REXBURG, Idaho -- Rexburg city officials are denying allegations they broke open meetings laws in picking a new mayor. Interim mayor Chris Mann and City Attorney Stephen Zollinger say they are unaware of any secret meetings or conversations between council members before picking the city's next mayor. The council selected Richard Woodland earlier this month to replace Shawn Larsen, who resigned in September. On Monday, a Rexburg resident requested an investigation into the council's selection process. In a letter to the city, Maria Nate accused the council of having one-on-one conversations about the mayor's job and skirting the state's open meetings law. But Mann tells the Post Register talks focused on the process of picking a mayor, not on individuals. Nate's request is being considered by the Madison County Attorney's office.
