.

“The City of Holden takes all complaints seriously, and I am forwarding the information I received, to the city attorney, Jeremy Cover.” From Mayor Liz Weeks, City of Holden. Councilman Briscoe was on the agenda the evening of the January 11 meeting and attempted to discuss the matter of the email, saying the nepotism charge was false and that he was not even in attendance at the February 9, 2021 meeting, in which the vote was taken.

He was not permitted to respond when the nepotism charge was discussed.

In the January 11 notes from the Holden city clerk, it addresses the nepotism act.

Notes say verbatim – Mayor Weeks moved on to the nepotism discussion.

Mayor Weeks stated that there was not further information to report and that the City has not received any information from the Attorney General.

Councilman Briscoe requested he be allowed to make a statement.

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