WPB Officials Disrespects OIG

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A report recently released by the OIG concerning an interview with City Commissioners Robinson, James, Materio and Moffett, and included City Attorney Claudia McKenna. A PRR was requested from the OIG office for a copy of those interviews. An editorial in the PB Post, Randy Schultz wrote the post views on the story.The OIG interviewed the 5 named city officials in connection with the repayment of $7,325.00 taxpayer dollars to Commissioner Mitchell for Attorney fees, which was investigated by the OIG office, and found to be improper.

The interview’s for the city commissioners was conducted by Investigator Gary Byers.

The interview for City Attorney McKenna was conducted by Investigator Gary Byers & General Council Rob Beitler. All 5 interviews were held at the office of the OIG, and all officials were sworn in by Mr. Byers.

Note: The audio of those interviews is available to stream or download via the links under the pictures below.

My thoughts on the interview are as follows.

Commissioner Materio was respectful and responded to question’s asked by the OIG, and relied on city attorney for explanation’s as to reimburse Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner Materio stated she believed Commissioner Mitchell was acting as a private citizen, and not in her official capacity as city commissioner. In her final statement Commissioner Materio stated this was “silly and a waste of time and money” I respect her opinion but the taxpayer’s who paid the $7,325.00 find nothing “silly” about it. Interview time: 14:40

Commissioner Moffett was also respectful and responded to question’s asked by the OIG, and also relied on the city attorney for guidance in the reimbursement of funds. When asked if Commissioner Mitchell was acting in her official capacity she replied “no”, and further stated “We shouldn’t have done it.” She then suggested the OIG “talk to the legal dept. we may have been led astray” Interview time: 16:33

Commissioner Robinson appeared aggravated and defensive, and at one point raised his voice. He stated “I followed the recommendation of my city attorney” on 2 occasions, and mentioned “attorney” no less than 15 times. My question to Com. Robinson would be if he depends on the city attorney for answer’s why did the entire commission vote to retain their own attorney, and on the subject of Commissioner Mitchell, why was the question to reimburse not directed to their attorney? Interview time: 12:25

Commissioner James appeared defensive, combative, and arrogant. He answered “no” or “I don’t recall” no less than 7 times to questions asked of him. He questioned the authority of the OIG 3 times, and said he was not there to defend the action he took in his vote to reimburse the $7,325.00 to Ms.Mitchell. It appears to me he feels he needs answer to no one for his actions, including the taxpayers who will pay this bill, or to the voters who mistakenly put him in office. Commissioner James interview time was the shortest at 4:38.

City Attorney Claudia McKenna appeared disingenuously repetitive, and vague. Ms.McKenna answered no questions, and repeatedly questioned the OIG jurisdiction over her and others, and used the word “Jurisdiction” no less that 40 times. When asked a question her response was with the words Fraud, Waste, Mismanagement, Misconduct, and Abuse 22 times. My question to Ms. McKenna would be if you believe, as stated, the OIG “has no jurisdiction over me” why did you feel compelled to accept their invitation to meet for an interview, why not decline? Her Interview time was 42:35.