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City launches probe after contractor says official social post used city logos and harmed business
Summary
Michael Alston, president of Lendly Enterprises, urged the council to investigate a city social-media post that used department logos and a hashtag he said damaged his company's reputation; the mayor apologized and said a preliminary investigation is underway.
Michael Alston, who identified himself as president of Lendly Enterprises, told the council the city’s social-media post used official department logos and a hashtag that suggested the company did not speak for him. Alston said the post had circulated among nearby communities and harmed his firm's reputation, asking for "an official apology" and an investigation into who posted and designed the content. He said, "This posting is by the city of Virginia."
Mayor Cuffey said the city is in the preliminary stages of investigating how the post appeared, who posted it, and why the logos were used; he provided staff policy reminders and apologized on behalf of the council for any inconvenience to Mr. Alston. "I assure you that it will be investigated," the mayor said, and promised action rather than letting the matter be "swept under the rug."
Councilor Motley reiterated apologies and said she found the postings disheartening and would follow the investigation as it moves forward. The council did not announce disciplinary steps at the Nov. 25 meeting; the mayor said staff would continue the inquiry and report back.
