Originally published Friday, November 23, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Yakima mayor urges new councilman to step down
The mayor is calling for newly elected City Councilman Rick Ensey to step down after he acknowledged his wife had posted anonymous blogs...
YAKIMA — The mayor is calling for newly elected City Councilman Rick Ensey to step down after he acknowledged his wife had posted anonymous blogs that included unfounded rumors his opponent had been arrested for drunken driving.
"I think that what has happened has really hurt our community. I think it would be the best thing for the community if he did," Mayor Dave Edler told the Yakima Herald-Republic newspaper.
Throughout Ensey's campaign, an anonymous blogger criticized his opponent, Councilman Ron Bonlender, and Democrats on the Web site InsideYakima.com.
The blogger also claimed there were "rumors" that Bonlender had been arrested several times for investigation of drunken driving and that police, the city manager and local newspapers had covered up the reports.
The blogger offered no evidence, and the Herald-Republic's review of state records found nothing to back up the claims. Two days after the election, Ensey acknowledged his wife was the blogger.
Bonlender has sued Diane Ensey for defamation, alleging she maliciously smeared him on behalf of her husband. The Superior Court lawsuit names Rick Ensey as a co-defendant.
Several council members have said they agree with the mayor, but Ensey said he has no intention of resigning.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
UPDATE - 02:06 AM
Sources: Obama near decision on Afghanistan troops
UPDATE - 12:34 AM
Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
UPDATE - 02:09 AM
FBI reassessing past look at Fort Hood suspect
McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
High court looks at life sentences for juveniles

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Bill Clinton meets with Senate Dems on health care
- Trucker dies as big-rig plummets off SF bridge
- Washington coordinator Nick Holt says his Huskies defense is improving
- McGinn next Seattle mayor; Mallahan concedes as vote gap widens
- Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
256 - House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
168 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
143 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
118 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
97 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
69 - Josh Smith picks UCLA
69
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- All You Can Eat | Fruit flies: thrill to the kill
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- Book review | Ayn Rand: goddess of the market, gateway to the American right





