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Grand Island Mayor Vavricek arrested on suspicion of DUI
Grand Island Mayor Jay Vavricek was arrested in Howard County Saturday night on suspicion of driving under the influence.
It happened around 7p.m. Saturday. Mayor Vavricek was booked into Valley County Jail in Ord because Howard County doesn't have a jail. Results for his blood alcohol level have not been released yet. The Mayor released a statement earlier today apologizing for his actions but is it enough for Grand Island residents and members on the city council. For the past year it's been a rocky road inside the political doors of Grand Island City Hall. And now the leading city official, Mayor Jay Vavricek, is facing DUI charges. "Anybody that's going to be in politics or have a say in city matters should have a clean record and be somebody I could trust," said Anthony Lengfelder. "I say this is the last straw." "It's clear that there's a lot of issues going on and it's clearly affecting his personal life as well and I feel saddened by that," said Dan Garlick. Mayor Vavricek issued the following statement: "I am sorry and embarrassed for the events that have occurred in the last 24 hours. I apologize to my family, those dependent on me, and my community, and will take corrective action so they will never be affected like this again." From the vacant fire chief position, to the city administrator debacle and the latest financial nightmare involving pension checks of retired police officers, city council members are frustrated. The Mayor even faced a recall last summer and censure from the city council. News 5 contacted each city council member on the issue, here's what a few had to say off camera. Bob Niemann says, "I think it's very unfortunate and just one more thing on the pile he's created over the last couple of years, but he's not the kind of guy that throws in the towel. I don't think that we're going to see him resign." Councilwoman Linna Dee Donaldson says, "I am just sick about it and I am so sorry for his family and Grand Island to have to deal with this. I can't see how the Mayor can recover from this." Meanwhile, resident's faith in the Mayor is quickly fading. "I think we all hold mayors to a higher standard than the rest of us but you know obviously there's some things going and it's getting to him in some ways," Garlick said. "It seems like a lot of stuff needs to come together and be fixed," Lengfelder said. Vavricek was released from jail on bond. Since the matter will be addressed in the judicial system, he has no further comment at this time. And supposedly after speaking with several council members, the mayor is planning to hold a closed meeting with city staff Monday morning. |
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