As Gusse prepares report, city staff works in fear

Anxiety and fear were among the words used to describe what is being referred to by city employees as a “witch hunt” by former Maricopa city employee turned council member Julia Gusse.

Gusse requested extensive city employment information on 21 city staff members nearly a month ago to compile, what she called, a report.

“I am not after anyone’s job,” Gusse said. “I am just doing some research and will report my findings at a future council meeting.”

To help dispel the fears of city staff, a 45-minute meeting with those concerned and lawyer Tina L. Vannucci was held roughly a week after the request for information was made.

Vannucci told the group that council members have the right to view any information on city employees at any time, and the only reason staff were notified was as a courtesy.

She also explained that city code states council is only to interact directly with the city manger and city attorney, but that city manager Kevin Evans’ policy is to let council talk to staff as long as he is notified.

However, those statements didn’t calm the waters.

Assistant to the city manager Nicole Dailey said during the meeting the request for information about her employment has led to sleepless nights.

She added that the request Gusse put in for information about her was erroneous because it stated Dailey was promoted because she couldn’t handle her workload.

“I feared if she was elected this would happen,” Dailey said. “I am fearful for my job.”

City alarm coordinator Rebecca Molus, who beat out Gusse for that position, echoed many of the same statements during the meeting.

“I know Julia was disappointed when I was hired for the alarm coordinator position; however, I was hopeful when she was elected to council she would leave that stuff in the past.” Molus said. “Shame on me; I expected more.”

During the meeting city staffers Brenda Campbell and Jackie Shaulis both said they feel targeted and are fearful for their jobs.

Gusse made a surprise stop at the group’s meeting, stating she was free to request the information and did not have to explain herself.

She did say one of the reasons behind the requests were to question some of the decisions Evans had made.

“I have been candid with my belief that Evans needs to go,” Gusse said.

In a separate interview she said the meeting was a waste of city resources. However, many of the employees said they wondered how the councilwoman found out about the meeting.

“I have never seen anything like this in more than 20 years in city government,” said city of Maricopa Community Services Director John Nixon during the meeting. “This is not over yet.”

Roughly a week after the meeting Gusse issued a statement saying she was boycotting city hall because she had been informed that she was to direct all her inquiries to assistant city manager Patrick Melvin.

A week later that ban was lifted, and Gusse issued the following statement: “In my recent editorials, I have addressed certain issues prior to discussing them with my council and for this I apologize,” Gusse said in a statement released through the city. “At this time, I would like to retract those editorials. I am pleased that the council came together and concluded that we will all work under the same protocol with each other and with city staff.”

However, Gusse said she would continue to compile her report.

Fellow councilmen Allan Marchione and Marvin Brown have weighed in on the issue. To view their opinions, click here.

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