Westerman Chief Of Staff Ryan James Steps Down (UPDATED)

Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman, R-Hot Springs, will lose his chief of staff, K. Ryan James, who resigned over issues related to a speeding ticket, a parking ticket and a suspended driver’s license.

The Arkansas Times first reported the news on Monday.

James tells Talk Business & Politics that he failed to pay a parking ticket he received in Hot Springs last December. When he was stopped for speeding on Feb. 19 in Pike County, he learned his license had been suspended as a result of the failure to pay the parking ticket.

“I had no earthly idea that that was the case,” James said. “I got it and forgot about it while I was trying to pack up and make my move out here [to Washington].”

He said that a notice that may have prevented the situation may have gotten lost in the mail transfer between his old and new address.

“This is on me,” said James, who said he accepted full responsibility. He also indicated he “didn’t want to be a distraction” for the new Congressman, who was elected in November.

James said he has paid the parking ticket and gotten his license reinstated and is still trying to resolve any lingering issues related to the situation.

UPDATE: Cong. Westerman telephoned from Washington to provide his perspective on the resignation of his chief of staff.

Westerman tells TB&P that the escalation of the traffic problems for James led to a mutual separation.

“Had it been a parking ticket, that’s one thing,” Westerman said. He added that not paying the ticket promptly, the suspension of the driver’s license, and the stop for speeding culminated in the decision to part ways.

“I have pretty high expectations for staff here,” he said. “We agreed the best thing was to step down at this time.”

Westerman said he is in “no rush” to replace his chief of staff and is evaluating options.

“I’m going to take my time and make the right decision,” Westerman added.