Union Funds Misuse Prompts Investigation and Resignations

City Manager Steve Mermell said it is prudent to place these city employees on administrative leave until additional information can be obtained and the matter investigated by the city. – Photo by Terry Miller / Beacon Media News

Allegations concern possible Union funds, not City monies

By Terry Miller

As a result of a local newspaper story last week, Pasadena City Manager, Steve Mermell sent out a memo to employees regarding alleged Union misconduct.The allegations concern union funds and business and not city funds and business.

The allegations state that five former board members of one of the city’s bargaining units may have been involved in questionable financial transactions. This prompted City Manager Steve Mermell to issue the following statement:

“Two of these employees have resigned from the city and three are on administrative leave.  Although the allegations concern union funds and business and not city funds and business, it is prudent to place these employees on administrative leave until additional information can be obtained and the matter investigated by the city.”

The city employees—Union Vice President Anthony Hackett, Secretary-Treasurer Sherene Young, and Executive Board Member Andre Hunter—reportedly received a total of $64,700 reimbursement for travel, training or conferences and events in Las Vegas, according to local newspaper reports.

Union members Marchell Parker and Lorenzo Spencer have resigned.

“These allegations are in no way reflective of our core values and commitment to the community. While we have yet to complete our investigation, I want to remind everyone of the high standard of personal conduct that is expected of, and demonstrated by, city employees every day.” Mermell asked city employees to “continue this good work and remain focused on serving the public with honesty and integrity.”

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