Published
2 years agoon
Mayor Jerry Dyer said Wednesday that despite a corruption lawsuit and FBI investigation at City Hall, the city is committed to providing services to Fresno residents.
In response to a question from GV Wire, Dyer sidestepped the lawsuit filed by the company of developer Cliff Tutelian against the city and councilman Miguel Arias.
“It would be better suited for me as the mayor of this city not to make a comment and add fuel to the fire. It is better to let it play out in whatever venue they are offering, whether through the civil process or the criminal process,” Dyer said.
Dyer made his comments while attending the State of Fresno County Breakfast at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo
Tutelian & Company filed a lawsuit in Fresno County civil court last week, claiming the city did not play fair on his stalled downtown redevelopment project. The lawsuit accused Arias of engaging in a “pay to play” scheme, demanding a contribution to his campaign funds in order to have his project move forward.
Arias denied any wrongdoing and accused Tutelian of extortion.
“In recent weeks, I have been approached by representatives of Mr. Tutelian who have sought to extort me by offering to have the claim withdrawn in exchange for the City’s sale of Parking Lot 2 to him without a public bid process.
“No amount of baseless attacks or threats will convince me to give anyone the right to develop someone else’s private property without the owner’s consent or sell public assets without a public and transparent bidding process as required by law and city policy,” Arias said.
Related Story: FBI Probe of Possible Fresno City Hall Corruption Underway
Dyer emphasized that City Hall remains committed to the people.
“In spite of whatever controversy that might be out there, what (the people) see, we are still doing the people’s business. We are out there paving the streets, we’re keeping people safe. We’re out there relocating the homeless, beautifying this city. So we’re doing the things that people expect of us,” Dyer said.
Dyer did not offer a comment about an FBI investigation into various aspects of City Hall and the city council. GV Wire reported the FBI is looking into the lease deal at Granite Park, the city’s purchasing of personal protective equipment, and a land deal.
“I’m not able to provide any type of confirmation or comment regarding anything that might be going on in that venue,” Dyer said. “It’s important that we just allow those things to play out in the appropriate venue.”
Related Story: Developer Files Suit Against Arias, City. Each Side Claims Corruption.
Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email
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