In an unfortunate turn of events, Tom Ross, the former mayor of Minot, North Dakota, has stepped down following a disturbing scandal involving a sexually explicit video mistakenly sent to the city attorney. This incident has left the town of Minot, a city known for its hardworking citizens, grappling with the unexpected resignation and the moral implications it carries.
The incident unfolded when Ross unintentionally sent a graphic video to City Attorney Stefanie Stalheim shortly after a serious discussion on the suicide of a police officer. This led to a swift investigation into sexual harassment claims. Despite being unaffiliated with a major political party, Ross’s actions and subsequent fallout have captured widespread attention.
Ross offered a shaky explanation, suggesting the video was meant for his girlfriend—whose name begins with a “C”—and was accidentally sent to “City Attorney” due to a contact mix-up. His plea to Stalheim to “delete it and forget it” fell on deaf ears, prompting her to file a formal complaint demanding his resignation.
Stalheim’s complaint detailed how Ross’s actions created a hostile work environment, preventing her from working free of sexual harassment. Following the scandal, Minot faces a 15-day period for residents to petition for a special election, failing which the City Council will appoint a new mayor from its ranks. Residents hope for a leader with integrity, a trait evidently lacking in Ross.
In a resignation letter addressed to the City Council, Ross expressed regret, acknowledging the personal toll of his dual responsibilities as mayor and a professional. He wrote:
“Dear Council President Mark Jantzer, City Manager, & City Clerk,
As much as I love the City of Minot and where it is heading, for the last, just about 5 years, I have had my priorities misaligned. Holding a full-time job, while trying to be a full-time Mayor, and putting my family behind my job and elected position has taken a toll on me, mentally and physically.
While I’ve done my very best to be a good leader, it’s clear that time has come to an end.
What I have attempted to strive for and represent is, I’ve always wanted to put the City of Minot first. Today is no different. I am proud of the work I’ve got to help on with our Great City. But I have realized, I need to step down from the position of Mayor effective April 1st, 2025. The standard I set for myself was too high to sustain.
My focus now will be on my physical and mental health. I have tried to be too much to too many people. I failed. I have had a professional and respectful relationship with every City of Minot Staff member that I have come across. I am proud of that. Unfortunately, I have let them down as a leader, as I have with many in our community.
I thank the council for their teamwork, and wish them the best. My only request is to honor the privacy of my family and myself as we go through this next chapter.”
Ross further addressed the matter in a statement to Your News Leader, expressing responsibility for his mistake:
I do take responsibility for this mistake. I tried to immediately correct it and was unable. I will always have the utmost respect for Stefanie Stalhiem, she is a true professional. The decision I made falls in line with all my work on behalf of the City of Minot. I put my heart and soul into this community. My stepping down is one more decision that is best for all of Minot.
As Minot navigates this unexpected leadership change, its citizens look to the future with a desire for renewed trust and integrity in their local government. The hope is for effective governance that truly prioritizes the community and its values.
