Gusse berates Diedrich for berating others

During the May 29 special meeting of the Maricopa City Council held to fill a vacant seat, Councilwoman Julia Gusse criticized applicant Carl Diedrich during the interview process.

Diedrich served on the City Council from 2008 to 2012.

Addressing Diedrich, Gusse said: “I believe, these are my personal views, that you, sir, are unethical. You managed to circumvent policy when it was to your benefit. I believe, sir, that you were immature; if things didn’t go your way you’d pout … I believe you were a bully; you used intimidation to get your way.”

“Did you ever consider once how you made the people and your constituents feel when you would berate them in public and speak to our own mayor at the time in the manner that you did?” Gusse said.

“Honestly, I am not up here to address personal attacks,” Diedrich said. “I’m merely putting myself forward in service to my community. Obviously, there is a point of difference between myself and the councilwoman and I respectfully answer in that way.”

Diedrich said Wednesday he is “not going to respond to what she said,” deferring to his response at the meeting.

Asked to explain her comments, Gusse said she “can’t comment right now. I’m waiting to hear back from the city attorney.”

Gusse, Mayor Christian Price and Councilwoman Peggy Chapados serve on the city’s Ethics Task Force and helped write the ethics code for council members.

The city Code of Ethical Conduct Sec. 2-133 (e) Professionalism and Courtesy states in part : “During meetings and all public appearances, city officials shall treat each other, speakers, invited guests, residents, businesses, staff and general public with professionalism, courtesy, respect and dignity, and shall: Be attentive, respectful and polite; avoid personal disparaging comments or references…”