Paso Robles city manager warns of ‘dark times,’ says he’ll fight ‘illegal, unethical’ conduct
Paso Robles’ city manager Ty Lewis warned of “dark times” ahead and said he will “fight back” against what he called “illegal, unethical and immoral conduct” from city leaders, he wrote in a fiery social media post on Tuesday.
The post, which he shared on the Protect Paso Facebook page, comes after Lewis filed a $2.2 million claim against the city, alleging that Councilmember Chris Bausch had harassed and threatened Lewis to the point that he suffered medical problems as a result.
Lewis went out on medical leave in early August, citing a hostile work environment.
“I’ve placed my reputation and over 2 decades of service on the line. I’ve seen a lot. I’ve been shot at, assaulted, lied to, witnessed my colleagues shot and killed, seen horrible human acts as a law enforcement officer,” he wrote in the post. “Trust me I have thick skin. Been there done that. So why this?”
“I will not stand for: unethical, illegal or immoral behavior. Our community deserves better,” he continued.
“Bash my style, my leadership (or lack thereof), judgement, decision making ... and I’m good — that’s all fair game. Cross the line to manipulate public opinion and government decision making by destroying a man’s reputation and career ... all with hopes of taking my livelihood away. You bet I will fight back. I’ve spent my whole career pursuing what’s right and bringing people to justice. I won’t stop now,” he wrote.
“I’ve spent my whole career pursuing what’s right and bringing people to justice,” Lewis continued in the post. “I won’t stop now.”
“Now the public has a choice ... do we pursue the truth relentlessly and take action? Or, do we tolerate illegal, unethical and immoral conduct from our leaders. Demand better, demand truth, demand transparency,” he wrote.
He finished with an ominous warning, saying, “Dark times are potentially on the horizon ... the good news is you can prevent it ... demand answers from those with the power to give it to you.”
And in a postscript, he wrote, “Go vote.”
6 candidates competing for 2 City Council seats
When reached for comment on his post, Lewis told The Tribune that Paso Robles voters and City Council will have “critical decisions” to make in the coming months and years.
Come November, six candidates will vie for two contested seats on the Paso Robles City Council. Appointed incumbent Sharon Roden, Kris Beal and Linda George are running for the District 1 seat, while incumbent Steve Gregory is being challenged by Michael Rivera and Jeff Carr in District 3.
Bausch’s seat is not up for reelection. George was also named in Lewis’ claim against the city.
Regarding his comment that dark times could be nearing, he said: “Leadership matters. Leadership definitely matters, and who we empower as a community, you know, could bring storm clouds, or not.”
Lewis will continue to work with and support the council majority, he told The Tribune.
The city denied Lewis’ $2.2 million claim in late September. The next avenue he could take would be to file a lawsuit.
When asked if he intends to take legal action, Lewis said he hasn’t committed to any decisions, but he will continue to “seek the truth.”
This story was originally published October 9, 2024 at 1:29 PM.
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