Readers question Marchione’s effectiveness

In one of the highest-participated polls InMaricopa.com has had, 467 readers — 90 percent of 518 respondents — said allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct against Maricopa City Councilman Alan Marchione will reduce his effectiveness on council.

Seven percent, or 36 respondents, disagreed and 15 respondents, or 3 percent, said “maybe.”

An independent investigation into Marchione conducted by Phoenix attorney Bill Sims for inappropriate workplace conduct, including discussing sex with city staff workers and appearing to threaten their jobs, was presented to the council Aug. 21.

The investigation stemmed from a report filed with the city attorney by City Manager Brenda Fischer outlining six separate incidents — two directly involving her — accusing Marchione of inappropriate behavior with city staff. 

Sims said Marchione was perceived as “abrasive” by employees but he did not inappropriately touch any of them.

The attorney did, however, make six recommendations to the council about how to better the working environment for themselves and city staff.

Two of the recommendations Marchione volunteered to do, and both had to do with how he would deal with Fischer in the future.

The other four recommendations had to do with future disciplinary measures the council could take against errant members in the future and increasing training for city staff so they are better informed of their employee rights.

After the council presentation, however, Fischer spoke to InMaricopa.com and said her comments were excluded from the report and several complainants told her they were unhappy with the report. 

A few days later, Councilwoman Julia Gusse called for Marchione’s resignation in an email she sent to the media and said a separate investigation into a complaint she filed independently of Fisher was being conducted.