

CHENOA — Commissioner Gary Dreher was brought under fire at Monday’s City Council meeting with accusations by a neighbor of his regarding actions that, on the surface, bordered on illegal.

Lisa Mayr, a resident on the city’s north side and across an alley from Dreher, fired salvos of accusations that were serious in nature at the first-term commissioner.

Mayr accused Dreher of stalking and alluded to improper actions involving her children.

Mayr read from a prepared statement during the public comments portion of the meeting.

“I’m questioning Gary Dreher’s ability to tell the truth. He has lied about what kind of commissioner he is all the while neglecting his current commissioner position,” Mayr said.

“I question why he has the need to drive by my house many times a day to the point of my children noticing. I question why he feels the need to hand candy out to children when children have been told not to take candy from strangers,” she added.

“I’m also questioning how he is able to have livestock in town when it is clearly against the city ordinance. I question why he is trying to step into the role of other commissioners, who are and were currently working with new residents. I question why he is discussing water bills with anyone who is not the water commissioner, himself, and why he has an interest in the water commissioner’s position, stating that there is ‘drama’ going on.”

The Daily Leader attempted to contact Mayr by phone and Facebook messaging to explain the accusations, but was unable to reach her.

At the meeting, Mayr said that Dreher drives by her home “two to three times a day” and that it has made things unsettling for her family. She also raised issue with Dreher acting as a commissioner of a department other than the one he has been assigned. This involved dealing with a resident and a water bill that appeared to be rather high.

As far as the candy situation, Mayr accused Dreher of offering candy to her children and said she finds that to be disturbing.

Dreher briefly responded at the meeting, stating, “I have a right to drive anywhere in a public street in this town whenever I want, and I don’t have to answer to anyone if I’m not doing anything illegal.”

Dreher contacted the Daily Leader on his own Tuesday afternoon to respond to Mayr’s accusations.

He said that, as far as driving is concerned, he drives around town many times during the day. Though retired, he said he picks up junk and trash from residents who need it hauled.

He said he has offered this service for a number of years.

Dreher said that Mayr’s kids used to stop by his home and visit and that he would give them candy on occasion.

“I’m not afraid to defend myself,” Dreher told The Leader. “When you get in an area dealing with children and impropriety, those are fighting words. These are wicked, evil accusations.”

Mayr has been a vocal supporter of Mayor Don Corrie, who has been under fire by members of the city council, including Dreher, and the community for his approach and various actions in running the city.



