News of his arrest is disturbing and disappointing. It is an unfortunate situation. Councilmember Hyer is an active member of the Council and this community. At this time, Councilmember Hyer has not been charged with or convicted of any criminal act. For myself, I do not intend to presume the outcome of the criminal process, and I urge the community to do the same.
Because of confusion in some news media accounts of the arrest, I feel compelled to make it clear that Mr. Hyer is not Olympias Mayor. I am and continue to be the duly elected Mayor of Olympia. Mr. Hyer is one of seven members on the Olympia City Council. He was designated by the City Council to assume the role of Mayor Pro Tem should I be unable to attend a Council meeting or unavailable for an extended time.
I understand that Councilmember Hyer is intending to take a leave of absence from his City duties while he tends to this private matter.
Released by:
Doug Mah, Mayor
City of Olympia, WA
February 19, 2010
