It just got hotter in Detroit.
As discussed in earlier posts (click here and here), the mayor of Detroit has been feeling some heat for a while. Since he has now been indicted on eight felony charges, it just got hotter. Click here to read more.
The mayor’s problems started with an alleged affair with his assistant. He testified in court under oath that he didn’t have an affair. Then steamy text messages between the mayor and his assistant were revealed by the Detroit Free Press. Other not-so-proper things began to be disclosed. One thing led to another. And before the mayor knew it, he was indicted on various counts of obstruction of justice. The mayor vows to fight on.
Notes to executives, other managers and supervisors: (1) Don’t have an affair with a subordinate employee; better yet, don’t have an affair with any employee. (2) Don’t send emails that you would be embarrassed for most people to read; better yet, don’t send emails about personal stuff using the company (or city) computer system. (3) Tell the truth when under oath; better yet, tell the truth at all times.
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About Chris Parker
Chris Parker's practice focuses on the representation and counseling of companies in matters pertaining to the workplace and the protection of their intellectual property and trade secrets. In addition to serving as an advocate for clients, Mr. Parker is also trained as a mediator and frequently serves as a third-party neutral.
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About Jimmy Daniel
Jimmy Daniel provides counseling to businesses of all sizes related to the employment relationship. He assists in the drafting of employment agreements, policies, and handbooks, as well as provides guidance related to compliance with federal, state, and local legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
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About Larry Bridgesmith
While serving in an Of Counsel relationship with the firm, Mr. Bridgesmith also serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Conflict Resolution at Lipscomb University and as an officer and principal in Strategic Resolutions Group, LLC. In these roles, Mr. Bridgesmith brings over 30 years of legal experience in dispute resolution and innovative workplace strategies to clients, students and business entities alike.
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Being in the suburbs of Detroit, we get a chance to see this issue on a daily basis. Your advice on blackberries, text messaging…. is right on — it appears that additional messages are going to be released to the public shortly.
More disappointing are the actions of the mayor, who apparently lied under oath, and settled a whistleblower type suit for a substantial amount of money with 2 police officers, in an attempt to keep the text messaging, the affair and his other actions secret. This city is suffering enough from the economic climate of Michigan and the auto industry; rather than performing his duty to the city, he has further adversely impacted the city.
As typical in these cases, as the investigation continues, more and more is being found, especially relating to misappropriation of city funds.
Thanks for your comments.
It’s interesting to compare the mayor with Spitzer in terms of how they have handled their situations. Spitzer was known for being as tough as they come, but he caved quickly. Your mayor doesn’t appear to be anywhere close to caving, although you never know what’s going on behind the scenes. As I’ve said about Spitzer before, I think he may have been able to survive if he had fought. The same may be true of your mayor. The problem is that the government’s business doesn’t get done, and as you say, there are already enough problems for your city.
Thanks again for weighing in.