Saying he hopes to spare the city further embarrassment, a New Prague City Council member is stepping down 13 days after a drunken tirade included threats to cut the police budget. Ken Betterton, 55, was arrested and cited for disorderly conduct July 9. New Prague police were called to Schumacher's restaurant on a report that Betterton had been drinking excessively and might attempt to drive. Police found him on his knees in the grass and took him to a detox center in New Ulm.
On the way, Betterton unleashed a string of profanities and hinted that the arresting officer's job security was in jeopardy and budget cuts could be forthcoming. According to police reports, he said: "I've just become your worst nightmare."
In his resignation letter dated July 22, Betterton addressed his own nightmare, which he called "the current unfavorable situation I have placed myself in." He wrote: "This is my problem, not the fault or responsibility of others, and I ... I will address my personal shortcomings and become a strong person."
New Prague Mayor Bink Bender said the resignation letter will be discussed at the council's next meeting, Aug. 2. Betterton, a former Utah State Patrol commander who runs a leadership training program, was appointed to a two-year term in 2009 after another member resigned. He was not seeking a second term.
CURT BROWN
