Tempe City Councilmember Kolby Granville, recently made history, by becoming the first Tempe City Councilmember to face a city council reprimand, for an ethics violation.
A report written by outside attorney Mr. James Burr Shields, was presented to the City Council on April 6th. The report established overwhelming evidence, that Councilmember Kolby Granville mistreated an unnamed assistant city attorney with, in an abusive fashion.
Granville for his part has stated that he takes “full responsibility” for his unethical actions which have cost the city reasonable attorney fees. These fees currently amount to $6,100, and are rising. Granville owns these attorney fees, and he hasn’t said a word about taking full responsibility for paying them back.
Granville’s failure to pay these costs will make him look like a fiscal deadbeat in respect to his financial restitution responsibilities. The restitution issue was totally neglected in the April 6th meeting.
There is upcoming meeting that is scheduled for April 20th, , and the public is encouraged to attend. Hopefully, the council will discuss the restitution issue and allow public comment. This issue was not discussed in the April 6th meeting. Hopefully that is expected to change in the next meeting.
While the City perhaps might not be able to force Granville to repay the attorney fees, there is no ordinance that would prevent Granville, from voluntarily paying back the City for these fees, stemming from his abusive actions. Granville has a moral imperative to pay these costs, and a political imperative as well. If he seeks further City office, voters will be well informed if he prefers to become just another fiscally deadbeat public official instead.
The sole reason for this incredible city ethics circus is Kolby Granville. As Tempe citizens, we have watched and paid for this his abuse of an employee, who has served our community so well. If a fine assistant city attorney, is absolutely not permitted by Tempe Personnel Code to tell Mr. Granville that his legal opinions are “sh—ty”, then Mr. Granville should not be allowed to either. It’s not difficult.
For not effectively figuring out it sooner, Mr. Granville cost Tempe voters and taxpayers a lot of money, and some are not amused. It is time for Mr. Granville to pay up, and not stick the taxpayers with the expensive tab.
What a “Shitty” hit piece. Kolby has done more for Tempe than most of the council and sticks up for voters rights. You don’t even u the incident in question. The fact that you only talk about the couple grand in fees, but not that the PC culture that allows for such a long, arduous process for someone speaking their mind to waste tax payer dollars to try and make this an issue. I’d like to see your articles highlighting the Hundreds of MILLIONS that Arpaio has wasted in fines and court costs, and CONTINUES to waste. Pathetic article.
Kolby Granville
What a “Shitty” hit piece. Kolby has done more for Tempe than most of the council and sticks up for voters rights. You don’t even u the incident in question. The fact that you only talk about the couple grand in fees, but not that the PC culture that allows for such a long, arduous process for someone speaking their mind to waste tax payer dollars to try and make this an issue. I’d like to see your articles highlighting the Hundreds of MILLIONS that Arpaio has wasted in fines and court costs, and CONTINUES to waste. Pathetic article.
What exactly is an “ethical politician”? They’re all scum.
Hmmm…I did not know this and I’ve been a Tempe resident for 30+ years.
Fascinating. But if the advice really was… as he described, shouldn’t they share in the culpability? I’m sure it’s all public record, but my guess is a city attorney probably gets paid more than a councilman. I’m more concerned if my tax dollars are going to pay for bad advice in the long run than I am about anyone dropping an S-bomb.
I wish we had more context for what happened. A heated debate in which someone tells someone their advice is shitty in the heat of the moment doesn’t bother me and I hardly think it warrants an ethics investigation. If that is what happened then this response is draconian and puritanical. If, however, the exchange is part of a problematic or abusive relationship, an investigation is warranted. It’s hard to know from the coverage.
I take no side in the debate, other than to point out that this was not a news story, but a internet Letter to the Editor/Opinion piece. Mr. Martinez is within his right to voice his opinion, and it is our duty to discern whether or not he has a valid point or not. I have followed Kolby Granville since I moved to Tempe and I find that the majority of his efforts and issues are in the best interest of the community. I only add that having served as both an appointed and elected public official, it can be a thankless job, often scrutinized far beyond merit, and often with hidden agenda…therefore, in this matter, I can not say whether or not such an investigation was necessary, but I do plan to research the issue, directly, and form my own opinion.