(Photo courtesy of Mesa)

Ryan Winkle

On Wednesday, Mesa City Councilman Ryan Winkle announced he was taking a leave of absence to seek counseling. Winkle was arrested earlier this month on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The council agreed to excuse Winkle’s absence until his case is fully adjudicated.

Mesa Mayor John Giles said the council is taking the matter seriously and asked for patience.

“We need to avoid rushing to judgement in this situation," Giles said at the Thursday morning study session. "We need to respect one another’s due process.”

Giles said the arrest has raised a lot of questions as to what the council show do moving forward.

Mesa City Attorney Jim Smith told the council the city charter sets out a process to discipline council members.

"It’s akin to the impeachment and conviction process that you see on the federal or state level,” Smith said.

Smith said there’s a two-step process. First, charges are brought in a hearing before the council. Then there are several types of actions the council could take at a disciplinary hearing ranging from a suspension to removal from office.

The council did not take any action or hear public comment, but Giles said the public will have a chance to give their input in the future.