Paso Robles mayor condemns ‘nefarious’ plot to remove city manager, citing ‘conspiracy’
Paso Robles Mayor John Hamon condemned a “nefarious” plot to remove city manager Ty Lewis from office, citing a “conspiracy” at City Hall, according to an opinion piece he published in the Paso Robles Daily News on Thursday.
Hamon’s statement comes after Lewis filed a $2.2 million claim against the city, alleging Councilmember Chris Bausch harassed and threatened Lewis to the point that he suffered medical problems as a result.
Lewis was placed on medical leave in early August, citing a hostile work environment.
“As your mayor, along with my colleagues on the Paso Robles City Council, regarding City Manager Ty Lewis’s claim against the city, we are limited in what we can say at this time,” Hamon wrote.
The mayor confirmed that the city received Lewis’ complaint, turned it over to its insurance provider and subsequently rejected the complaint on the advice of the insurer. He also confirmed that Chris Huot, assistant city manager for Paso, is serving as interim city manager while Lewis is out on medical leave.
Hamon then dissuaded the spread of rumors.
“I can tell you that it has been very frustrating for the community, the city staff and the council to read and hear the public accusations that are not all factual,” Hamon continued.
“However, without all the facts of this case being known, it is wise for elected officials not to make any specific comments at this point in time. For city officials to comment on these issues publicly may create liability for the city, which does not serve anyone.”
Hamon confirmed that the city is investigating Lewis’ allegations.
“The final report of the findings will be presented to the City Council in closed session upon completion by the investigator, hopefully very soon,” Hamon wrote. “I intend to bring as much of the investigation forward to the public in a legally transparent manner.”
The mayor then condemned unethical behavior in local government.
“When councilmembers prioritize ego, personal gain, or favor for a particular group over the public good, it undermines the trust our Roblans want to give its leaders,” he wrote. “I will always advocate for government transparency, especially with unfortunate matters like this, and will also demand unquestionable ethical behavior from my colleagues.
“As your mayor, I take responsibility for not demanding this level of commitment sooner from my colleagues after assuming this position last year,” Hamon said, calling attention to “demeaning comments” that had been directed toward city officials by an unnamed councilmember at previous City Council meetings.
“Our Roblans also need to know the facts about a conspiracy and the people behind it which lies beyond the walls of City Hall,” Hamon wrote. “Their intent is to remove Mr. Lewis from his city manager’s position by any means possible including nefarious.
“Personally, I never watched soap operas. Drama should be left to the stage, trouble is, this council is on that stage right now.
“It is my hope that our City Council chooses to work towards a future where we ALL reflect the highest standards of public service and trust,” Hamon wrote, closing the article.
This story was originally published October 18, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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