Committee defers resolution on emergency communications reforms after law director’s explanation

The Government Operations & Regulations committee on Nov. 18 deferred for one meeting a resolution that would have called on the mayor’s office and the Department of Emergency Communications to enact leadership and workplace-culture reforms.

During discussion, the chair and members noted the item had been considered in other committees. Wiley Deeds, director of law, told the committee the mayor had declined to direct a civil service investigation “based on the lack of verifiable information” and said the mayor had engaged outside counsel, stating he had retained attorney Luther Wright that afternoon to conduct an independent investigation. Deeds said Wright had already been engaged and that it was too late to hire a different investigator.

Committee members then voted to defer the item one meeting; the recorded tally was 6 in favor, 0 against, 0 not voting. The deferral was presented as an opportunity for other committees and for the sponsor to coordinate next steps. The committee did not take further formal action on reforms at this meeting.