Attorney for former city manager responds to investigation report

The attorney of former City Manager Joyce Wilson has responded to an investigation that stated Wilson refused to cooperate with a city investigation into the ballpark financing and the delay of the issuance of the ballpark bonds.

According to an investigation report, filed by ethics attorney Ross Fischer, Wilson was interviewed on February 3, 2016 and refused to identify the “several council members” who had expressed concern in 2013 with the timing of the bond issuance. But all the city representatives from that time state they didn’t ask Wilson to delay the issuance.

The report did show that in June the contractor building the ballpark told the city it needed more money, which created further delay. Wilson could have and was scheduled to bring the bond issuance to council on April 30th but didn’t, and she delayed despite warnings from the financial adviser saying it was risky.

Mary Stillinger, the attorney representing Wilson took issue with Ross Fischer’s ethics investigation report. In a letter, Stillinger demands that Fischer issues a correction.

“I believe the false statement was made in bad faith for the purpose of putting Ms. Wilson in a negative light with the public.” She goes on to state, “I am demanding that you immediately correct your false and malicious statement.” Stillinger also stated publicity garnered by Fischer’s report has “damaged Wilson’s fine reputation”.

Stillinger ends the letter stating, “let me know as soon as possible whether you will be taking steps to remedy this. If you will not, I will have no choice but to take legal action to protect Ms. Wilson’s rights”.

Ross Fischer has responded to Stillinger’s letter, stating he stands by the accuracy of his statements.

In the letter obtained by ABC-7 Friday, Fischer states, “I do not believe Ms. Wilson acted unilaterally in delaying the issuance of the bonds; I believe her when she writes she acted at the request of others. I was merely seeking help in identifying the parties who are ultimately responsible.”

He goes on to state, “I will gladly update the relevant portion of my report should you allow Ms. Wilson to respond to my inquiry … the residents of El Paso would all benefit from her answers.”

El Paso City Council is expected to meet on Monday at 9 a.m. to discuss Fischer’s recommendations and possibly take action against Wilson.