A man charged with sexually abusing a young boy is still representing his ward on the Klamath Falls city council…
60 year old Greg Taylor is accused of touching a 5 year old boy’s penis in Corvallis in late March.
NBC5 spoke to Taylor just prior to Monday night’s council meeting…
“Greg, obviously you’re facing some serious charges here. Is there anything you could say to your constituents’ ‘I’m advised to say ‘no comment’. Thank you.”
While he’s on paid leave from his teaching job at Klamath Community College, Taylor is still attending city council meetings. Klamath Falls city charter states that a vacancy can be created on council only if a council member is convicted of a felony. However, questions have been raised as to whether the charges pose enough of a distraction that they may impact Taylor’s ability to represent his ward.
Court affidavits state that the boy yelled when Taylor touched the boy’s penis. The affidavit also states that Taylor had written a letter to the boy’s parents, saying that he had been seeking a minister, and has confessed his wrong doing.
Former Klamath Falls city council member Betty Dickson says, “I’d probably resign, public perception being what it is. I would probably resign.”
Even if the charges were not true “Even if the charges were not true, I wouldresign.” Noted Dickson.
Council member Bud Hart disagrees…
“He’s a man, in my opinion, of the highest moral and ethical principles…And I have utmost confidence that he’s representing his constituents, and there should be no distraction.”
For now, Taylor continues to represent ward 3.
“But it’s entirely up to him to make that decision.” Adds Betty Dickson.
No trial date has yet been set, and the case has not yet been presented to a Benton County grand jury. The next status hearing for the case is scheduled for June 11th.
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