More came out today that the secret siding settlement may not be adding up;
The document shows, in essence, the city moved money from one fund to another and claimed it as new money when it announced the settlement.
I know, my head continues to spin more and more as we dig further in the weeds on this settlement. If the city really was moving funds around to present an appearance of a rebate to taxpayers, was it a criminal act? I’m not sure. But it is starting to look like more and more law enforcement should be involved at this point.
I have already encouraged some councilors in private that the one thing that seems cut and dry on this deal is that we were lied to on multiple levels, and that is grounds enough to have the council publicly censure the mayor and some of his department heads. If I was on the council, I would also ask for the mayor’s resignation. While the home rule charter gives the executive branch many unlimited powers, I don’t think lying is one of them.
But since ethics in this state and city don’t seem to be fireable offenses, maybe an outside investigation should be done. I think we have learned enough from EB-5 and Gear Up that secret backdoor deals have dreadful results that usually leaves taxpayers holding the bag.
So how far will the council, the media and citizens let this go before asking for an investigation? Not sure, but if they do, they should do it soon.