Romero: I didn’t know I was going to continue being paid

City Rep. Larry Romero is under investigation for allegedly recommending a new financial adviser for the city and not disclosing he had previously worked with the owner of the company. He spoke with ABC-7 reporter Jerry Najera.

On Wednesday, the city’s ethics commission voted to continue investigating the claims against Romero.

That job of financial adviser almost went to Noe Hinojosa. City Manager Tommy Gonzalez allegedly authorized the search for a new adviser without a vote from council.

Before that, Romero recommended Hinojosa for the job but didn’t originally disclose they had worked together.

Since his reported stroke two months ago, Romero hasn’t spoken to the media.

Romero told Najera his No.1 concern is his health and well-being.

When asked if he is going to answer questions from the the ethics commission, he replied:

“I held a news conference. I was on ABC-7 Xtra for a half hour. I already answered all the questions. I left it all on the table, it’s all out there so why do I have to do it again?”

ABC-7 also asked Romero about being on the city payroll when he hadn’t been attending council meetings while he’s actually working his day job.

“I didn’t know I was going to get paid after I resigned. The only way I found out was when I learned about it when the mayor told the media,” Romero said.

The ethics commission’s hearing will be April 13.

The commission says it needs to question Romero before he’s replaced in the May 7 election.