Councilman speaks out

Dover Councilman Brian Lewis is taking his opportunity to tell his side of the story to 47abc.  Lewis was disciplined by City Council for what they call "unethical behavior," but the councilman says it was his rights that were infringed upon by the council.

Lewis was censured following a 6-3 vote at the last council meeting, saying it is a result of his willingness to discuss council matters with the media.

I I didn't break the law, I didn't do anything criminal, I don't believe I did anything civil, and like I said there's nothing in the code or in the charter and yet I'm being censured," said Lewis.

Lewis and attorney Ron Poliquin tell 47abc the councilman was awarded no due process with no thorough investigation no representation and no right to appeal.

"I was not given the opportunity of due process, I was not given the opportunity of a fair hearing and I feel in a sense I was discriminated against," said Lewis.

They see this as discrimination, as another councilman was charged with a DUI in May, but a censure was never brought for a vote.

"Instead of censuring Tanner Polce for actual criminal conduct, they censured Brian Lewis for fictitious criminal conduct," said Poliquin.

This is seen as a decision based on petty politics, according to Poliquin, and Lewis believes this could have a lasting impact on the council.

"The people of Dover don't care what Brian Lewis said to one reporter on one date and what he said.  They care about jobs, they care about keeping their families safe, and that's what's being ignored by this, by petty politics from President Slavin," said Poliquin.

"I think it will drastically divide the council," said Lewis.

A censure is merely a slap on the wrist, according to Lewis, and he will be able to vote on all matters going forward.

Lewis says he and Poliquin are exploring the possibility of a lawsuit against city council President Tim Slavin.