Former City Rep. Claudia Lizette Rodriguez 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 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 three days ago.
So much for her vigorous defense!
On October 3, Garza wrote to Laign: “Ms. Rodriguez did not file a response. We will move forward with scheduling the hearing. As soon as the Commission has a quorum, I will notify you of the date and time of the hearing.”
Soon Rodriguez will be asked to appear before the “Kangaroo Court” to explain her conduct and answer to the charges.
Will she be subpoenaed by the City and compelled to appear?
Nosotros no sabemos.