Mayor Tom Ross’s career in Minot, ND abruptly ended when an explicit video was sent to the wrong recipient, sparking controversy and ultimately leading to his resignation.
Key Takeaways
- Minot Mayor Tom Ross resigned after mistakenly sending an explicit video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim.
- The inadvertent incident initiated a sexual harassment investigation.
- The city is considering its options for electing or appointing a new mayor soon.
- Minot’s population of 47,000 makes it the fourth-most populous city in North Dakota.
Mayor Tom Ross’s Resignation
Tom Ross, Mayor of Minot, North Dakota, resigned following a serious error where he accidentally sent an explicit video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim instead of his intended romantic partner. This embarrassing mistake came to light after a mix-up in contacts on Ross’s phone resulted in Stalheim receiving the video. The incident led to a substantial outcry and an investigation to assess its impact on Stalheim’s work environment, which eventually became public as her formal complaint surfaced.
The error occurred after a phone conversation between Ross and Stalheim regarding the suicide of a police officer. Following the incident, Ross requested Stalheim delete the video and maintain confidentiality to prevent public scandal. Ross admitted the video was meant for his girlfriend, claiming full responsibility for the blunder. “I do take responsibility for this mistake. I tried to immediately correct it and was unable. The decision I made falls in line with all my work on behalf of the City of Minot. I put my heart and soul into this community,” Ross said.
Investigation and Consequences
Stalheim filed a harassment report two weeks after the incident, requesting a formal apology and suggesting the possibility of Ross considering resignation. An investigation concluded that Ross’s actions led to an offensive work environment for Stalheim, preventing her from performing her job without harassment.
The city of Minot will decide whether residents will petition for a special election within 15 days or if the city council will appoint a new mayor. This event not only disrupts the administration but raises questions about electronic communication protocols and professional boundaries.
Background and Future Steps
Ross was dedicated to his responsibilities, serving on the city council for two years before being elected mayor in 2022. His tenure, however, ended prematurely because of one irreversible mistake. Ross delayed departing from office to respect the investigation process, expressing esteem for Stalheim and acknowledging how the inadvertent transmission compromised her professional surroundings.
Minot, located about 50 miles south of the Canadian border, has a significant population and role within the state, magnifying the need for stable leadership. The community looks ahead to resolving this unforeseen vacancy, aiming to restore focus on city governance and development.
Sources
1. North Dakota mayor resigns after texting lunch-break masturbation video to city attorney
2. North Dakota mayor resigns after sending lewd video to city attorney by mistake
