Reaction muted after the arrest of New Brighton council member

Updated: February 27, 2008 - 11:35 PM

New Brighton officials said Wednesday that the city was saddened by the news of the arrest Monday of City Council Member David Phillips.

David Phillips

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New Brighton officials said Wednesday that the city "was saddened by the news of the arrest" Monday of City Council Member David Phillips.

Phillips, 58, was cited for engaging in prostitution, a misdemeanor that carries on conviction a maximum penalty of 90 days imprisonment and a $1,000 fine. He was arrested along with eight other men in an undercover prostitution sting in St. Paul.

He was working at his Minneapolis architectural firm Wednesday and declined to comment. Phillips had not made a decision regarding his council seat, according to the city's brief statement.

Mayor Steve Larson said public reaction was muted the day after news reports about the arrest. "There haven't been any calls rolling in to City Hall. I went down to talk to [city staffers] ... and they're amazed it's as quiet as it is," he said.

Phillips was elected to the council in November and took office in January. Removing him from the council is not an option, Larson said. However, the city could take other action, such as a public censure. "We haven't brought it up for discussion. We're waiting to see what happens on his part," he said.

ERIC M. HANSON