Politician admits to soliciting prostitutes, colleague says it's OK if he paid 'living wage'

ELMBROOK, Damoign -- A Grassadellia City councilman has admitted to patronizing prostitutes but won't step down, his office confirmed Tuesday.

Councilman Donald Gibbons, a Nationalist from Elmbrook, a neighborhood in southwest Sexton, admitted in a press conference Tuesday that he has patronized prostitutes in Grassadellia City "on occasion" for "a number of years," though he didn't specify exactly how many.

The admission came after the local alternative newspaper City Underground first reported the allegations last week.

But on Tuesday, Gibbons admitted the allegations were true.

"It's not something I'm proud of. I knew it was wrong, I knew it was illegal, but I did it anyway, I take full responsibility for what I did, and I am coming clean now because I want the public to know that I am taking responsibility and I am making an effort to change," said Gibbons.

Most of Grassadellia City's politicians steered away from the scandal, with many refusing to comment.

However, one of Gibbons' colleagues on the city council, Councilwoman Leann Cormuth of Bennington, Eastholm, defended Gibbons.

"I don't have a problem with it, honestly," Cormuth told Local4 News.

The councilwoman, who is known for her left-wing views, has defended prostitution in the past, saying it's a "business enterprise that women freely enter" and it should not be illegal.

"Why should women be penalized if they are knowingly, willingly, and with full consent, agreeing to a sexual encounter for money. It's just a form of business. It's just a way to make money. If it's done properly, I don't see the harm in it," Cormuth said.

As for Gibbons, Cormuth admitted his illicit activities were "not very smart" for a politician and reflected on the city council poorly.

But she insisted she didn't take issue with men using prostitutes, with two conditions.

"As long as he respected them and paid them a fair, living wage, I'm OK with it. Let's move on to a real problem facing our city other than one man's consensual sexual activities."

Asked how much money would be considered a "living wage," Cormuth said $15 an hour or more.

"Personally, you'd have to pay me a hell of a lot more than $15 an hour to do anything of that nature with that man," she said, causing the small audience of reporters to chuckle.

"But as long as he paid them fairly and treated them with respect, then no big deal."

Grassadellia City Mayor Kellan Kastol was asked about Gibbons' admission during his weekly news conference.

"I think it's disappointing that a member of our city council would engage in this type of activity," Kastol said. "However, I'm not one to judge other people's personal lives, and I know people make mistakes, and I think there needs to be room for forgiveness and growth. But ultimately, I think this is a personal issue between Councilman Gibbons and his family and also his constituents."

Kastol declined to call for his resignation, but said he would resign under similar circumstances.

"If I was the one who had been confirmed visiting prostitutes, I, personally would resign. But that's just me," said the mayor.

Gibbons said he has no plans to step down.

"This is a learning experience, and an opportunity for personal growth and overcoming some personal issues in my life, and I intend to serve out my full term and continue to serve the great people of Sexton and Elmbrook, and also continue to grow personally."