Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Ethics topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pasco council censures Council member Leo Parales after executive session
Summary
After a 25-minute executive session, the Pasco City Council voted to censure Council member Leo Parales for alleged disclosures of confidential information and repeated disrespect toward staff; the motion passed with Parales abstaining.
Following an executive session on potential litigation and complaints, the Pasco City Council adopted a resolution censuring Council member Leo Parales for conduct the council said violated its rules and state law.
The resolution, read into the record, cites Resolution 4498 (council rules of procedure) and alleges that Parales engaged in a pattern of disclosing sensitive or confidential information and repeatedly addressing staff in a demeaning manner, conduct the council said placed the city at legal risk. The resolution also warned that further similar actions could result in additional sanctions, including removal from committee and subcommittee assignments.
Several council members described the action as necessary but regrettable. One member said, "It is with a heavy heart that I would be voting for this," noting appreciation for Parales’ prior community work while citing the need to protect staff and the city’s legal position. Council members emphasized that the censure is intended to uphold professionalism and confidentiality standards.
The motion to adopt the resolution was seconded and passed on a roll-call where the clerk recorded the following: Compos — yes; Kata — yes; Figura — yes; Hernandez — yes; Mil — yes; Grim — yes; Parales — abstained. The council directed that the resolution be included in the official record.
Mayor Prom said action could be taken after executive session and framed the censure as an effort to preserve trust, respect and the effective functioning of the council. The meeting adjourned after the action.
