ENCORE: Ankeny Council Gives Recovered Addict a Second Chance to Start Business

Editor's Note: We know the week can be a busy time so, in case you missed it, we brought around this story once more for our weekend readers.

David Hussey stood before the Ankeny City Council Monday night willing to admit the mistakes he made in the past.

He spoke at his appeal to reverse the city’s denial of a license needed so he and his wife, Sharonne, can operate an ice cream truck in the city. Hussey said he is a “changed man.”

“I was a drug addict,” Hussey told the council. “But our justice system is accurate in many ways, and I’m proof that drug rehabilitation works."

Hussey appeared at the council's special meeting to appeal the city’s denial of a solicitor license he sought. The license is needed for Hussey to help operate his family’s business, Sweet’Ums Ice Cream. The business would operate from an ice cream truck the Husseys recently purchased.

After hearing Hussey’s story, the council voted 4-1 to appeal the denial. Council member Dave Kissinger cast the dissenting vote.

“I think (Hussey) has served his debt to society. He’s made changes in his life to become a better person,” said council member Wade Steenhoek. “It’s been nine years – how much longer does he need to serve before we determine he’s paid his debt?”

Although Sharonne’s solicitor license was approved, Hussey’s was denied on April 4 because of a felony drug charge found on his record by the .

According to a letter written by Hussey that was provided to the council, he was arrested in 2002 and 2003 for possession of a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit a felony and possession or transport of an anhydrous ammonia tank.

After Hussey was sentenced to three years probation, he voluntarily entered an inpatient substance abuse program at Powell Chemical Dependency Center in Des Moines.

Once he completed the course, he was released from his probation early on good behavior, Hussey said.

“I haven’t used since then, and I have never failed a drug test,” Hussey said in his letter. “Since this time, I’ve become a good father and husband. I have stayed clean and out of trouble, and I am proud to be a role model for my children and others who have struggled in the same areas I have."

Hussey's letter also told the council he regularly attends and is involved in activities at .

In his letter, Hussey requested the council reverse the decision on the grounds that the charges are nine years old and were not violent crimes or crimes against children.

“I am not that man anymore and have not been for almost a decade,” he said.

Kissinger said there were two sides to look at before making the decision.

“First of all, let me congratulate you on nine years of waking up each morning and being able to face your demons,” he told Hussey. “On the other hand, I have to look out for the best interests of 50,000 people in our community.”

Capt. Joe Schaffer of the Ankeny Police Department also attended the meeting, where he recommended Hussey’s license be denied based on his findings and Hussey's aforementioned charges.

Council member Jim McKenna, however, said Hussey’s progress in life is “commendable.”

“Mr. Hussey has come a long way since his problems and is doing well,” he said.