Investigation: No wrongdoing in mayor, deputy mayor relationship

EVERETT — An investigation of a relationship between Everett’s mayor and deputy mayor, conducted by attorneys outside city hall, found no misuse of public money and no violations of city policies, City Council President Brenda Stonecipher said in a statement Tuesday night.

“We are relieved to have validation from an independent investigator that the conduct of those involved was within the boundaries of the city’s existing policies and that no taxpayer funds or city resources were used to further the relationship,” Stonecipher said in the statement. “We entered into this process, knowing that, as elected officials, we had an obligation to taxpayers to investigate the matter, to ensure the City government is operating effectively and lawfully. We fulfilled our duty and we are satisfied with this result.”

In February, the Everett City Council met in executive session for nearly an hour before voting unanimously to investigate the “personal relationship” between Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin and Deputy Mayor Nick Harper. Franklin was not present at that meeting, which the council attended remotely.

At the time, Stonecipher said she hoped and expected the investigation would reveal “no wrongdoing.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/investigation-no-wrongdoing-in-mayor-deputy-mayor-relationship/

Not illegal but perhaps a bit unprofessional in my opinion. Relations between employees at different levels were discouraged where I worked.