What an independent investigation will reveal is the timing of the City Managers purchase of properties in the City, what she knew that others were not privileged to know, and if she disclosed her investment purchases to the City Mayor at the time as part of her obligation as required by local and State laws.
The fact that the filing of a conflict of interest complaint doesn’t mean she’s guilty, but it does imply there is reason enough to call for an independent investigation which the Mayor suggested. I can only guess that Mayor Kelly is doing this to try and insulate himself from any liability if there is wrongdoing on her part.
As for the 15 day requirement, if the City Manager has acted inappropriately sometime in the past to purchase investment properties in the City, how is a citizen to know that fact at the time it happened much less to file such a complaint within 15 days of the occurrence? If the suspicion of impropriety is unfounded, the City Council must find a way and take the lead to plug the leak of distrust and division among its citizens.
Rick Paddock
