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Public commenters urge Everett City Council to pursue $180,000 repayment cited in IG report
Summary
Two members of the public told the Everett City Council they want the inspector general—s finding that the mayor owes $180,000 pursued and accountability for officials who manage city funds.
Two residents told the special Everett City Council on Monday night they want the council to press for repayment of $180,000 cited in an inspector general—s (IG) report and to hold city officials accountable.
The comments came during the council—s public participation period before the council moved into executive session. Peggy Cerino thanked the council for taking the IG—s report seriously and said she wanted the council to try to "get people's money, dollars 180,000 back for all of us." Cerino also referenced two recent, smaller cases — "one's only 7,600 and the other one's 39,000," she said — as examples that similar matters have been treated seriously elsewhere.
Paula Streaty told the council she supports following the IG report and urged the council to seek recovery from the mayor. "...it's important that the city council does whatever it needs to do to get the hundred and 80,000 back from the mayor," Streaty said, adding that "people have faith in our elected officials" and noting the mayor, his appointees and the chief financial officer oversee "millions of tax dollars." Streaty also criticized the IG report for recommending repayment rather than compelling it or referring the findings to the attorney general or the U.S. Department of Justice.
Both speakers framed the issue as protection of taxpayer funds. Cerino said, "This is the people's money, and he has done something he shouldn't have done. It doesn't take a genius to figure out $10,000 for 4 years does not come to a hundred and $80,000." Streaty closed her remarks by quoting Mahatma Gandhi: "Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
The council opened and then closed public participation by voice vote before taking up a single agenda item: a motion to go into executive session to discuss anticipated litigation and privileged legal advice concerning longevity payments to the mayor.
