LA CROSSE, Wis. (AP) -- The La Crosse Ethics Board ruled that Mayor Matt Harter committed a serious ethics violation.
The board unanimously agreed Friday that Harter broke a city ethics code prohibiting elected officials from abusing their office to benefit themselves or others.
He is accused of bringing his father with him to lobby a county solid waste director against a solid waste study that could affect the family business.
The 26-year-old Harter worked for Harter's Quick Clean-up until he was elected mayor in 2009. The company has a $6 million contract with the city.
The board recommended no further discipline, stating that, given his lack of political experience or previous misconduct, the public hearing and the ruling are reprimand enough.
Harter declined comment to the La Crosse Tribune.
