Former City Rep. Claudia Lizette Rodriguez, whose last day in office was January 2 of this year, has been under fire for using her City gas card to purchase 1,459 gallons of gas in 2022 totaling $5,294. She purchased both regular and supreme unleaded, and at gas stations as far away as Van Horn and Carlsbad.
On August 28, District 6 resident Tom Laign filed an ethics complaint against Rodriguez, who told the press “I did nothing wrong and will not be participating in this kangaroo court process.”
On September 18, outside counsel Frank Garza confirmed the City Ethics Commission has jurisdiction over the matter, and one day later Rodriguez reversed her stance, issuing a press release stating “I plan to vigorously defend myself, my reputation and the actions I took while in office.”
Rodriguez had 14 days to submit a response, until October 2, but that deadline passed without a response from her.
Today at 5:30pm MST Rodriguez is required to appear before the “Kangaroo Court” to explain her conduct and answer to the charges, although it is not clear whether she will actually show up.
Laign’s complaint against her is the only item on the agenda, which includes 16 backup documents.
Members of the media and public may attend in person on the 2nd floor of City Hall at 300 N. Campbell Street, or virtually on the City’s YouTube channel.