Overland Park officials ask councilman to resign following domestic battery charge
Six Overland Park City Council members are calling for Councilman Scott Hamblin to resign because he was arrested and charged with domestic battery last month.
At Monday night’s City Council meeting, several of the council’s 12 members said that Hamblin’s alleged behavior was a violation of an elected official’s ethical duties. And some argued that the pending court case is damaging the city’s reputation.
“There’s a cloud hanging over this governing body as a result of a serious lack of judgment by one of its members,” Councilman Paul Lyons said. “As elected officials, we are held to a higher standard by the people we represent.”
“He has put a stain on the city of Overland Park,” Councilman Chris Newlin said.
Hamblin, a first-term councilman, was arrested on July 21, after the Overland Park Police Department was called to his residence in the 17700 block of Garnett Street. Hamblin, 42, was charged with one count of domestic battery with no priors, a class B misdemeanor.
He is accused of “physical contact with a person, in a rude, insulting, or angry manner,” according to the criminal complaint. No injuries were reported. A court hearing was set for Sept. 16.
Despite several requests from The Star, Hamblin has refused to publicly comment on his arrest. But at Monday’s meeting, he said he will not step down from the City Council.
“I’ve listened to everybody’s input. I’ve heard people say I violated the law, people saying that my conduct has been inappropriate. These are things that are being said before the discovery process is even over,” Hamblin said. “So just let me be clear, I will not be resigning my position and I will continue to serve my constituents.”
Hamblin’s wife, Curstin Hamblin, provided a statement, which was read at the meeting by Councilman Faris Farassati.
“My husband is a dedicated servant to the people of Overland Park, and he has my full support to continue with his elected official duties. Any attempt to abuse the dais of City Council to score political gains from a private family matter is below where we are willing to go due to the unconventional circumstances of this situation,” she wrote.
“This harassment toward my family is absolutely uncalled for.”
Hamblin has worked as an air traffic controller for the Federal Aviation Administration in the Kansas City area. He has four children in the Blue Valley school district and also coaches youth sports, according to the city website.
Hamblin has often found himself at odds with the majority of the City Council, frequently teaming with Farassati to fight against tax incentives for developers and other issues. He made waves after less than a month on the council when he asked officials to rescind a tax break deal that was approved before he took office.
On Monday, several council members said they cannot support Hamblin remaining on the council after his arrest. They do not, however, have the authority to remove him from office.
Councilwoman Stacie Gram said she worries Hamblin cannot effectively perform his duties, or sit on the public safety committee, while defending himself in court. And others argued he has lost the trust of his constituents.
“The moral integrity has been breached,” Councilwoman Holly Grummert said. “And I have had many constituents reach out to me with real concern about the reflection it has on the city, on our council and on ourselves.”
Farassati argued against the City Council making allegations against Hamblin before he receives due process.
“Where is our ethical duty to assume innocent until proven otherwise? Where is that?” Farassati said. “I do not need to defend Scott Hamblin, I do not. Scott Hamblin knows what happened. And the judicial system is very strong. And the family of Scott Hamblin knows what happened. But I need to defend the ethical purity of this council.”
Councilman Curt Skoog countered and said, “this is not really about the Hamblin family, this is about the city of Overland Park’s governing body and the ethics that we expect our council members to have.”
Newlin said that Hamblin’s arrest and charge are not up for debate.
“I don’t care whether he’s guilty or innocent. I support women and I don’t put up with domestic violence of any kind,” Newlin said. “If anyone on the council ever is accused of that I will have the exact same comments as I do tonight.”
Some other council members did not directly call for Hamblin to resign, but offered their concerns and support for everyone involved.
“My wife and I prayed over this every night for days,” Councilman Jim Kite said. “I’m grieved this happened and hopeful that everybody involved can come out whole at some point.”
