Mike Wiggins put together a very informative article on city severance pay. Several well-worn phrases immediately come to mind.

How about the appearance of impropriety? Maybe quid pro quo is a better descriptor of what went on. Everyone knows you don’t get something for nothing. Something stinks down at City Hall.

Severance pay is often used to forestall a lawsuit, publicity, or other action. The city has never given department heads severance pay. Why now? The City Council owes the taxpayers a full explanation about how and why Sheryl Trent and Bill Gardner were given big pay-offs after they resigned.

And while they are investigating, the council might investigate how the city attorney could write such a poor contract as to force the city to pay David Varley six months severance for six months work. I sometimes wonder if the City Council understands it has an obligation to supervise the city attorney and the city manager, not take direction from them.

Gene Kinsey
Grand Junction

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