The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Christopher Wyant, Complainant And Concerning: David Raymond, Respondent |
Case Number: 25FC:0203 Investigative Report
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COMES NOW, Alexander Lee, Agency Counsel for the Iowa Public Information Board (“IPIB”), and enters this Investigative Report:
On December 10, 2025, Christopher Wyant filed formal complaint 25FC:0203, alleging that Lewis City Council Member David Raymond (Raymond) violated Iowa Code Chapter 22.
The IPIB accepted this Complaint on January 15, 2026.
Facts
On August 19, 2025, the City of Lewis held a special election for a vacant at-large seat on its city council. David Raymond won this election to become a member of the city council, but lost the general election for the same position seventy-four days later.
On December 10, 2025, the complainant, Christopher Wyant, filed formal complaint 25FC:0203, alleging Raymond had failed to complete the course of training required by Iowa Code § 21.12(1) for newly elected and appointed members of governmental bodies.
After being notified of the complaint, Raymond agreed to attend a training session with IPIB to satisfy the training requirement and resolve the complaint, and he completed his mandatory training with IPIB on January 14, 2026.
Applicable Law
“A newly elected or appointed public official who is a member of a governmental body shall complete a course of training of not less than one and not more than two hours regarding the responsibilities of the governmental body and the governmental body’s members under this chapter and chapter 22 not later than the ninetieth day after the date the member does one of the following, as applicable:
a. Takes the initial oath of office.
b. Assumes responsibilities, if the member is not required to take an oath of office.
c. Is elected to the office.” Iowa Code § 21.12(1).
“If one or more members of a governmental body fail to complete the training required by this section, the failure does not affect the validity of an action taken by the governmental body. However, the member must complete training within sixty days or may be assessed damages as described in section 21.6, subsection 3.” Iowa Code § 21.12(4).
Analysis
Iowa Code § 21.12(1) requires any “newly elected or appointed public official who is a member of a governmental body” to complete a course of training within ninety days of one of three qualifying events listed in the subsection. Although the respondent’s term of office was less than ninety days, he was still subject to the law as a city council member elected to a new position after July 1, 2025, the effective date for the new requirement. See 25AO:0011, New Training Requirements Under Iowa Code Section 21.12. The respondent acknowledges that he did not attend training during the ninety-day window provided by Iowa Code § 21.12(1).
On January 14, 2026, however, the respondent completed a course of training with IPIB, and he has since been issued a certificate of course completion. The respondent therefore “complete[d] training within sixty days” of IPIB’s notice, as required for the Iowa Code § 21.12(4) grace period to apply. Any violation of Section 21.12’s mandatory training requirement has been cured.
IPIB Action
The Board may take the following actions upon receipt of a probable cause report:
a. Redirect the matter for further investigation;
b. Dismiss the matter for lack of probable cause to believe a violation has occurred;
c. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, but, as an exercise of administrative discretion, dismiss the matter; or
d. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, designate a prosecutor and direct the issuance of a statement of charges to initiate a contested case proceeding.
Iowa Admin. Code r. 497-2.2(4).
Recommendation
Although the respondent failed to complete mandatory training within the initial ninety-day period provided by Iowa Code § 21.12(1), his subsequent training with IPIB was completed within the Iowa Code § 21.12(4) grace period. Dismissal is recommended for lack of probable cause, as the respondent is no longer in violation of Iowa Code § 21.12.
By the IPIB Agency Counsel,
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Alexander Lee, J.D.
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on February 12, 2026, to:
Christopher Wyant, Complainant
David Raymond, Respondent
The Iowa Public Information Board
In re the Matter of: Christopher Wyant, Complainant And Concerning: David Raymond, Respondent |
Case Number: 25FC:0203 Probable Cause Order
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Under Iowa Admin. Code r. 497-2.2(4) the Board takes the following action:
☐a. Redirect the matter for further investigation;
☒b. Dismiss the matter for lack of probable cause to believe a violation has occurred;
☐c. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, but, as an exercise of administrative discretion, dismiss the matter; or
☐d. Make a determination that probable cause exists to believe a violation has occurred, designate a prosecutor and direct the issuance of a statement of charges to initiate a contested case proceeding.
By the Board Chair
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Catherine Lucas
CERTIFICATE OF MAILING
This document was sent on February 20, 2026, to:
Christopher Wyant, Complainant
David Raymond, Respondent