Sawmiller’s resignation comes nearly a month after Vice Mayor Brad Daugherty called for him to vacate his position.
During the Sept. 26 council meeting, Daugherty referred to an audio recording he listened to, in which Sawmiller allegedly used “appalling language.” Daugherty asserted Sawmiller lacks the “ethics and integrity” necessary to effectively carry out his duties on council.
“I want the record to be clear: I do not support Councilmember Darren Sawmiller,” he said.
In the audio recording referenced by Daugherty, which has since been obtained by Dayton Daily News, an individual alleged to be Sawmiller can be heard arguing with someone he insinuates to be his daughter.
At one point in the conversation, the man can be heard using sexually derogatory language to refer to the girl’s mother, and at another point refers to the girl in a racially-motivated derogatory manner.
Sawmiller declined to comment in response to Daugherty during the September meeting, citing a pending court custody case.
“Under the current situation, your honor, there is an open case about a custody situation, and I’m not at legal action to say, to speak, about anything until it’s done,” Sawmiller said at the time.
Sawmiller again referenced family and personal issues in his resignation letter.
“I have had many personal attacks and absurd allegations against myself and my family,” he wrote. “Do not take my silence as guilt or think that I am unconcerned. I merely have taken advice from my attorney to do so until the custody hearing that I have filed has been resolved.”
Tuesday evening’s meeting, during which council members are expected to consider Sawmiller’s resignation, is the first to be held since Daugherty’s plea. A meeting tentatively scheduled for Oct. 10 was canceled.
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