Politics & Government

Heneghan Filed Complaint Before Ethics Investigation Was Released

City deems the complaint not worthy of a formal review that would trigger a full-blown ethics inquiry.


Allegations, arguments and dischord reached a fevered pitch this week in an ongoing city ethics case that involves Councilowman Adrian Bonser and the counter claims filed by her against the rest of the City Council.

A recently released document - filed mid-May - from Councilman John Heneghan sheds new light on individual council members thoughts on the ethics case.

Henghan speaks out about ethics complaints in July.

In an executive session a week or so prior to the release of Bob Wilson's investigation, Heneghan suggested that the report be sent directly to the Board of Ethics, which would seem to protect it from public disclosure.

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The Wilson report, released May 21, was a scathing account of how former City Attorney Brian Anderson and Bonser leaked confidential information aboutΒ  "Project Renaissance," a project they disliked and lobbied against.

Heneghan speaks out about ethics complaints

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Heneghan's letter, attached to this story in its entirety, is signed by Heneghan and certified by Sharon Lowery, the city clerk. However, it failed to name anyone and fell short of the standard the city uses for gauging the validity of ethics complaints, according to city officials.

Otherwisee the letter is more-or-less cryptic. Its aim is not completely clear. Heneghan calls for the report to go to the Ethics Board, which has protected sensitive documents since mid-July, citing state law.

He also claims that any irregularities in ethics violations should be dealt with … "as it relates to the penalties they deem appropriate."

Heneghan's request has not been honored, up this point, because it is not considered a formal complaint. Bob Mulllen, city spokesman, said this is the reason the complaint has gained no traction.

The Board off Ethics is meeting in September, where they could dismiss any unfounded ethics claims against Councilwoman Adrian Bonser and the rest if the city council members.


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