State of Iowa v. Abraham K. Watkins

WIGGINS, Justice (dissenting).

A majority of the members of this court holds the allegations of sexual harassment do not amount to "willful misconduct or maladministration in office" warranting removal. I disagree with this conclusion and must dissent. I would find the State provided sufficient evidence to show willful misconduct on the part of Abraham Watkins. My starting point is the statute.

I. Iowa Code Section 66.1A(2).

This case turns on the proper interpretation of Iowa Code section 66.1A(2). This section provides,

Any appointive or elective officer, except such as may be removed only by…