Gusse boycotts city hall

Dear Citizens of Maricopa,

I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve each of you as we jointly mold Maricopa into a city that can reach its truest potential. As a newly elected Council member I am spending a large amount of my time learning how to become an effective councilwoman. However, the experience has been quite interesting due to the fact that every step I take forward is scrutinized and questioned by city management.

I have reviewed our city code and the structure of our town is simple. The City Council sets policy, and the City Manager works at the will and pleasure of the City Council. However, in our case, it seems to be the other way around.

As many residents may be aware, I was once an employee of the city before being laid off in June of 2009. This fact has created issues between the City Manager, as the working relationship is now inverted. Where I once reported to him, through my chain of command in Development Services, I am now one of the City Manager’s seven bosses. During my campaign, I made reference to working hard for change and equality in city hall, but, since being elected, I have encountered a great deal of resistance. I have been candid and have stood strong on my belief that Maricopa needs to seek a new direction with a new City Manager.

I was recently directed by the City Manager to refrain from contacting city staff directly and that any requests should go through Assistant City Manager Patrick Melvin. This is out of the ordinary as other council members have always been allowed to address city staff members. I made a decision to comply to this request and take it one step further. I have informed the Mayor and the City Attorney that I will no longer go to City Hall or show my presence there until this matter has been resolved. As an elected official, I will not tolerate this discrimination nor will I tolerate this infringement upon my First Amendment rights and my ability to do my job, which is to serve the citizens of Maricopa.

At this point I feel that I am being ostracized for wanting positive changes and speaking the truth. In conclusion, I must inform the people of Maricopa that it is a huge misperception that your elected officials are running the show; that is not the case here.

Councilwoman Julia R. Gusse

Submitted photo

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