Kaptur Statement Following Arrest of Four Toledo City Council Members

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) released the following statement:

"As a lifelong Toledoan, I cannot even express fully how dismayed and hurt I feel at the shocking news of multiple Toledo City Council members being taken into custody today," said Rep. Kaptur. "The events we are witnessing trouble me greatly as much as they trouble everyone in our Toledo community."

"Public trust is the basis of all representative government. Public officials swear an oath to maintain the highest ethical standards, always placing the public interest before their own. In my work, I certainly have interacted with all of the individuals involved and I must say I am more than shocked at the charges they face. I am heartbroken.

"I would caution: in public service, public trust is as vital as it is fragile. Without it, our work in the public realm is impossible. Public servants swear an oath to protect and defend the laws of our society and act in the best interests of our entire community.

"It pains me to say that today public trust in our community has been deeply shaken. Rebuilding public trust will require a thorough investigation so the full truth is known. There must be due process for each of the accused, full restitution if the court so deems, and full transparency so justice is served. Restoring public trust will require our community to bind up our wounds and aspire and recommit to honor and excellence in governance. May God bless our community as the legal process ensues."