OPEN MEETINGS — The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reports that West Covina Mayor Roger Hernandez will no longer participate in closed session discussions of the city council about two hostile work environment claims targeting him, he said Wednesday.
Last month, City Attorney Arnold Alvarez-Glasman advised Hernandez to recuse himself from public meetings regarding claims filed by city spokeswoman Sue Williams and Community Development Director Chris Chung.
Hernandez, who disagrees with the city attorney's advice, said he was advised to leave because he has a financial stake in the outcome.
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Hernandez's recusal came after Councilman Steve Herfert filed a complaint last month with the Fair Political Practices Commission, a government agency that regulates financial conflicts of interest among politicians.
In his complaint, Herfert alleged that Hernandez promised to pay back the city if Chung filed and won a suit against West Covina. By offering his own money, Hernandez has a financial stake in the case and is not allowed to participate in its discussion, Herfert alleged.
Hernandez, who disagrees with the city attorney's advice, said he was advised to leave because he has a financial stake in the outcome.
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Hernandez's recusal came after Councilman Steve Herfert filed a complaint last month with the Fair Political Practices Commission, a government agency that regulates financial conflicts of interest among politicians.
In his complaint, Herfert alleged that Hernandez promised to pay back the city if Chung filed and won a suit against West Covina. By offering his own money, Hernandez has a financial stake in the case and is not allowed to participate in its discussion, Herfert alleged.
