On News Radio 1620’s morning show on Wednesday, April 27, Mayor Hayward said that he does not have the Beggs & Lane report: “…I do not. And I did hear some rumors. That’s just silly. I don’t have the report and, you know, I’ve been completely away from this.”
He reiterated later during the interview: “I’ve seen no report. There is no report on my desk. That’s just silly.”
I reported yesterday that the report was in his hands as per our sources tied to City Hall. After all, Assistant City Administrator Keith Wilkins told the daily newspaper a month ago that the city administration had met with the Beggs & Lane attorney conducting the investigation and the report would be submitted with two weeks.
PNJ reporter Will Isern wrote, “Assistant City Administrator Keith Wilkins said city administration met last week with the lawyer conducting the investigation, Russell VanSickle, and that he anticipates completing and submitting a report within the next two weeks.” (Pensacola News Journal, “Pensacola fire chief investigation ending soon,” March 26)
So when a source told us Mayor Hayward had the report, that fit the timetable Wilkins gave the media.
While it may seem “silly” to the mayor that the report is now two weeks overdue and the investigation has taken three months, the public and the fire chiefs deserve answers. When city council members attempt to find out what is happening, Mayor Hayward publicly accuses them of creating a “culture of interference with the executive branch.” He reminds them that he is the strong mayor and in charge of the city’s employees.
Yet in his radio interview today, the mayor said he has completely taken himself “away” from the investigation. Then who is overseeing the investigation?
The Chief Human Resources Officer is the one who filed complaints against the fire chiefs, according to reports by former City Councilwoman Maren Deweese, so he shouldn’t be involved. City Administrator Eric Olson is one of the people named in the EEOC complaint, so he shouldn’t be involved. City officials have tried get the public to believe newly hired Wilkins is in charge – but he’s given out so much misinformation about this incident that it’s difficult to believe he knows what’s happening or has any decision-making power.
When Mayor Hayward does read the report produced by VanSickle, he will need to hold a press conference to share the findings and explain the entire process. As the mayor, he should take lead and talk directly with the media and public about the investigation and the city’s new HR policies.
Such openness and candor will help restore faith in his administration and reassure the public that city employees are being treated fairly.
