Madona's deputy mayor, Šķēls, was denied access to state secrets due to a past conviction for alimony non-payment, which he disputes as a misinterpretation of his financial situation at the time.
Šķēls, the deputy mayor of Madona, confirmed that he was convicted in 1998 by the district court for deliberately avoiding alimony payments, a conviction that does not have a statute of limitations. Despite his acceptance of the fact, Šķēls argues against the characterization of his actions as willful avoidance, claiming that his past financial situation warranted his actions. He still disputes the court's decision from that time and maintains his transparency regarding the matter.
At a recent meeting of the Madona municipality's Finance Committee, plans were made to amend the municipality's regulations to reduce the number of deputy chairpersons from three to two, aligning with current practice. Agris Lungevičs, the chairman of the Madona municipality council, indicated that Šķēls will continue to lead the Development Committee, with an increase in his workload expected as a result of these changes.
The situation highlights ongoing discussions about accountability and ethics in local governance. Šķēls' past conviction raises questions about suitability for public office and access to sensitive positions, particularly as he continues to play an active role in municipal decision-making. The implications could affect public trust in local officials and their decision-making processes, especially in light of past legal issues.
