Independent Review Released of Charter City Best Practices
April 18, 2016 3:57 PM
SANTA MONICA, Calif., — On Monday, April 18, 2016, John C. Hueston released an independent review of Charter City best practices. John C. Hueston, of the firm Hueston Hennigan LLP, was chosen by the City Council to be the City’s outside advisor. The review was prompted by the 2014 revocation of an employment offer made to Elizabeth Riel and complaints that alleged violations of the City of Santa Monica Taxpayer Protection Amendment of 2000.
“The Hueston Report validates Santa Monica’s commitment to open government and transparency,” City Manager Rick Cole declared. “In addition to constructive recommendations for enforcing the Oaks Initiative, it exhaustively documents the facts of Elizabeth Riel’s dismissal, identifying unfortunate lapses in judgment and pointing the way to improve our processes going forward. It demonstrates yet again that we accept responsibility for holding ourselves to the highest standards of public service.”
The report was posted to the City Manager’s page of smgov.net this morning. The report will be posted to the City Clerk’s page tomorrow as part of the agenda for the Tuesday, April 26 City Council meeting where John C. Hueston will present his findings to Council.
“Our City Council prioritized and invested in this independent report and will carefully review the findings and recommendations at our next Council meeting," said Mayor Tony Vazquez. "Transparency is a top priority and it is our hope that this process will help strengthen our city practices."
For more information on the independent review of Charter City best practices authorized by Council on September 29, 2015, visit smgov.net.
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov